Sunday, December 20, 2015

It's Monday! And the Jingle Bells Are Ringing!



It’s been a few weeks since I did a Monday update. But my winter break week has finally arrived, now that I’ve completed grading a sleigh-load of student papers. I haven’t been blogging much these past couple of weeks (due to an endless leaning stack of work), but I did post two reviews: In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward and The Lake House by Kate Morton. I also posted a new entry in my ongoing series, Dear Corn Syrup.  This one involved figuring out how to manage family holiday celebrations when you don’t like one of your family members. Also, just last night I finished Kent Haruf’s Our Souls at Night and will post a review soon.

I want to give a shout-out to my TBTB Secret Santa, Lois Johnson, for adding a few new titles to my leaning stack: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce and Packing for Mars by Mary Roach.  


Also thank you to poet Erin Malone, author of Hover, for making these fabulous bloggish bookmarks:


I am grateful to all of you on the interwebs for bringing me ideas for such fun reading material these past few weeks. I love seeing everyone’s book wishlists and best-of-the-year lists. My very favorite thing to read this time of year is The Millions’ A Year In Reading series. My gift to you is a journey down this festive rabbit hole. Check it out!

Given that I have so much holiday cheer left to spread this week, I’m planning to read just one book. I’ve decided it’s going to be The Wonder Garden by Lauren Acampora. Here’s the description on Goodreads:

In her stunning debut collection, The Wonder Garden, Lauren Acampora brings to the page with enchanting realism the myriad lives of a suburban town and lays them bare. These linked stories take a trenchant look at the flawed people of Old Cranbury, incisive tales that reveal at each turn the unseen battles we play out behind drawn blinds, the creeping truths from which we distract ourselves, and the massive dreams we haul quietly with us and hold close.

Hopefully I’ll update one more time before the end of the week, but I don’t have a great track record these days. May your days be merry and bright!

(It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Date)

9 comments:

Maree said...

Those bookmarks are gorgeous! Have a great week :)

Greg said...

Those are neat bookmarks. Enjoy your reads and have a great holiday week!

Teresa Kander said...

Gorgeous bookmarks. Merry Christmas!

Marce said...

I am intrigued by Kate Morton but haven't gave her a try yet. Will read your review. Happy Holidays

Unknown said...

Your Secret Santa is awesome! Love Mary Roach.

Lindsay said...

I'm curious what you thought of the Kent Haruf book. His other book, "Plainsong" is on my to-read list. Honestly I'm not sure I'm going to like him, but his books are set in my home state of Colorado so of course they grab my attention! I'm glad you got a fun package from your Secret Santa since you sent such a nice one to me! :)

jennifer said...

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

Elizabeth said...

What a nice week for you. I hope your stack of papers doesn't keep you away from reading too much.

I remember those days of grading and lesson plans. So glad they are behind me now. :)

Going to check out your review of The Lake House. I enjoyed the book.

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is good...I hope you enjoy it.

Love those bookmarks.

ENJOY your break, and Merry Christmas!!

Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My It's Monday, What Are You Reading

jennifer said...

Thanks, Elizabeth!