Christmas Swap 2024

Welcome to the Christmas Swap for the 75 Books Challenge Group 2024. I am Jeff (mahsdad) and I'll be your host for the 10th year of book swapping in the 75 Book Challenge Group. I'm looking forward to another great book picking season. It continues to be such "interesting" times we live in, But this is always one of my favorite times of the year.

For those that are new, or those who’ve forgotten, this is our own version of SantaThing, where we get to bring some literary joy to our friends here in the group. It’s a secret Santa, where you will be buying and shipping books to one person that you get assigned. Remember, we are not affiliated with LibraryThing, so don’t bug them with questions or issues about shipping, that’s my job.

As in years past, we keep this simple: Let me know if you are playing, PM me your address and email address. (If you played last year and haven't moved, I still have your info). I’ll use a randomizer to make the selections. Everyone will get a 75er to buy book(s) for.

This year the limit again is $30, but that is only a suggestion. Speaking for myself, I don't care how much you spend, if you send me some interesting books that you think I'll like, I'm totally here for it. Hopefully, that will work for everyone. Feel free to pick new books, carefully preserved “used” books or eBooks (if you specifically want ebooks, please let me know).

In these trying times for small business, if you can utilize any of your local bookstores, that would be an added benefit. Bookshop.org, is a good choice when it comes to buying from independent bookstores as well. Totally understand, however, if Amazon is your only option, but we all need the locals. Some other choices might be, Thrift Books - https://www.thriftbooks.com/, or Goodwill Books - https://www.goodwillbooks.com/. (If you have any other suggestions, please share!)

Since US Thanksgiving is late this year, I'm going to make the cut-off be 11/25, the Monday before Thanksgiving. This should give everyone enough time to play. I will pick names after that date (I'll let you all know here). I am very forgiving, so just let me know if you want in, even after the "cut-off". After I randomly sort the names and make the selections, I will send out the addresses in PM messages as soon as I can, probably by Wednesday 11/27 at the latest.

Once that is done, you can select from that Lter's wishlist or pick something on your own. The former is a safer bet. Plan accordingly so that your gifts will arrive by Christmas, given shipping time, especially to any non-US friends. International shipping can sometimes take up to 3 weeks or more.

Make sure you have Christmas Swap or LibraryThing printed somewhere on the shipping label, so your giftee "knows" and can save it for a Christmas opening. Another suggestion is, if the shipper doesn't allow for personal messages, put “LT” in as part of your giftee’s name.

Please feel free to use this thread to ask questions, make suggestions, or explicitly state that you do NOT want the latest YA Werewolf/Vampire Romantic-comedy series even though everyone says you must read it. Also, let us know if you’re going to participate in LT’s SantaThing tradition. We’ll be able to make comments there to let your other Santa know what you’re getting from us.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Merry Festivus for the rest of us.

I am in again, Jeff! None of my details have changed from last year.

In order of preference for me: Hardbacks over trade paperbacks over mass market paperbacks over e-books :) I have both a BlackHole and a Need to Buy category amongst my collections.

ETA: Used books are just fine with me!

I'm also in again, Jeff

My address has amended ever so slightly because I have changed units in the same building. Will PM you later.

I'm in again too! Only ebooks please.

>2 alcottacre: Excellent

>3 PaulCranswick: Welcome back. That's right you did move. PM when you can.

>4 SilverWolf28: Welcome back Silver - remind us again, by e-books, are you platform agnostic, or are you kindle based?

Kindle is my preferred format.

>4 SilverWolf28: >6 SilverWolf28: Here's my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2I365N9VS1JIF?ref_=wl_share. You could also use my LibraryThing wishlist.

>1 mahsdad: Did my Amazon wishlist link come through in >7 SilverWolf28:?

It did indeed

Also in!

IN! I think I skipped last year, but my info is all the same...let me know if you need me to PM it to you again, Jeff.

No e-books for me, please. I'll make sure my wishlist is current before the names are passed out. I also have a wishlist on Amazon, and there are some differences 'twixt the two lists. I'm very happy with good used copies.

ETA: There are books in my Wishlist Collection tagged "JCK". Those are my husband's interests, and should be exempted from consideration for me.

Hi Jim, Linda. I got you both.

