*Books that I loved from Nov/Dec that I feel like mentioning:
- Full Circle - Pamela Freeman: Seriously, can she get any better? A great ending to the trilogy although I would have liked to see something of an Epilogue for a more complete look at the after . . . sorry so vague, but no spoilers here! I can't wait for her nest outing.
- Mr. Shivers - Robert Bennett: This is one debut that you don't want to miss, especially if you are a fan of Stephen King, Steinbeck (thanks to PW for that great comparison), with a little Faulkner and Cormac McCarthy thrown in for good measure. Brilliantly written and a gem. And, his guest blog on www.orbitbooks.net is classic and wonderful. He is one to watch.
- Captivate - Carrie Jones: The sequel to last year's Need won't disappoint. Need was one of my favorite things last year (any book whose chapter headings are all phobias is a winner automatically!) and except for Captivate's cliffhanger, it is sure to be as well. She just gets better and better.
- Soulless -- Gail Carriger: OH MY GOD. If you have any inclination for any Bronte, Austen, vampires, werewolves, parasols, or just a damn good read, you must pick up Soulless immediately. I haven't laughed this hard reading a book in years or had so much fun with a bustle ever. And her blog? Total must read. Hysterical. Changeless (4/10)can't come soon enough.
- Swan Thieves - Elizabeth Kostova: I was a HUGE fan of The Historian when it came out 4 years ago and could not wait for this. It is a different sort of book than her previous but it shows her range and her depth of writing, as well as her commitment to research. I will be curious to see if there are historical notes in the finished book (I read an ARC) because the assertions that she makes are powerful enough to pursue, and I don't know if they are rooted in fact or not. Fantastic.
*Fun things of Note:
- Book Blogger Holiday Swap: Calling all book bloggers! If you don't do this, you are missing out. I am not the Secret Santa type, but this was perfect. We are all junkies and love getting book related items, so you can't lose! My santa was great. She was Amanda Teague, from NYC and she sent awesome stuff that was perfect. I am most appreciative and can't wait for next year. My santee (sp?) was Monica Schroeder, www.bibliophilicbookblog.com, who I have to say is PROLIFIC with the book reviewing . . . she puts most of us to shame! I am a new follower of her blog and have to say that I am enjoying it (especially her contests . . . ereaders, YAY!)! Thanks Holiday Swap!
- I love trivia contests! Especially the Orbit ones! I have to say that I am shameless with these because there is no better prize than one that you want. Who doesn't want a special spyglass from Kevin J. Anderson or a bag full of books, usually ones that you are going to buy anyway? It is the best part of my month when the Orbit Report email comes and I get to flex that trivia muscle. Sad, but true.
That's all for now, but more to come now that holiday hysteria is over. My goal for next year? More book reviews, all the time. I read constantly and get so much stuff because of my job and I don't write about much of it! Travesty! I have so much to say!
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