SantaThing 2023: Picking Help Needed

Here's the yearly thread for those of you who are looking for assistance picking books for your Santees, and for those of you here to help others with suggestions. Let's do this!

Does it matter if we're given the same person as a previous year?

If their store choice just shows as “()” does this mean they did not chose a store yet?

my store link is not working for the person i was selected to pick from. when i click on it says it doesn’t exist. it for a bookstore in the uk

I am unable to access Blackwell's site. I even tried directly and all links generate an error message.

>5 MidnightRose966: https://downforeveryoneorjustme.com/blackwells.co.uk

Their site seems to be down at the moment. Hopefully it will be back in the morning (UK time).

There was a status update by them over on X/Twitter ( https://twitter.com/blackwellbooks/status/1729579374100255150 ) ~4 hours ago (Blackwells.co.uk is aaaaaalmost back to normal.

Bear with us!) so I'd say to just give them the day...

What do you do if no one has left a recommendation for your Santee, and you don't read almost anything they do? I've been given someone who reads a few of the same genres as me but the *extreme* opposite ends of them. Our libraries only share ten books and I haven't even read three of them.

>6 AnnieMod: >5 MidnightRose966: >4 tweetybugshouse: AnnieMod beat me to it! Yes, Blackwell's site is currently down. I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days, but trying again later is your best best.

>7 saroz: You ask for help here! Lots of folks are willing to help with recommendations.

>3 leximarolf: So it seems. Based on geography, I'd guess Powell's. I'll check with the Santee to be sure, so if you can wait until tomorrow I'll let you know.

>2 liao: Send me a message on LT (katemcangus) and we'll match you with someone else.

Well, then: suggestions desired for military-based sci-fi. My Santee seems to have read most of the 1950s/60s-era classics that I would have even thought to have purchased. Might be cool if it was by a diverse author, because the Santee seems open to that.

>12 saroz: How about Old Man's War by John Scalzi, or John Haldeman's The Forever War. Both excellent military sf, IMO.

>12 saroz: Also Tanya Huff's Peacekeeper series, or Jack Campbell's Admiral Geary series.

While I wait for Blackwells any suggestions here what they like and don’t like

Likes-German philosophy, German literature, LGBT+ history/literature, biographies of scientists, programming, linux, photography handbooks

Don't get this!
self-help, self-improvement, journalism, YA, business, cooking, traveling, spiritualism, sci-fi

Other notes
I can read English, Spanish or German

Any ideas thanks

My santee doesn't have books in their account, or any links to other book lists. How do I avoid getting them something they already have?

My first thoughts for their categories are well-known books, so there's a good chance they've already read them. Any way to prompt them to list books they've already read?

>16 EerierIdyllMeme: I've left them a message suggesting they add titles to their LT catalog. However, if they don't, they simply get the books you choose.

>13 mahsdad: Quite literally the only two military ideas I had come up with so far. Great minds think alike! ;)

Unfortunately that doesn't even get me halfway. A big problem I'm running into is that when I stumble on ideas for the other genres, Powell's has very limited options in stock. So many "What about...!" moments I've had in the past hour have been deflated by the big USED. That includes Santee's one hinted-at title.

Every single book i try on Longfellows is labeled “special order, takes 3 to 5 days”. Should i avoid those for Santathing picks? So far not one of my picks shows in stock, guess it’s time to widen the scope of my suggestions!

>14 majkia: Ah, thank you, I'm not familiar with these.

>12 saroz: Wikipedia is often your friend for this sort of thing. They've got a long list of possible authors and titles:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_military_science_fiction_works_and_authors

>19 camelama: I believe if it can be ordered it's ok. We should have the titles in on time for ordering. We would prefer if they didn't have to be ordered, but it should be ok. I'll double check with them though just in case.

If you post a link to the santee's santathing page people can write their suggestions there, so the surprise doesn't get spoiled.

Yes, if you do the suggesting here, they may also be reading the thread!

Right, good point. So let's start again.

Would appreciate some help...here: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=282

How do I access someone's wish list?
AND
if they have the following does it mean they prefer ebook purchase only? Thanks for the help!

Purchasing Details
Store: Amazon.com Kindle (http://www.amazon.com)
Gift Amount: $35 (USD)

>26 DBev: Here is your Santee's wishlist: https://www.librarything.com/catalog/Christiana5/wishlist

And yes, this means you should choose Kindle ebooks here: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/storefront

>16 EerierIdyllMeme: Your Santee says they're happy with whatever you choose. Happy picking!

