I’ve found that there’s a strange paradox about being a book lover at Christmas. I should be the easiest person in the world to shop for — when in doubt, just buy me a book! But somehow I never seem to get books for Christmas. Maybe one or two volumes will find their way under the tree, but that’s about it! I think it’s because my loved ones aren’t sure what I already have, and they’re scared to take the risk. Can’t say I blame them, frankly! So here are ten books I’d love for Santa to bring me, in no particular order:
1. Carol Berg, The Daemon Prism — This is the third book in a series whose first two installments I already own. Gotta complete the set!
2. Caryl Brahms & S.J. Simon, Don’t, Mr. Disraeli! — I loved No Bed for Bacon, a hilarious send-up of the Elizabethan era by these two authors, so I can only imagine how much fun their take on Victoriana would be!
3. Mark Bittman, How to Cook Everything — I admit with shame that I don’t really know how to cook. There are a few dishes I know how to make, but honestly, it’s easier to just eat out or make something really easy, like a sandwich or pasta. I think one of my goals for 2015 will be to cook more often and try some new recipes.
4. P.G. Wodehouse, Something Fresh — I adore Wodehouse’s brand of humor and have read a lot of the Jeeves short stories, but I haven’t tried any Blandings Castle books yet.
5. Intisar Khanani, Thorn — I stumbled upon this book the other day and was immediately enchanted by the cover. Also, it’s a retelling of the Goose Girl fairy tale, and I do love me some fairy tale retellings!
6. Jill Paton Walsh, A Presumption of Death — I’ve been collecting the Lord Peter Wimsey books for several years now, and I finally have all of the original Sayers novels. Now I can start grabbing the Jill Paton Walsh books too!
7. Angela Thirkell, High Rising — I’ve decided that I really like 20th-century British female authors, and this book looks right up my alley.
8. Diana Wynne Jones, Deep Secret — I REALLY need to read some more Diana Wynne Jones!
9. Robin McKinley, Shadows — Even though this wasn’t my favorite McKinley novel, I feel a strong need to own all her books.
10. Any of the Belknap annotated editions of Jane Austen — They’re just so pretty!
What books are you hoping to receive this Christmas?
You Book Me All Night Long 
Your list reminded me that I really need to read more Carol Berg! Hee, and more Diana Wynne Jones is always a good thing 😀 (I have The Dark Lord of Derkholm on my shelf waiting to be read xD). Ooh, and that edition of Jane Austen’s books look so pretty! *stares* Hope some of these books make their way under your tree this year!
My TTT
I’m pretty sure I have you to thank for introducing me to Carol Berg in the first place, so thank you!
All of these choices look great. I’ve been meaning to read more PG Woodhouse myself!
More P.G. Wodehouse is always a good idea!
I don’t tend to get books for Christmas either. The only books I do receive are from my sister who I share a ‘list’ of desired books! I do the same for her. I hope you get to read the books on your list!
Ooh, that’s a good idea. I actually DID get some books this year, for a change, because I told my mom about my Amazon wish list! 🙂
Nice list of books!! I hope you receive all the books on your list!! Here is my TTT list for the week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2014/12/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-books-i-wouldnt.html
Thanks! 🙂 I got a few of them, so I’m happy!
I don’t know anything about most of the books on your list, but I’ve had Bittman’s How to Cook Everything for years and it’s a great go-to reference.
Ooh, good to know! I will definitely need a go-to reference since I’m basically starting from nothing. 🙂
Same. I never get books for Christmas. I read all the time. I never wear jewelry. But I get jewelry every year from my in-laws. Go figure.
Haha, some people just don’t pick up on subtle (or not so subtle) hints!