Merry Bookmas 2025 - Christmas Catalog
- Chris OBrien
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Imagine you've walked into the Long Overdue bookstore, hot chocolate in hand. Heavy on the marshmallows.
You made a list, checked it twice. Family members. Friends. A couple of co-workers. You're wandering the aisles with one mission in mind: Gift some great books.
And not just any books. Not the "New York Times Best Books of 2025." Oh no. Anyone could do that. You're the discoverer. The taste setter. You find authors before they're household names. When it's your turn at book club, everyone knows you're bringing the heat, going off-road with another hidden gem.
This bookstore doesn't know what hit us. But I've sent my colleague, Cal the Librarian, your way. He looks like a skinny Santa Claus without a hat. His mission: Help you find a Long Overdue book for every person on your list.
Let's go!
For the Kid / Grandkid who Won't Stop Saying "Six Seven"
Thanks, Chris. Cal the Librarian here. I'm kicking things off with a recommendation that's actually not a Long Overdue book. But this whole six-seven phenomenon reminds me of the book Frindle. It's about a kid who starts a nationwide movement to refer to "pens" as "frindles."
We don't have a copy here, but ask about it at your local bookstore!
But while we're here in the middle grade fiction section, go ahead and pick up that copy of Acrimons. Yeah, that one right over there.
Thirteen-year-old Randy Bloom thinks his midwestern hometown of Oak Patch is the epitome of boring-until a freak storm and a mysterious flower awaken something extraordinary within him. Overnight, he becomes a Champion for a secret world hiding in plain sight, surrounded by beings he never even knew existed.
But gifts come with a price...
Randy's Spring Break turns into a countdown to catastrophe when a sinister chemical company sets its sights on his sleepy hometown. With danger closing in on those he loves, Randy must unravel the truth about his transformation before it's too late.
In a heart-racing journey full of hidden allies, unlikely powers, and the courage to rise, Randy will learn that heroes don't stand alone-they thrive through the strength of those who stand beside them.
Alright. So, you've got Frindle and Acrimons. What about that 7-year-old nephew, who loves a good monster? I mean, who doesn't love a good monster? Here, check this one out.
Assembled into one complete volume (unless there’s a sequel), this book will help you and your loved ones spot the many beasts, fiends, and ghouls that roam the earth – and quite a few that lurk beneath it. Each monster is not only richly illustrated but also poetically described by Professor Edelgeezer himself, so rest assured you’re in good hands. After all, what better guide to the field of monsters than a monster himself?
Alright. All of the 7 to 12-year-olds on your list have been shopped for. Let's leave the middle-grade section and check out the children's books. Let's see your list again. Okay, you've got Ashley with a baby on the way. Perfect board book scenario. Then your grandson, he's what, three, four years old? Or how 'bout the granddaughter who's obsessed with unicorns? We've got ya covered!
Children's Books
Delightful children's book about one little green frond that winds up in the Arctic. Read the dozens of creative explanations/uses offered by the Arctic animals.
Ever wonder where all the socks go in the dryer?
I don't mean to alarm you, but that might be a ferocious sock-eating monster known as the Gobberwobbly.
But never fear! This is not a scary book whatsoever. Even hits ya with a sentimental, growing-up ending like Toy Story 3 or Puff the Magic Dragon.
And then for the unicorn fans, how 'bout two books about the Horners, an entire family of unicorns.
Introducing the Horners, a family of everyday unicorns and their pet flying pig, ‘Puck’. While Mr. & Mrs. Horner are getting busy with their days, big brother, big sister, and baby brother are off playing in their tree fort or making a movie. When Grandma Horner comes over on her Harley, it is time to play board games. Get to know the Horners and their adventures in this beautifully illustrated book and the other Horner stories to come.
What happens when a sister sneaks what she wants for her birthday onto her brother's birthday list? See the hilarious drama play out in a new Horners book.
A children's book about a father with a lifelong dream of being a candy maker and his two sons who will help him fulfill this vision and have some fun in the process.
And then remember this one? Love You Forever. Again, not a Long Overdue book, but goodness gracious, try reading that one without breaking down. More dads get through their father of the bride speeches than make it through this book with dry eyes!
We've got something similar in our Long Overdue bookstore. Take a look at this one. Brand new. Austin, Texas author. One of those children's books that is as much for the parents and grandparents reading it as the kids listening.
Premise: People are always saying, "Those were the good old days…”
But how much richer and fuller can we make the present moment by living with the perspective that “These Are The Good Old Days”?
Alright, now what about your sister? She's a big fan of poetry and literary fiction, yeah? Here. Check this one out.
Think Ray Bradbury's darker short stories. Or the spiritual allegories of CS Lewis.
Inescapable Light weaves short stories and poems that mirror life's despair, uncertainty, and transformation. From stark reality to fantastical abstraction, these tales chart the human journey from darkness to radiant hope.
And how 'bout that cousin who's a poetry fan but also reads a lot of philosophy books?
Here's what I tell people about this one: What would Socrates or King Solomon think if they were dropped into our chaotic, modern-day, distracted world?
Zachary D. Lynch's debut book, Songs of a Sage, is a profound journey exploring happiness, health, cognizance, spirituality, and love. It challenges readers to embrace self-acceptance, build genuine connections, and actively shape a better world, finding joy in life's fleeting moments.
Let's see. Let's see. (looking at the list) Ah ha! Your brother. He's the home chef, right? Cooks every day. But loves going to nice restaurants, too.
