Formal:
* A dedicated work: This emphasizes the purpose of the book being for the specific recipient.
* A personal memoir: If the book recounts the author's life and experiences specifically for the recipient.
* A commissioned work: This implies that the recipient paid for the book to be written.
* A private manuscript: This suggests the book is not intended for public consumption.
Informal:
* A love letter in book form: This implies a romantic or deeply personal connection between author and recipient.
* A tribute to [recipient's name]: This highlights the book's purpose of honoring the recipient.
* A heartfelt gift: This emphasizes the sentimental value of the book.
* A collection of stories for [recipient's name]: This clarifies the content of the book if it contains stories.
* A personal history: This is a broader term than memoir, and could include stories, facts, and reflections about the recipient's life.
Specific to the content:
* A genealogy: If the book traces the recipient's family history.
* A travelogue: If the book recounts the author's travels with the recipient.
* A collection of poetry: If the book is a compilation of poems dedicated to the recipient.
Examples:
* "She wrote him a book of poems, a heartfelt tribute to their shared love."
* "He commissioned a private manuscript detailing the history of his family."
* "The grandmother wrote her granddaughter a personal memoir, sharing stories of her life."
Ultimately, the best way to describe the book depends on the specific context and the message you want to convey.