Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Holiday Writing

The next meeting of the Reader's Advisory Roundtable will take place in the new year on Wednesday, February 12th at 9am and we will be roadtripping out to the SPRINGVILLE ROAD LIBRARY.  Our topic of discussion will be timely for Valentine's Day as we talk about the romance and erotica genres.  You may read as gentle or spicy a title as you can stand, then come tell us about it on 2/12/14!

Today we discussed holiday writing of all stripes: cookbooks, holiday history, creepy turn of the century postcards, dysfunctional families, funny stories, Sherlock Holmes, and more!

The Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright 
Keep some tissues on hand for this holiday story that is sure to be a Christmas classic!
Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to the someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others more needy than I...Her reporter’s intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.

Rising newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the secret behind the "Christmas Jars" – glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously given to people in need. But Hope discovers much more than she bargained for when some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness and brings above a Christmas Eve wish come true.  (amazon.com)
Kelly, Springville Road

How did we get from Saturnalia to Santa Claus?  From a berobed clergyman to "right jolly old elf?"  Through turn-of-the-century German postcards and the evolution of the name around the world (Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, Jultomten, Pere Noel, etc), Grossman gives the reader access to the little known or discussed history of Santa Claus.  I for one was delighted to learn about early Santa's more than slightly demonic partner, Krampus, who doled out punishment while Santa gave out presents.  Great, GREAT read!
Holley, Emmet O'Neal

What is the connection between May Day and the Statue of Liberty? Between ancient solstice fires and Fourth of July fireworks? Between St. Valentine, the Groundhog, and the Virgin Mary? In The Book of the Year, Anthony Aveni offers fascinating answers to these questions and explains the many ways humans throughout time have tried to order and give meaning to time's passing. Aveni traces the origins of modern customs tied to seasonal holidays, exploring what we eat, the games we play, the rituals we perform, and the colorful cast of characters we invent to dramatize holidays. Along the way, Aveni illuminates everything from the Jack 'O Lantern and our faith in the predictive power of animals to the ways in which Labor Day reflects the great medieval "time wars," when the newly invented clock first pitted labor against management. Vividly written, filled with facts both curious and astonishing, this engrossing book allows us to hear that beat more clearly and to understand more fully the rhythms we all dance to throughout the year. (amazon.com)
Samuel, Central BST

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris (audiobook)
Meet Crumpet the Elf, the most cynical elf to ever work in Macy’s SantaLand.  In Holidays on Ice, David Sedaris’s hilarious holiday audiobook compilation, he recounts the absurdity and obnoxiousness of both his fellow workers and the customers inside Macy’s NYC during Christmas time.   Among the visitors are the woman who sneaks her cat in to sit on Santa’s lap and the foreigners who come alone to meet Santa; as well as the pageant parents who comb and spray their child’s hair while sitting on Santa’s lap.  In addition to the SantaLand Diaries, there are five more comical stories included in this compilation.  Highlights include Front Row Center with Thaddeus Bristol, where a professional critic harshly reviews a middle school Christmas pageant and Christmas Means Giving, where neighbors try to outdo each other with overly generous Christmas gifts.  If you need just one good reason to check out this audiobook, here it is: a chance to hear David Sedaris sing “Away in a Manger” in the style of Billie Holiday just to spite Santa.
Carrie, Hoover

The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry
In 1960 in the town of Asquont, New York, young Doug Barnes is preparing to play one of the wise men in the church Christmas pageant.   Hilarity ensues as one of his fellow wise men brings a small radio and plays it under his cloak just to get a rise out of Doug and the other wise men.  Ms. Elkin, the harsh stage director hears something but can’t quite put her finger on and it and thus, thinks she is going crazy.  Other obstacles arise and it seems the Christmas pageant might be ruined, but there is a flicker of hope when Doug and his father adopt Walter the dog on Christmas Eve.  This is highly recommended for fans of the movie A Christmas Story.
Carrie, Hoover

