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Books

10 beautiful holiday gift books

Jocelyn McClurg
USA TODAY
'Misty Copeland' by Gregg Delman.

No matter its shape, size or subject matter, a gift book is a cut above the ordinary, a pretty present nestled between two covers. USA TODAY's Jocelyn McClurg looks at 10 dazzling new titles for the holiday season — wrapping optional.

1. Misty Copeland

By Gregg Delman

Rizzoli, $39.95

What it’s about: Prima ballerina Misty Copeland strikes a pose (95, to be exact) in photos taken between 2011 and 2014, in the casual setting of dance studios.

What’s to love: Since becoming the first African-American woman to be named a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Copeland has become a cultural phenomenon, and Delman's arresting pictures capture her sinewy power and grace.

'Shop Cats of New York.'

2. Shop Cats of New York

By Tamar Arslanian; photography by Andrew Marttila

HarperDesign, $24.99

What it’s about: These cool cats help oversee the merchandise (and greet customers, depending on their mood) at the city’s bookshops, liquor stores, pharmacies and even hotels (Matilda will check you in at the Algonquin).

What’s to love: Every New York cat lover has a favorite local shop cat (four of the felines in this book prowl shops in my Brooklyn neighborhood); now their star power goes nationwide!

3. Dogs and Their People

By BarkPost

Putnam, $25

What it’s about: Oh-so-cute photos of seriously adored pooches, along with testimonials from their owners about why these canines are so doggone great.

What’s to love: If Shop Cats of New York has a certain, I don’t know, detached elegance, Dogs and Their People is downright visually hyperactive. The dog lover on your list will pant with excitement.

'Dogs and Their People.'

4. Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song

By Tyler Conroy

Simon & Schuster, $28

What it’s about: An elegant fanzine celebrating all things Taylor Swift, especially the pop star’s legions of acolytes.

What’s to love: Mom and/or Dad, the Swiftie in your household will think you’re pretty cool if he or she discovers this temple to Taylor under the tree (even if it is, shudder, a book).

'Cooking for Jeffrey' by Ina Garten

5. Cooking for Jeffrey

By Ina Garten

Clarkson Potter, $35

What it’s about: The “Barefoot Contessa” shares recipes she enjoys making for her husband of nearly 50 years, from Crusty Baked Shells & Cauliflower to Lamb Stew with Spring Vegetables.

What’s to love: This collection of home-cooked recipes (obviously flavored with more than a dash of love) was an instant best seller when it was released Oct. 25.

6. Good Clean Fun

By Nick Offerman

Dutton, $35

What it’s about: The actor (Parks and Recreation) shares tips (often humorous) from the Offerman Workshop, his woodworking studio in L.A. where he and his team make everything from handcrafted furniture to kazoos.

What’s to love: If this isn’t the ultimate Dad book, what is?

A new illustrated edition of 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.'

7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

By J.K. Rowling; illustrated by Jim Kay

Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, $39.99

What it’s about: A handsomely illustrated, coffee-table-size edition of the second book in the series about the boy magician, following last year’s illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

What’s to love: Consider this the definitive read-aloud version, with its large type and fabulous illustrations that will power the imaginations of both adults and kids; or think of it as a keepsake for the fan who just can’t get enough Harry Potter.

@NatGeo features Instagram photos.

8. @natgeo: The Most Popular Instagram Photos

By National Geographic

National Geographic, $19.95

What it’s about: National Geographic’s popular Instagram account (nearly 63 million followers) comes to book form in this compact but plump title stuffed with eye-popping images from around the world.

What’s to love: Here’s proof that NatGeo’s talented photographers have conquered social media while maintaining the usual quality of their work. And for fans of more traditional coffee-table-size books, check out National Geographic’s Wild, Beautiful Places: Picture-Perfect Journeys Around the Globe ($40).

'Footnotes from the World's Greatest Bookstores'

9.  Footnotes From the World’s Greatest Bookstores

By Bob Eckstein

Clarkson Potter, $22

What it’s about: Eckstein’s enchanting paintings of bookstores from around the world (from New York City to Paris, from New Mexico to India) are accompanied by colorful quotes and anecdotes.

What’s to love: A few are gone if hardly forgotten (Scribner’s on Fifth Avenue), but the vast majority of the independent bookshops in this charming little volume are thriving, a testimony to the continuing vibrancy of print books.

'The Lyrics' by Bob Dylan

10. The Lyrics: 1961-2012

By Bob Dylan

Simon & Schuster, $60

What it’s about: This hefty, well-timed publication contains lyrics by the songwriter who just won the Nobel Prize in Literature, from his first album, Bob Dylan, through Tempest.

What’s to love: The times may be a-changin’, but Dylan fans are a constant — diehard devotees who will want this epic collection for their shelves, to sit beside those beloved old LPs.

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