Christmas Smorgasbord

The holidays are my favorite time of year, and I’m always sad at how fast they go by. My family definitely spoils me when it comes to presents, and I always get a veritable stack of books for Christmas. And in the spirit of sharing that joy, I wanted to squee over them some more, and invite you to squee with me. 🙂

Check out all the awesome:

The Hangman’s Daughter, Oliver Pötzsch – Got this “historical thriller” from my sister-in-law. I was already on the lookout for it, and she said it was great, so now I’m even more excited.

The Pox Party, M.T. Anderson – One of the gifts I got from Amanda, my bookish Secret Santa who blogs over at Opinions of a Wolf. Amanda’s in Boston, where this book is apparently making waves. It’s set in Boston as well, so it’s cool to learn a bit more about that historical city. (Check out my review here!)

The Private World of Georgette Heyer, Jane Aiken Hodge – Out of print for a long time, this book is now available again, and I can’t wait to learn more about the lady who wrote some really awesome and hilarious Regency novels.

Favorite Words of Famous People, Lewis Burke Frumkes – Authors, politicians, and other famous people talk about their favorite words and why they love them so. Let the wordgasms begin!

The Shadow of the Wind, Carlos Ruiz Zafón – Another gift from the amazing Amanda at Opinions of a Wolf. I’ve heard so many good things about this one, and I’m trying to wait to pick it up until I have the time to savor it.

Mistress of the Art of Death, Ariana Franklin – I’ve wanted to read this for awhile, and the Pay It Sideways Challenge is giving me the excuse to definitely get to it this year. So excited!

5 Ingredient Fix: Easy, Elegant, and Irresistible Recipes, Claire Robinson – I’m not a huge cook, but I’m always on the lookout for easy, good recipes.

The Casserole Queens Cookbook, Crystal Cook – Casseroles are so easy — just make and bake!

Deceptively Delicious, Jessica Seinfeld – This was a weird one to get, since it’s labeled as a cookbook that gets “your kids eating good food” and I don’t have kids. But it’s also a book of recipes that hides good stuff (veggies, etc.) inside stuff that tastes delicious.

My Year with Eleanor, Noelle Hancock – The memoirs of a woman who spends a year following Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice to “do one thing every day that scares you.” Interested to see where this goes.

The Book Lover, Ali Smith – A tour of the books that made author Ali Smith who she is today. This book wasn’t on my wishlist, but my mom thought I’d like it. We’ll have to see!

Oink! My Life with Minipigs, Matt Whyman – A story about what happens when an English author who’s used to the quiet life ends up with two pet minipigs, courtesy of his wife. Isn’t the cover adorable?

The Girl who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, Catherynne M. Valente – This book sounds great, and September sounds like a great kid with a healthy dose of chutzpah.

The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabint of Curiosities, Ann and Jeff VanderMeer – The stories behind some of the bizarre items found in the late Thackery T. Lambshead’s cabinet. I’m not sure where this is going, but it sounds distinctly “mad scientist,” which I’m all for.

The Ugly Dachshund, G.B. Stern – The story of Tono, a Great Dane raised alongside a family of Dachshunds. Why isn’t he treated the same as the rest of his family?

 

Pride and Prejudice (graphic novel), adapted by Nancy Butler – I’ll read anything involving my favorite couple. And I love that the cover looks like a magazine!

The Heroine’s Bookshelf: Life Lessons, from Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder, Erin Blakemore – A book about how the great heroines of literature—including Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Eyre, and Anne Shirley—can encourage women today.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think? What did you get for Christmas?