Critical Thinking

Under the Christmas Tree

Among the sordid socks and golf clubs (Maj Tom ran over the Creature's driver), there will be a smattering of books waiting for eager hands to caress their pages and weary eyes to peruse their words. Here is a sample:

For the Creature, one Geronimo Stilton. I can't remember which one because I bought and wrapped it some time ago. He seems to stay modestly interested in our rodent adventurer, partly, I'm sure, because of the ransom-letter-like font changes. Whatever works.

For the Mother-in-Law, Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball. It's cute, it's by a friend of mine, and it's a romance, so the MiL might like it. Then again, it has wizards, so she might not.

For the Father-in-Law, Colonel Roosevelt, a biography of old Teddy. Males above the age of sixty seem to be impossible to buy for. He likes Civil War stuff, but I partly got it because it looked interesting enough for me to steal--I mean borrow when we visit.

For the mother, Bone. The Creature has started bringing Bone books home from the library, and I have to say I'm delighted. The homages to Walt Kelly are delightful and common enough I think my ma will like it.

For me, I get a Kindle. And it's going to be a Kindle, and it's either going to be black or white, but it's going to be a Kindle and I'm going to love it and squeeze it and spank it when it's bad and call it George. Okay, I'm not sure about that last part. But I probably will name it. And I already have plans to find an old hardback book and hollow it out like that guy in Shawshank Redemption except instead of hiding carving tools I'll hide my Kindle.

Just a touch excited.

What's on your list this year?