Internet shopping might be the best thing to happen to gift-giving since Santa Claus, and it’s even easy to support local talent online. To help with your holiday shopping, we’ve assembled this list of books released in 2015 by Reston-area authors. So pull up your cozy blanket and glass of wine, check those gifts off your list, and make some local writers merry.
Reston author David Bendernagel at a book reading at the Reston Museum in 2014.
If you would like to purchase any of these books, please consider using the links below. Modern Reston will collect a small commission on sales through these affiliate links. That way you can be proud that your holiday gift purchases will help local authors as well as your devoted MR team.
FOR THE TEEN OR TWEEN WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT SPORTS BUT NOT POETRY
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
The Crossover is a shining star in the local book world. This poetic book about a 12-year-old basketball player earned Reston author Kwame Alexander the 2015 Newbery Medal and the 2015 Coretta Scott King Honor Award. Reston is proud of you, Kwame! If you haven’t read this book yet, pick up a copy for yourself and a few for the young people in your life. [View our previous article]
FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED SCIENTIST AND EXPLORER
Sounds of the Savanna by Terry Catasus
Older kids who love animals, science, and art will enjoy this thoroughly researched and beautifully illustrated book about the noises of animals in the wild.
FOR THE MISCHIEVOUS PRESCHOOLER WITH AN ADORABLE GIGGLE
Dozi the Alligator Finds a Family by Daniel Boris
This adorable book for young children is beautifully illustrated and full of clever rhyme and humor. If your kids love Dozi as much as mine do, you can also pre-order the second book in the series, Hiding Dozi
FOR ANYONE WHO KNOWS A HARDWORKING HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital
This book is a personal favorite, and I highly recommend it for people in the medical field or anyone who wants to learn more about unsung heroes in our society. Investigative journalist and NY Times bestselling author Alexandra Robbins gives a fascinating inside look at the world of nursing.
FOR THE DESIGN BUFF WITH A BEAUTIFUL COFFEE TABLE
Habitat: The Field Guide to Decorating
Lauren Liess, a popular Great Falls interior designer and blogger, just released her first book, and it’s a beauty. It’s full of lovely photographs and helpful information for anyone who appreciates good design.
FOR THE WILDLIFE LOVER WITH A HEART OF GOLD
The Lion Of Djibouti
This novel is a quest of two brothers to reunite across two continents after a brutal lion attack. The book was written by a very generous Reston author — From March 2015 through December 25, 2015, 100 percent of the royalties from the sale of the paperback and ebook editions of The Lion of Djibouti will be donated to three wildlife organizations: the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the African Wildlife Foundation, and Wildlife Conservation Society.
FOR THE MBA WITH A QUICK WIT
Crimes of Cunning by Tony Mayo
Reston novelist Tony Mayo tells the story of young MBA striving to succeed at a famous high-tech company. This cleverly humorous book explains why your 401k shrank, your house is underwater, and your job stinks. The comedy and conflict illustrate management methods and personal practices that can improve your career and deepen your personal relationships.
FOR THE FRIEND WHO HOPED FOR MORE OUT OF THAT STARTUP
Not to Mention a Nice Life: A Novel
The latest book by Reston author Sean Murphy examines corporate America during the not-so-quiet storm that preceded the historic economic meltdown of 2008. It provides an answer to a question not enough people have asked: What happened to Holden Caulfield when he grew up? He got a job.
FOR SOMEONE WHO SHOULD READ AN ENGROSSING NOVEL INSTEAD OF BINGE WATCHING SHERLOCK AGAIN
Ballyvaughan: An Eddie Holland Novel
The most recent crime novel by Chantilly’s John Matthews is a follow up to his book The South Coast
FOR THE RESTONIAN WHO IMAGINES A DARKER LIFE THAN THE RA-APPROVED BEIGE
The End of the City
This book came out two years ago, but it’s still worth mentioning, because it’s a novel set in Reston! Reston author David Bendernagel tells the story of a South Lakes High School student who struggles with the death of his father after the fall of the Twin Towers, and is plagued by a villainous alter ego.
Did we miss any recently released books by Reston-area authors? We love to support local talent! Please let us know in the comments below.
Related stories:
Gift Guide: Holiday Gifts that Celebrate Reston
Shopping Reston’s Small Businesses for Handmade Holiday Decorations
Get to Know Local Children’s Author Daniel Boris, and His Endearing Dozi the Alligator
Local Author Kwame Alexander — Living Life According to Bob Simon’s Tenets
The 2015 Guide to Holiday Events in Reston, Northern Virginia, and DC
Photo credit: Charlotte Geary