Tell us about your SantaThing Books!

If your SantaThing books have arrived, and you'd like to discuss/share/&c., feel free to do so here.

If you haven't yet reported yours arrived, let us know here so we can add you to the map :-)

I somewhat accidentally opened my SantaThing box early! When I saw the Amazon box sitting outside our door, I couldn't remember anything that I'd ordered from Amazon, so I figured my husband had ordered a Christmas present and forgotten to switch the account from mine to his. When he got home, I asked him about it. As he opened the box, he told me he hadn't ordered anything. Then, he handed me the box, saying, "These definitely aren't mine." (My husband reads non-fiction almost exclusively ... which is basically the opposite of my reading preference.) So I got an early start on Christmas! So excited to read the books my Santa picked out for me: Maisie Dobbs, Ahab's Wife, and In the Heart of the Sea. The only one I'm familiar with is Ahab's Wife, but the others sound fantastic. Anyone read them?

I have never been one to wait for books! lol So I opened up my SantaThing book box and I got City of Bones, Tomorrow, When The War Began, and Blood Red Road. I have always wanted to read City of Bones because I always thought it looked interesting but the next two books I have never heard of and look forward to giving them a try. My sons Samuel books came in yesturday too. he got Where Is the Green Sheep?. Colors, Moo, Baa, La La La!, and Peek-a Who? so far he really likes the colors book because there are different things to see and touch in it.

I received:
Ôoku: The Inner Chambers, Vol. 1
The Color of Magic
Good Omens

All good books - which I know for a fact, as I've read 'Ooku' and 'Good Omens' before, and read a graphic novel version of 'The Color of Magic'.

In fact, I'd just purchased Ooku two days before the package arrived...oops! I hadn't gotten around to listing it on Librarything, so there's no way the Santa could have known that it had been acquired. 'Good Omens' has long had a review in my library, as does the graphic novel of 'The Color of Magic'.

But as I said, they are all good books, and I could do with some re-reading. I really don't wish to appear ungrateful, because I am happy that I was even able to participate in Santathing. But it would have been nice to get a book that was new material.

#2 I really have enjoyed the Maisie Dobbs series. I do find that I need to pace myself, though. Much of the series deals with WWI, a depressing subject. I usually read books with happy endings. This series is well written, has interesting characters and some history - all of which are pluses for me. The good news is that if you like Maisie Dobbs, there are 7 more in the series that have been released and one more either just released or about to be released.

>5 MDGentleReader: - "This series is well written, has interesting characters and some history" ... this is SO right up my alley! Thanks for filling in that blank for me. :) I think I may just have to start that one as soon as I finish what I'm reading now. (I'm a one-book-at-a-time kinda girl.)

Tolkien related, just like I asked. The letters of Tolkien, the Atlas of Middle-earth, Children of Hurin, and The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun. My santa was kind enough to send me another when he realized he gave me one I already had. A very kind gesture.

Thanks to everyone involved. It was fun.

I've been on the site for five years but this was my first SantaThing. I enjoyed picking the books and making recommendations and reading those of others. The giving really was better than receiving.

Don't get wrong, I got these great books…

2- I've read Maisie Dobbs and enjoyed it. I think the later books in the series are even better, so you may have a whole bunch of TBR additions.

I received Alice Hoffman's new book The Dovekeepers, and Let's Kill Uncle, which is one of the Bloomsbury Group reissues. I'm very excited about both. Really, my Santa could not have picked better for me. Thank you Santa!

4>

Ooku sounds like it was just bad luck, but for the others, there's absolutely no excuse for your Santa getting you a book that you already had in your LT library. That's just careless. Maybe you can find someone interested in a trade?

9 -- Accidents happen.

>9 lorax: Worst thing was, it was me! I felt terrible, since I swear I searched and didn't see the book in there. Then he listed it in his Best of 2011, and I headdesked. Promptly sent another along!

>3 mellymel171328: Moo, Baa, La, La, La! has been one of my (now two-and-a-half-year old) niece's favorite books since she was very, very small-- she loves all Sandra Boynton's books, in fact. We call her my niece's "favorite author." I hope your son likes her as much as my niece does!

