Christmas Swap 2019

Welcome to the Christmas Swap for the 75 Books Challenge Group 2019. Yes, believe it or not, it’s that time again. I am Jeff (mahsdad) and this is my 5th year running the 75 Group Swap. I'm looking forward to a great book picking season, always one of my favorite times of the year.

For those that are new, or those who’ve forgotten, this is our own version of SantaThing, where we get to bring some literary joy to our friends here in the group. It’s a secret Santa, where you will be buying and shipping books to one person that you get assigned. Remember, we are not affiliated with LibraryThing, so don’t bug them with questions or issues about shipping, that’s my job.

As in years past, we keep this simple: Let me know if you are playing, PM me your address (if you played last year and haven't moved, I still have your address) I will draw names randomly and everyone will get a 75er to buy gift book(s) for.

We keep it to a $25 limit, so it can be affordable for everyone. This can be new books, carefully preserved “used” books or eBooks (if you want eBooks, PM me your email addy). This will be open to everyone, everywhere, since there are free shipping options available, like Book Depository.

The cut off will be about the 24th of November (Sunday before US Thanksgiving, its late this year), this gives you two weeks to decide if you want to play. I will pick names after that date (I'll let you all know here). I am very forgiving, so just let me know if you want in, even after the"cut-off". After I randomly sort the names and make the selections, I will send out the addresses in PM messages as soon as I can.

Once that is done, you can select from that Lter's wishlist or pick something on your own. The former is a safer bet. Plan accordingly so that your gifts will arrive by Christmas, given shipping time, especially to any non-US friends. International shipping can sometimes take up to 3 weeks or more.

Make sure you have Christmas Swap or LibraryThing printed somewhere on the shipping label, so your giftee "knows" and can save it for a Christmas opening. Another suggestion was, if the shipper didn’t allow for personal messages, put “LT” in as part of your giftee’s name.

Please feel free to use this thread to ask questions, make suggestions, or explicitly state that you do NOT want the latest YA Werewolf/Vampire Romantic-comedy series even though everyone says you must read it.

Also, in years past, there have been a couple people who wanted to sponsor someone less fortunate in the group, to make sure they could participate in the fun. Let me know if there are any Secret Secret Santa’s out there and I'll put the word out.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Merry Festivus for the rest of us.

Excited about the swap. My Christmas wish list here is up-to-date, but I also have a wish list at Book Depository (https://www.bookdepository.com/wishlists/WF2YT4). Mystery is my favorite fiction genre. I enjoy police procedurals such as the Deborah Crombie, Andrea Camilleri, Donna Leon, and Peter Robinson books (but I've read a lot of those). I also enjoy historical fiction, especially historical mysteries. It's probably best to stick to my wish lists unless you know me well. I do plan to participate in SantaThing so be sure to let my Santa there know what you are getting or check there to see what that Santa got if you order later.

My SantaThing link is here: http://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=157

Hello. I'm in Canada and wondered about asking to be paired with a 75-er who has a Canadian mailing address?

Also, I guess the $25 would translate into ~$35, so that's pretty reasonable. Lots of scope there.
And now a real newbie question - just to confirm, is PM = private message on your profile wall, yeah?

I'm in. This is always fun. All my info is the same as last year. I've got a pretty healthy wishlist here. My Santa might co-ordinate with @lycomayflower, who will know what family might be picking off there.

>3 SandyAMcPherson: Hi Sandy. Yeah a newbie. Love it.

Yes, PM means a private message. I just left you one.

As far as pairing with a fellow Canadian, I'll try. Normally the way it works with my selections, you'll pick for someone and they will pick for someone else. I try not to do any circular picks. Hopefully with places like Book Depository you'll be able to find free shipping. Or if you're visiting your local library book sale and find something good, feel free to ship directly.

We're pretty informal around here.

And Lori reminded me of something that I forgot to put in my introduction again.

If anyone is going to do Santathing, post it here, and/or let me know. That way your 75 Santa will can put comments on your Santathing page for what they are getting you so there's no dupes. I think we'll be selecting ahead of SantaThing.

