The idea for this site began last Christmas (2019), when I was pondering all my amazing nieces and nephews. I love my family and I love to give gifts, especially at Christmas. For me, giving gifts expresses my love and regard for the receiver of those gifts, and my desire to maintain a relationship with them.
Younger nieces and nephews were easier to shop for, and their parents often gave great ideas for gifts. But as my nieces and nephews got older, it became more difficult to shop for them at Christmas. Different generations, different locations, different schedules, different interests … all these things made it difficult for me to choose meaningful gifts for them.
As I thought about a way to continue to feel connected with and express my affection to these amazing young adults, I had a sort of epiphany. I realized that instead of trying to find the “perfect gift” for each of them, perhaps I should focus on just sharing something of myself with them. And since I am a bibliophile of the first order, books are the most natural gift in the world for me to give. My husband, who did not begin as an avid reader but has now formed the habit of reading daily, agreed with my idea.
Hence, Two Bridges Books was born. Each Christmas, my husband and I would select a book that we had enjoyed and/or found thought-provoking, and each niece or nephew of a certain age would receive that book as their Christmas gift from us. It might be a current selection or new author … or it might be an older classic that we enjoy. It might be fiction, or non-fiction. The book would be given with no expectations, simply reflecting an offer to share something that we had found meaningful.
In 2019, we sent our first selection to all of our nieces and nephews who had graduated high school. In 2020, we decided to include high school juniors and seniors and some other family members as well. It’s entirely possible that our list will extend further as we go. But for now, please know this: Whether you decide to read the book or not, please know that it comes to you with our love and with a deep interest in maintaining a connection with you.
I’ll say it again, because it’s important. The book we select each year comes with no expectations. We won’t be asking you if you’ve read it. You are free to ignore it, donate it, re-gift it … or read it. And if you want to have a discussion about it, all the better. Feel free to connect with us about your thoughts. But the books are given with no strings attached … just an offer to share in something we found valuable and/or thought-provoking, if you want to.
You can read more about our thoughts about the selected books by clicking on the appropriate tabs above (Christmas 2019 or Christmas 2020).
With love for you (and all things literary) …
Aunt Kari