Novel as gift for someone I don't know very well

[CaliforniaDrumming]

Someone I don't know very well has invited me for her birthday party. I was thinking of gifting a book. Any suggestions for a recent novel that is guaranteed to please everyone? Or a cheery book ( not self help)? She suffers from depression.

I would give her a copy of your favourite book.

otherwise I tend to give people Just one damn thing after another by Jodi Taylor. Fun and lighthearted

Chicken soup for the soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen - a compilation of real life stories of kindness

I have had 100% success with Educated by Tara Westover! Feminist themes and even though she battles, I found it pretty life affirming!

Definitely not a book.
How could you possibly know she doesn't already own it?
Plus I feel it's a bit invasive - buying a book you want someone to read- someone you don't personally have a close relationship with iyswim.

I'd prefer a candle or hand cream.

I don't use hand cream and wouldn't trust a candle in my house as my daughter like to fling random stuff around.
An old favourite book is much nicer.

Buying a book is a risk but there are book related gifts you could give. I love a tote bag and there are a few book related ones around. I saw someone with a Peter Blake limited edition for “Books are my Bag”. Penguin also do tote bags with classic covers or the famous Daunt books bag. Otherwise Etsy has a number of bookish related gift ideas and might be worth a punt

I love a book token.
Or a Persephone book token to make it a bit less present-for-your-distant-niece?
Whoever recommended Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller is also a good shout if you deffo want to do a book.

Invisible Women might be good. Or what about a best seller in the year she was born? That’s gone down well with a couple of friends.

Women Don't Owe You Pretty

What about The Power? That's a feminist book with a good story

Buy her a book! Your choice and widen her choices or at worst one she already has abs loved

Either Burial Rites by Hannah Kent or A tale of a time being by Ruth Ozeki. Both obscure enough not everyone has read them but slightly quirky and hugely feminist.

I read a lot and love people getting me books that they have enjoyed so you could try that?

Yes! This is such a great book.

are you near Bath? Mr Bs book emporium are great for advice too.

I liked this

A Poem For Every Night of the Year

I bought this thanks to your recommendation and am really enjoying it, thanks!