2024 book gift guide

As in past years (2021, 2022), I present to you a book gift guide. This is more a record of the books I’m gifting in the 2024 holiday season than anything else, but if you still need a few presents and have a bookstore nearby, I heartily recommend each and every title herein. Not all books are new this year – I’ve added the year of publication in parentheses if this matters to you. And if you (or your child) are someone I give to… look away, lest you be spoiled!

Board books for babies (ages 0-2):

Look Twice by Giuliano Ferri (2022) – A tried-and-proven board book. This one has minimal text, baby-friendly page cut-outs, and art with a bit of a spray-painted look.

Picture books for littles (ages 3-5):

Cat Family Christmas: A Lift-the-Flap Advent Book by Lucy Brownridge, illustrated by Eunyoung Soo (2022) – I love an advent calendar, and lift-the-flap books are reliably popular with little ones. Also, a cat family at Christmas?! Automatic win.

Tis the Season: A Lift-the-Flap Advent Calendar Full of Christmas Poems illustrated by Richard Jones (2024) – I already had my eye on advent books, so when this one came across my feed this year I put it on my shopping list. Love the art style, and with festive poems, it’s bound to be a perennial favorite!

A Flash of Color and Light: A Biography of Dave Chihuly by Sharon Mentyka, illustrated by Shelley Couvillion (2024) – This title “is a celebration of color, light, glass, and Dale Chihuly’s enormous contribution to the field of glassmaking and art.”

We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang (2024) – This funny, clever, and gorgeously-illustrated picture book is one of my favorites this year. It celebrates the kindness of humans, too, which is a great message for any season.

Books for early readers (ages 6-7):

Little Shrew by Akiko Miyakoshi, translated by Kids Can Press (2024) – This “slice of life story is understated, beautiful, and delightfully charming. It’s going in every holiday stocking this winter!” DELIGHTFUL.

Mayor Good Boy by Dave Scheidt and Miranda Harmon (2021) – I haven’t read this one myself, but this first in a graphic novel series comes HIGHLY recommended by one of my niblings (yes, I have gifted this one before!!). 

Science Comics: Crows by Kyla Vanderklugt (2020) – A good choice for the reader who likes nonfiction, this title is a highly-rated entry in the Science Comics series. Can’t wait to be bombarded with crow facts. :)

Slightly older elementary school kids (ages 8-12):

Forces of Destiny by Elsa Charretier, Jody Houser, Delilah S. Dawson, Beth Revis, Devin Grayson, and Pierrick Colin, illustrated by Arianna Florean, Eva Widermann, Valentina Pinto, and Nicoletta Baldari (2018) – I’ve been hanging onto this book until the recipient was the right age! It’s a slim graphic novel volume on Star Wars’ heroines, and I’m sure it’ll thrill this kiddo.

Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler (2023) – For a young reader who appreciates a strong dose of humor and chivalry in their reading.

The Night Mother Vol. 1 by Jeremy Lambert, illustrated by Alexa Sharpe (2024) – A full-color, gorgeously-illustrated series-starter of a graphic novel volume that brings together: clocks, a girl who can hear the dead, and a ripping adventure story.

Grace Needs Space! by Benjamin A. Wilgus, illustrated by Rii Abrego (2023) – I read this graphic novel right before wrapping it up, and it’s so adorable I could just squish it. Abrego’s (of The Sprite and the Gardener fame) illustrations are incredible – Grace’s eyes especially are something special, and evoke lots of authentic pre-teen emotion.

Tiffany’s Griffon by Magnolia Porter Siddell, illustrated by Maddi Gonzalez (2024) – A fantastical middle grade graphic novel about a girl who desperately wants to be the star of a story, but ends up as the sidekick. 

A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus (2021) – The only non-graphic novel for this category, this middle grade historical fiction set in Britain during WWII has Narnia and found-family vibes.

Graphic novels for the teen crowd (ages 13-18):

Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien by John Hendrix (2024) – Speaking of Narnia, are you curious about author C.S. Lewis and his famous fantasy author friend Tolkien? If so, this book is perfect for you. Great for ages 13+ – it also has strong adult crossover appeal.

Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest by Isabel Greenberg (2024) – Know any teens into witchy tales, folklore, and/or Arthurian myths? This retelling is appropriately gruesome, and has the potential to engage both reluctant and enthusiastic readers alike. 

For adults:

The Jinn-Bot of Shanti-Port by Samit Basu (2023) – I saw this one pitched as having Murderbot and mystery vibes. I need to get a copy for myself, too!

Toward Eternity by Anton Hur (2024) – Hur is the translator of several well-regarded books, and this is their sci-fi debut with notes on AI and climate. 

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World by Robin Wall Kimmerer, illustrations by John Burgoyne (2024) – The author of Braiding Sweetgrass is back with a short book on natural reciprocity. 

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (2024) – From my review at Orange Blossom Ordinary, this story about a time-traveling, doomed Arctic explorer “is hugely entertaining and thoughtful, then casually devastating, and ends on a note of hopeful ambiguity – a most enjoyable science fiction reading experience.”

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki, translated by Jesse Kirkwood (2024) – On the full moon, a mysterious coffee shop appears, staffed by cats who solve problems by serving patrons delicious food! What’s not to love?

Butter by Asako Yuzuki, translated by Polly Barton (2024) – Billed as a killer mystery for foodies, and an international bestseller at that!

Not books, but gifts you can find in a bookstore (links to Barnes & Noble):

Elephant & Piggie socks – For your friend who wants cozy feet with bookish style.

2025 Art Page-A-Day Gallery Calendar – Art, every day of the year!

What books are you gifting this year?

2022 book gift guide

 

It’s time for my annual book gift guide! This is only the second time I’ve done one, and last year’s effort was a last-minute, slapdash list of the books that I was gifting to friends and family. That’s what this year’s list is too, but at least it’s not the 11th hour. [Insert laughing crying emoji] As always, these aren’t all newly released books, but they’re books I found this year & am gifting for the holidays!

 

Friends and family: If you are seeing this, it might be a spoiler alert for you and/or your child. Read on at your own risk!

 

Board books for babies (ages 0-2):

 

What is a Sloth? by Ginger Swift, illustrated by Manu Montoya – A shiny, short, lift-a-flap board book for babies. I’m getting this one for the newest nibling.

 

Crack-Crack! Who Is That? by Tristan Mory – There’s a handle to pull, sound effects, and baby animals appear – this board book is inventive fun and sure to delight the youngest readers, either read independently or with an adult for storytime.

 

Little Red Barn by Ginger Swift – This board book has a unique shape and fun lift-a-flap adventures on a farm with a little red barn. Nothing new or spectacular, but a solid choice!

 

Bumblebee Grumblebee by David Elliot – The only board book on this list without an interactive element on the page. Instead, this one has fun wordplay that will make little ones smile and allow adults to play along with silly rhymes and made up words.

 

Picture books for littles (ages 3-5):

 

Pip & Pup by Eugene Yelchin – A wordless picture book featuring a tiny chick and a farmhouse dog who fears storms. Expressive features and layouts help parents (or children themselves) tell this empathetic story.

 

Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall – New from the Caldecott Award-winning artist, this title’s meticulously detailed pages feature dollhouse-like cutaways of a house and the many generations and families who lived in it. For little ones who might someday grow up to read & love the Little House or Anne of Green Gables books.

 

City Under the City by Dan Yaccarino – A charmingly illustrated picture book/early reader with an intriguing sci-fi premise. Great pick for a wide range of ages – I can see this being a hit read aloud choice with a four-year-old, and also a very proud accomplishment independent read for a six- or seven-year-old.

 

Full Moon by Camila Pintonato – Answers the ever-pressing question: What do animals get up to after small children are tucked in bed? Lovely art and simple, whimsical story.

 

Only the Trees Know by Jane Whittingham, illustrated by Cinyee Chiu – Nondenominational wintertime story with anthropomorphic animals and beautiful snowy forest scenes.

 

Hey! A Colorful Mystery by Kate Read – Read’s picture books are clever, colorful, and both surprise and delight from start to finish. This one’s set underwater and features a MYSTERY.