I'm going to try something adventurous this year, since I don't know what to ask for and think the fun of this swap is in the gamble. Instead of using my wishlist please go to this link: https://www.librarything.com/topic/310495#6934895 to see my fiction challenge. Pick one or more categories and buy something that you enjoyed that fit (and that is missing from my library). You can later let me know in a PM or in a note with the book which of the categories your gift fits.

If you're not a fiction reader, feel free to send me a nonfiction book that you enjoyed. I read all sorts of nonfiction. I love to learn.

If you're uncomfortable with such a request, I do have a wishlist in my library, albeit under construction.

I'm not participating this year, but I wanted to drop by and make sure you know that after some recent spamming LT has put a limit on profile messages of 10 per day. So when you're sending out addresses and answering questions keep that in mind.

I've already mentioned to the staff how difficult that limit is for secret santas, etc. so hopefully they will change it soon.

Ooo, thanks for the heads up, Nora. Good to know.

I'm dithering about signing up, since I might have a problem with trying to come up with a specific book list. As others have said, I'm really picky now about what I add to my wish list. I think I could start something on Book Depository, though. That was a great suggestion.

I'm in! Same info as previous years.

>10 SandyAMcPherson: Sandy, there's no pressure of creating a specific book list. Even if you just a post on your 75 thread with a half dozen or so books you wish you had, or have been thinking about would work, just as suggestions.

>11 drneutron: Hey Jim, got you down!

Count me in, once again, Jeff. Thanks for keeping up the tradition.

>13 msf59: Gotcha!

I'm in, and like the idea of a post on my thread. I'll do that.

I got you down Charlotte.

I'm in again this year! My address has not changed since last year. I'm fine with gently used books, and I'll make sure my list is up to date by the time picks are made. I like surprises, too, so if my Santa is comfortable picking off list that's fine. I plan to participate in SantaThing and would appreciate it if my Santa here would leave a comment on my SantaThing profile to avoid duplicates.

ETA: My SantaThing link is https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=61

Excellent Carrie, welcome back.

That puts us at 10 so far. Last year we had 20, maybe we can exceed that this year.

Boosting the signal, looking for more friends to join us. Plenty of time. :)

I'm in! Off to update my wishlist...

Yippee! Welcome Amanda!

I'm in! I also like the idea of a post on my thread with a good list from which to choose. Last year I developed a collection called "2018 Christmas Swap Wishlist" but the post seems easier.... :-)

I just checked and I sent you my address last year. I'm still in the same place.

Thanks Jeff!

I'm in!

Will PM my address, as is different from last year.

I'm in. It's always fun shopping for someone who wants a book or two for Christmas. Thanks for doing this.

Haha.

I do believe you have my address.

Assuming you got my PM, Jeff. All my info is the same. I'm good with gently used. I don't think I'm going to set up a separate Xmas wishlist this year. Anything in my wishlist collection that isn't tagged "library" is good, and that is a large selection.

I've been busy with a federal jury trial (can't wait to share), so I've been behind with updates.

>22 EBT1002: Ellen, welcome, I got your info.
>23 lycomayflower: You too Laura
>24 weird_O: Wouldn't be the same with out you Bill. Yep I got your address
>25 ronincats: Got you too Rhonda. Do you want me to share your Kindle email with your Santa, or do you want paper this year.

That puts us at 14 so far. Still plenty of time for more to join.

@SandyAMcPherson and @PaulCranswick, I still need your addresses. :)

Helpful Bits for Lycomayflower:

--Dead tree books only, please

--Used books are a delight!

--I made a wishlist for the swap, called 75ers Christmas Swap Wishlist, and it is here.

A reminder, Santathing has started. If you are going to do that as well, post your link here, or PM it to me.

I haven't done it in a couple years, but if memory serves, you will NOT be able to see the comments or selections of your account, but we can, so we can post comments and suggestions for your Santathing santa on what not to get, so there's no overlap.

Merry Christmas.... Oh my goodness, its coming up quick. Except for this, I have no Christmas Spirit yet, this year.

>1 mahsdad: I like this idea, being more personal.

I participated in SantaThing for several years, but not recently.

What do I need to do besides join?

I added books to a Christmas list: https://www.librarything.com/catalog/fuzzi

Used books are fine, good or better condition.

