Read This is a Scout column that details book selections by authorities, luminaries, institutions, and locals that share deep affections for the written word. This week, we asked Kim Koch and Rod Clarke of Paper Hound, one of our favourite bookstores (334 West Pender at Homer). Selling new, used, and rare books from the classic to the very eccentric with a strong focus on literature, poetry, philosophy and the arts, they see their shop as a street-level expression of Vancouver as a city of letters and lectors: brick and mortar, ink and paper. Say hi for us the next time you go in, but in the meantime, read this…

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Books make classic, classy gifts. When well ­chosen, they are considerate physical proof that you’ve been paying attention to the recipient’s interests, appetites, and intellect. Still, it’s a tall order, and sometimes giving a book can feel like you’re assigning a book report. We like to think we have a book for every reader, but for the purposes of this gift guide we’ve recommended pairing each book with another related prezzie that allows the book to take an auxiliary role. We’ve chosen some representative titles from our eclectic inventory and matched them to a few of the archetypes on your “naughty or nice” list. (NB: if you’d prefer to err on the side of caution: we have gift certificates.)

For the precocious little cousin…

Practical Magic, David Robbins (1953, D. Robbins & Co.) $12
“Over 100 tricks that anyone can do” – but probably only a ten year­ old (with a captive audience of post ­dinner family members to perform for) will have the tenacity and enthusiasm to master any of them. Pairs well with: a deck of cards and/or a handkerchief. Or a top hat if you’re especially doting.

For the Francophile moviegoer…

The Red Balloon, Albert Lamorisse (1956, Doubleday) $20
The magic of Paris, the faithfulness of true friendship, and the classic vindication fantasy of the bullied underdog. Illustrated with colour and black ­and ­white stills from the classic short film. Pairs well with: a Pacific Cinemathèque membership and gift certificate.

For the lusty mixologist…

Ted Saucier’s Bottoms Up (revised ed. 1962, Greystone Press) $50
An abecedarian cocktail guide, slipcased, illustrated with risqué Boobarellas of yesteryear by pin-up artists of faded renown. Pairs well with: something exotic for the liquor cabinet. Sazerac? Kirschwasser? Crème de violette? All relevant to these boozy potions.

For the East Vancouverist…

Opening Doors: Vancouver’s East End, Daphne Marlatt and Carole Itter (1979, Sound Heritage) $15
A fascinating, groundbreaking, ­dare I say unputdownable­ oral history of what’s now known as Strathcona, Vancouver’s first neighbourhood, from the voices – Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Black and Jewish – that lived there pre-­viaducts, pre­gentrification. Pairs well with: coupons for Hastings Steam & Sauna, Benny’s Market, and New Town Bakery.

For the religious hypochondriac…

Diseases of the Bible, Sir Risdon Bennett, MD (1887: The Religious Tract Society) $30
To put it in biblical terms, you can kill two birds with one stone. Pairs well with: hand soap.

For the athletically ­inclined…

Gymnastic Apparatus Catalogue (1925: Narragansett Machine Co.) $45
Price list and order form laid in, so you can send in your order for a 6lb Medicine Ball ($12) if you know which mailbox delivers to 1926. A surprisingly elegant conversation conversation piece. You may recognize some of these implements from your elementary school gym. Pairs well with: a yoga studio membership.

For the starving student…

Miss Fluffy’s Delta Rice Cook Book (ca.1965, The Canada Rice Mills Ltd.) $4
Miss Fluffy, an anthropomorphized spoon with a long-­grain coiffure, makes a pretty strong case for rice as a versatile, nutritious and economical food. Pairs well with: a bag of rice. Actually, this gift pairing is particularly thrifty, and is therefore also recommended as an option for the starving student gifter as well as giftee.

For the pampered pooch…

Military Dog Training and Employment (1960, Dept of the Army)
Let Spot know what a sweet life he’s been afforded: he could be going through gruelling canine boot camp. He could be a dog with a job: fanged enforcer of American imperialism. Pairs well with: a juicy bone.

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