Help with my person https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=317

I've just picked two kindle works for my santee and am left with $0.02 left

I'm hoping that is okay :)

Cheers

>30 Macbeth: That's perfect! Anything under a dollar left is wonderful.

>29 tweetybugshouse: Try these: The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins, MIT and the Fight for Women in Science by Kate Zernike; The Doctors Blackwell: How Two Pioneering Sisters Brought Medicine to Women and Women to Medicine by Janice P. Nimura; A Queer History of the United States by Michael Bronski; The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann

>22 katemcangus: I'm having the same issue with Longfellow Books. I'll keep looking for in stock works though! :)

>31 katemcangus: I've got $3.04 left. There are 3 more books in the series on Kindle. Is there any way I could send y'all another $20.93 so I can complete the series for my Santee?

Alright, I'm going to ask for help here. This is my SantaThing: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=44

The first comment includes books he already has, so any thoughts would be helpful! You'd think I'd not have troubles with SF, it's my preferred genre, but I'm drawing blanks.

>32 TooLittleReading: thank you I was at a total blank as I m0re a ya fantasy sci Fi reader

>7 saroz: I look at Lists on Goodreads. It helps out a lot, for me.

>35 katster: Try: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine; Tales from the Green Bay Packers Sideline: A Collection of the Greatest Packers Stories Ever Told by Chuck Carlson; and American Caesar by William Manchester.

Okay, I need help! I do not read horror or manga, so I am at a loss! https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=339

Help pretty please!!
https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=301

>22 katemcangus: I had the same issue with Longfellows. I was able to find two books in stock, the third is 3-5 days order which I didn’t think was too bad.

Please can I get some more suggestions added on this Santee's page: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=99 - so far all my ideas and the suggestions left are either not available from the bookshop or not within the budget. Thanks in advance for the help.

>1 katemcangus: Need help. Don't know anything about fantasy. This is what my message said, I love fantasy/romantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, romance, and altered fairy tales. Some favorite authors include Kelly Armstrong, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Patricia Briggs, Shelly Laurenston, Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle, Julie Garwood, Penny Reid. Love… Can anyone help me? Thanks so much!

>43 sarahj202: I'd suggest pasting the URL for your Santee here and asking everyone for help.

>34 DBev: As long as you've got less than $5 left, I think you're fine. No need to add any money, though that's kind of you.

I humbly request a little help.

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=235

My problem is that I only have $9 for a book and everything I'm seeing is about double.

ETA - thanks to a couple fine folks who commented with suggestions, I am all set. Thanks!

>3 leximarolf: Just heard: go with Powell's!

I’d appreciate some help as I’m struggling to find new copies on the Powell’s website for ideas I’ve had so far. (Maybe I’m just struggling with an unfamiliar store?)

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=25

Thanks in anticipation.

>48 bigcurlyloz: I left a comment.

I stupidly began filling out the form in the middle of the night and neglected to answer all the questions (thinking I would return to it later). So almost all of my information is still blank. Is there a way to go back and complete that form?

>50 Eliz12: If you scroll up to your name under "Your Own SantaThings" on https://www.librarything.com/santathing.php and click "Edit entry" you should be able to add info. Let me know if you have any trouble!

>1 katemcangus: What do I do if I can't click on a book store? I click, but it won't take. What did I do wrong? Amy Lesemann

>52 AmyLesemann: what the bookstore?

OK, this is my first year participating and I feel a bit dumb, and very embarrassed. I can't tell what bookstore my SantaThing chose. I don't know where I should be looking for that but I can't find it anywhere.

I also can't really see anything other than THIS PAGE over and over again:

https://www.librarything.com/santathing.php

Like the link that says "pick out a book here!" and the link that says "read official rules and more information here" and all other links just go back to this ONE PAGE that doesn't actually explain or give any of that information. ??

Halp!

>54 magnetgrrl: I got an email that told me who my person was I clicked on the name and that took me to their page hope this helps

>54 magnetgrrl: Fairly near the top of that page it will say 'You pick for...' with the Santee's name and if you click on the name there it should take you to their Santathing page.

It's just above the 'Your Santathing' section.

Hi, my Santee has a private library. I wouldnt want to get them something they already have, especially since they mentioned that themselves. Should I message them, or would that beat the whole point of the secret in Secret Santa?

>1 katemcangus: This is my first time. Everything I am looking at for my Santee will either come in about $12 under, or $3 over. Is $3 over too much?

>54 magnetgrrl: Here's the link to your Santee: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=411

They want books from Blackwell's. Let me know if you need any additional assistance!

