I've been thinking about putting together a gift guide about fantasy books. I figured it would be easier to pick a theme. Or a subcategory. This turned out to be harder than I thought so this is what I came up with. Folks are particular about the themes present in fantasy novels. Say you want to pick out fantasy books for a friend. And this soon-to-be-book-laden buddy is fussy about certain aspects of fantasy novels. I'm talking about elements that are present in a lot of fantasy novels: sexist characters, ditzy females, stories without a proper plotline, underlying religious messages, you name it. So I came up with a list of books that do away with such annoyances. Here's my list of suggestions for the fussy fantasy reader.

Hogfather

For those who like strong female characters

Why this book? Firstly, it suited the holiday season. Death shrugs off his day job and wants a more rewarding work – namely that of Hogfather, the Discworld equivalent of Father Christmas. There are plenty of references to the festive season plus a lot of social commentary about society and their reactions to this time. Another reason for picking this book was the presence of Susan, Death's granddaughter and one of the lead characters in the novel. One of author Terry Pratchett's strengths is his flair for creating very real characters. To this effect, he always does justice to female character, fleshing them out as strong yet flawed human beings. Susan is one such example. Thus, you will be spared from the damsel in distress moments, the 'existing just to be token girlfriend' instances and the 'half-hearted heroics until the man pops over' situations.

A Fine and Private Place

For those who love a feel-good message

At first glance, A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle seems like a strange addition to an end-of-year gift guide. After all, two of the main characters are ghosts who mourn the life they lost and the other lead is a shy little man with his own share of sad secrets. Is this really what you would give a friend? Well, do check out the story and you will change your mind. Yes, the main plot may be about the main character finding out whether his wife did kill him but it is the overall theme that I am focusing on. The overall theme in this novel is about moving on, stepping out of your comfort zone and finding out what you truly value. In this way, all the characters are finding their way to a new beginning in their lives. Thus, such a novel can make a wonderful, thought-provoking novel as holiday gift. Well, if you think about it, it's around the time when folks will be re-accessing how far they have come and where they want to go.

My Uncle Oswald

For ones with a dark sense of humor

If you have read this book, you must be wondering why I mention this one. Alright, so I did point out that this one's for your slightly quirkier friends. And this book benefits from Roald Dahl's weird sense of humor coupled with his creative imagination which makes this a worthy collectible indeed. In typical Dahl style, you witness the adventures and conquests of a character called Henry Oswald. Keep in mind that the latter serves as the highlights of most of the novel. Apparently the good uncle unearthed a secret formula that grants him exceptional powers, making him a Don Juan of sorts. The story has its darker moments but for the most part you will laugh at the weird situations that crop up all over the novel. Rest assured, your friends who love the Nanny-Ogg type of nudge nudge jokes will adore this book.

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

For those who love second chances … and good comedy

This novel by Douglas Adams is one of my personal favorites. I always recommend this for those who love a bit of satire. Chances are, many folks who have read his earlier work probably not have come across this book and thus, it serves as a nice surprise gift. The plot itself is about having a second shot at life; it's about correct past wrongs and living life to the fullest. Well, imagine all of that done by exceptionally flawed, somewhat goofy characters. Like the other book on this list, this one has plenty of feel-good moments that are just right for a contemplative period in your life (i.e. when facing those horrid New Year resolutions).