Gift Books For Your Shelf to Put Next to the Elf

Matthew J. Weisman

I know Christmas is only about a week away, so it might be a little late for me to suggest some gift ideas. So why not buy a gift for yourself, and add one (or both) of these fine books to your shelf?

Those of you who appreciate the great real-photo postcards of Willis Leiter will undoubtedly want to add Lorain County Through the Lens of Willis Leiter to their library. 

While the first Leiter book, The Real Photo Postcards of Willis Leiter, focused on Lorain, this new book expands its subject matter to include the rest of Lorain County. Thus, you'll find rare, eye-popping historic images of Amherst, Avon, Elyria, Oberlin, LaGrange, North Ridgeville, Vermilion and more, all through the lens of Willis Leiter. The book is by Bill Jackson, Dennis Lamont, James D. MacMillan, Paula Brosky-Shorf, Bruce L. Waterhouse Jr., and Matthew J. Weisman. 

I had the pleasure of attending the book signing at the Lorain Historical Society near the end of October and getting my (free) copy autographed by Matt, Bill and Bruce.

From Left: Bill Jackson, Matthew J. Weisman, and Bruce L. Waterhouse Jr.

Next on Santa's list is a book written by author Don Hilton, one of the regular contributors to this blog through his daily witty comments. But unlike his most recent, historical non-fiction books, his newest tome The Vanishing of A. E. Leehman is a small-town murder mystery.

Don Hilton

As the book's description notes, "Everyone thought they knew A.E. Leehman, right up until she disappeared in July of 1953. Follow County Detective Bert Williamson, who’s keeping secrets of his own, as he calls upon the talents of old Army buddies to help him wend his way through a case well beyond his ability. 

"Working with one cock-sure reporter while barely tolerating another, bucking the district attorney, and forced to surrender the matter to State Police, Williamson discovers there’s far more to the story than anybody else realizes. Based in true-crime with sparkling characters, great dialogue, a twisty-turny plot with a jigsaw of facts: faith, love poetry, word games, librarians, and a surprising but logical conclusion all play their part in The Vanishing of A.E. Leehman."

Don honored me by naming a character in the book after me. But imagine my surprise when the character turned out to be a big jerk – who even gets beat up by the main character! Gee, Don – was it something I said (or blogged about)? Just kidding.

Don may have to market a special reinforced bookshelf (autographed and engraved for a small, exorbitant fee) to hold the rapidly growing Don Hilton Library. 

Visit Don's website for information on all of his books. Be sure to explore the various media links, which include his appearances on Cleveland television.