>52 AmyLesemann: Hi Amy, Blackwell's has had some trouble intermittently for the past few days. Just keep trying: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/home

Ok, I need help! I wrote to Blackwell's on Twitter and they replied that they've made a decision not to deliver to Georgia (where I am now) anymore and that's why I don't see prices anymore.

This is my Santee: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=201

I have already added some ideas in the comments and other people have also added theirs. Could somebody send me a private message with these book prices or maybe the Elfs can help and make a selection instead of me?

>61 dacejav: WHAT?! That's wild! Did they give a reason why? I'm looking into this.

In the meantime, I'll be happy to work with you.

>62 katemcangus: Haha, I am actually in the COUNTRY not the state :D and thanks for your help!

Yes, I think it's wild. You can make a decision not to process cards from certain countries and to deliver only to certain countries, but usually you can still browse and see prices, but they have a weird setup that they show prices including delivery based on your IP address. First BookDepository, now Blackwell's gone :-(

>58 folofjc: I think $3 is preferable to $12 under. Just leave us a note explaining that in the comments.

>57 AzureSasha: The rule for private libraries is that they get what they get. I'm sure your picks will be great!

>44 katemcangus: I love fantasy/romantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal, romance, and altered fairy tales. Some favorite authors include Kelly Armstrong, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Patricia Briggs, Shelly Laurenston, Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle, Julie Garwood, Penny Reid. Love dragon books- just finished reading Iron Flame. Recently got into RH books and monster books- really adore Kristy Cunning 's All the Pretty Monsters series and Anne Bishop's Courtyard of the Others series and wouldn't mind a copy since I would definitely re read them. Kathryn Moon's librarian's coven series was awesome. I also enjoy memoirs (about the only nonfiction I read) and reading Asian fairy tales and authors. Other books I loved this year includes "Remarkably Bright Creatures", "In Five Years" (made me ball), "Lonely Hearts Book Club"
Preference for paperback
Any suggestions are much appreciated!

>66 sarahj202: Just drop the URL for your Santee and ask for help here. That way if your Santee is on this thread they won't see what's being suggested.

>63 dacejav: boooooo

Cheap suggestion wanted for McBeth:
https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=393

I have several ideas that I posted in the comments on that thread, but they all come up just over half the budget. I am looking for a second cheap suggestion. The first book I am thinking about is 24.99 AUD/16.55 USD. That would leave 18.80 AUD/USD 12.45 for a second book. The website has few books that cheap.

A great suggestion for a book near the full budget (43.75 AUD/29 USD) would also work.

>64 katemcangus: I am $0.79 over because all the books I have found are just over half the budget. Would that be OK? Happy to pay the difference.

>69 yhoitink: Left a suggestion for 19.99 AUD.

>71 karenb: Thank you for the suggestion. From the Santee's library, I do not think he is into fantasy. And it would still leave me $0.79 over if I combine that with my first choice.

>70 yhoitink: Perfectly fine! No need to pay the difference.

Okay, I'm stumped. I'm picking for the same person in a bit of a niche genre: historical medical non-fiction, and have $7 and $8 remaining, respectively. Help? I'm going to step away and think about it before another attempt. Thanks for any ideas you post there!

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=169
https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=170

>66 sarahj202: I left a few suggestions. Their favorite sub-genres aren't ones I pick up too much, but I read the same overall genre. If you need further help, r/RomanceBooks on reddit has a great wiki for recommendations by sub-genre or trope (such as monsters or RH). You don't need to have a reddit account to browse and it's a super open/welcoming community so lots of discussion around all kinds of sub-genres.

>73 katemcangus: Thank you so much! Turned out I had to pick something else anyway since Santee bizarly already had the 1960s translated mystery novel set in medieval China by a Dutch author I had picked... I did not even think to check his catalog because it was so obscure.
I think the algorithm paired me too well. We both have 3000+ books and all books from my collection I considered for him, he already had!
With my new pick, I am $2 under so I'll call that a win.

>49 folofjc:

Thank you!

>15 tweetybugshouse: for "Linux" I'd recommend Free Software, Free Society: Selected Essays of Richard M. Stallman

>1 katemcangus: How do I find my Santee's wish list?

>79 hamlet61: Here ya go: https://www.librarything.com/catalog/sheryll/wishlist

How about recommendations for https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=327
???

I've picked out a favorite book of mine, but that leaves an amount unspent that's less than the price of almost all books in their chosen bookstore. I could go into the Bargains section of the store, I suppose...

Thanks!

