I went and did it. I joined Library Thing's SantaThing. It should be fun. I was a little apprehensive about who I would have to buy for. Would they have completely different tastes and therefore be hard to buy for? I'm not sure if it was planned on LT's part, but my recipient has very similar tastes to mine. We both like mysteries, and collect Viragos and Persephone Books and have lots of titles that overlap in both our libraries. I've already made my gift selections. Now it's mostly a matter of hoping that I don't select something they've already read! We can choose books up to $20 in value. I was hoping to find two. It's really hard, even with Amazon's discounts, to find two trade paperbacks that amount to less than $20. I know I could have easily just taken the money and bought some new books for myself, but this has the element of surprise and knowing another booklover selected something for your based on your 'library'.
I stopped at the library last night (after making my first trip to the post office--there will be another one next week, too). Even though my reading plans are pretty set at the moment, I always still look for something really, really good. I always want to find some hidden treasure of a book that I've not seen before that I will absolutely love. Alas, it is now the humdrum time of year when not much seems to be published (at least of great interest to me). So I didn't find anything (which is probably a good thing). However, when I came home the Jan/Feb issue of Bookmarks Magazine was waiting for me. A cursory glance through didn't seem promising. More of what I've already seen. They have a section, though, of forthcoming releases, so here are some possibilities:
An Incomplete Revenge, Jacqueline Winspear (2/18/08) Maisie returns. I can't wait!
Life Class, Pat Barker (1/29/08) Another WWI novel. This is definitely one I'll be getting.
People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks (1/1/08) "The journey of a rare illuminated manuscript through centuries of exile and war. Inspired by a true story, People of the Book is at once a novel of sweeping historical grandeur and intimate emotional intensity, an ambitious, electrifying work by an acclaimed and beloved author."
Painter of Battles, Arturo Perez-Reverte (1/8/08) Yay, must get back to the Alatrists novels, but I see he is back to writing stand alone novels once again. The man is amazing--what he knows and what he puts into his books always stuns (and entertains) me!
Chameleon's Shadow, Minette Walters (1/8/08) It's been ages since I've read anything by Walters. This sounds like a tempting thriller.
I hope I get a gift card to a bookstore now that I have a list of new books I want to buy...
This weekend looks to be hectic once again. Christmas shopping is on the agenda. Ugh. It may even require a trip to a mall. Ugh again. If I was using my credit card I would shop for everything online and not leave the house. Best to get it over with this weekend and avoid the craziness of the stores right before the holiday.
And only two more work days left before vacation! Ah, the anticipation.