 

George and His Nighttime Friends by Seng Soun Ratanavanh – Seriously gorgeous art is Ratanavanh’s trademark, but this one takes it up a notch with the story of a lonely boy whose mind won’t stop racing when the lights go out. An excellent bedtime read for ages 3+, with details and easter eggs on every page.

 

Graphic novels for early readers (ages 6-7):

 

Cranky Chicken by Katherine Battersby – A funny early reader graphic novel featuring a dynamic duo (think Norma & Belly from Donut Feed the Squirrels or the Narwhal and Jelly series), one of whom is… well, a cranky chicken!

 

Two-Headed Chicken by Tom Angleberger – A funny, frenetic graphic novel from the author of the Origami Yoda series. Could be a good choice for kiddos up to age 9, depending on their reading confidence and sense of humor (the premise is goofy, with several long-running gags!).

 

Slightly older elementary school kids (ages 8-12):

 

My Aunt is a Monster by Reimena Yee – From my review earlier this year: this graphic novel “is FUN, silly, pretty, and a breath of fresh air. For… anyone with a large imagination and a hankering to explore the unknown.”

 

The Nutcracker and the Mouse King: The Graphic Novel by E.T.A. Hoffman, adapted by Natalie Andrewson – The nostalgia of The Nutcracker paired with the updated whimsy of Nat Andrewson’s fantastic graphic novel art, for a middle grade crowd.

 

Books for the teen crowd (ages 13-18):

 

Supper Club by Jackie Morrow – A brightly colored graphic novel about the final year of high school and a club centered around cooking & food for those who loved Raina Telgemeier’s books when they were a bit younger.

 

Victory. Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile – One of the best books I’ve read this year, and a shoo-in favorite for anyone (ages 13+) interested in history, social justice, sports, and underdog stories. You don’t have to be all of those – just one will do. I’m sending it to my high school student cousin and pushing it on my own students in the classroom.

For adults:

 

Gâteau: The Surprising Simplicity of French Cakes by Aleksandra Crapanzano – I saw a very positive review of this cookbook in Shelf Awareness and thought it might be the perfect gift for my college roommate and best friend who is a baker and studied abroad in France.

 

The Wild Hunt by Emma Seckel – For anyone who likes a bit of romance, historical fiction, and a touch of fantasy. This one takes place somewhere in Scotland in the aftermath of WWII, and isn’t tidily characterized as literary fiction or horror or romance or anything else! Sending to my friend who adored All the Light We Cannot See.

 

Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor – Okorafor (author of Binti) writes inventive, layered science fiction. In Remote Control, Okorafor imagines a “weird, haunting, and visceral future” in a tidy novella package. I’m getting this one for my brother who likes sci-fi and fantasy!

 

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir – Giving this one to myself for the holidays! I’ve heard others rave about it online for years (it won a Goodreads Choice Award in 2019!), and one of my coworkers finally convinced me to give it a try. After all, lesbian necromancers?! Sounds fun, and like the perfect read for grown-ups who obsessed over Garth Nix’s Sabriel as young adults.

 

Not books, but gifts you can find in a bookstore (links to Barnes & Noble):

 

Gnome for the Holidays Advent Calendar – A punny, funny advent calendar with jokes for every day of the advent season. Each day’s “surprise” (not hidden by doors, so it’s more about taking them out of their places) is an ornament, so could be a fun way to decorate a small tree or add new festive cheer to a holiday collection by stringing them into a garland! For the friend or family member who likes wordplay or is always making dad jokes.

 

Nathalie Lété Woodland Dreams 2023 Wall Calendar – Fanciful watercolor art of mushrooms, birds, butterflies, and other woodland delights populate the pages of this full-color, maximalist calendar. Perfect for that friend or relative who is into loud florals and/or vibrant colors.

 

Music Genius Playing Cards – For the music-lovers in your life! Test musical knowledge or create playlists of some of the greats while you play cards. Each suit (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs) features a different musical genre.

