It’s Black Friday here in the States, but I have no interest in entering the fray. Shopping frustrates me under normal circumstances so I blissfully stay home while everyone else is out fighting for that amazing deal. I’d rather use the time to read as I am back at work tomorrow, although I might venture out later to use a Barnes and Noble coupon that is facing expiration.
I love the discounts that can be had on books this time of year. I usually end up purchasing several books for myself for Christmas because I can’t pass up the special offers of 20, 30 or 40 % off. And I urge my family to buy me books, as well, though many of them see it as a waste of their money.
What books are you hoping to get as gifts this year, either from others or from yourself?
Here are my choices:
The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt was recently awarded the National Book Award for non-fiction. The fascinating tale of the discovery of Lucretius’s poem On the Nature of Things and how his philosophy influenced the major figures of the Renaissance has received mixed reviews, but I think it sounds riveting.
Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie has become a major hit in my library system. I love reading biographies of women rulers (last year at this time I read Cleopatra by Stacey Schiff) and I know next to nothing about Catherine and would like to know more.
A Jury of Her Peers by Elaine Showalter is a wonderful tome that I have taken out of the library many times. I’ve finally realized that I need my own copy as I think I will refer to this book throughout my reading life.
How about you? What books are you hoping Santa brings your way?
A Certain Fondness 
Stephen Greenblatt had an article in the New Yorker on Lucretius, but I didn’t realize he had written a book. It intrigued me so much that I considered trying to find a copy of On the Nature of Things. Maybe I’ll look for his book instead! Sadly, I don’t get books as presents any more – which is my justification for buying so many 🙂
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I’m going to be contrary here, and say I am trying to avoid looking at new books. 2012 is going to be my year for reading and re-reading classics. Which is not to say i won’t read new books, but I’m going to let them frind me rather than go out looking.
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I’ve been thinking about doing the same, Jane. I have SO many unread books sitting on my shelves and on my Kindle. It is gluttonous and I am starting to feel guilty!
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I have so many unread books already that I’m rather hoping NOT to get any more,so I’m dropping no hints about books at all.
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I understand! I have 15 boxes of books sitting in my dining room, still waiting to be unpacked from my move. And most of them are unread! My brother asked me what I wanted for Christmas today and I almost said “a Barnes and Noble gift card”, but then remembered those boxes. I think I will buy a couple for myself and then go on hiatus!
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