Linda - if nothing's changed since 2022, then I still have the right address. Glad you came back.

I also don't do e-books, Jeff.

I will participate this year. I have arrived in Kansas so will PM you the new address.

Used books are good with me. I prefer trade paperback but will read a book in most any format except e-books. I will update my wishlist here on LT. I do have an Amazon wishlist as well, but don't want e-books.

Yeah Benita, glad you're back in.

Thanks for the personal notice, Jeff. I am in. Swamped with dead-tree books I am, and I love it. I'll post a Christmas Swap List 2024 shortly. Used books are fine; prefer hardcover or trade paper; nix to e-books or audio.

Good on you, Jeff, in this new cruel era.

Yippee, I love it when it gets weird ... O

Count me in too!

I am in, Jeff. How could I miss it? I am fine with used books. I will update my LT Wishlist.

I'm in again! Address has not changed. I will make sure my WL is up to date. I'm fine with gently used.

>18 streamsong: >19 msf59: >20 cbl_tn: Great! I got you down

That makes 12. Hopefully we'll get some more to join us

This is my first year with the 75ers, and I am in. I'll send a pm with details.
I'm open to all formats except audiobooks. New or used. My LT wishlist is sparse but I have an eclectic Amazon wishlist for books here:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JRB9ANSP35F?ref_=wl_share

>22 elorin: Hi Robyn, I got your address and have you on the list. Thanks for joining!

Just a post to push the thread back to the top of the topic list in the Group page. Plenty of time for more to join us!

I'm in! My address is the same.

I'm good with either hardcover or paperbacks, and am happy to receive used books. I have an X-mas wishlist collection, but feel free to go off list.

https://www.librarything.com/catalog/amanda4242/xmaswishlist

Yeah Amanda! You put us at 14. Hopefully we can get some more

I'd like to participate this year! I'll PM you my info, Jeff.

I'm fine with new or used or Kindle books. My LT wishlist is fairly short and mostly books I've already read, so don't feel constrained by it.

Came looking because I knew it was that time! I'm in again, info is the same.

Yeah Mary and Roni are in. That makes 16.

Hello - this is year 15 or something close to it with the 75ers and I have never participated (*hangs head in shame*). I can only plead December insanity. Because it is actually insane, particularly when I worked in the performing arts! I will send you my address. I do not read e-books. I prefer paperbacks because they're easier to carry around, and used books are great. Where is the best place to make an LT wishlist? A tag or something? Thank you.

>30 AMQS: There is a Collection called Wishlist. You can add books to your account and just put them in that collection, which anyone should be able to see unless you've made your catalog private.

ALSO, this is a good time for me to note that there are books in my Wishlist Collection tagged "JCK". Those are my husband's interests, and should be exempted from consideration for me.

I'm in again! None of my details have changed; still prefer Kindle books as my eyesight continues to deteriorate.

I'll put together a wishlist over the weekend... :-)

>30 AMQS: Welcome Anne. To add to what Linda said (>31 laytonwoman3rd:), you can definitely use the Wishlist collection, or if you're more comfortable using tags, do that. I use both. I add books I want to the Wishlist collection and I tag them as Want. If you have a subset of wants that you think are better suited for this crowd, just tag them as Christmas_2024 or something similar.

>32 Chatterbox: Welcome back, Suzanne. I've got you down and marked as Kindle only.

that puts us at 18 (with one more possible, that I'm waiting to hear about)

Hopefully with the added activity today, more will see it on the threads list.

I will join this year. It looks like fun and I have not participated in one of these yet.

I started putting a small wish list together ( I normally don’t keep track of that on here) . Just so people get the general idea about my reading interests. No e books or audio ones for me. Used books are good 👍

>34 figsfromthistle: Yeah figs, glad you're joining us. Just PM me your address when you get a chance.

OK, updated my wishlist -- it's now tagged Wish List, Xmas Swap 2024.

Kindle preferred but used books fine too, unless the print is absurdly tiny...

Just posting again, to push it to the top of the Threads list. Still time for people to join. I will make the selections probably Monday night.

>37 mahsdad: Really looking forward to something good happening given recent developments, Jeff. Thank you again for hosting the swap here in the 75ers this year!

My pleasure!

I'm in!