>12 ijustgetbored: So far he has shown great interest in all the books he has received. :) He likes the Colors book a bit more but it has pages that has texture he can touch but I am sure once he gets a little older he will love Moo, Baa, La La La! a lot. :)

I got ready player one, the world above and city of dreaming books. I'm delighted with all three picks.

I gave in to temptation and opened mine early as I had just finished a book and thought I would make a start on one of the new ones!

I received Embassytown and The Dervish House.

Unfortunately I already have Embassytown, but that is my own fault for not adding it to my library before SantaThing started. The Dervish House is one that I was planning to get myself at some point, so that is great, I shall make a start on that one.

Thanks to my Santa (and I'll send a proper thank you message when the details are revealed at Christmas).

Found a package as I was headed out the door this morning (wow, USPS is out early today!) and couldn't wait so I opened it immediately. FANTASTIC picks by my Santa! And on top of that, my Santa is someone I had a conversation with earlier this year, too. :-)

Peter & Max: A Fables Novel-I recently had this out from the library but had to return it before I could read it, so I think it's going to the top of my "to be read" pile

Gaslit Nightmares: Stories by Robert W. Chambers, Charles Dickens, Richard Marsh, and Others-this is exactly the kind of stuff I've been reading lately

H. P. Lovecraft's Book of the Supernatural: 20 Classic Tales of the Macabre, Chosen by the Master of Horror Himself-how can you go wrong with stories chosen by my favorite author as his picks for the finest examples of short fiction horror?

I'm finally able to come thank my Santa!! Thanks for starting this thread.

I had a bunch of boxes on my porch Wednesday, and of course I ripped into them expecting stuff for everyone else in the family, but one box was books for me! My Santa did a great job. I received I Am Half-Sick of Shadows which was on my wishlist and I'm so glad to have. I also got Rebecca which I hadn't really ever heard of, except in passing, but I'm excited to read it. The reviews here on LT make me wonder how I never picked it up before.

My Santa couldn't have picked a third book more appropriate for me. The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books of all time, for sentimental reasons. And even though I've read it many times, I didn't have a paperback copy I can read with my daughter. When I was small, I was often passed over at the big family holiday gatherings, in favor of my younger cousins. I would sit next to the Christmas tree and watch everyone else open presents. One year, when I was 7, my (very favorite) sister handed me a package to open and said she bought it "just for me". Imagine how delighted I was to find books inside! Age- appropriate books! Not handmedowns or baby books! In the package were The Hobbit; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; and The Secret Garden. I fell in love with Mary Lennox. :)

Then in 4th grade, when Hallmark had just released their movie version of The Secret Garden, my class gathered in the cafeteria for a surprise: Gennie James, who played Mary, was there to talk with us! She was the daughter of a friend of one of our teachers. I was so starstruck! I started rereading the book as soon as I got home.

I'm so happy to be reminded of those past happinesses, and I can't wait to start this book again. Thank you to my Santa!

I got:

The Forever War by Joe Halderman: Nice, I've heard good things about it and was hoping for some SciFi

Horns by Joe Hill: Haven't heard of this one but looks interesting

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: One of my favorite books, as my Santa could have guessed from my catalogue or my profile page (favorite authors...). I also specified that I didn't want fantasy books, because I already have so many of them on my TBR list. Checking if your Santee already has the books you've picked for them should really be a no-brainer... I guess I'll have to find somebody to pass the book on to (because it really is excellent) and hope that I'll enjoy the other two.

(A small suggestion for next year: Would it be possible to automatically compare ISBN's, when they are submitted, to the Santees catalogue and give the Santa a warning if a duplicate is detected, so accidents like this don't happen?)

Octane, I know I bought something for my Santee which apparently they already own, but I can't find it in their collection here on LT. Also, when searching someone's library, it's easy to be searching in a collection, rather than all collections. In years past I've used the duplicate books I've received to gift to others who might love that author. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to afford to give them a gift. *shrug* I'm thinking the only way to be truly "safe" is to use the money to go buy yourself the books you want. :)

I'm thinking the only way to be truly "safe" is to use the money to go buy yourself the books you want. :)

Yes, but I was hoping to get a few books I would enjoy, but wouldn't necessarily buy for myself, which worked great last year, so I was a bit disappointed to find an exact duplicate of a book I already own in my package.

But anyway, it's not really worth getting upset over it. I still got two new books and I'm certain I'll find a good home for the other one - and I had the fun of picking books for my Santee :)

To quote Meatloaf,

Don't be sad,
Two outta three
ain't bad ...

