holidays, crafts, and cookbooks

The next RA Roundtable will be on Wednesday, December 14^th at 9am in the Southern History Department at the Birmingham Public Library downtown.  The topic up for discussion will be art (any kind) and odd sized books.  Large or small, we want to hear about them all!  This is our annual holiday potluck so, if you are able, please bring a small dish to share!

Just in case you haven’t had a chance to make note of the 2017 calendar for RART, here ‘tis:

Feb 8 – humor/parody @ Springville Road

Apr 12 – bookgroups/popular fiction @ Homewood

Jun 14 – literature in translation @ Emmet O’Neal

Aug 9 – parenting/mentoring @ Hoover

Oct 11 – sci fi/fantasy/horror @ Pinson

Dec 13 – young adult @ East Lake

The Fall/Halloween season is in full swing in the Public Libraries of Jefferson County.  Here are a few examples!  

• Springville Road is having an all-ages Halloween Family Fun Night starting at 6pm on Monday, October 31^st.  
• All BPL staff at all branches have been invited to costume it up on the 31^st as well so visit them all and see what characters you find!  Great photo ops abound!  
• The Leeds Library will have an evening block party on the 31^st, fun for the whole family!  
• At Emmet O’Neal, the Children’s department is hosting the annual Library Dark & Grim Costume Carnival on Friday, October 21st beginning at 6pm, with a Tangled sing-along movie at 7. The Teen department (grades 7-12) is hosting a Halloween trivia night on Tuesday, October 25^th 6:30-8 and a horror movie double feature on Friday, October 28^th 6-10pm. The Adult department will have a horror movie double feature (ages 18+) on Saturday, October 15^th 5-9, a documentary about the Amityville haunting on Tuesday, October 18 at 6:30pm, and a literary Halloween trivia night on Thursday, October 27^th at 6:30pm.  Call the reference desk at 205-445-1121 to register a team of 2-4 people.

Yesterday, we met at the Woodlawn Library to discuss cookbooks, crafts, and holidays of all kinds.  I’d like to extend a big THANK YOU to Woodlawn (and to Pam and Sequoria!) for hosting and providing the yummy snacks!

Better Homes and Gardens Halloween Pumpkins & Parties:101 Spooktacular Ideas

I most definitely end up in the "pinterest fail" category when I try out these books, but many of the craft ideas, recipes, and decorating tips in this book are doable as-is, or with minimal tweaking.  

Holley, Emmet O'Neal

Gooseberry Patch Halloween: 200 Bewitching Recipes, Crafts,and Decorating Ideas

A friend has told me for years how awesome the Gooseberry Patch books are and now I'm a convert!  I made two recipes from the many offered here (snacks, desserts, cocktails, and more!) and they were both delicious and easy: the Bite-You-Back spicy roasted pecans and the kid-friendly Mummy Dogs.  I plan to try a couple of the crafts/decorations as well.  I'm even thinking about buying my own copy of this to have at home!

Holley, Emmet O'Neal

Christmas with Southern Living 2016: The Complete Guide to Holiday Cooking and Decorating

Like beauty in Emerson’s poem “The Rhodora,” Southern Living is its own excuse for being, especially at the approach of the holiday season. If you eagerly leaf through each new issue of the magazine, then the Christmas with Southern Living book series is something you should check out. Our department has just received the 2016 version and even if you don’t feel your crafting and cooking skills are in the Martha Stewart category, you can still revel in the gorgeous photography. And who knows? Some of the decorating schemes and recipes are fairly simple and you may find something you’d like to try. On page 39 there is a recipe for Salted Brown Sugar Butter that is only three ingredients: unsalted butter, brown sugar, and flaky sea salt. We are assured that “you will find endless dishes in which to use this butter, from topping cooked carrots and roasted root vegetables to slathering on dinner rolls and muffins.” Well, I’m sold. Something tells me this will find its way into my recipe file and my roasted root vegetables will be all the better for it. Take a look and you might find a decorating idea or recipe that will become one of your personal classics.

Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

Thanksgiving: An American Holiday, an American History by Diana Karter Appelbaum

Most of us who grew up in this country have an image of Thanksgiving that includes a turkey dinner, accompanied by various sides such as cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, and other personal favorites. Appelbaum’s history of Thanksgiving is interesting because of how it examines many different versions of Thanksgiving and how the holiday originated. The Pilgrim “feast” with the Native Americans may or may not have featured turkey, though it’s a possibility along with ducks, geese, or partridges. There may have been pumpkins and corn, but these were a regular feature of the settlers’ diet. There might also have been oysters, which may be where we get our recipes for turkey stuffing (“dressing” if you grew up in the South) with oysters in it. But whatever the food, the meal we think of as a feast emerged from circumstances where famine was more likely.

It hasn’t always been just a sit-down dinner with relatives and friends, either. During different periods of American history, Thanksgiving Day might begin with a skating party in the morning (helpful in working up an appetite for the afternoon dinner) and end in the evening with a gala dance. It was not until FDR’s presidential administration that the day for the observance legally became the fourth Thursday in November.  But one thing has not changed. One of the illustrations in the book is from the 19^th century and is entitled “After Dinner.” It shows a grandfather sleeping peacefully in an armchair with his grandchild slumbering in his arms. Apparently the “fall asleep after dinner” tradition is an absolutely vital part of the long and complex history of Thanksgiving Day. 

Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

Occasions: Always Gracious, Sometimes Irreverent by Kate Spade

No matter what the occasion, this is a handy book to have around. With the signature grace and flair that characterizes her brand from clothing to home decorating, Spade covers just about everything you need to know for almost any kind of celebration, including a few things you hadn’t thought of. You will find advice on how to be a good host/hostess and guest, how to decorate, what should be in a well-stocked bar and pantry, what to do about the drunken guest wearing a lampshade as a hat, and how to stage every kind of gathering from a dinner party for a dozen to a midnight breakfast for two. A sample of advice on being a good host: “If you have houseguests frequently, it’s a good idea to sleep in your guest room once every few months. Then you’ll know firsthand what works, what’s missing, whether the pillows are perfect or the mattress too soft.”  I lost count of how many times I read something like this and thought, “That’s perfect and why didn’t I already know it?” So whatever kind of event you’re planning, take a look at Occasions and be ready for anything.

Mary Anne, BPL Southern History

How to Spell Chanukah...And Other Holiday Dilemmas: 18 Writers Celebrate 8 Nights of Lights edited by Emily Franklin

Ring in the holiday with eighteen writers who extol, excoriate, and expand our understanding of this most merry of Jewish festivals as they offer up funny, irreverent, and, yes, even nostalgic takes on a holiday that holds a special place in Jewish hearts . . . and stomachs.

Pieces by Jonathan Tropper, Jennifer Gilmore, Steve Almond, Joanna Smith Rakoff, Adam Langer, and others address pressing issues: what is the weight gain associated with eating 432 latkes in eight nights? Offer joyous gratitude: “What a holiday! No pestilence, no slavery, no locusts, no cattle disease, or atonement. Thank God.” And afford tender truths: “You are reminded of your real gifts: a family you get to come home to.”

Whether your family tradition included a Christmas tree or a Chanukah bush, whether the fights among your siblings rivaled the battles of the Maccabees, or even if you haven’t a clue who the Maccabees were, this little book illustrates the joys, frustrations, and small miracles of the season.

Mondretta, Leeds

The American Book of Days: A Compendium of Information aboutHolidays, Festivals, Notable Anniversaries, and Christian and Jewish Holy Days by George William Douglas

Mondretta, Leeds

Chase’s Calendar of Events 2016: The Ultimate Go-To Guide for Special Days, Weeks, and Months

Find out what's going on any day of the year, anywhere across the globe!

If you're looking to tie a promotional event to a special month, travel to a music festival halfway around the world, blog about a historical milestone or do a celebrity birthday round-up on your radio show or Twitterfeed, Chase's Calendar of Events is the one resource that has it all.

The world’s datebook, Chase's is the definitive day-by-day resource of what America and the wider world are celebrating and commemorating. Founded in 1957 on a reputation for accuracy and comprehensiveness, this annual publication has become the must-have reference used by experts and professionals for more than fifty years. From celebrity birthdays to historical anniversaries, from astronomical phenomena to national awareness days, from award ceremonies and sporting events to religious festivals and carnivals, Chase's is the one-stop shop for everything that is happening now or is worth remembering from the past.

The 2016 Edition of Chase's Calendar of Events brings you:

• The Transit of Mercury
• Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Brazil
• The 25^th anniversary of the collapse of the USSR
• The 50^th anniversary of the first celebration of Kwanzaa
• The 75^th anniversary of Pearl Harbor
• The National Park Service’s 100^th birthday
• The 100^th anniversary of WWI’s Battle of Verdun and Battle of the Somme
• The 200^th birth anniversary of Charlotte Brontë
• Indiana’s 200^th statehood birthday

For librarians, broadcasters, journalists, event planners, public relations professionals, editors, writers or simply the curious, this is one reference you can't do without!

Mondretta, Leeds

Crafting with Mason Jars and Other Glass Containers: Over 35 Simple and Beautiful Upcycling Projects by Hester Van Overbeek

Follow Hester van Overbeek's easy steps to make a fresh flower-decorated tea-light votive for a garden party, store all your grains and pasta in large jars with vibrantly painted lids, or why not surprise a friend with the colorful "birthday in a jar"? There are lots of quick ideas that take no time at all, such as vacation memories in a jar, the table-setting jars, or the floral centerpiece that will charm all your guests. Some are elegant, some are homespun, but all make use of natural materials such as wood, shells, flowers, and leather to give an original but sophisticated feel to your home and garden. Once you are confident in making the simpler crafts, there are more intricate projects to try, using basic DIY techniques: make a fabulous drink dispenser, a desk lamp, or a rustic vase display by attaching jars to a weathered piece of wood. All the projects have clear step-by-step instructions and hand-drawn illustrations to guide you, so all you need to do is pick the project you want to make first!