My address and other contact info hasn't changed.

My regular wishlist here on LT is up to date. I love gently used books.

Hi Laura, I got you. That's great, we're up to 20!

I’m in again.
I moved 2 weeks ago and will send new address.
Used books are fine!
I have a wish list or l love surprises!

Yeah, Nancy's back. That makes 21. Which I think is the most we've ever had, at least since I've been hosting.

>43 mahsdad: I think it is terrific how many people are interested in participating this year!

I'm in. I'm just now seeing this. I'm so behind on threads. Same address. I'll update the Christmas wish list off my profile.

Hi Lori, glad to have you back!

>45 thornton37814: Woot! Up to 22!

I've posted a wish list in "Your Books". I think my giver will recognize it: 75er Santa Swop 2024. Forgive me if I repeat myself, I prefer used books (gently used, natch) in hardcover or paperback, pref. not mmp. Not ebooks or audio.

Happy Holidays!!

Okay, that's a wrap. I'm going to start making the picks today. I will send you all a PM probably this evening. For those that have participated in the past, I'm going to try to avoid repeats, but its getting to the point with the same small set of friends that you might get someone that you've already been a Santa for in the past. I think I'll definitely be able to avoid repeats from last year, but not sure about years past.

>49 mahsdad: Very much looking forward to receiving the name of my giftee!

>50 alcottacre: Me too!

>51 laytonwoman3rd: We are just kids at heart :)

Okay the Santas have been set and the PMs have been sent. I hope I didn't screw anything up. LOL.

Read back thru the thread to see about any restrictions, look at your giftee's wishlists and if you have any questions you want to ask them, let me know. Happy to be your conduit.

As far as where to buy thing, I know we're all book buying "professionals" so we all have our favorite places, but here's the stores that LT is using for Santathing. It might give you some ideas.

BookPeople
Powell's
Longfellow Books
Readings (AU)
Time Out Bookstore (NZ)
Kenny's Bookshop (Ireland & International)
Blackwell's (UK & International)

There are a couple people who ONLY want ebooks, or would prefer them if possible. Use Amazon for Kindle purchases. I'm pretty sure I provided email addresses for any of those specific people

Have fun shopping!

For me anything from my Tags LT Recommended or Christmas Hitlist 2023 will make me very happy!

I know I don't have much at all in my xmas wishlist collection, will try to augment it this weekend. I've got company plus trying to get stuff done for my craft show in a week, so have been slow. Used or ebooks work fine for me.

Done and dusted! I'll be putting a package on the outgoing mule in the next few days. Very excited...

I've added a 2024 Christmas Wishlist collection, but it's really just suggestions to give an idea of my reading. Happy for used, but not a fan of ebooks to own (though I use Libby/Overdrive at lot! 😀).

I have both a 'Need to Buy' list and a BlackHole, so surely my gifter can find something for me. . .

I will be sending the books out at the beginning of next week for my giftee since I will be out of town from the 7th to the 15th and do not want to wait to send the books until after I get back home. The timing is just too close for that.

If you have new-book-gift-shopping to do, please consider using Bookshop.org today. FREE SHIPPING, and the opportunity to support an independent bookstore, even if there isn't one in your neighborhood these days.

Sorry, I meant to post over here a few days ago- My Wishlist has been updated. Surprises are welcome too. 😜

My books have been ordered and should be shipped soon.

I ordered mine as well. I did have them shipped to my house so I'll be passing them along after they arrive.

I had the books for my giftee shipped to my house as well since I have a few other treats I want to tuck into the box :)

Alright done, and ordered. I did not have it shipped to me due to the postal strike here so I had it shipped directly from the US.

My box packed, labeled, and ready to go to the P.O. today.

My books are ordered and they should ship to my giftee soon. Due to circumstances at home I can't have them shipped to me and then send them on even though I would like to.

A package arrived today! Thanks Santa, whoever you are!

I was sure that I posted that I had reviewed my wishlist (removed the Xmas one) and it was up to date, but I don't see it. Probably too late anyhow!

Who likes to keep the books a surprise until Christmas Eve or Day? I do. I open very few presents these days, so I look forward to it. 😜

I save LT pkgs for Christmas!

>69 msf59:, >70 nrmay: Yep, me too! I find them the most fun that way.

