Let's face it, a full time job and a busy life at home does not leave much of a margin to read a book. But I am managing one at the moment. A long one, in fact. Why I do this every holiday is beyond me, last year it was The Goldfinch, this year it's A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I. Love. This. Book.
I was smart this time, I left a piece of paper in the book writing down one or two sentences of what I was reading and/or characters so I could jump back. This book is engaging from the start. Not a book that soars into your heart right off but it's a big book lead in, interesting characters, eating cheaply in the city, finding an apartment or space to move into, four male friends, that NYC vibe.
Lots of great comments on the book group about Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. I bought this and put it aside for after I am finished with A Little Life. In between those books, however, I am fortunate enough to read an author's book before it comes out! I won't say anything now. I will be writing much later when I am able.
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What do you buy your book friends besides the usual Amazon, B&N or <insert another book store> gift card? Here is a great start for those readers who will tackle any book, or read a book JUST because you simply gave it to them.. high trust factor and all that...
I have posted all of Man Booker Long List books on my book group which usually means I have gone further by reading up on all the reviews.Great list, great books, check them out.
And THEN! The annual Goodreads readers poll for the best books of the year, 2015! This is ALWAYS the best list of books for gifts. It is the best list of books for a book group, a book club, you name it! If you are not on Goodreads, please, take a looksee, it is the best way to track books, track what your friends are reading, track authors, and much more, go. Go now.
And book totes! Here are five from Amazon. (And probably elsewhere, you can check out the original sellers on Amazon.)
Here is the blog I found the totes on, it's a really great blog too. Linking it up here:
http://book-delight.com/2014/08/bd-friday-five-book-totes.html/
Bookmarks, book ornaments, gift cards, buying a stack of books and throwing them in a tote (that's a GREAT gift) or a Kindle, a Nook, an iTunes card! We never tire of the Literary gifts and if you want to go one step further go to Amazon or elsewhere and check out Literary jewelry and clothing.
May you all have a very very safe holiday, be good so Santa can stuff that stocking with more books!
Cheryl
I am signing my name so it's more personal, just pretend I am writing a letter to you. :)
The goings on:
I love my new job, being a discharge planner, AKA Home Care Liaison is a great job, to see patients rolling out the door of the hospital going home to the best care be it home care of hospice, it is what makes my heart feel better, knowing they will be in good hands.
Life is a bit chaotic getting our daughter into a day program which will start after the New Year.
Our new puppy! Well, she's not new and certainly not a small fluffy dog like some think! Bindi is one of the greatest dogs we have ever owned. She's sturdy, like a tank. You know it when she jumps on you. Great personality, I recommend a Havanese if you need compainionship. LIke, stalker, safe stalker companionship, they are called Velcro dogs for a reason.
And most of all, we are finally moving forward with "late bloomer" planning (we have been unable to do anything the last ten years for various reasons.) Much to do, life is so short, friends, after seeing hospice patient after hospice patient, please, love one another, forgive if you can (unless they are toxic) and just... read the books you wanted to read, eat off the coffee table if you feel like it, wear all the "good" clothes you keep in your closet to walk the dog or clean the house,, just get out there! Live!
May God Bless you all, Merry Christmas and Holly Jolly Merriment~~! xo
