Well folks, the last week of the semester is upon us and Christmas is only 10 days away. You’ve spent dead week preparing for final exams (ahem) and in the process have somehow managed to spend a lot of money, but none of it on gifts. What will you do? Luckily for you, nothing is as thoughtful and cost-effective as a well-selected book. Jess and I are here to recommend the best books for everyone on your list.

“The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss: By a graduate of our very own WSU English master’s program, this novel is the first in a trilogy. A perfect gift for anyone who enjoys Narnia and Middle-earth or spends way too many hours staring at the computer screen playing “World of Warcraft,” Rothfuss’ novel will speak to the geek in anyone. A compelling, intelligent and finely written fantasy, even the book’s length guarantees it will keep you company during the long weeks of winter break.

“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” by Jonathan Safran Foer: I don’t like mysteries and I hate the “look, look, I’m so clever” mentality so common in Foer and his ilk, but this book isn’t half bad. It’s the story of a young boy who lost his father Sept. 11, and the novel follows the child’s efforts to solve what might have been his father’s last message. Annoyingly quirky at times, this book manages to capture what’s most important and complicated about parent-child relationships, while also reminding us that hope can be found in the strangest of places.

“The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova: While it may seem a little late in the year for another vampire novel, this one is un-putdownable. Despite the pervasive “Twilight” media assault, Kostova’s creepy historical tale is perfect for anyone desiring a seriously fanged story without throbbing teenage vampire hormones. Combining a coming-of-age tale with a touching father-daughter relationship, “The Historian” pays homage to vampire tales of the past, but adds the irresistible dashing-scholar plot which is, rather predictably, my own personal wooden stake.

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger: Jess and I almost broke out into fisticuffs trying to decide who should recommend this novel – proof of how much we love it. Though it may take some effort to get into the story’s fragmented rhythm, you will be rewarded by the greatest love story of our generation. Niffenegger’s tragic, near-fairy tale of a time-traveling librarian and his struggles to find the perfect moment in time with his wife will make even the manliest reader – well, me, anyway – weep as they read the last 30 pages. By the way, this novel is being adapted into a film so you should read it now before Hollywood has its way with another great book.