I think part of the issue with Santas accidentally buying duplicates for their Santees is that some people's catalogues are very difficult to understand exactly what those books are - read or unread, owned or un-owned. Although my Santa picked WONDERFUL books for me (no complaints here!), I wish I'd utilized the "Wish List" library because it would have made things easier for my Santee. I will definitely be doing that next year, and I would encourage anyone else to do the same, especially if you're someone with more specific tastes. For example, I'd have a lot of trouble picking books for someone who likes manga because it's a genre I know absolutely nothing about. In a case like this, a Wish List would be invaluable!

My Secret Santa did wonderfully! One book, Platonic & Archimedean Solids came off my wishlist. I've wanted it for some time but have never bought -- there was always another more "urgent" book. So, I'm thrilled to finally get it.

And the second book is Species of Spaces and Other Pieces by George Perec. Never heard of the book nor the author, but based on the blurb on the back, right up my alley! I have no idea why my Santa picked this book, but I'm very grateful they did.

>22 lisajoanne: I'm one of those "with more specific tastes" (and with most of my books not cataloged yet), so I did put a number of books on my Wishlist to help. As you can see, one came from there and the other came from some other inspiration.

I got:

The Haunting of Hill House
Horns
Bonk

Very happy with these. I said I was looking for more horror and medical fiction/non-fiction, and that's exactly what I got. And I love Mary Roach, Stiff is one of my favourite books :)

I got a duplicate as well but it was my own fault. I got a copy from the library last month and loved it but totally forgot to remove it from my wishlist. I was thinking of exchanging it but I decided to lend it instead. I have a few friends who will love it so they get first dibs and then who knows. Charity, Bookmooch whatever.

My other book is one that I have never heard of but it looks very interesting so overall I am very happy.

Ok, myboylan,

I guess I must be difficult to gift, especially SF. Thus though I have tagged about 1000 in my Library I have probably owned and read many, many more than that.

Thus my Santas efforts are particularily worth praising.

My Santa did sent me a "Heinlein" which I did once own and have read, and even though I am Not a particular Heinlein fan, I WILL reread it with great relish after 30 or so years.
It was one of his later ones, if I remember.

They (sorry don't know Santas gender :-) ) also sent me

interview with a vampire by anne rice

Now that is a book I was so ambivalent about, on so many different plains. Should I read it? Should I Not?

Well thanks Santa, you have resolved that question!

The last book bridges of birds by hughart
is to my mind the most intriguing. I have never heard of the author, but the premise does sound rich.

Again, I have read many "Alternate Histories", but this one sounds good!

What else can I say to my Santa, but Thanks.

Guido.

#26 Guido
Which Heinlein?

Friday

Thanks Guido. You may enjoy with a clear conscious.

Seriously tho, sounds like you had a dedicated Santa!

I got Ready Player One and The Mistborn Trilogy. Very very pleased!!

As I hope, I also was :-)

Bridge of Birds was one of my favorite reads of 2011. You'll enjoy it!

(28) Friday is actually my favorite Heinlein...

...I hope you really enjoy her on the reread!

#25 - Maybe someone (Jeremy?) should set up a SantaThing regifting thread? So that SantaThing books that miss the mark can be exchanged? I know BookMooch takes care of much of that, but I imagine there are plenty of SantaThingers who aren't on BookMooch.

I couldn't wait to open mine and was very pleased at the choices made by my still-unknown Santa. I got The War of the Flowers by Tad Williams and a really cool looking little book, A Potted History of Vegetables. Having opened the parcel, I will try to resist opening the books until Christmas day, but I anticipate some excellent reading.

#35 Hey, that was from me!!! Oh yay, you mean I got it right?
This actually makes up for my empty mailbox.
:-)

Oh "joannasephine",

I thought your knew the rules?

Now I know I can cheat and find out who my Secret Santa is by "unlogging" myself from that list.

I do though respect that 25th. convention.

I guess I will forgive you only 'cos you'r a NewZealander and have not yet received your books!

Oh dear, the things we have to take from our NZ cousins.

I've only received one book so far and am very happy as it was off my LT wishlist which I made sure to update just before santathing got underway.

edit: I only realised today that this was not a santathing book but one I had ordered a while back (and left on my wishlist!). I'll update further down.

