Secret Santa Strikes Again

 We've had a busy and fun Christmas to say the least!  Anjin, Mouse and I flew up north to visit my mother and extended family for the holiday, just arriving home yesterday evening.  Mouse had a great time.  She really took to flying, and I imagine it will be awhile before she isn't mentioning airplanes in just about every conversation.

This year Christmas was a very much a bookish one.  I gave away quite a few books to family and friends for Christmas.  I did my best to pair books with the right reader, all the while wanting to challenge them a bit by giving them books that they might not have picked up on their own. 

In addition to the usual family and friends gifts this year, I took part in two gift exchanges: the SantaThing organized by LibraryThing and The Broke and Bookish Secret Santa Exchange. Sometimes these exchanges are the only way I get books for the holidays.  I wouldn't think I'm that hard to shop for when it comes to books, but, then again, maybe there are those who think the last thing I need is more books . . .

My husband is the one person I can count on in my face to face life who will most likely get me a book or two for Christmas each year.  And this year was no different.  He made sure I had a couple of books under the tree.  He knew how much I wanted a print copy of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus, which I listened to and loved earlier this year, and was crossing my fingers someone would get me Cold Days by Jim Butcher (even if I'm not quite caught up to the book in the Dresden Files series).  Don't I have the best husband?

My Broke and Bookish Secret Santa is awesome!  She spoiled me this holiday with bookmarks, a Christmas decoration, and, of course, books!  She clearly did her research before shopping for me.  My husband is drooling over The Twenty-Year Death by Ariel S. Winter, as am I.  It'll be a race to see who gets to read that one first.  Death in the City of Light: The Serial Killer of Nazi Occupied Paris by David King sounds very intriguing--and feeds my interest in all things World War II related.  Ever since I first heard about it, I have been wanting to read The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman. Many thanks to my wonderful Secret Santa Katie! 

 LibraryThing's Secret Santa exchange is always an interesting one, and I look forward to it each year I have participated.  The members are diverse, and I often get books that are relatively unknown or new to me.  My Secret Santa this year was Mellu from Finland.  I received four e-books that sound right up my alley: Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, Fated by Benedict Jacka, The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer, and The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.  I can't wait to read them!  Thank you, Mellu!

The one who really made out book-wise for Christmas this year was little Mouse.  I didn't do an exact count, but I'm pretty sure she came home with 20 or so books.  She's one lucky girl!

What books did you get for the holidays this year?  Are there any you are particularly looking forward to reading?

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