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
Based on Capote’s childhood, A Christmas Memory, follows the young child Buddy and his much older (and child-like) cousin Sook as they gather ingredients to make fruitcakes to send out at Christmas time.  To procure one ingredient, they must visit the local Native-American Haha Jones to purchase bootleg whisky.  Buddy and his cousin send the fruitcakes to acquaintances and strangers, including President Franklin Roosevelt. Each year, the pair anticipates their gifts to each other; even though, they always make each other kites.  Nonetheless, they are pleased to receive these gifts each year.  The ending is quite sad, but as most Capote tales go, it is very poignant, too.
Carrie, Hoover

Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
It's the week before Christmas, and antiques dealer Weezie Foley is in a frenzy to garnish her shop for the Savannah historical district decorating contest, which she intends to win. Weezie is ready to shoot herself with her glue gun by the time she's done, but the results are stunning. She's certainly one-upped the owners of the trendy boutique around the corner, but suddenly things start to go missing from her display, and there seems to be a mysterious midnight visitor to her shop.

Still, Weezie has high hopes for the holiday—maybe in the form of an engagement ring from her chef boyfriend. But Daniel, always moody at the holidays, seems more distant than usual. Throw in Weezie's decidedly odd family, a 1950s Christmas tree pin, and even a little help from the King himself (Elvis, that is), and maybe there will be a pocketful of miracles for Weezie this Christmas Eve.  (amazon.com)
Mondretta, Leeds

Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and Savannah was breezy
But there's trouble afoot - and it's heading toward Weezie.
Seems BeBe’s been holding a big secret back
that would make Santa’s reindeer stop dead in their tracks.
Can these two best friends wriggle out of these twists?
Will they do it in time to ensure CHRISTMAS BLISS?
Return to the wonderful world of Mary Kay Andrews' Savannah with Christmas Bliss  (amazon.com)
Mondretta, Leeds

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
One of America's most critically acclaimed storytellers, David Baldacci has enthralled millions of readers with his popular novels. Now in a special new gift edition, here is Baldacci's beloved holiday classic-a work that showcases his remarkable versatility as he brings us a uniquely entertaining tale...the christmas train Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to take the train across the country because of a slight "misunderstanding" at airport security, he begins a journey of self-discovery and rude awakenings, mysterious goings-on and thrilling adventures, screwball escapades and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost. Equal parts hilarious, poignant, suspenseful, and thrilling. David Baldacci's THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles. (amazon.com)
Mondretta, Leeds

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg
With the same incomparable style and warm, inviting voice that have made her beloved by millions of readers far and wide, New York Times bestselling author Fannie Flagg has written an enchanting Christmas story of faith and hope for all ages that is sure to become a classic.

Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it. Once you experience the wonder, you too will never forget A Redbird Christmas.  (amazon.com)
Mondretta, Leeds

Santa's Twin by Dean Koontz
Combining the tongue-in-cheek charm of a modern classic with the timeless magic of cherished holiday tradition, here is a new Christmas story guaranteed to delight children of all ages--including those who pretend to have not grown up.  At the request of his fans, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz has created a contemporary masterpiece that is destined to take place alongside "The Night Before Christmas" and Christmas Carol as a perennial Yuletide favorite.

Santa's Twin is the hilarious and heartwarming story of two little girls, Charlotte and Emily, who set out to save Santa from his mischievious twin--Bob Claus--who has not only stolen Santa's sleigh, but has stuffed his toy bag with mud pies, cat poop, and broccoli! Plus, he's threatening to turn Donner, Blitzen and the rest of the reindeer into soup! And look at the messhe's leaving under the tree!  How the brave but foolhardy sisters fly to the north pole and rescue Santa from his "deeply troubled" twin is an utterly charming and unforgettable story that will add sparkle to your holiday season.  The first major new Christmas story in decades, Santa's Twin is sure to bring joy that parents can share with their children. Lavishly illustrated with spectacular paintings by Phil Parks, this thoroughly modern masterpiece breathes new life and warmth into the world's most beloved legend.  Read it aloud, preferably to someone whose laugh you love to hear.  And Merry Christmas! (amazon.com)
Mondretta, Leeds

