What’s a gift that’s local, smart, and keeps on giving? A book by a Martha’s Vineyard author! Whether your loved ones are mystery aficionados, cooks, scholars, artsy types, or simply love a good yarn, the Island’s wide pool of writers scribed plenty of books to choose from in 2016. Here is a selection of books The Martha’s Vineyard Times wrote about this year. Check with local booksellers, or the authors, for availability.
Sodom and Costello, Arnie Reisman. 76 pages. $20.
Whimsical poems from the Island’s official poet laureate and NPR game show “Says You!” regular.
Journeyman, Dennis Lopez. 250 pages. $14.95.
Beautifully crafted tale of a tradesman’s life, with a lot of understated humour, life lessons, and insights.
Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly. 496 pages. $16.97.
This tale, centered on three women from separate worlds brought together by the infamous Ravensbrück concentration camp, is a book you cannot put down.
Martha’s Vineyard: To Everything There Is a Season, Peter Simon. 278 pages. Coming this month.
A gorgeous color photographic history of the Island, arranged by season.
The Urge to Create, Jane Dreeben. $29.95.
Portraits and profiles of the Island’s extensive creative population.
The Healing Kitchen, Holly Bellebuono. 256 pages. $16.48.
Grow, cook, and heal with this handy guide by a celebrated Island herbalist.
Seven Crazy Days on Maui, Paul Samuel Dolman. 278 pages. $20.
A compelling story from the author of “Hitchhiking with Larry David,” who has a habit of honest self-examination and a willingness to write it down in a fashion that resonates.
Ordinarily Well, Peter Kramer. 336 pages. $16.66.
A reasoned and comprehensive history and discussion of depression, medical treatment, and the academic battles over the use of medications developed to promote emotional wellness.
The Write Prescription, Judith Hannan. 320 pages. $12.96.
Journaling prompts and tips, intertwined with the survival story of the author’s 8-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma.
News Hounds, Doug Cabral. 183 pages. $19.99.
A former newspaper editor recounts his life in journalism, and on Martha’s Vineyard, calling on his beloved dogs for inspiration.
And a few more
Easinesses Found, Fan Ogilvie. 256 pages. $39.20.
Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams, Susan Branch. 368 pages. $15.76.
Goblin Market, Omar Ryyan. Coming February 2017.
Islander: The Circus Comes to Martha’s Vineyard, Shirley Mayhew and Linda Carnegie. 38 pages. $20.
Killer Look, Linda Fairstein. 400 pages. $18.30.
Bloodroot, Cynthia Riggs. 304 pages. $17.10.
When Stuff Is Not Enough, Michael West. 80 pages. $12.95.