2021 book gift guide

I know the title of this post and the banner call this is a gift guide, but it's really more of a "books I gifted this year, in case you're still searching for ideas." I didn't have myself together well enough to put anything together early in the season, but there are still a couple of days left for holiday shopping, so... It's organized by age range, as that seemed to make the most sense, and I may have a couple of words about the books, but unless I've done a full review links go back to Goodreads.

Caveat: This isn't a list of the best books of the year, and not all of these books were even published this year! It's just a list of books I thought would make good gifts.

Board books for babies (ages 0-2):

B is for Baby by Atinuke, illustrated by Angela Brooksbank - A board book all about the letter B, featuring a family in an African village.

Into the Forest by Laura Baker, illustrations by Nadia Taylor - A layered board book that grows increasingly more complex, with a forest creature theme.

Jingle Bells / Navidad: Bilingual Nursery Rhymes by Susie Jaramillo - My most-gifted board book this year! I love the accordion style, lift-the-flap interactive elements of Jaramillo's bilingual board books!

Picture books for littles (ages 3-5):

Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen - A sweet and funny fable for modern times. I picked it up because Barnes & Noble was doing a special, and ended up going back for more copies.

In the Garden by Emma Giuliani - An oversized picture book that outlines the growing process in the garden. Gorgeously-designed!

Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel - A hilarious caper about a cat who lives indoors -- charming, original, and thought-provoking!

Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor - I found this one on a "best of 2021" guide and they were not wrong! An interactive (the book turns! which way is up??) adventure about a bird taking a leap and learning to fly.

Graphic novels early readers (ages 6-7):

Apple of My Pie by Mika Song - The second in a series, this funny, illustration-heavy graphic novel following a pair of manic squirrels has been a hit with everyone I've introduced to it!

Bear by Ben Queen, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton - A seeing-eye dog loses its sight and must regain its purpose in this graphic novel that reads a bit like a movie, complete with danger, twists, and turns!

Mayor Good Boy by Dave Scheidt, illustrated by Miranda Harmon - An excellent bridge book between picture books and graphic novels, with vocabulary suitable for very early readers.

+1 for a slightly older elementary school kid (ages 8-12):

Mel the Chosen by Rachele Aragno - A girl goes on a magical adventure -- and the highlight is the interesting, detailed art style!

Books for the teen crowd (ages 13-18):

I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib - My high school students and I read and enjoyed this graphic novel memoir that tackles big ideas like identity, microaggressions, multi-cultural families, and more.

Miss Meteor by Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore - A book club pick from this past year, and my choice for a 13-year-old cousin who is having fun with makeup and dances.

For adults:

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers - My pick for my dad, who liked the first in the Murderbot series and is a big gardener. It's probably a little progressive for him, but I think he'll enjoy this novella's brevity and its ode to the out of doors.

Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky - My adult brother likes to read fantasy and sci-fi, and I think he'll enjoy this one. It's a bit cerebral and plays with ideas of loneliness and connection.

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich - For my 102-year-old grandmother who likes reading books set in the past, and enjoys well-reviewed literary fiction.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw - An excellent all-around pick: short, incisive, award-winning collection of short stories. This one is going to my aunt.

Which books did you gift this year?

harry potter gift guide

Do you know someone who loves Harry Potter A LOT but seems to already have everything they could possibly want related to the series? Are they picky about gifts? Do they prefer tasteful/useful items? Are they me? (asking for a friend) But seriously, there are about ninety-billion (slight exaggeration) HP-branded items in the wild, and how will you pick the right one for your loved person this holiday season!? *tears out hair, with drama*

Here, have this holiday gift guide. It features new Harry Potter items that are Cecelia-approved (aka my mother would see them and not know to associate them immediately with HP)(my mother has never seen the books/watched the films, but that’s a story for another day). Okay one final aside, I can’t resist.

