lit*chick

well rested

I should be inserting my sigh of contentment here, but I can't hear out of my right ear (waterlogged) and it's really bugging me. Truthfully, I've had a mostly relaxing week - slept alot, ate some, read a little, and traveled none. I hope you had a lovely Christmas and found some time to read. Did anyone get books as gifts?  Do tell.

My December reading has been pretty blah (much like my blogging). I did read The Hunger Games (ya novel -fantastic!), Mrs. Mike, and finally finished America, America. 

And if you haven't emerged yet from your Christmas cave, no worries. Although I will tell you that this is an excellent time to add to your kids' Christmas book library - it's all half price (and online at b&n)!  This year we added Lemony Snicket's Lump of Coal and Drummer Boy.

Plans for New Years', anyone?

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Online Bookclub & a Giveaway

I'm not making much progress in my December stacks. I've been stuck in the same 4 books for over a week. And I like them all, so putting them aside doesn't feel right.  Having so many family birthdays (5) right before Christmas is no joke.

Back to business:

• Guernsey questions are up.  And if you look to the right - I made a widget. It's not fancy, but you are welcome to add it to your blog. And I think you can resize it :)

• Online bookclub has a new home, (to the left), and I'm keeping up the older posts until I can transition them to the new site. Look for some small changes to the blog to make navigating a bit easier. It's getting crowded and cleaning it up should be easier than cleaning my closet. Ouch.

• If you have any suggestions for 2009 Online Bookclub selections, I'd be interested in doing some reader's choice months. Please email me this week if you are interested.

• I got a lovely email from Andrew Davidson, author of The Gargoyle, on goodreads. If you haven't joined yet, don't be intimidated by the daunting task of adding all your books right away. But perhaps for 2009 we can be goodreads friends?

AND

• a QUICK giveaway. I completely forgot I had this book to giveaway - I realize it would have been nice to have earlier in the holiday season, but it will still  be a nice addition to your library.

Let the Merrymaking Begin - Christmas with Mary Engelbreit Volume 1. (note: my cover is a little different - much more Maryish)

Leave a comment by midnight tonight. Winner on Friday am.

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Gift Guide: Basket of Books

If I had to get a big gift for a reader, I would grab a big ole basket and fill it with my go-to books of the year. Obviously, Guernsey would be in it. As would:

The Book Thief or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Hearts of Horses

< The Middle Place

Tomato Girl

The House at Riverton

What would be in your gift basket?

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Gift Guide: Make Believe

Sorry to report that one of my favorite finds is on backorder until January. But there are birthdays coming up too, right? And this deserves to be shared:

 &

  and there are more - a grocery store, firehouse, princess room, fairy cottage, and beauty salon. Pull out your card tables...hold the blankets.

From the shop of miss pretty pretty.

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Review Day: This One is Mine by Maria Semple

Throughout the day, reviews will begin popping up on the read feed. Like magic.

Starting with This One is Mine .

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Two Hanky Tuesday

One of our (me & my peeps) favorite memoirs The Middle Place comes out in paperback on December 23 (just in time for you to pop into the bookstore and gift it to well, any woman on your list). I got this in my email this morning from author Kelly Corrigan.  Gird yourself with Kleenex and pass along to a friend. And to all my friends - virtual and in the flesh - much love & blessings to you.

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Books & Movies

It's been a while since I posted about this - but it seems as though the time between a published book and the movie release is shorter and shorter. And yes, I understand that it's about striking while the iron is hot. And yes, it is possible (although doubtful) that the movie could enhance the book.  My personal feeling on that particular point is in cases of books like Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Harry Potter,  all fantasy, that the movies are completely .

Anyhoo...I haven't seen any of these movies (yet). But I have (in most cases) read the books.

Secret Life of Bees - thought the book was okay. Would actually watch the movie, because in cases where the book is meh, the movie may be worthwhile.

Twilight - read it. Not sure about the casting, may wait for dvd release. I am officially the only person I know who hasn't seent it.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - amazing story. Can see how it could be a wonderful movie, if done right. From what I've read and seen about the film, it's powerful.  Don't know if I'd be able to watch it - especially knowing where it is goes...

Revolutionary Road - in the middle of the book now. I'm a fan of Kate Winslet. Curious to see the differences. Although now I can't help but read the characters as Kate & Leonardo.  Angela at Crew Creative sent me this movie trailer:

Tale of Despereaux - one of my all-time favorite books which happens to be children's lit. The boys love it too. So of course, we'll be seeing it. I'm hopeful.

Marley & Me< - didn't read the book. Definitely willing to see the movie, especially since Laura's dad is in it. :)

I know most of you don't have the same book to movie issues that I do. Are you planning to see any of these or have you already?

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GIVEAWAY UPDATE: Sorry for the delay. Allison - you've won. Go back through the choices and please confirm which calendar you would like :)

Gift Guide: Subscribe

Giving magazine subscriptions is way underrated. I wonder why?  I receive The Atlantic Monthly, National Geographic, and a home decor magazine (rotating annually through various titles - right now it's Coastal Living) every year and I look forward to those treats in my mailbox every month. Kids too - especially if you are an auntie who lives far away, send the littles a Cricket, Highlights, NG jr, or SI kids. And it's a custom gift - tailored to the hobbies and interests of the recipient - gardening, decorating, crafting, decorating, even shopping.

And around the holidays, most magazines have a  buy one get one free special, meaning you could send 2 gifts, or adopt the one for me one for you policy. :) Simple, easy, and affordable - what's not to like?

Do you give/receive magazine subscriptions? If so, which ones? 

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Reminder - Today is the final day to enter the calendar giveaway. Winner chosen Saturday morn.

Gift Guide: Calendars

Which one to choose? These are affordable enough to use Laura's buying philosophy. :)

 from lauriecoyle designs

 from modern art everyday

 printable! fromlittle brown pen

 Poshta Design

decorate your own or print one or both from a little hut

  sure as blue

smack of jellyfish

 sarah jane studios

 saratams

 origamichan

Leave me a comment with your favorite for a chance to win it. Giveaway closes Friday pm. Winner announced Saturday am.

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Two Things

1. I am stunned by the news that Dewey of The Hidden Side of a Leaf (the mama of book blogging, in my eyes) is no longer with us. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

2. Frances at Nonsuch Book is giving away ABC3D - go here & enter.

Later today, the Gift Guide will be up with an extensive list of CALENDARS. See you then.

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