NTBlog#7

SEASONS GREETINGS!

This how my daughter posed me for a picture: me on top of a pile of books, chocolate and Prosecco nearby. And really? I can’t disagree. When I’m not writing, I’m reading. I thought I’d share with you some the books I read and loved the most this year. All would be wonderful presents.

Number One was given to me by a friend. It’s an old book; you can probably find it in a used book store. It’s the true tale of a slightly eccentric Scotsman and his otters. The writing is delightful, and so are the photos.

Oh, how I loved reading this book. I admire Alan Cumming’s acting, and I was astonished at how powerful his writing was. This book is full of surprises. It’s a mystery and an autobiography and a gift to the reader.

Now for something really fun! This gorgeous picture book of the dogs of Nantucket is a great coffee table book and conversation piece, and the proceeds go to Nantucket Safe Harbor, our animal shelter.

I LOVE mysteries. I read them like I eat chocolate, often while I eat chocolate. Ann Cleeves has written two series of books, both of which have been made into television series by the BBC. The Vera books center around a female detective who is not thin, tall, and slinky. She’s just brilliant and looks like we’d all look if we had to solve serious crimes. The Shetland books are wonderful, too.

Here’s a book to give anyone. Hilarious and wise and true. A joy. I’ll let you know when I find a book called Advice from Dogs. I’ve a hunch it would be a shorter, simpler book, with only two hints: Eat Whenever You Can, and LOVE.

If you’ve got an independent bookstore near you, you’re lucky. Shop there. I’m a great fan of independent bookstores, because they hold signings where I get to meet many of my readers. As a reader, I like knowing the salespeople, who often have great suggestions about what to buy. I delight in the experience of browsing through all the new books, finding some that take my fancy, books I’d never have thought of myself. I like chatting with real people (as opposed to my fictional characters!) and indulging in the sights of decorations and the sounds of laughter and chatter. Independent bookstores are welcoming and fanciful, a personal Shangri-La.