Holmes for the Holidays edited by Martin H. Greenberg, Jon L. Lellenberg, and Carol-Lynn Waugh
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle only wrote one Christmas-themed Sherlock Holmes story, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” which consistently appears on “best of” lists compiled by fans of the great detective. Holmes for the Holidays is a veritable Christmas revel for readers who can’t get enough of Holmes and the festive season. In contributions by such distinguished mystery writers as Anne Perry, Loren Estleman, Carole Nelson Douglas, we see Holmes doing what he does best: protecting the weak, defending the wrongly-accused, and bringing the guilty to justice—or sometimes allowing the guilty to go their way with a stern warning, because it is, after all, the season of forgiveness. The stories range in tone from comedy to breath-taking suspense---as Holmes points out in one of the tales, “Evil takes no holidays, Watson. Therefore, neither can those who would stop it.” This anthology would be an excellent gift for the Sherlockian on your Christmas list. There is also a follow-up collection entitled More Holmes for the Holidays.
Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

The Festive Table: Recipes and Stories for Creating Your Own Holiday Traditions by Ronni Lundy
If you feel like you’ve run out of ideas for celebrating holidays, have a look through Ronni Lundy’s The Festive Table.  In the introduction she tells the story of how she cooked her first full Thanksgiving dinner and how her guests had all insisted that it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without (fill in your favorite dish here). “And from that first Thanksgiving I learned two very important things. One: Sauerkraut is really tasty with turkey. Two: Tradition is what you make of it.” That second principle is on full display in this book, with ideas and recipes ranging from a hot tamale party for New Year’s to Do-It-Yourself-Sundae-Making for Fourth of July to a tree-decorating party for Christmas. The recipes range from easy to moderately difficult and the ideas will start you thinking about reviving old family traditions or starting new ones. And you don’t have to wait for a holiday, because any time is a good time for making Orange Blossom Pralines to crumble over ice cream or a comfort-food bowl of Last-of-the-Garden Soup. Read, remember, experiment, and enjoy.
Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas
Bring out the tall tales now that we told by the fire as the gaslight bubbled like a diver. . . .
There are always Uncles at Christmas. And Aunts, of course, who might sing a little loudly after dinner. There are the neighborhood cats "sleek and long as jaguars and horrible-whiskered," the carols to sing at eerie houses, the Useful Presents and the Useless Presents, and the endless snow "shawling out of the ground." First published in HARPER'S BAZAAR some fifty years ago, A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES showcases Dylan Thomas's genius for language and remains the poet's most popular prose work in the United States. Chris Raschka's fluid torn-paper illustrations honor the poet's words, evoking their musical cadences and bringing us a fresh appreciation for this most lyric work. (amazon.com)
Maura, Trussville

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations by Ree Drummond
Ree Drummond—accidental country girl, award-winning blogger, Food Network personality, and #1 New York Times bestselling author—presents The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays, a fantastic collection of recipes, photos, and homespun humor to help you celebrate all through the year.

Ree shows you how to ring in your favorite holidays with inspired menus for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, dinners, parties, deliveries, and feasts, accompanied by fun instructions and hundreds of her signature step-by-step photos. Filled with creative and flavorful ideas for intimate dinners, group gatherings, and family meals, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays includes dozens of mouthwatering dishes (with nineteen recipes for Thanksgiving alone!), helping home cooks create a variety of delights.

Whip up a Resolution Smoothie on New Year’s Day; Whiskey BBQ Sliders and Dr Pepper Cupcakes for The Big Game; Glazed Ham for Easter; Watermelon Sangria for a sizzling Fourth of July cookout; and perfect Popcorn Balls on Halloween. For Christmas, Ree includes special homemade treats, including Caramel Apple Rolls, Christmas Rum Cake, and a selection of smile-inducing cookies, perfect for Christmas deliveries to family and friends.  Enjoy holidays all year ’round...Pioneer Woman style!  (amazon.com)
April, Pinson

What are YOU reading this holiday season?
Holley