The holidays are about sharing, and nothing’s better than sharing your favorite books with someone you love.

A book is a gift that continues to give as we share new thoughts and ideas with others based on what we’ve read. We often share our books with family and friends, loaning them out or giving them as gifts.

During these challenging economic conditions, everyone is looking for well-priced gifts.

While it’s well known that you can find inexpensive books at independent book stores, did you know you’ll also find eclectic toys, music, housewares, jewelry and more?

Our local independent book stores also provide quality customer service, which can be a good value when you’re keeping an eye on finances. When you stop in, ask us for a recommendation. Each book store has a section of staff favorites. Who better to offer ideas than those who love to read?

Books that I’ve personally enjoyed this year are by authors Mary Ann Shaffer, Kathleen Flinn, David Kidder, Garth Stein, Neil Gaiman, Pascal Mercier and Sherman Alexie, to name just a few.

Each year, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association compiles a holiday book catalog that features the best book and gift choices from independent book stores across the region. The guide can help you choose books and gifts for everyone on your list. Ask for it at your neighborhood book store.

Cookbooks are great for any occasion, and especially now as families spend more time in the kitchen at home. A few special titles available this season are “Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics,” by Ina Garten, “Feeding the Whole Family,” by Cynthia Lair, “Giada’s Kitchen,” by Giada De Laurentiis and the “Tillamook Cheese Cookbook.”

Gift cards, too, are perfect for any age or location. Those purchased at Booksense/Indiebound stores (like the West Sound Independent Booksellers) can be used at more than 1,200 participating independent bookstores throughout the nation. 

If you’re inclined to shop from home in your favorite comfy chair while sipping cocoa, you can go online to browse our area’s independent book store inventories. Each book store’s Web site is filled with staff recommendations, as well as links to bestselling and award-winning books.

This holiday season, it is even more important to support our local, independent businesses. Our small towns don’t have the luxury of a government bailout.

Choosing to shop at independent businesses keeps more of your money right here in your local communities — and that benefits us all.

We appreciate your continued support.