In retrospect, one of the funniest moments of the mother-daughter Scotland vacation we took in May/June this year (for my mom’s 70th birthday ostensibly, but I snuck plenty of Harry Potter landmarks in, like riding the Hogwarts Express and visiting Tom Riddle’s grave!) is that when we got to the café in Edinburgh where Rowling did most of her writing my mom looked around and said “I didn’t know Harry Potter was still a thing!” I almost melted into the sidewalk. “Yes, Mom, Harry Potter will always be a thing.” My mom: “Huh. [pause] Do you think they have hot chocolate?” (they do, but it’s terrible)

2018 Harry Potter Holiday Gift List (finally)

Morsmordre Crossbody Bag – This bag prompted me to put this gift guide together because it is SUBTLE and AWESOME and I can just imagine myself smiling smugly when my mom asks “is Morsmordre a designer brand?” As to why I would want it to begin with, let me put it this way: I read a lot of Drarry fanfic.

Amortentia Crossbody Bag – Okay but as soon as I was on the BoxLunch website I found that they have a whole range of cool HP-themed bags and this one is legit too perfect not to showcase. For your friend who is bubblegum on the outside and danger on the inside. Also if you liked these bags they have a Horcrux Collection. *eyes them all longingly*

Ron Weasley Yule Ball Ornament – Just looking at this makes me laugh, it’s so perfect. Your HP-loving friend’s tree needs this. I don’t make the rules!

Harry Wanted Poster Enamel Pin – You’ve noticed that enamel pins are having a moment (I assume). I argue that you must have this one for a complete and proper set of flair. 

Magic Photo and Video Printer – This is SO AWESOME and you’re going to look at the price tag and feel like you've been Kissed by a Dementor. BUT. It is amazing that we’ve made the moving pictures from Harry Potter a reality (with a little help from your iPhone/android). I have one and using this in your DIY photo booth is the perfect party activity!

Williams Sonoma collection of Harry Potter candies – I am weak for aesthetics, and I know you could probably rig up a version of this at home but I just want to believe I could line these jars of HP-inpsired candies up and transform my kitchen into Honeydukes, okay??

Quidditch carousel candle topper and Hogwarts candle pot – Oooooooo. This set will Lumos your wintry nights. It's beautiful, and stylish, and keepsake-quality. I think it speaks for itself.

Maurader’s Map towel set – I realize that these are backordered and so won’t arrive in time for Christmas, but aren’t they great?? Subtly says "I am up to no good." Cool. In my favorite neutral (gray). I wants it.

Dobby Christmas socks (quidditch-themed this year) – Snitches and brooms on contrasting color socks. What more could you want?? (can you tell I’m getting increasingly more excited/frantic as we go?)(I want it all!!!)

Ron Weasley sweater socks – Yo, just a hint of HP and the coziest looking socks ever. Your feet will thank you.

Azkaban prisoner sweater – I’m including this mostly because it made me laugh, and I would want it (I’m a little twisted). Easiest Halloween costume ever, plus a cozy sweater for wintertime when you’re bundled up on the couch in your Gryffindor throw blanket that you no doubt already own/have made. I may be projecting here.

Owl post earrings – Can you put a price on elegance, subtlety, and/or not having your ears turn green?? In review, I want these.

So there you go. Thanks for taking this ride with me. Further suggestions welcome in the comments!

Fine print: All images from retailer sites (directly linked in the post). I did not receive any compensation for this post and it's not sponsored.

groundhug day

I like to send my friends valentines every year (friend love is love!), but I almost missed doing it this year because Valentine’s Day falls right in the middle of Olympics season! I’m a fan of sports, and I especially love to watch the Olympics for women’s sports excellence. Today’s featured picture book doesn’t feature sports, but it does have spring holidays, friends, and overcoming fears with help from those friends. Let’s talk about the adorable Groundhug Day by Anne Marie Pace, illustrated by Christopher Denise.

Moose is having a Valentine’s Day party, and all his friends are so excited! Everyone except Groundhog, that is. If Groundhog sees his shadow outside, he’ll hide in his hole for six more weeks and miss the party! Determined to help their friend join them, Moose, Squirrel, Bunny, and Porcupine put their heads together and come up with a plan. But will it be enough to get Groundhog out to play? This heartwarming picture book by the author of Vampirina Ballerina, with adorable illustrations by Christopher Denise, is sure to be a hit, whether readers are bursting for spring or snuggling up for six more weeks of winter. 