I prefer paperbacks, but am willing to accept hardcovers of older books.

Due to allergies I can't read musty books.

>29 fuzzi: Instructions (such as they are) are up top. But basically, just PM me your address. Sometime next week I will pick a Santa for everyone and then you're on your own. Try to stay around $25 and pick the books you think your person would like.

>4 laytonwoman3rd: Adding to my earlier post, I am fine with used books (as long as they don't fall apart, or smell of smoke/mold). And if you know of something that isn't in my library, which you think I'd like based on interactions here or whatever, please feel free to depart from my wishlist. I don't do the e-book thing.

I'm of course in again.
The best bet for me is of course for you to use Book Depo which has free delivery to Malaysia.

I will update my Christmas Wishlist over the weekend.

I am in! I think you have my address but will PM it to you just in case. Will create a Christmas wish list this weekend. Thanks for coordinating us!!

Hey Kim, You're in. :)

Coming down to it. I'll probably pick the pairing on Monday. Here's who's playing so far. Am I missing anyone?

mahsdad
thornton37814
PaulCranswick
ronincats
The_Hibernator
msf59
drneutron
charl08
cbl_tn
amanda4242
EBT1002
lycomayflower
weird_O
fuzzi
Morphidae
Berly

You missed me! See >4 laytonwoman3rd: and >31 laytonwoman3rd:.

You are absolutely right. My humble apologies. I'm glad I asked.

Me too!
I've been busy moving, unpacking and getting ready for company.
Just found this today.

I'll PM new address.

Thanks for doing it again. Always fun!

Added a list here https://www.librarything.com/topic/312763#6976504

Jeff, yes, ebooks are okay and you can share my email. I'll PM you to be sure they use the correct one for my Kindle account. I love used books in good shape as well. I have an extensive Wishlist, but note that everything tagged "library" is available to me from my library system so my priority would be books not available that way.

>9 mahsdad: The daily limit for profile comments has been upped from 10 to 30, so I think you should be okay. (See: https://www.librarything.com/topic/312443#6977197)

Thanks Nora, I would have definitely run up against the limit if it had been 10. 30 should be okay.

To all, I'm going to hold off making the picks for a bit. I just saw on Kriti's thread that she might be interested. I want to give her a chance to get in.

And to anyone else who is hovering, let me know if you want in, there's still time.

Yes, I'm interested! Thanks for holding for me.

Excellent. I'll do picks after dinner and send out the PMs this evening.

Remember, if you're going to do Santathing as well, let us know so your Santa can go make comments there.

Have Fun!

I have created a tag in my books section "Series Christmas Hitlist 2019" for whoever gets the short straw for me to choose from. Anything from my wider wishlist will of course be gratefully received.

https://www.librarything.com/tag/SERIES+CHRISTMAS+HITLIST+2019

I have made sure that all 20 in the Christmas list are available on Book Depo.
In my wider wishlist there are 466 books in total so plenty to go at.

I've set up a Christmas wishlist collection, but I love (book) surprises so feel free to use it as more of a guide. My tastes are broad, and I'm as happy reading a fat Russian classic as I am a fantasy novella. All of the books I own are in my Your Library collection, so I don't have anything that isn't there.

I am more than happy to receive used books. Anything not falling apart or smelling like an ashtray is fine by me!

Thanks @mahsdad for running this!

Okay picks have been made. I'll start sending the PMs shortly.

For next year I'm contemplating a different selection method that would keep me in the dark as well. Downside of doing the selecting, I know who drew my short straw. :)

In order to complete blind picking, would anyone have any objections to the addresses being put in a password protected google sheet that all participants could access to get their giftee's address once the selection was made? I'd envision sending PMs to the participants with the link and the password. Then after the selection they could go get the address on their own.

NOT doing that this year, just brain dumping my thoughts on how to make this a little more efficient for next.

Merry Christmas!

>47 mahsdad: I would heartily agree, Jeff, if I understood any of it!

>44 mahsdad: I am also doing SantaThing.

>47 mahsdad: I would not object to my address being available to all participants in a secure way next year (I'd trust any of you with it, so why not all of you).

