One of the gems in my library is THE BOOK OF TEA, but Kakuzo Okakura. I have several copies, just because……
The book pretends to be about tea, but is about life, the cosmos, our allegiances, our history, our food, architecture, friendships, and so on. It was written in 1906.
It is in the public domain and can be found on gutenberg.org at http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/769. It also exists as an audio version, which might be slightly easier to appreciate, since the language is a bit archaic. I take it down from the shelf to read through every now and again when I want to remind myself how real life can usher us into the highest realms of thought and feeling.
P.S. Don’t ignore the Foreword.
Another gem is WHAT THE STONES REMEMBER, by the Canadian poet, Patrick Lane, written in 2004. I have two copies of this book because I just like looking at their spines. When fine poets get to writing memoirs you’re in for a treat. It purports to be the story of his recovery from alcoholism while puttering around in his garden, but will take you on a journey into the deepest recesses of your own heart and mind.
Happy Holidays!