Some 150 books a year are reviewed here in the Washington Examiner’s Life & Arts section. Some untold greater number mentioned and read to produce the rest of the magazine. We love books. But not all books are right for the occasion, and of course, not all readers are right for all books. Different times of year and different purposes call for different selections. With that in mind, and with Christmas break looming just around the stocking-strewn corner, some of the magazine’s editors and its most stalwart culture contributors collected their recommendations for books to read or give, or both, over the holidays. Take your pick, and we hope you enjoy.

-Nicholas Clairmont, Life & Arts Editor