All the messages should be out. PM me if you didn't get one and I'll see where I messed up. :)

I received my pick. Yah! Thanks for setting this up, Jeff. Fine job, again.

I will gladly take gently used books. I am just using my regular Wishlist, over on my profile page. These seem to be mostly story collections, but feel free to select something that will surprise and interest me.

For my Secret Santa:

I'll spend some time this evening making a Christmas wishlist collection. Used are always fine with me, and really the wishlist is just suggestions. I'm always open to new things.

For my Santa: I am also fine with gently used books. I don't have a wishlist and I'm open to all genres.

I'm cool with used books too, if I didn't say that already.

To my Santa:

I added books to a Christmas list: https://www.librarything.com/catalog/fuzzi

Used books are fine, good or better condition.

I prefer paperbacks, but am willing to accept hardcovers of older books.

Due to allergies I can't read musty books.

Thank you!

I've still not received a notification of my Santee.

>56 thornton37814: My apologies. you should have a PM from me

I'm working on a list. I'll try to post it in my catalog by Black Friday. Used books are welcome. Dead tree format much preferred.

Dang it, I posted yesterday. I know. I'll have to recreate tomorrow. Sorry.

Found it! It seems that it's a big help to actually click on Post message when you are done. *facepalm*

*****

I prefer tree books to ebooks but will take either, especially as I know some of the books I'm looking for are available in ebook only.

I have a preference for new rather than used as I have strong sensitivities. However if it's a relatively new (10 years?) paperback* that doesn't seem to have picked up any odors (smoke, mustiness, pets, perfume!!, fragrances), I should be okay.

*Used older books and hardcovers seem more likely to set me off.

I'm still putzing around with my lists, adding not subtracting, but you're safe picking from these. I'll be signing up for SantaThing but haven't yet.

My "Want to Read" is a very short list of books and is more of a note to myself of books I want to read sooner rather than later. While it would be nice to get one from that list, I really don't want people to feel obliged to pick from it.

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Morphidae/ltrecommended

http://www.librarything.com/catalog/Morphidae/wanttoread

>59 Morphidae: I hate it when I do that...

My list is posted. (I finally kept a promise! Hurrah for me.) I think the collection to look at is evident.

I have posted a Christmas Swap Wishlist here on my thread. I'm happy with gently used books, paper, hard, whatever.

And I have a collection called wish list, as well, so there are options there.

Oh boy.

>47 mahsdad: That would work for me, Jeff. Thanks again for organizing this!

Package sent!!! Thanks for organizing us, Jeff. : )

I've ordered for my Santee...

Order for my Santee is on the way.

An order for my Santee is placed. (going to send something else from home). I used Book Depository (better prices than Ammy) and they don't have any gift options, so what I sent is unwrapped.

I would suggest that anyone getting anything "unexpected" from Book Depository, don't open it early if you want to be surprised :)

My giftee's books have been ordered. They should arrive in two packages, one from Amazon and one from another vendor. I forgot to have them wrapped, but I don't think it was available for all of them anyway. Sorry about that! One package may arrive several days later than the other, but both should arrive well before Christmas.

Lets just assume that you open shipping packages at your own risk of spoiling the surprise.

Tho, if your a Santa that was able to gift wrap, let me know and I'll pass the info along to your Santee know they can put something other than a brown box under the tree. :)

One of my Santee's books was suddenly "not available" so I had to find another book, quick. Someone here is getting two separate packages, probably at least a week apart...

I ordered the books for my Santee. They should arrive soon. It will arrive from Amazon with SantaSwap in the address field. No inside wrapping.

I sent mine on Monday through USPS. They made me put my name and return address on them. So somebody's probably going to guess who his or her Santa is. 🤣😂

Just ordered the books for my Santee! Two books coming before Christmas, but the third (one I really wanted to get) probably won't arrive until after January 1.

Mine has been placed, two separate deliveries, if you get a delivery from Book Depository you are not expecting, it could be from me!

My Santee will be getting a single Amazon package next week.

I received 2 packages yesterday. Under the tree they go. B.A.G.

If anyone gets a package from me, it'll be from me. Everyone watch your mailboxes.

I got my package!

Got two books from Amazon today! Thank you, Santa!