I'm having my mail forwarded, but I imagine my UPS/FedEx package is waiting for me in Dunning. I'm headed home long about Friday or so, and I'll report.

Reading this thread is tempting me to open my package before Christmas.

The day I received my parcel, one of my kids said to me, "Seriously. You're shaking a package of books from a stranger?" I replied, with dignity, "I'm not shaking a package of books from a stranger. I'm squeezing it."

I think, perhaps, it is a good thing that my parcel is in a highly inaccessible location at the back of my Christmas tree, under a large heap of presents.

Dignity, kids...

Does NOT compute

I'm really happy with all three books that I got - no duplicates or dodgy ones.

While I was at the post office on Monday afternoon picking up the first book, the postman tried to deliver my other two! Had to go to the post office this morning to pick them up.

Reading this thread is really making me look forward to recieving my book. Unfortunately, the way our mail is here, I doubt it will be here in time for Christmas, but that just makes it easier to not open it early, right?

OK, either I have absolutely no self-control OR I had some naïve idea that the books would be gift-wrapped when I opened the box from Book Depository. I personally think it was the lacking self-control that kicked in.
Anyhow.. I loveloveLOVE my books!
I got The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Snowdrops by A. D. Miller and The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. Amazing! The edition of Night Before Christmas is a gorgeous cut-paper edition, and I have wanted to read Crimson Petal for quite a while. Snowdrops was an exciting choice that I have not heard of before.
Thank you SO MUCH to my Secret Santa, whoever you are. I couldn't be more happy :)

Oh dear, I hope mine come today or tomorrow - I'm traveling for the holiday and won't be back before New Years!

Guido,

Bridge of Birds is one of my favorite books (as you can probably tell from my review.) I hope you enjoy it!

>37 guido47:
Sorry, got carried away ...
:-/

I got His Majesty's Dragon and Queen Victoria Demon Hunter, two books that I really wanted. I also got Throne of Jade; I already own it, but I'm sure I can find it a good home. Thank you Santa!

I got Ash, The Bloody Chamber, and Tender Morsels. And they all look fantastic!! I am so pleased this year, Thank You to my Secret Santa... Now I have to get off the computer and get reading :D

What, #49,

Don't you just look at them?

You mean we can also READ them?

Finally opened mine (Yay I'm on vacation!!)

I got The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Inquisitor's Apprentice and Clockwork Angel. All great pick. The only sad thing is that one got pretty bended/damaged during shipping. Still perfectly readable though and that's the most important part.

OK, so yesterday I gushed about such a great book, only to realise today that it wasn't a santathing book!
Today I actually received my santathing books and am very happy as they are off my wishlist.
1) The Necropolis Railway is historical fiction, I came across the London Necropolis Railway in Fallen Grace and thought it would be interesting to read more about it.
2) The Family Fang - can't wait to read it, but must wait till the New Year.

I received:

Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams and Mark Carwardine

The Cuckoo's Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze of Computer Espionage by Clifford Stoll

There is no way that I could let a package that I know holds book goodies for me go unopened---that would be heresy! Also, X-Mas is just 4 days away anyway so. . .

Honestly, neither title has ever come across my lengthy book radar that I can recall. I did not realize Douglas Adams ever made writing forays outside of fiction. I like interesting general nonfiction tomes and after reading the back covers I think these are likely going to be REALLY good, quality reads for me/my tastes.

Thanks SantaThing!

Ok, so three of our packages arrived today and are waiting patiently under the tree to opened on Christmas morning. We are still awaiting our other three packages. Hopefully they will arrive tomorrow. Otherwise three of us will be wating until after Christmas. It is very difficult to refrain from opening my package now!

Yesterday I got home to find The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery waiting for me! So happy and grateful to my Santee for this one:)

I received Nice girls don't have fangs by Molly Harper from Santa today. Thank you Santa. I didn't know this writer, so I'm curious if this is the thing for me.

The rest of our packages arrived today. I am looking forward to opening them at Christmas. It is very hard not to open them right now!

OPEN! OPEN! OPEN!

Hmmmm......maybe that's why Santa hasn't brought mine yet.....

