What's More American than Buying Stuff?

Over the next month or so I will be posting good gift ideas when I run across them. If I had it my way, everyone on my list would receive a book for Christmas--both due to the bookstore employee discount I will be receiving and the fact that everyone should read more. So on that note, here are books I want to recommend by people I actually know!

The first idea is not only great for anyone, but especially for teachers. Check out the details of the teacher gift special for Ellen Meister's novel, The Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA.

Pre-oreder The Liar's Diary, by Patry Francis (the only reason I gave you an amazon link here is so you can also download her short story at the site).
Nothing in this World, by Roy Kesey.
Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits, by Laila Lalami
Reading Water, by Rebecca Lawton
Forgive the Moon, by Maryanne Stahl
Three Days in New York, by Robin Slick
Things Kept, Things Left Behind by Jim Tomlinson.
Lost Girls and Love Hotels by Catherine Hanrahan.