How would he like to cook over 30 Mediterranean & Turkish recipes from Chef Firat Ahmet Ergun, owner of Barrel Cheese & Wine, Little Village Cafe, Co-Founder of iChefNow, and the original chef at "Black & Caspian," all in Chicago. Chef Firat's mission with this book is to empower people to cook the meals they love from restaurants with the people they love at home.
Now let's talk about your friend. He's really into like Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and Marvel movies. Give him this one.
Storyline: After his mother dies during a pandemic, Brian Newman stumbles upon an ancient Scroll that creates life from clay. Seeking to bring his mother back to life, he enlists the help of a disgraced rabbi to obtain an unusual list of ingredients for use in a ritual that changes everything.
Chased by mercenaries, a foreign weapons company, the police, a purveyor of ancient artifacts, and an unscrupulous Russian private investigator, Brian, and his family must hide, survive, and fight to keep the Scroll out of the hands of those who want to misuse its powers.
How am I doing so far? Okay, so you want something set in Chicago? Has Chicago history woven into it. A great family story. Real. Authentic. Inspirational, too. I've got just the one. Our bestseller and winner of multiple awards.
On May 25th, 1979, Melody Smith, Kim Jockl, and Jim Borchers suffered the worst tragedy of their lives losing both of their parents on American Airlines Flight 191. The crash happened at O'Hare airport.
This book tells the three's inspiring journey of rallying together as a family, rebuilding their lives, and making sure all 273 people who lost their lives would never be forgotten.
And I heard you took the Metra into the city for the day. Ever wonder what a book of stories from Metra train rides would look like? Look no further! You'll love this one. Don't even have to gift it to anyone; get this one for you.
Okay, shifting gears, your co-worker loves Stephen King books. Has a new one on his desk every week. And you said he's a big Michigan guy, too, yeah? So, bonus points if the book is set in Michigan. That's easy.
And if you want something less scary, more like action/adventure, by the same author. Also in Michigan. Here you go.
Let’s see. Let’s see. Your friend studied abroad in college. Well, here's one set in the UK.
And this one is set in World War 2 Florence, Italy. The book starts when Hitler came to Florence in 1938 and ends when the city was liberated from Nazi fascism. A young woman and a man meet and fall in love, while simultaneously other stories take place and the world is collapsing around them.
AND, you mentioned your brother earlier, the home chef, this book has an authentic Italian recipe in between each chapter.
Okay, so your dad likes David Sedaris, enjoys Seinfeld, and likes Jim Gaffigan's comedy. Bonus points if the book is about living in the Midwest. Take a look at this one over here. Sorry, over there.
Here or There takes the idea of seasons and applies it to life. Inside is a variety of interlinked stories and cartoons, including “I’ll Always Cheer for Wile E. Coyote,” “How Does the Midwest Sell us on Winter?” and “Big Decisions are Overrated.” This book is a comedy with a side dish of philosophy. It’s about embracing the experience as we travel from Here to There.
And your daughter just got into law school? That's amazing! Your son is running a new business? Very cool. Actually, both of them should check this one out.
Before You Sign is a concise pocket guide designed to demystify contract provisions that individuals may encounter when signing agreements. For your son, the young business owner wanting to understand how specific clauses can impact your enterprise, or your daughter, a law student seeking additional resources on contracts, this book has you covered. Authored by Adam Hersh, a multi-state licensed attorney, this book simplifies complex subjects and provides real-world examples to empower business owners, professionals, and students with a deeper understanding of contractual matters.
Okay. This one's tricky. Your other son, you said, hasn't read a book since high school. And not sure how many he read back then either. Hey, that’s alright! Not a big reader. It's 2025. It happens. But you listed these as three of his favorite movies.
We can make this work! Take the coming-of-age feeling of Breaking Away, you know, kids in a small Midwest town, going from high school to college, now combine that with the "who will she choose?" love story of Casablanca, and that 2007-08 era, “Judd Apatow teen comedy with a sneaky amount of heart” feel like Superbad.
Now add a road trip and the world of competitive bathroom contests, and you have my next two book recommendations: Meet the Godfreys and its sequel, Tour de Bathroom.
Last but not least, it says here your aunt, your uncle, your other uncle, your other aunt, and like 10 other people on your list have all started playing Pickleball. So have I!
This is a fun one. An engaging rhyme paired with playful illustrations chronicling the history of Pickleball and the evolution of the game into today's latest and greatest court sport. A fun addition to the bookshelves of players of all ages!
(Looking over the list)
Alright, I think we did it! Everyone's covered. Right?
So... do you need a bigger bag?
One ordering note, if you order:
Between now and Dec. 16: Books will arrive before Christmas
Between Dec. 16 and Dec. 20: Cutting it close, but could still make it in time
After Dec. 21: Will arrive after Christmas
"Another year, another catalog without any dog books. Oh well 😔 Guess there's always next year..."
-Crash, Team Dog
Christmas Tree with a subtle shoutout to the classic 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals
Best place to keep up with all things Long Overdue is a tie between our monthly newsletter and our Instagram page. If you enjoy this newsletter and know someone who might enjoy it as well, let us know, we'll make sure to add them to our subscriber list. We also got back on Facebook recently, you can follow us here.
And check out our website - Long Overdue Books. Long Overdue Books is a community for creating books. It's a place for authors (and soon-to-be-authors), readers, editors, artists, and designers to come together and move their stories from ideas to finished books.
Also, if you have any questions, ideas, stories to tell, or want some more personalized recommendations, you can reach Cal the Librarian at - library@longoverduestories.com
Comments