Packages have shipped to my swapee, yeehaw!

Just received my package from my Santa. Thanks!

>69 msf59: >70 nrmay: >71 lycomayflower: Two books arrived for me today and since I know that I did not order them, they are going under the tree until Christmas!

On the other hand, my giftee's books were sent out today. . .and I hope this person does not wait to open them, lol.

Finally got a chance to order for my Santee!

>69 msf59: I always save mine...if they come directly from a seller, and hence are probably not wrapped, I ask someone else in the house to put them in a gift bag so I can admire them under the tree until Christmas. But I'm one of those who like to wrap things myself, if there's plenty of time to get them to me and then off to the recipient.

Mailed to my recipient this week.

I received 2 more packages today. My Santa is definitely spoiling me! I cannot wait until Christmas :)

Got a package with two nicely wrapped books in it. Thank you, Santa!

I received two packages containing 3 books today. I know this because they came in Amazon packages and I was expecting some Amazon deliveries. So of course I tore them open immediately. However, as soon as I saw the ends of books, I realized that they must be LT Santa books and closed them up without seeing what they were. And there was a clue in the address, had I only looked first! So now they are under the tree and I have no idea what they are, so they will still be a surprise. Thank you, Santa.

Got my shipping all confirmed today. The packages will be marked "LibraryThing Christmas Swap".

Got a package today!

I got a USPS carton at the door when I returned from errands this afternoon. I'm too old for that "don't open til Christmas" baloney. I ripped 'er open. Inside were several gift-wrapped books (I can recognize a book, even one that's wrapped). No tree at this house, so I set the packages aside. I did shake each one, but didn't get any clues as to the titles.

Thanks to a Texas lady for... Well, I'll find out Xmas Day.

I received a package of books in the mail today that I did not order! :-) It will not be opened until Christmas Eve, which is when my family traditionally opens gifts.

Wrapping books for my giftee tonight to go out in the mail tomorrow or Wednesday.

I think the last of my giftee's books arrived today, but I'll need to double-check. I will try to post them on Thursday since I'm off and can get to the post office while it is open!

Hey All,

As I've done at least the last two years, I've created a Christmas Book List. When you open your present, by all means share here, but also update the list, if you want to.

https://www.librarything.com/list/46061/all/2024-Christmas-Gifts

I ordered and sent my books to my giftee. They are marked Christmas Swap in the labels. (at least I hope that they are.) There should be at least two separate packages that will probably arrive later this week coming from HPB's in Dallas, TX.

Yea! package arrived from my Santa. Looking forward to opening it in a couple weeks. ;)

I also received a package from Santa today. I can't wait until Christmas morning...

I received a package yesterday! I asked my daughter to open it to make sure they were wrapped and I wouldn't spoil a surprise. Thank you, Santa!

At long last, I mailed a package to the person whose name (and address) I got from Jolly Jeff. If you are that person, you can open the carton, for the contents are wrapped. Except for a couple of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch items. Happy happy joy joy.

At long last, I mailed a package to the person whose name (and address) I got from Jolly Jeff. If you are that person, you can open the carton, for the contents are wrapped. Except for a couple of traditional Pennsylvania Dutch items. Happy happy joy joy.

Hey! How come LT let me do that!?! A double post. Heretofore, I've gotten a chiding message telling me that I was about to post a message a second time. So I get away with it when I'd have appreciated the warning.

My package also went out in the mail today. Books are wrapped so if you get a package in the mail from me it's safe to open. But don't read the card until you've unwrapped the books if you don't want spoilers!

So do we ever get to know who our secret santa is or does it remain a mystery forever...?

>93 figsfromthistle: I always include a note with mine, identifying myself.

I was going to let my person know on Christmas. I don't remember if I put my LT name on the box

>93 figsfromthistle: Yeah, its sort of up to Santa. You can let your person know directly, or feel free to post here.

I ordered a few books to be sent directly to my Swapee (didn't want to mess around with wacky holiday shipping schedules) and since they included their e-mail address and didn't express an aversion to Kindle books, sent along a bonus book from their wishlist that popped up a list of Kindle sale items... :-)

I've received three packages from ThriftBooks which Jeff confirmed are from my Santa since they didn't match up with any known shipping label numbers on things I'd ordered.