Moose, Squirrel, Bunny, Porcupine, and Groundhog are all fast friends, and Moose is planning a Valentine’s Day party. Moose wants all his friends to come. Squirrel wants to have Valentine balloons. Bunny wants Valentine cards. Porcupine offers Valentine hugs (ouch!). But while the animals are planning, their friend Groundhog comes out of his hole on Groundhog Day and sees his shadow! How will they get him to join the party? Following some helpful demonstrations, Groundhog overcomes his fears, hugs are offered all around, and he reappears six weeks later in time for a St. Patrick’s Day party.

Groundhug Day is a celebration of friendship featuring incredibly cute animals against the backdrop of spring holidays. It’s the sort of picture book that will be a big hit with parents, teachers, and librarians as well as kids – there’s subtle humor, a good message, and it’s seasonally appropriate for several months of the year. Will it appeal to ALL kids? I can see how the cover could prompt some adults to hand it to girls especially, but it’s a picture book about animals for small children – it’s meant to be read aloud, and it’s appropriate for everyone. As for the animals, a couple use male pronouns, and another is coded as male (Moose wears a cozy sweater and reading glasses), so there’s inclusion baked in.

Let’s talk about the art! Christopher Denise has nailed cute and cozy in this book, and it’s charming. Also, fun. Bunny and Squirrel are especially delightful with their big, liquid eyes and general fluff. But the book is not just animals – the pages are populated with home interiors meticulously decorated and filled, and landscapes depicting mountains, meadows, and trees. No detail is left untended (including the endpapers!), so the overall feel of the book is lived-in, and loving. It’s a treat.

In all, Groundhug Day is an appealing, enjoyable picture book with potential staying power due to its themes and exceptional art.

Recommended for: kids ages 4-8 and their adult readers (if the kids are on the younger side), and anyone looking for a spring holiday-themed read.

Fine print: I received a copy of this title from the publisher for review consideration. I did not receive any compensation for this post.

decked with holly

I love the holidays.  The gifting, decorating, music (some of it, anyway), the baking, the parties and the sparkles – I love all of it.  I read holiday-themed stories, too, both in-season and out.  Some of them are good, some are terrible, and a few fall into mediocre territory.  While Marni Bates’ Decked with Holly had a stellar recommendation and a happily-ever-after at Christmastime, it did not deliver that other important element I look for in contemporary YA – a plausible, enjoyable story.

Smartly blending of-the-moment pop culture references and timeless themes, Bates follows her YA debut, Awkward, with a hilarious, over-the-top adventure about a teen girl who becomes the fake girlfriend of a cute rock star. 

Taking a Christmas cruise with her two cousins from hell isn't Holly's idea of a good time. And when seasickness forces her into an open suite, she's pepper-sprayed by a gorgeous guy called Nick. But when Holly makes her exit, she's greeted by a horde of screaming teenage fans. Because Nick happens to be Dominic Wyatt, drummer for one of the hottest bands in America. Suddenly rumours are swirling and Holly's face is plastered all over the Internet. The band can't risk a scandal destroying their family-friendly image, so Dominic convinces Holly to be his fake girlfriend - just for two weeks. How bad could it be to be "fauxmantically" involved with a cute rock star? She's about to find out...

Heroine Holly is that non-endangered species, the YA cliché (she’s *ahem* an orphan).  She also has evil stepsisters, a doting but largely absent grandfather, low self-esteem, naïveté, and she is pulled into crazy situations by her best friend Jen.  Did I mention that she’s poor?  And her cousins call her Orphan Annie.  I could go on, really.  Dominic Wyatt, her supposed foil, is a rock star a la Justin Bieber or One Direction, and he just wants a break.  What is absolutely amazing (read: sarcasm) is that he has no entourage and a pretty non-existent family as well, which makes convenient and possible his availability on the same cruise as poor girl Holly.  Throw in some seasickness, some rabid fans and a large contingent of paparazzi (again, how?!), and you’ve got the makings of YA as wish fulfillment, sans charm or cohesion.

