A Novel Idea: Give Dad a Plot Twist This Father’s Day
Since Sonora Smart Dodd established the first Fathers day on June 19, 1910 in honor of her father who raised her and her five siblings, people have been struggling to find dad the perfect pair of socks to go with his last year's greatest mug gift. Well, this year skip the socks, the mug and the t-shirt and give him something really unexpected….. a book he’ll actually love! Whether he’s a history buff, a sci-fi fan, a thriller addict, or just enjoys a good story with his coffee, we’ve put together 14 picks from our store that are guaranteed to surprise him. Think of it as a plot twist he didn’t see coming… but will absolutely thank you for.
📚 Father’s Day Book Gift List
Ben-Hur: 50th Anniversary Edition DVD
Richthofen: Beyond the Legend of the Red Baron
Ill Met By Moonlight – Folio Society Edition
The Rink: Stories from Hockey’s Home Towns
Jack London: The Call of the Wild, White Fang, The Sea-Wolf & 40 Short Stories
Galápagos – Franklin Signed First Edition
Gods of War – Franklin Signed First Edition
The Story of Henri Tod – Franklin Signed First Edition
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
The Plantagenets
Bull of the Woods – Vol. 4, Vol. 5, Vol. 6
World War I Memoirs – 5 Volume Box Set
Curses! – A Gideon Oliver Mystery
Galactic Empires Vol. 1 & 2
Shop the Collection
1. Ben-Hur: 50th Anniversary Edition DVD
Summary: This collector’s edition celebrates the legendary 1959 epic with restored footage, a behind-the-scenes documentary, and rare photos.
Why Dad Will Love It: A cinematic masterpiece filled with grandeur, action, and history—perfect for the dad who loves a good classic.
2. Richthofen: Beyond the Legend of the Red Baron
▶️ Watch on YouTube
Author: Peter Kilduff
Summary: A definitive biography of WWI ace Manfred von Richthofen, with newly released documents and firsthand accounts.
Why Dad Will Love It: Combines military history, aviation, and myth-busting. For dads who admire precision, bravery, and strategy.
3. Ill Met By Moonlight – Folio Society Edition
Author: W. Stanley Moss, with an Afterword by Patrick Leigh Fermor
Summary: A daring WWII true story of the Cretan resistance kidnapping a Nazi general.
Why Dad Will Love It: Packed with action, espionage, and British wit—an irresistible mix of real-life drama and adventure.
4. The Rink: Stories from Hockey’s Home Towns
Authors: Chris Cuthbert and Scott Russell
Summary: A photo-rich, heartfelt tribute to Canada’s love affair with hockey, from outdoor rinks to hometown heroes.
Why Dad Will Love It: A nostalgic look at the soul of Canadian hockey—great for rink dads and hockey buffs.
5. Jack London Omnibus – Leatherette Edition
Author: Jack London
Summary: Features The Call of the Wild, White Fang, The Sea-Wolf, and 40 short stories—all in a striking collectible format.
Why Dad Will Love It: Rugged adventure, survival, and classic storytelling—ideal for dads who value grit and timeless tales.
6. Galápagos by Kurt Vonnegut – Franklin Signed First Edition
Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Summary: A satirical take on evolution and the folly of human intelligence.
Why Dad Will Love It: It’s Vonnegut at his quirky best, with a premium signed edition to impress any collector or thinker.
7. Gods of War – Franklin Signed First Edition
Author: John Toland
Summary: John Toland’s gripping Pacific WWII account, elegantly bound and signed.
Why Dad Will Love It: Historical depth meets collectible charm—ideal for a dad who never skips a war doc.
8. The Story of Henri Tod – Franklin Signed First Edition
Author: William F. Buckley Jr.
Summary: A Cold War spy thriller featuring CIA agent Blackford Oakes.
Why Dad Will Love It: Bond-level intrigue with real literary polish—a stealthy hit for dads who like suspense with sophistication.
9. Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Summary: A cultural ride through Harley’s history, from backroom bikes to global icon.
Why Dad Will Love It: More than motorcycles—this is about freedom, legacy, and American grit. Great for gearheads and dreamers.
10. The Plantagenets
Summary: A richly illustrated look at England’s longest-ruling dynasty, from medieval politics to royal upheaval.
Why Dad Will Love It: A deep historical saga filled with betrayals, battles, and kings—Game of Thrones, but real.
11. Bull of the Woods Vol. 4
Vol. 5 | Vol. 6
Author: J.R. Williams
Summary: Industrial shop humor from the syndicated comic strip "Out Our Way."
Why Dad Will Love It: For the dad who’s spent time in the shop—or just loves a well-timed punchline and a dose of nostalgia.
12. World War I Memoirs Box Set
Authors: Bernard Adams, Frederick George Scott, Louise Mack, Henry L. Fox (editor), and various poets
Summary: A 5-volume set of firsthand soldier accounts and WWI poetry.
Why Dad Will Love It: A moving tribute to courage and endurance. Ideal for history lovers and those with a reverence for sacrifice.
13. Curses! – A Gideon Oliver Mystery
Author: Aaron Elkins
Summary: Archaeologist Gideon Oliver investigates a mysterious murder at a Mayan dig site.
Why Dad Will Love It: Smart, gripping, and full of unexpected twists—like Indiana Jones crossed with CSI.
14. Galactic Empires Vol. 1 & 2 – Edited by Brian Aldiss
Editor: Brian Aldiss
Contributors: Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Poul Anderson, Robert A. Heinlein, and more
Summary: A galaxy-spanning anthology of classic sci-fi stories.
Why Dad Will Love It: For dads who dream beyond the stars—this is a universe-spanning anthology of speculative greatness.
Whether your Dad is into history, mystery, motorcycles, or Mayan curses, we’ve got something in store that’ll surprise him in the best kind of way.
From our family-run Canadian bookstore to yours—Happy Father’s Day. 📚
– Jennifer & Ryan Books
