The gift that never disappoints a book lover, another book.

The New York Times has weighed in with its top titles for 2021, choosing several titles that hold a mirror up to America's past and its relationship with race and racism. "How the Word is Passed" by Clint Smith and "On Juneteenth" by Annette Gordon-Reed are two of the works on the list.

Today on All Sides Weekend Books with host Christopher Purdy, literary experts give their top recommendations and holiday gift ideas.

Guests:

Kassie Rose, WOSU book critic
Kris Hickey, youth services manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library Whetstone branch
Bryan Loar, librarian and co-founder of Cbus Libraries