As I alluded to above, what bothered me most about the story was its deadly combo of cliché and implausibility.  I can appreciate a light, cute story with famous characters (see: Epic Fail, Jenna & Jonah’s Fauxmance).  However, when the plot has gaping holes, the characters seem to be made of cardboard, and there are no real surprises or obstacles to overcome or character development to be had, it’s time to reevaluate.

What did I like, then? Well, I like Christmas.  I’ve never considered going on a ‘real’ vacation over a holiday (except for that one time when I was in Spain for a semester… does that count?), but the setting of Christmas on a cruise ship was interesting.  I also thought that the characters had decent chemistry, even if their dialogue and interactions wouldn’t win any awards.  And that is pretty much it.

Recommended for: those with an incurable desire for fluffy Christmas romances, and fans of Rachel Hawthorne’s Snowed In or Love on the Lifts.

giveaway! for a book of your choice

It’s holiday time, there are lights up everywhere, we’ve had a day or three of cold weather here in DC, and I have procured and decorated a Christmas tree. No matter what holidays you celebrate (or do not celebrate) this month, books are the answer. That’s why I’m hosting a giveaway.

Yes, a lovely, choose-your-own-gift sort of giveaway!  Three winners will each receive a book of their choice (up to US$30 – that should cover any hardcovers or audiobooks you may want to get your hands on) from Amazon or The Book Depository.  To enter, simply fill out this FORM.  Giveaway open internationally, will end December 20, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.  Winners will be selected randomly and notified via email.  Good luck!

book blogger holiday swap returns for 2011

Do you have a book blog? Do you like to send and receive holiday gifts? If you answered ‘Yes’ to both of those questions, you should probably get in on the Book Blogger Holiday Swap. I’ve taken part for the last two years, and it’s been fun and positive each time. I look at the swap as my chance to make another book blogger’s day. And that, my dears, is a VERY rewarding feeling.

Are you in? Go check out the sign-up post and get involved. After all, the holidays are coming soon!

welcome to a new year

I don’t like to make resolutions, and I especially don’t like sharing them. Come to that, I don’t like being forced to say what I’m thankful for at Thanksgiving. That information is weirdly personal, and I’m not sure anyone really needs that much access to my thoughts. Very probably that is something to work on in my character. I also feel like sharing resolutions or thankful thoughts ties you to them – you can’t unsay that stuff, and people always seem to REMEMBER.

Be that as it may, I voiced two New Year’s resolutions in public last night. The first was to blog more. Everyone there immediately protested, “But you blog so much already!” Which you, dear reader, already know was unfortunately untrue in November and December 2010. I will get back in the swing of things.

And the second resolution: to learn how to make Beef Wellington. I am rather determined to become a good cook (moving up from ‘fair’), as I am already a good baker (though I’d like to get to ‘excellent’ in that category, now that I think of it). Wish me luck! I will of course share my exploits. Notice I didn’t just say successes. If I fail spectacularly and remember to take photos, you can be sure it’ll go on the blog.

[photo of beef wellington from foodists.ca]

When I look at my two resolutions, I can’t help but think that they are small things. But often the ‘small’ things make such a difference in quality of life and a sense of purpose that they turn into big things. What are your ‘small’ resolutions for the New Year?

new holiday recipe? check!

This autumn has been interesting. I’ve changed jobs, had a blog hiccup, and have a lot of unanswered email in my inbox. On the flip side, I’ve cultivated friendships, read some amazing books and made a triumphant return to cooking. But I’ve known for a while that it wouldn’t be in my budget to get gifts for everyone on my list. Instead, I resolved to go the baked goods route for those lovely friends.

I’ve made up little confectioner’s bags of Christmas Fudge and this new (to me) recipe of Peanut Walnut Brittle – and I have to say that they’ll be perfectly sweet holiday treats. In the interest of full disclosure: I was scared to attempt the brittle. I’ve never done candy or anything (aside from fudge) that required a candy thermometer. Luckily, this is a simple, straight-forward recipe. If you have all of the ingredients ready to go beforehand, you should be just fine. At least, I was. Yay!