How do we find out who our Santa is?

Hopefully the gift receipt will tell -- or the person will reveal Christmas Day.

>81 fuzzi: If the contents or return address don't reveal Santa's identity, the guilty party will usually confess eventually. My gift package is ready to go in the mail on Monday. The return address will identify the sender as "LT75 Santa", but there will be a note from me inside.

>81 fuzzi: Yeah Fuzzi, generally its good form to reveal yourself on/after Christmas. But early is fine too. Its all in good fun. I suspect my Santee will know know its me from the packaging, and I know who my Santa is. But that's because I made picks. :)

Next year, I think it will be completely blind, if the website I found works how I think its going to work.

I got an unexpected book from Amazon today but I realized that I'm participating in multiple gift exchanges and I'm not sure which one it's from. There was no note or gift receipt and the label didn't say anything about LT so I'm assuming it's from the other one. I'm very excited about it, though!

>85 kgodey: I suspect my SantaThing items will not arrive before I leave to visit family for the holidays. However, I plan to check on Christmas Day to see what my Santa sent. I'm hoping my SantaSwap items arrive before I leave, but if they don't, I guess I'll just have a nice surprise when I return. I'll need to make arrangements with the next door neighbor to check for UPS/FedEx, etc. packages. I can hold USPS ones at the post office.

I have received a parcel from amazon ... :-)

I received a package from Amazon this morning! If I had opened it, it might have contained the biography of Daniel Boone that was high on my wishlist! (Actually, I did open it because once again I'll be flying over Christmas and wanted to open it early to see if it needs to go with me for airplane reading.) Thank you to my Santa, whoever you are! If there was a gift receipt in the package, I missed it.

My books were ordered yesterday and are on their merry way!
Coming from Better World Books.

Got a package yesterday - went straight under the tree!

>88 cbl_tn: Since you're going to be away, I thought I'd go ahead and reveal.. I'm your Secret Santa! There are two more coming, by the way. One tomorrow or Thursday, one early next week. Sad, really, that Amazon needs to make three trips... 😀

>91 drneutron: Thanks, Jim! You've been my Santa before. You and your elves always do a great job of sending exactly what I want to read! I'll be on the lookout for the other packages, and will also open them as soon as they arrive for the same reason. I'm not leaving until late next week, so everything should arrive before I leave.

No packages yet with the SantaSwap designation. Most packages arriving are ordered Christmas gifts, but I did get a cross stitch book I found while browsing at Book Depository and an Early Reviewer book in today's mail. I think two packages of Christmas gifts arrive tomorrow (assuming the trucks can make it out).

Found a package in the mail marked "LT Lori Thornton" which appears to be from the US Distributor that usually ships Book Depository's orders. I'm guessing it is from my Christmas Swap Santa. The package feels like it contains a single book.

My package is in the mail. Hopefully it will arrive early next week. Come on, P.O.!!

I have received two packages. Both say "LT" along with my name so I have set them aside. I can hardly stand the suspense. Since we're leaving a week from today and not returning until 12/28, I may open them before Christmas. I don't want to carry books with me to Kauai that I need to carry back and I suspect these fall into the category.

SO excited. Thank you, whoever you are!!!

I received a box today with LT on the return address, woo!

>96 EBT1002: you're welcome! Since you're leaving before Christmas, go ahead and open them...

A second book arrived today. The House at Baker Street seems like it would be good airplane reading, so it may go with me on my trip. Thanks, Jim!

And if I haven't missed logging any newly acquired books, The House at Baker Street is acquisition #75 for the year! :-)

2 boxes labeled LT Lori Thornton arrived today from Book Depository. That brings the packages to a total of 3. I think it's still a little early for packages from SantaThing, so I believe these are from my Christmas Swap Santa. I will probably open them Monday before leaving on Tuesday to head to my brother's. That will help me determine which the library books, personal books, and "Santa" books go with me!

>97 fuzzi: Thank you, fuzzi (I don't know your real name...)!!! I am so excited about both books -- Women of the Copper Country and The Notorious RBG. Yay!!!

>101 EBT1002: I'm glad you like them. 😁

I received a bundle from Better World Books! Yay!