I'm doing my best to wait for Christmas - well, Christmas eve (because I'll have company Christmas day and won't be able to enjoy my new books) and family tradition has always allowed one gift to be opened the night before. But is it weird that I keep having this horrible urge to rattle the box?

Regarding picking books - in addition to searching the collections and using a wishlist list if present, the star ratings would be really helpful if used. Seeing what's been read helps, but knowing what was actually liked (or even loathed) would be even better.

I opened my package before I left home since I was going to be away, and I cheated and looked at the SantaThing page through a different browser. SheliaGentleReader did a great job picking for me:

She picked:
The Sea Captain's Wife by Martha Hodes
Salem Witch Judge by Eve LaPlante

Both of these were actually on my wish list!

She also picked a third book which went way over so apparently Tim went with suggestions that had been made on my thread (without checking my catalog to see if I owned it). I ended up with a duplicate copy of Good Wives by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. I returned it to Amazon.com for credit (minus the return shipping). I have enough left for a mass-market paperback. It's okay because I think they were still over my $30 although not quite so much as before. I may order one of those or I may use it with an Amazon.com gift certificate I received to order something different.

I'm looking forward to reading the books my Santa picked for me during the coming year!

The packing list from Powells said my gift was from Hughie2, and by checking that library on LT, I'm sure he/she is my Santa!

Wow, what a great selection: Atlas of Remote Islands by Judith Schalansky. It's a treasure! It's clear that Hughie2 took some time examining our library, as this is one that will appeal to both of us (husband + wife). It's enchanting, and one I would never, ever have found.

Must confess that it will be read by Christmas eve. Loving it. Thank you, Hughie2.

My Santa-Thing gifts arrived from Amazon.com on 12/21 and included:

A Far Cry From Kensington by Muriel Spark,
The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell and
Desert of the Heart by Jane Rule.

My Santa really did his/her homework and I think I will really like/love these books. You did a wonderful job choosing books that will be a good fit for me. Thank you so very much. Great job and I appreciate you taking the time to try to match me with your gifts for me. ♥

I got The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett. The former is on my TBR list and the latter I haven't heard of but also looks interesting.

I am curious if I should be expecting another package, because the total cost of these books is well below $30. But either way, these are lovely and well-chosen. Good job, Santa, and thank you!

Just opened my Santa Thing books--some excellent choices from my Santa. Thanks.

I received Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere, Tana French's In the Woods, which my sister has been trying to get me to read for forever, and a collection of stories inspired by the Sherlock Holmes canon, A Study in Sherlock.

I got :
The house on the strand by Daphne Du Maurier : one of my favorite authors.
1984 by George Orwell : never read this book but always thinking : "I must read it !"
The catcher in the rye by J. D. Salinger : I read Nine stories a long time before I was a LT member and I liked the book, I guess I'll like this one too.

Fantastic choice from my Santa. :-)

I got:
Doctor Faustus and other plays by Christopher Marlowe
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Last Chance to see by Douglas Adams

All wonderful choices, and I'm very happy with them.

I got

Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley - which I had never heard of but sounds like it is my kind of book.

Shogun by James Clavell - I saw the TV adaptation many years ago so it will be interesting to read the book.

The Dragon and the Unicorn by A. A. Attanasio - the first in an Arthurian series that I haven't read.

all excellent choices by my Santa- tribalwolf

Thank you, thank you! I received:

The Mountain's Call by Caitlin Brennan, which appears to combine fantasy and horses, two of my favorite things! It looks to be the first of a trilogy, and a completely new author me, too, which is great.

Full Moon Rising by Keri Arthur. who I've only encountered in anthologies, but it definitely looks intriguing.

One from my wish list - Blood from Stone by Laura Anne Gilman, which I know I'll like.

And finally, War Horse by Michael Morpurgo, which I probably would never have purchased on my own (I'm avoiding the movie, since I hate how unrealistic most of them make the horses) but I've heard good things about the book.

Very thoughtful selections, and I can't wait to dig in - SunnySD

Great job by my Santa, heyjude! I got two books from my wishlist:

Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout (in an omnibus with The League of Frightened Men
Terrier by Tamora Pierce

And one I've never heard of but it's within my favorite genre:

An omnibus - The Dragon Variation by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

Merry Christmas!

My Santa, FiliaLibri, made some great choices for me:

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Matched by Ally Condie &
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Merry Christmas Santathingers...