Jon, Avondale

The Boy Mechanic Makes Toys: 159 Games, Toys, Tricks, and Other Amusements by the editors of Popular Mechanics

It’s vintage fun! This follow-up to The Boy Mechanic—Popular Mechanics’ collection of can-do ingenuity from the early 1900s—features more than 200 unique toys and games that anyone with a basic tool kit will want to make, plus the unusual and attractive rounded, flexibound format. Charmingly designed to capture that old-fashioned flavor, every imaginative project remains as engaging today as ever, with its appeal fully intact. There’s amusement for little kids, including a toy donkey that nods and wags its tail; a child’s playhouse and a miniature windmill; magic tricks, such as an “X-Ray” pack of cards and mystery coin box; items for the great outdoors, which range from a homebuilt canoe to a diving tower; plus gizmos and gadgets, “scien-terrific” motors and engines, and entertaining objects for an older child to create and play with.

Jon, Avondale

How to Show & Sell Your Crafts: How to Build Your Craft Business at Home, Online, and in the Marketplace by Torie Jayne

For crafters who want to take their craft to a new entrepreneurial level, this book is the perfect guide. Using highly-visual, step-by-step tutorials, How to Show & Sell Your Crafts is packed with helpful branding, selling, and merchandising tips that no serious crafter should be without. Using the workspaces, shops, salons, and "through-the-keyhole" profiles of some of the world's most successful crafters, readers will learn the best ways to merchandise and sell their items online, at craft fairs, markets, pop-up events, exhibitions, and in shops. Plus, you'll learn how to build a personality-driven brand, create a memorable blog or website, improve your photography skills, and analyze your results to help move your business forward into the future.

You start by learning how to optimize your workspace to improve creativity and profitability, then how to build a strong brand name and Internet presence on Etsy and across multiple social media platforms. Lastly, learn how to get your work out into the marketplace, engage customers, and use the insider secrets offered in this book to set yourself up for success and grow your sales!

Jon, Avondale

Bead Pendants & Necklaces: 20 Beautiful Jewelry Designs by Susan Beal

These 20 beautiful projects range in skill level from beginner to experienced, allowing you to build new skills as you complete one project and move on to the next. A fully illustrated techniques section teaches you the basics of jewelry-making and gives you a base to build off of so that you can even create your own brand new designs.

Jon, Avondale

The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook: Sweet Treats for the Geek in All of Us by Rosanna Pansino

The long-awaited first cookbook from the creator and host of the Internet’s most popular baking show, Nerdy Nummies: a collection of Rosanna Pansino’s all-time favorite geeky recipes as well as sensational new recipes exclusive to this book.

The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook is quirky, charming, and fun, featuring the recipes behind Rosanna Pansino’s celebrated, one-of-a-kind creations, as well as beautiful, mouthwatering photographs throughout. It is the perfect companion that you’ll turn to whenever you want to whip up a delicious treat and be entertained all at once. And best of all, these treats are as simple as they are fun to make! No need for costly tools or baking classes to create these marvelous delights yourself.

The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook combines two things Rosanna loves: geek culture and baking. Her fondness for video games, science fiction, math, comics, and lots of other things considered “nerdy” have inspired every recipe in this book. You’ll find the recipes for many beloved fan favorites from the show, such as Apple Pi Pie, the Chocolate Chip Smart Cookie, and Volcano Cake; as well as many new geeky recipes, such as Dinosaur Fossil Cake, Moon Phase Macarons, and the Periodic Table of Cupcakes. The Nerdy Nummies Cookbook showcases Rosanna’s most original and popular creations, and each recipe includes easy-to-follow photo instructions and a stunning shot of the finished treat in all its geeky glory: a delicious confection sure to please the geek in all of us!

Jon, Avondale

Southern Spirits: Four Hundred Years of Drinking in the American South, with Recipes by Robert F. Moss

Ask almost anyone to name a uniquely Southern drink, and bourbon and mint juleps--perhaps moonshine--are about the only beverages that come up. But what about rye whiskey, Madeira wine, and fine imported Cognac? Or peach brandy, applejack, and lager beer? At various times in the past, these drinks were as likely to be found at the Southern bar as barrel-aged bourbon and raw corn likker. The image of genteel planters in white suits sipping mint juleps on the veranda is a myth that never was--the true picture is far more complex and fascinating. Southern Spirits is the first book to tell the full story of liquor, beer, and wine in the American South. This story is deeply intertwined with the region, from the period when British colonists found themselves stranded in a new world without their native beer, to the 21st century, when classic spirits and cocktails of the pre-Prohibition South have come back into vogue. Along the way, the book challenges the stereotypes of Southern drinking culture, including the ubiquity of bourbon and the geographic definition of the South itself, and reveals how that culture has shaped the South and America as a whole.

Samuel, Springville Road

GENERAL DISCUSSION:  The Homewood Library has a magnificent program series on cocktails let by local writer and bartender-at-large, Clair McLafferty!  Here’s the lineup for 2017 (sorry for the creases, it was folded up in my purse):

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

Christmas Curiosities: Odd, Dark, and Forgotten Christmas by John Grossman

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

The Book of the Year: A Brief History of Our Seasonal Holidays by Anthony F. Aveni

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