I decided to select the books I'm taking with me today so I could get those packed in the car. This meant I needed to open the packages today instead of tomorrow.

Thanks to whoever my Santa is (and I hope you identify yourself) for:

Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
Poems to Live Your Life By by Chris Riddell
The Christmas Angel by Marcia Willett

The Christmas book will definitely go along on the trip. I suspect my sister-in-law may pick it up after I finish reading it.

>104 thornton37814: Ho ho ho!

😀

I received another package yesterday and I was thrilled to find The White Book by Han Kang. It will not be going with me on the plane because I don't want to cry in public. I expect I'll read it very early in the new year.

>105 Morphidae: Thanks, Morphy! You did an excellent job with your selections. I'm looking forward to reading all three.

>106 cbl_tn: Glad it came before Christmas!

I received my package! I'll open it on the 22nd, as I'm going to Oregon for a week over Christmas. :)

My package arrived today!! Yay!! Under the tree it goes. : )

I got a box from Book Depository today! It's under the tree.

I also got a Book Depository, well, deposit today!

I received my Amazon package a day or two ago. Between them and the 75ers Xmas Swap package, I simply couldn't wait anymore.

I don't know who my 75ers Santa was but they did a great job. I got The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros which I've been meaning to read Real Soon Now™, Collecting Dead Relatives by Laverne Galeener-Moore which has been on Mount TBR for-eh-ver. I doubt I would have ever gotten to it without receiving it as a gift. And, lastly, Glow of the Fireflies by Lindsey Duga. My Santa took a real risk getting me fantasy but I've never come across this author before and from what I've read of the plot and reviews, it seems right up my alley!

I really love that between the three Santas, I've gotten a nice selection of genres. For fiction I have: Fantasy (3), YA Fantasy, YA Fiction & Children's. For non-fiction, I have Autobiography/Memoir, Biography, Science, & Humor.

I received a pkg from Book Depository today and tore into it.
To my great delight, I found 2 wonderful books -
The Stillwater Girls and a sci fic novel, Halfway Human.

Now all I want to do is read them RIGHT NOW, but I still have Christmas doings to finish!

Thank you to my Secret Santa. I'm very pleased with my new books!

ANOTHER packet from Better World Books arrived yesterday! I must have been a very good girl this year... My husband will open them, and put the contents into a gift bag under the tree. I will sit on my hands until Christmas morning.

I couldn't resist opening my parcel this evening- thanks to my Santa who got me two books I am very much looking forward to read An African in Greenland and Travellers in the Third Reich.

Merry Christmas All!

amanda4242 was my Santa. But then since I made the picks, I already knew that. I let myself open 1 tonight. Several more to follow. BAG!

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

Been on the WL for so long (2013), I forgot it was there. I love gifts that are a surprise, but not a surprise.

Woo! We open our gifts on Christmas Eve (family tradition) and I found out my Santa is @laytonwoman3rd. She sent me Canoeing with the Cree and The Patch Boys, complete with bookmarks! Thank you, and thanks to @mahsdad for setting up the swap.

>118 fuzzi: I had a hard time letting go of Canoeing with the Cree, fuzzi...it looks like a very interesting read! Enjoy. Merry Christmas to all!

>114 nrmay: I am your Santa this year so Merry Christmas! Glad you are excited about your books--I hope you get some reading time soon. I had fun looking through your WL. And you should get a total of 3...just saying. ; )

Thanks to my secret Santa for some great books!



Now who good it be??

Lycomayflower, a.k.a. Laura, was my Santa. Lovely wrapping and a card that my wife really liked. (It may end up on the 'fridge.)

Nova by Samuel Delany
To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
Bearskin by James McLaughlin

That last title was recommended to me by my sister, a Lexington, VA, area resident. She said the author had lived in the Shenandoah Valley for years while writing this novel. So it was put on my special list: "Xmas 2019—I want it, I want it". Since Laura lives up the Valley, I wonder if there's a sense of community pride in her choice. Is there?

>121 drneutron: It was me, it was me. Merry Christmas!

>123 mahsdad: Awesome! These are great selections!

>121 drneutron: True Grit is quite good.