My Santa (pursuitofsanity) got me

True Grit by Charles Portis &
The Magicians by Lev Grossman

The "real" Santa (ie, my family) got me

the Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon
The Associates by Richard Rayner &
About Grace by Anthony Doerr

Big win for the To Be Read pile.

From my Santa I got:
Night Life by Rob Thurman
Mariel of Redwall by Brian Jacques
and The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy

Really great choices by my Santa, can't wait to start them.

From my family I got: Mere Humanity: G. K. Chesterton, C. S. Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien on the Human Condition by Donald Williams
The Puritan Dilemma: The Story of John Winthrop by Edmund Morgan
The United States Constitution: The Graphic Adaptation

I have received Then Again by Diane Keaton, and Untied by Meredith Baxter.

I got:
Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde
Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

Can't wait to get started on them.

Received three books:
The Autobiography of Theodore Roosevelt by Theodore Roosevelt, of course, Great Speeches: Franklin Delano Roosevelt edited by John Grafton, and The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Vol. 1: The Path to Power by Robert A. Caro.

I opened my Santathing package yesterday. I am thrilled with my book. hellonicole did a fantastic job. I accidentally bought books when I never buy any thing after Halloween because I don't want to buy something that someone else may get me. I had bought myself The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. The best thing is I have a niece who loves to read so the two books I had purchased for myself are now going to be gifts for her birthday.

The books I received are:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Storm Front by Jim Butcher
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

All the books look great. I can't wait to start the Hunger Games so that I can go see the movie when it is released.

My kids also bought me something I have been shopping for, for a couple of years now. They bought me a Kindle Fire. I just couldn't make my mind up about what I wanted so they made my mind up for me. I am loving it and am thrilled to finally have something I love. Now to go an read some books.

I hope everyone had a great holiday!!

Monica

69> The Liaden books are great - that omnibus contains the first three by publication order. There was recently a thread arguing about whether to read them in chronological or publication order and publication won - there's lots more once The Dragon Variation has hooked you!

>77 jjmcgaffey: Great to hear!

My Santa did a brilliant job! I don't know who you are (is there a way to find out?), but thank you so very much for Coventry: A Novel by Helen Humphreys and Remembering the Bones by Frances Itani. I've had a really hectic Christmas with no time for reading (annoyingly), but I intend to spend the next week lolling in front of the fire with books and chocolates. Thank you so much! xxx

ETA: I figured it out - thank you, bucketyell! :)

I got three pretty cool books this year. The Manual of Detection, by Jedediah Berry was a pretty interesting magical realism mystery that I'd never heard of and probably wouldn't have read otherwise. I'm starting to read The Case of the Gilded Fly, a much more standard mystery from 1940. The compass rose is from Ursula K. Le Guin; I wasn't really impressed with her The Word for World is Forest, but she's got enough stature in the sci-fi community that maybe I should give her another chance.

Thanks to my santa @st.chris, I got Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein, The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett and Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren to read to my son.

I've already enjoyed Starship Troppers and am getting antsy to read the rest of them as well.

>69 Morphidae: Wonderful, Morphidae! I tend to like omnibus books because you can sample more than one of a series or an author's works.

The Stout books are good and there are plenty more in the series. I, myself, am reading the third in the Beka Cooper trilogy (of which Terrier is the first). And, like #77 jjmcgaffey says, there are more (but not nearly enough) of the Liaden books when (not if) you get hooked :-)

I got The Time Traveller's Wife, Sabriel, and Sea of Poppies from my wonderful Secret Santa. Thank you!!

I also got myself a bunch of books a while back and had them shipped to my parents' house, so it was like discovering new gifts when I finally opened them: India: A History, Sister Outsider, Lavinia, and Bloodhound (I already have Terrier).

Now I'm planning to get down to the Seminary Co-op Bookstore while I'm in Chicago, and my book-lover's holiday will be complete:)

I got The house on the strand and since I like fantasy and time travelling, I think I will like it. :-) Thanks, Santa!

I got Why I write by George Orwell and Goat Song: A Seasonal Life, A Short History of Herding, and the Art of Making Cheese by Brad Kessler I would not have picked up the Orwell, but I think I'll enjoy it- I've read several of his books and my son is now picking up some. It will be interesting to see another side of him. I might have looked at Goat Song, but maybe not, and expect I'll also enjoy it. Very pleasant surprises!. Thank you 19vatermit64.

