When you give a book as a gift, you're giving someone a new perspective, an adventure, an opportunity to light up their imagination and stir up passion. Astra House makes books that invite readers to see the world in a whole new way—and we have a great gift book for every reader.
If Cheryl Strayed's Wild made you long for the Appalachians, visit the Altai Mountains in Northwestern China with Li Juan (translated by Yan Yan and Jack Hargreaves). Winter Pasture is the gift for readers who like travel writing and adventure in faraway lands, and was named one of the Best Travel Books of 2021 by The Washington Post, Smithsonian, and Forbes.
If Etgar Keret speaks to you, get to know Iddo Gefen (translated by Daniella Zamir). Jerusalem Beach is a perfect gift for readers with an interest in Jewish family life across the long 20th century and a penchant for witty critiques of the tech industry.
If you love Mary Oliver's poetry about nature and desire, discover Yu Xiuhua (translated by Fiona Sze-Lorrain). Moonlight Rests on My Left Palm is a great gift for readers who like poetry about nature and rural life, with explorations of desire confined to the limits and possibilities of the human body.
If The New Jim Crow opened your mind, Derecka Purnell's new book will be an unforgettable next read. Becoming Abolitionists makes a great gift for readers who are tired of violence and inequality and hungry for real structural change. It was named a Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book and Best, Most Urgent Current Affairs of 2021.
If you are moved by Arundhati Roy's lyrical, unnerving, and deeply humane tales of modern India, allow Saumya Roy to introduce you to the residents of Deonar. One of NPR's best books of 2021, Castaway Mountain is an impossible true love story set against the backdrop of climate catastrophe, a tale that will speak to readers who want to better understand the ways we are all connected.
If you love unique explorations of Latinx identity and culture, try Melissa Lozada-Oliva's new novel in verse. Dreaming of You is just right for readers who want to know the what the latest buzz is all about, and who enjoy self-deprecating humor, juicy gossip, and beloved pop stars resurrected from the dead.
If you love sci-fi and pondering the meaning of life, meet debut author Adam Soto. This Weightless World will captivate readers who enjoy introspective characters; sci-fi plot twists; and musings on the meaning of life on Earth.
If you are moved and inspired by the works of Chinua Achebe and Toni Morrison, meet Okezie Nwọka. God of Mercy will speak powerfully to readers reconciling their faith in a higher power with the vile history of religious zealotry and looking for a rich, vibrant world unfettered by colonialism.
If you like queer stories with an edge and Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters, meet Iván Monalisa Ojéda (translated by Hannah Kauders) and his/her incredible friends. Las Biuty Queens is for readers who love gritty stories about New York City at night and about friends supporting each other as they try to make it in the big city.
If you love Sally Rooney's socially conscious novels about friendship and desire, get to know Iranian literary star Nasim Marashi (translated by Poupeh Missaghi). I'll Be Strong For You is perfect for readers who like to immerse themselves in coming-of-age stories that center on female friendship.