Thank you to my secret Santa for

Flames by Robbie Arnott
The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Life of Pi by Yann Martell

I look forward to reading them!

Also still don't know who sent the mystery book from Mysterious Galaxy--it is Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor.

And I still haven't seen that my Santee has opened her books yet...

Incredibly generous haul from my Santa....



Thank you so much! (Somebody needs to 'fess up.)

>121 drneutron: Nice haul, Jim. Go Jeff! Loved Friday Black.

>127 laytonwoman3rd: Nice, stack, Linda! I would like to read Lean on Pete. The film was excellent.

^My most excellent Christmas Swap Haul! All of these have been or are currently on my TBR list. Thanks, for your generosity, Rachel. You clearly know me well.

>126 ronincats: Three of them were me! (I wanted to get you one from Mysterious Galaxy because you mentioned them last year).

But I can't claim Life of Pi...

Here's my haul from Amanda! Thank you very much.



Have to go off to dinner, but later tonight, I'll post all the Santas. Some have told me to reveal them to you all, but I can't remember who. :)

Merry Christmas!

>130 charl08: Thank you, Charlotte! And Life of Pi came with the Bradley and the Arnott books from Book Depository, same package! Looks like it could have been a buy two, get one free type of thing. It wasn't listed on the packing slip either, though, so maybe a mystery? And so sweet of you to remember Mysterious Galaxy, even though we ran out of time to visit it. Hope you are having a good Christmas day!

Thank you Secret Santa!!! A very nice variety you chose from my WL. You da best, whoever you are! : )

Now I can't wait for 1/1/2020 so these can count as last year additions and therefore Off My Shelf reads! LOL

Hey, Kimmers, you helped me deacquisition several books in addition to some purchases. Enjoy!

Hey All!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and got some great literary tomes. To save everyone having remember who revealed themselves and who didn't, here's the list I picked from. Next year I hope to automate the selections so that even I don't know who got who, and will, hopefully, set it up to avoid duplicates.

Here's to a great 2020. Hope everyone had fun with this year's picks

Gifter - Giftee

drneutron - cbl_tn
thornton37814 - Morphidae
PaulCranswick - lycomayflower
ronincats - Berly
The_Hibernator - msf59
msf59 - The_Hibernator
mahsdad - drneutron
charl08 - ronincats
cbl_tn - amanda4242
amanda4242 - mahsdad
EBT1002 - PaulCranswick
lycomayflower - weird_O
weird_O - kgodey
fuzzi - EBT1002
Morphidae - thornton37814
Berly - nrmay
laytonwoman3rd - fuzzi
nrmay - laytonwoman3rd
kgodey - charl08

>113 Morphidae: We apparently got each other this year! I was your Santa. I've just been too busy to see the thread since I've been at my brother's house.

>134 ronincats: Happy to help declutter your shelves! And that must mean we like some of the same books. ; ) Thank you again -- I can't wait to start them.

>136 thornton37814:. Yeah I didn’t notice that until I started sending them out. I usually try to avoid that Whoops.

Thanks for all the work you put into this, Jeff.

>138 mahsdad: It was unexpected. Maybe you should let the luck of the draw happen a little more often.

I got a huge box of books from my Santa a couple of weeks ago. Thank you, Bill!

I have not taken a picture but I got 8 books in total:
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet by David Mitchell
Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
Killing Time by Caleb Carr
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester
Georgia O'Keeffe, Art and Letters

I love all of them, they're a great mix of fiction and non-fiction and I'm really looking forward to reading them all. I haven't been as excited about reading so much SFF lately so it's great to have some books outside that genre.

Sorry about not posting until now. I broke my arm a few days ago and I've had to deal with that (plus type one-handed).

>141 kgodey: Very relieved to read that you got the books, Kriti. You have my complete sympathy about that broken arm. My non-dominant arm was broken years ago in a car crash the day of Christmas Eve, so I got to spend Christmas and the day after in the hospital. I sure hope your injury wasn't like that.

The truth of the book box is library book sales. Mailing the package cost more than the books, I have to admit. I'm also relieved that you like the selection.

And you are welcome.

>141 kgodey: So sorry to read about your arm - and thank you, again, for the books: much appreciated.