Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Clicking through for additional information or to make a purchase may result in a small commission.

Valentine’s Day is approaching and whether you’re romantically in love, single, or anything in between Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to just be about roses, chocolates, and platters of oysters. For me, Valentine’s Day is a day where you get to tell the people in your life that you love them. This is not just for your partner but also includes your friends and family. Love is more than just romantic.

My husband and I have never really celebrated Valentine’s Day. He insists that Brazilians celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 12th of June. Funnily enough, when June 12 comes around he is more inclined to suggest that the 14th of February is actually the date. My disinterest in Valentine’s Day is that it can feel very fake and overdone. However, I do believe that we can hijack Valentine’s Day for what we want it to be. For me, that means a day where I try to remind the people I love (romantically or platonically) that they are an important part of my life; that who they are is what makes them great; and that my life would not be the same without them.

Now, one of my first loves has been and remains books. So it is no surprise that I have come up with some book-shaped ideas for presents this V-Day. Books make great presents. And they are extremely easy to wrap. So here are 5 book suggestions to help you on your way to finding the perfect book for your perfect person.

FOR THE CRIME LOVER

My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Brathwaite

This book is short, but it packs a punch! Think Tele Novela with all the extra twists and turns of a complicated sisterly relationship. There are coma patients with big secrets, bodies under bridges, and a knife that is as infamous as one of the sisters’ beauty.

FOR THE CLASSIC LOVER

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

You cannot go wrong with a Bronte if you ask me. If you know someone in your life who loves classics, then why not get them an amazing edition of their favourite book? Wuthering Heights will make you laugh and cry. It will show you how complicated love can be, and you might even go through a phase where you want to call your firstborn child Heathcliff.

FOR THE WRITING LOVER

Bleaker House by Nell Stevens

I rarely re-read books. It just isn’t something for me, yet this novel by Nell Stevens has been a constant read that I return to every so often. I have read it 5 times already (including on paper and audiobook). Her novel is witty, bleak, and extremely dark. Think of the movie Castaway, but with writing.

FOR THE FANTASY LOVER

The Ill-Made Mute (The Bitterbynde Trilogy) by Cecilia Dart-Thornton

I will take any opportunity to showcase some good Australian authors and Cecilia Dar-Thornton is one of those authors. I first read this trilogy when I was in my early twenties and it remains a favourite of mine. I wish I could tell you more about the plot, but I cannot say anything otherwise I will give too much away. All I can say is that the main character doesn’t know anything about themselves at all and they go on a journey to discover their roots.

FOR THE POETRY LOVER

The White Book by Han Kang

Han Kang is one of my favourite authors, so I might be a little biased in recommending her books, but I don’t care. She is amazing and I have to let the world know! Her collection of poetry centres on the colour white and is also a rumination of love, family, inherited traumas, and loss (including miscarriage). Her poems play with the idea of fate and different endings to our stories.

So there you have it. These are my top 5 recommendations for gifts this Valentine’s Day. If you are going to give someone a book for Valentine’s Day let me know what you decided on. As always, share the reading love.