This is the first year I participated and I loved it.

I received...
Stardust by Neil Gaiman
Contact by Carl Sagan
Dracula by Bram Stoker

All three are new to me and I look forward to reading them. The film version of Contact is one of my all-time favorites so good job Secret Santa for recommending the book.

I have to admit I'm a little disappointed. Got 2 books: Book of Air and Shadows and Feast of Crows which was substituted for two other books my santa had selected but which were not available. (Since this is book 4 in a series I read years ago I'm not really sure why it was picked...) But anyway. I'm not a fan of historical fiction but will give Air and Shadows a whirl and at least if I don't like it, there is someone I know in real life who will. And I can exchange the Martin book for something more suitable.

I think my reading tastes are just too... something... for other people to select books I'd like so no more secret santa for me - though I might still add my 2 cents worth in the suggestions for others.

#87: You could create a wishlist and ask your santa to pick from that - if, like me, you make the list fairly extensive at least there is some element of suspense.

87/88 - Actually, you have a fairly large wishlist so I have no idea why your Secret Santa missed the mark. I've done it for three years now and can honestly say that I have had more hits than misses so maybe one more chance?

The first year I participated my picks were marginal picks. Last year's picks were right-on. The only problem I had with this year's was that I got a book that had been in my catalog for a long time. It was not, however, my Secret Santa's problem. It was an alternate pick that was made as they were rushing to get the orders done from a suggestion that had been made by someone who had failed to check my catalog when making the suggestion and had not stated so. I have some credit now for my Amazon.com purchase so all is well! This year's Secret Santa did a great job picking books.

I got Geology of the Sierra Nevada, which was on my wishlist. I'm surprised, but pleased - I was kind of expecting SF/Fantasy, but I guess I scared my Santa by saying there wasn't much I didn't either have or dislike. I got a lot of SFF from my family (off my Amazon wishlist, which overlaps but doesn't replicate LT's), so a non-fiction book is an excellent leavening - and I've started it and it's excellent.

And as a bonus - Book Depository threw in a bookmark with the periodic table! Fun.

I received my SantaThing books today and my Santa (tygermoonfoxx whom I also chose for - what are the chances of that happening?) picked wonderful books.

The heart of the matter by Graham Greene
Encounters with the archdruid and The deltoid pumpkin seed by John McPhee

I have not read the Greene (although I have read one of his other books) and I am unfamiliar with McPhee. Looking forward to some great reading.

I got introduced to McPhee in Santathing a year or two ago - I really like some of his books, and others are too scattered for my taste. But if you're interested in his subjects, you can get some interesting angles on them from him!

Mine just arrived today, forwarded from home. Someone tuned in to my love of YA books and got me two lovely hardback Cynthia Voigt books: Homecoming and Dicey's Song. I am absolutely delighted. I read at least one of them years ago as part of my Adolescent Lit class for my library hours, but a reread is definitely in order.

jjmcgaffey - I have the Geology of the Sierra Nevada and enjoyed it very much. I love taking drives and knowing what I'm seeing. :)

Mine arrived! My Santa did a fine job of picking!
The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling - This is a book I've wanted to read, but never gave myself permission to buy.
The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells - I've seen the movie, but never read the book. It sounds like one I will like.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman - Again, a book I've looked at for a long time but never indulged in.
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich - I have just discovered this author, and so look forward to reading more of her!

Thank you again, Santa ladylenneth!

How do I find out who my wonderful benefactor was?

It's listed on the SantaThing page now, but hard to find that page if you don't have it bookmarked.

Here's a link:
http://www.librarything.com/santathing.php?success=true

I had already tried that page, but silly me - I didn't click on my name. (I already knew what I wrote. Why look there?) Found my new friend on a ranch in Florida - she sounds like a really interesting woman, and I hope to get to know her.

My Santa did a super job of choosing for me -- The Tiger's Wife, which looks right up my alley, 84 Charing Cross Road, which I love but did not own, and The Looking Glass Wars. Thank you, Santa!

I likewise loved what my Santa choose for me: The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral - And How it Changed the American West by Jeff Guinn AND Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson.

