What we're reading in December 2008
Ever wonder what the folks who work at a mystery bookstore like to read? Well, here's your answer. Each month we ask everyone here to pick a book, current or older, that they truly enjoyed and are enthusiastic about. Of course, if you visited the store, we'd tell you directly what we like but for those of you who can't come see us, this is the next best thing. Our special thanks to Judi for pulling this feature together and to all the staff who contributed their picks.
Presented here are the picks for this month, an archive of earlier months is available from the menu at the left.
What Kathy is reading
Most mystery fans know that if Laura Lippman wrote it, it's going to be a great read. This collection of short stories shows off Laura's terrific writing skills in a different way -and fans of her series will be delighted to get a peek at what Tess. If you've never read Laura, one of the Bookshop's favorite daughters, this is a great way to start. If you have, well, just enjoy.
What Mary Alice is playing
Bananagrams is the family word game like no other. Players work simultaneously to use all the letter tiles in their hand. When they do, they force the other players to take another tile. First player to use all letters wins the hand. All the appeal of Scrabble without waiting for the other players and no scorekeeping. 2 or more players, ages 12 and up, perfect for travel in the colorful, yellow banana pouch. I have found that playing the solitaire version to be very calming while watching election news. Get a few for friends.
What Richard is assembling
Just the cleverest holiday treat imaginable. It is a perfect gift for an office mate who can assemble it and use it to decorate his or her cubicle. First you assemble the 77 pieces into two round balls then complete your snowman with all the included accessories as shown. Finished puzzle is 6.5 inches tall.
What Judi is reading
The perfect antidote to too much Christmas cheer. A hilarious and heartwarming Christmas tale that begins with Lena Marquez, Pagan Vegetarian for Peace, soliciting for the Salvation Army and cooking up a stew of revenge against her ex-husband Dale. Meanwhile, seven-year-old Joshua is horrified to see Santa Claus laid out by a shovel to the head. His wish for the revival of Santa (really, Dale) brings in the angel Raziel whose misguided attempts to raise Dale from the dead will have astonishing consequences.
What Margo is reading and hearing
This astounding pop-up book from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology opens up to seven elaborate landscapes including birds in their different North American habitats. What is so special about this book is the vibrant sound that accompanies each page (in stereo, no less). All the authentic recordings are from the Macaulay Library’s archives including my favorite, the page with the Pacific seabird colony. Up pops a rocky, island filled with seabirds pitching forth their raucous calls. Great for any budding ornithologist.
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