A Book for Someone Special on Your Christmas List!

Just in time for the holidays! A friend of mine has illustrated a gorgeous picture book for children that tells the story of the Nativity. Entitled The Friendly Beasts, it is an "illustrated version of the French Christmas carol. In simple, rhyming verse, the stable animals welcome the new baby Jesus and describe the gifts they each give to him." If you have any nieces, nephews, or young kids of your own who like books, you can order from Amazon and receive it in time for Christmas (check delivery to make sure, though!). Check it out:

http://www.amazon.com/Friendly-Beasts-Medieval-French-Carol/product-reviews/0809167425/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

National Book Awards Announced!

The National Book Awards were announced today!  Congratulations to Louise Erdrich for winning in the fiction category for Round House, and to Katherine Boo for winning in the non-fiction category for Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity.  For a full list of winners, click here.

Samuel Johnson Award Announced!

Congratulations to Wade Davis for winning the UK's prestigious prize for non-fiction--the Samuel Johnson award.  His book Into the Silence chronicles and analyzes Mallory's attempts to scale Everest.  Click here to read what the Guardian has to say about it--so interesting!

The Goldilocks Dilemma of Reading

I love the online Guardian's book section; there's always something of interest there.  This morning I came across this article/picture gallery of the ten most difficult books to read, chosen by Robert Crum.  I got to thinking...I used to enjoy a "difficult" book much more; I found it challenging and felt very accomplished upon finishing it.  Especially if I had understood it. :-)

Perhaps I read too much now, but lately I get annoyed if I feel a book is difficult just for the sake of being difficult.  Sometimes I'm not in the mood to work that hard.  Yet, if a book is too light or easy, I'm not interested in reading it.  Hmm...the Goldilocks Dilemma of Reading: I have to find a book that's "just right"!

Click here to check out the Guardian piece.  And tell me, what is the most difficult book you've ever read?