I sat right down and read The Last Gunfight almost without coming up for a breath. It is not a gripping novel but just a good, solid history of one niche in the story of how the "Americans" ran across North America and changed a great many things. I recommend it for any who love to read history.

Since money is a little tight this year, I opted for the $10 option. My Santee (youthfulzombie) did a fantastic job and sent me Patient Zero. I am very excited and can't wait to get started on it tonight.

My expectations were surpassed this year. I not only got three books, but they were all by new-to-me authors and exactly the right thing. I got Back to the Coast by Saskia Noort, The Public Prosecutor by Jef Geeraerts and The Dead Women of Juarez by Sam Hawken.

My santee did a terrific job! Three books that look awesome, all new authors to me, so doubly welcome.

Half my SantaThing delivery has arrived: The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean. Looks very interesting! Thank you, Santa!

My Santa did a great job with the three picks.

One admittedly I have read, but it wasn't in my library so the fault is mine. The second, Raven Black, is a wonderful thriller that kept me up late into the night last night and has introduced a new author. The third, Nicholas and Alexandra, is by an author who I just discovered after reading his Catherine the Great, a book I really enjoyed.

All in all, a delightful SantaThing experience so thanks Myckyee!

My Santa also did a fabulous job!

Pavane (altho a last minute substitute looks great)

A Moment of Silence

and

The Last Kashmiri Rose the only one off my wishlist. Great job!

I opened my books early since I was away from home for Christmas. I was very happy to find The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel, which was on my wish list, and Thieves of Baghdad by Matthew Bogdanos. I have an art category in my 12 in 12 category challenge this year, and I'm really looking forward to reading both books for the challenge.

105 - Oh cool, my Secret Santa gave me Raven Black at well. I have never heard of it or Cleeves but it looked quite good. That one just got bumped up the list!

108- it was really an excellent thriller. I am already on the hunt for the rest of the series!

mine arrived yesterday but i didn't find them until just now. slanger89 sent me 3 young adult fantasies that i've never heard of, but authors i've never read. they all look right up my alley, though, so i'm thrilled for the adventure i get to have exploring these books. thanks slanger89!

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner

Don't know the first and last, but I love Robin McKinley. Spindle's End is a sort of Sleeping Beauty tale...but very different from the standard. I like her two Beauty and the Beasts - Beauty and Rose Daughter (written 10-20 years apart, and very different stories). And the Damar stories - The Blue Sword and The Hero and the Crown, plus shorts. And...well, all of hers! I'll have to look up Stephens and Tanner - I've heard of The Emerald Atlas, at least the name.

User 'riverwillow' received only two of the three books chosen (all three ISBN were 'greyed' so I assumed the third book was picked as part of the delivery package) and, as far as she told me at Christmas, she did not receive her third book, the last one I picked for her - Arnaldur Indridason's work, 'Silence of the Grave'.
If this is sorted, then I am sorry to bother you with this. If not, it would be nice for her to receive the third one! :-)

Some shipments (or partial shipments) are still wending their way to their recipients.

So much better than last year, eh? Thanks for your continuing vigilance!

>114 maggie1944: - Ugh, yes, SO much better!

>112 soniaandree: Thank you, Jeremy had warned me that I need to be patient, which is not in my nature. Anyway, hopefully as the 2nd Jan is the last bank holiday in England (Scotland get the 3rd off as well) the post will get back to normal quickly and the book will be delivered!

This is good to know! In any case, I wish everyone a happy new year 2012! :-)
Today, the sun is shining in Burgundy and I look forward to the nice day ahead.

Happy New Year as well - and nice to know the sun is shining somewhere relatively close by as its dull, grey and very blustery here.

I also wanted to say thank you to Jeremy and to everyone at LibraryThing for all their hard work before and after Christmas on SantaThing this year, which has been brilliant.

Yahoo! My books from jazzyereader arrived today and I had not peeked so really enjoyed the surprise. I received:

In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Hardcore Zen by Brad Warner

My Santa could not have made better choices and I'm pretty excited. Isn't that a great variety?

Also, thanks to all who made the many recommendations that I will be checking out for sure. I appreciate your time and attention.

This is my first year and I had so much fun with this Santa Thing! I'll be doing it again next year. I really appreciate the work Jeremy and others. Will we also be doing Christmas in July? I'm such a glutton!