Hi, I'm trying to be super careful about this gift exchange. I entered 4 books (edit-now 3 because I missed they had to be new) into the boxes under his name and have slightly more than $6.00 left that covers the shipping. There was no submit choices button. But when I went and looked at his Secret Santa page he had a green check next to his name

I read there was supposed to be a link. I went to Powell's separately and then entered in the info. and noted Powell's books in the comment in each box. Was that wrong? Please let me know so I can fix.

Thanks!!!

>83 TonyaJ: I checked your Santee's page and it look perfect. You're all set!

>84 katemcangus: THANKS Kate!

Help! We've read similar authors, but I don't have an idea of others!

https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=191

>86 gentlespirit512: The catalog includes An Extraordinary Union, with a 4-star rating, but I don't see A Hope Divided, which is the 2nd book in the series. But I agree, this one is a bit tricky!

Hey y'all: 3 hours left to make your SantaThing picks! Make sure your preferences are noted before we open unfinished picks to the elves!

Kate, how do i see the books my Santee already has and where do I find the URL and how do I find the price of the book? Thank you.

>89 sarahj202: If you look at the top of their SantaThing entry, their member name is a link to their profile. From their profile, you can search their catalog, look through their catalog, and see what books you have in common.

(You should have a link to their SantaThing entry in your Messages, I think.)

On their SantaThing entry, "Purchasing Details" should include a link to the store they want you to shop at. You have to search the store's web site to find books & check prices.

>89 sarahj202: I'm so sorry to hear about the confusion. Here's what to do:

1. This is your Santee's page: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=373
2. Based on their preferences, go to Powell's (http://www.powells.com) and choose a few titles that add up to $39 (their total with shipping extracted)
3. Enter the ISBN, Title and Author, Price (all from Powell's website) in the box on their page (here: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=373) and click to "Add Gift"
4. Do that for as many titles as you pick

You can find what they have in their LT catalog (just click their name on the top here: https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=373 and you should be redirected.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Hey y'all, we've opened up SantaThing for everyone to pick books for those unpicked: https://www.librarything.com/santathing.php. Come on over if you'd like to help!

>91 katemcangus: Kate, I have added two books but don't see the green check that it is completed. What else do I need to do? Thanks.

>93 sarahj202: We fixed that for you; you're all set!

Is there a final submission button or something? I have picked the books and only have $0.02 remaining. So I am done picking. Do I just exit out now? Thanks!

I claimed https://www.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=349, but books were already picked when I went to add my picks. Could you please remove me as gift picker?

>95 jdigilio: You're all set!

We could use some help with this one, for anyone who is into dark/grim fantasy: https://admin.librarything.com/santathing_thing.php?id=323

>96 MDGentleReader: Honestly, I'm not sure who picked the titles. Let me talk to the powers that be.

>96 MDGentleReader: Fixed.

>101 katemcangus: Thanks!

Picking books has officially closed. Thanks for the help, y'all. Now on to double checking all picks and placing orders!

NOOOOOOOO I thought I had a couple more days to pick! Thanks to all who did my picking for me...

We've started placing orders! Be on the lookout for your SantaThing books!

I missed the cut out date to pick something for my Secret Santa because I've been so preoccupied/distracted! What is going to happen? D: Would LibraryThing mods select gifts for people whose books were chosen by their Secret Santa? I feel so bad! (。ŏ_ŏ)。

>106 UseHerName: Everyone who registers gets books.

If the Santa is distracted or something else prevents them from selecting, the elves (aka other members and the LT staff) help LT and select books - we had an open call earlier this week for assistance for all unselected cases. So your Santee will get their gifts :)

did anyone else find shopping at Powells extremely frustrating? Even when I selected the "New books" filter, apparently books I chose were used which threw off the process for SantaThing. I feel bad for staff who had to spend time making other choices but also annoyed because I know we can't buy used books and yet the website makes it very difficult to filter them out.

I was wonder if the smallest amount for SantaThing might need to be $20 for a physical book? With $15 as the amount but $6 reserved for shipping, it was VERY difficult to find a $9 book because so few things come out in mass market pb these days. With a $20 minimum, $6 shipping would still leave $14 which offers some more flexibility...

>108 ForeignCircus: Yes, I had the same frustration. I went in to play "elf" and do some extra shopping for people who hadn't finished by the deadline, and I eventually just gave up even trying for anyone who had chosen Powells. It was impossible to filter out used books, and the selection of new books seemed to be awfully thin.

>108 ForeignCircus: I have always found Powell's internet interface frustrating, even without the added factors added by shopping for Santa Thing. I would love to be able to love Powell's but that and a number of other things have turned me off the store. There are many other indie bookstores to love.

Hey all, we're almost done with orders, so I've started the Arrivals thread here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/355825

All orders are officially in! Happy reading to all!