My Book Gifts, Merry Christmas to Me: Musing Mondays

Today's Musing Mondays prompt from Should be Reading:

Did you get any books for Christmas? If so, what were they? If you didn’t, what books are you most looking forward to reading (and/or buying) in the new year?

I always ask for books and bookstore gift certificates from Borders, (sad face) Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. I love any gift that's book-related and am a sucker for bookmarks.

This year my brother-in-law brought me one from Iceland, and my kids got me a sparkly one with my initial.

My book presents this holiday season:

11/22/63, Stephen King

Thanks to the lovely Carrie Green and her guest post here about Stephen King, I've been obsessed with trying out the horror genre, a genre I've stayed away from in the past. I've struggled with picking a King novel that's not too scary, so I asked for his newest one (and thanks to my hubby, I received it).

I've heard mixed reviews, so I'm interested to see what I think. If the gorgeous and intriguing cover is any indication, the book should be amazing!

Dear Me: A Letter to My Sixteen-Year-Old Self, Edited by Joseph Galliano

My husband is again to thank. I'm not sure where he heard about this one, because I hadn't, but the concept is amazing.

The back cover summary: If you wrote a letter to your sixteen-year-old self, what would it say? In Dear Me, some of the world's best-loved personalities have written just such a letter. These range from the compassionate to the shocking to the hilarious to the heartbreaking, but they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique glimpse at the people these teenagers would grow up to be.

I can't wait! And I'm looking forward to writing my own letter (and coax some other people into writing theirs) once I'm done reading it.

The Christmas Quilt, Jennifer Chiaverini

Our next book club selection. The lady who is hosting has asked us to come in our pajamas with our favorite quilt, so this can be nothing but fun.

I love reading holiday-themed books this time of year!



Die For Me, Amy Plum

A friend of mine, who is writing her own amazing novel that I'm fortunate enough to be editing, recommended this book. I bought it with one of my gift cards.

Booklist says, “Move over Bella and Edward. Plum introduces a world and a story that are sure to intrigue teen readers and will easily attract fans of the Twilight series.” This review plus my friend's recommendation equals SOLD!

The Writer's Workout, Christina Katz

I need to read more books about the writing craft. This one promises "366 tips, tasks, and techniques from your writing career coach." It's broken down into daily activities and inspiration, so I plan to read a page a day for 2012.

It should be a great kick-start. Too often, I don't want to spend the time reading craft books. My reading time is too precious, and I'd rather read good fiction. But a tip every day I can handle.

We Are Not Alone-The Writer's Guide to Social Media, Kristen Lamb

Yes, another craft book. If you've been on Twitter and wondered about the #MYWANA folks, this is what it's all about. Several trusted writer friends have raved about Kristen Lamb, so I made the leap (thanks to my brother-in-law's gift card).

I've been enjoying her blog for several months, so the book should prove useful.

I am so excited to dive into these books along with starting my 2012 To be Read (TBR) Pile Challenge.

What books are you excited to read? Did you receive them as gifts this holiday season?