Peanut Walnut Brittle (adapted from this recipe)

peanut walnut brittle on the right. also in process: peppermint bark!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup white (granulated) sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup water

1 cup nuts (half cup peanuts and half cup walnuts)

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon baking soda

right after we'd poured the brittle into the pan

DIRECTIONS

Grease a large cookie sheet. Set aside.

In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in nuts. Set candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.

it seemed like there was a lot of butter on the brittle, so i took a paper towel to it

my friend Greta takes a turn breaking up the peanut brittle with a wax paper-covered hammer

Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. With wooden fork, lift and pull peanut mixture into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. Snap candy into pieces.

I tripled this recipe and didn’t have any problems, although I waited a bit longer than the recipe called for to add in the nuts. If you DO triple the recipe, have two cookie sheets ready to go – it’ll fill them right up. OH! And most useful tip ever: have boiling water ready to pour into your cooking pot right after you finish with it. Makes cleanup about a thousand times simpler. Store in an airtight container for up to a month!

Recommended for: a not-too-sweet holiday staple, a versatile snack, and a challenge for anyone who wants to wander on the adventurous side of Christmas baking.

the kid table

I’ve said it here before, and I’ll probably rave again – I’m a fantasy geek. I love escaping the here-and-now and experiencing the only-in-someone’s-wildest-imaginings. BUT. Every once and a while contemporary fiction punches me in the gut. In a good way, if you can picture that. Well, never mind, I can’t either. I meant to infer that there’s something so very raw and honest and mirror-like about it that you can’t help but be caught up, moved, and possibly even changed forever. Andrea Seigel’s novel The Kid Table was a bit like that for me. Or a lot. You decide.

It's there at every family event. A little smaller, collapsible, and decked out with paper napkins because you can't be trusted with the good ones. But you're stuck there. At the Kid Table. Because to them- to the adults- you're still a kid.

Ingrid Bell and her five teenage cousins are in exactly this situation. Never mind the fact that high school is almost over. They're still eating mac and cheese with a toddler. But what happens when the rules change? When Brianne, the oldest cousin, lands a seat at the Adult Table, the others are in shock. What does it take to graduate from the Kid Table?

Over the course of five family events, Ingrid and her cousins attempt to finish childhood and send the infamous table into retirement. But as Ingrid turns on the charm in order to manipulate her situation, the family starts questioning her motives. And when her first love comes in the form of first betrayal, Ingrid is forced to consider how she fits into this family and what it means to grow up.

First off, you should know that I’m from a large family of VERY close siblings. I mean there are five of us kids, and only six and a half years separating us in age. So there’s that parallel with the story already. I could picture Ingrid’s family (albeit extended, while mine is immediate) so clearly that it startled. I felt like I’d lived the scenes. The ones where one relative does that THING or someone else has THAT quirk – it was just real, you know? I discovered a very rare and authentic connection. With a fictional family.

And then there was the narrator, Ingrid – who discovered (for herself) what she was really like over the course of the book, and if she was okay with that. I identified with Ingrid's psyche, and not always the good things, either. The Kid Table was seriously eerie in parts, because I found myself in it. I was tempted to write to Ms. Seigel immediately after finishing the novel to demand to know how she’d gotten in my head. It wasn’t a comfortable feeling necessarily, but it was true.

As for the novel on its own merit, it’s about coming of age/adulthood. In other words, it’s a universal story. It has real-seeming characters, making real mistakes, on a very real stage. I think it will appeal to a lot of young adults, and probably even more so to the older readers of young adult fiction – those of us a couple of years on, who are still wondering faintly if we did it right? If we’re there. Adults. Or wherever it is that we’re supposed to be. I really enjoyed The Kid Table. Go read it, find bits of yourself in it or perhaps bits of others. But I hope you’ll find that it’s as true and beautiful (in a hard-as-diamond sort of way) as I did.

“This book is the real thing—hilarious, original, and as true as your mother thinking your boyfriend's too good for you. Boy do I wish I'd written it.”

—Meg Rosoff, author of the Michael L. Printz award winner How I Live Now

Recommended for: older teens, anyone with a large family or a treasure trove of stories from family gatherings, fans of contemporary young adult novels, and those looking for honest fiction.