My Swappee's books should be sent out tomorrow. I couldn't make it to the post office today. I thought I'd be home in time to get them to the post office, but I was rear ended last night (in my 3-month-old car) and had to stop by my insurance office today. They basically told me that since it was the other guy's fault that I should attempt to deal directly with his insurance so it doesn't work against my "accident-free" history. Things I needed to do in Knoxville took longer than anticipated also--thanks in part to Sam's Club system being down.

I thought the trip into my office would be quick to just pick up something I had accidentally left on my desk and needed for tomorrow's graduation since the library is closed until January 8, but I ran into someone from another department in our building with whom I chatted. By the time I got home, it was too late to make it to the Talbott post office before they closed. I'll have to stop on my way home from graduation tomorrow, but that should not be a problem.

those who don't include a card usually reveal themselves here on Christmas Day.

>99 ronincats: That is my normal policy. My books this year are all from Abe Books and I hope will all make it in time.

I got a package yesterday! My wife opened it in case it wasn't wrapped (it wasn't) and she said "you'll definitely like it!" It's on the hearth to open on Christmas.

Another package from "LT Santa" landed today!

Got a package today to me c/o LT Christmas Swap! I have set it aside for the day.

So we’re headed to Seattle for Christmas with the Son and Daughter-in-law next week, and we decided to open our gifts here early rather than ship them out and back. Linda (laytonwoman3rd) sent a wonderful package with a beautiful card, The Quiet Don, The History of Love, From Doon to Death, Fludd, and some great chocolate from a local chocolatier! Thanks so much!

I received a second package today, which is now under the tree waiting for Christmas Eve. I even got to play amateur sleuth! The post office claimed that they had delivered it Wednesday, but it was not in my mailbox on Wednesday. I submitted a service request last night. The post office called me this morning and they said that they would send someone out to hunt for it. They must have found it because it was in my mailbox when I got home.

Well, my giftee should have received a package with three books today; I think a fourth is coming, and they should already have a Kindle book, so I'm going to sleep easily at night!

9 days until Christmas and I cannot wait! (although at this point it is more for my giftee than for me as I hope they really like what I picked out for them)

Very excited!
I received a box of books today, all gift-wrapped. My Santa was very thoughtful and generous. There was chocolate and fancy tea in the box too!
I’m trying hard to wait for Christmas to open . . .
Thank you, Secret Santa❤️

Received two more packages marked c/o LT Swap! Eeeee! Exciting. Putting them aside for Christmas day.

I received my box a couple of days ago and so far have waited, but as I am dogsitting over Christmas, I will probably open it this weekend rather than take it with me.

Unfortunately my Santee will have to wait a little longer... I purchased the items over two weeks ago and am still waiting for the package, which was mis-directed at least once and still has not arrived at my house. It has been coming "tomorrow" ever since Wednesday and the date keeps changing :(

My sincere thanks and Christmas well wish to a very generous Secret Santa! The books arrived and will be read, cherished and perhaps passed on to others who can benefit from them!

>111 thanesh: I think that's me! Glad you liked them, and I'm very in favor of passing along the book love to others!

Happy Christmas!

Received one more LT package!

Woot! Only 4 more days until the day!!

I didn't receive anything just yet. Hopefully in the next couple of days.

Amanda notified me that she was my Santa and had sent me some Kindle books -- luckily, as they had ended up in my general e-mail channel rather than my "priority" e-mail (Gmail sometimes completely fails me...)

I'm the lucky future reader of:
The Tyranny of the Minority by Steven Levitsky
Argylle by Elly Conway
and
Foster by Claire Keegan

Great combination of books, for all reading moods!! :-D

>116 Chatterbox: The only one that I have read of those is Foster. I will be curious to see what you think of them all, Suzanne. Congratulations on some great reading in future!

It's Christmas Eve and I have opened my swap packages. Thank you to my secret Santa who gifted me:
The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel
Secret Sister: From Nazi-occupied Jersey to Wartime London, One Woman's
Search for the Truth by Cherry Durbin
The Secret Library by Oliver Tearle
Moving the Palace by Charif Majdalani
The Hidden Keys by Andre Alexis
Underground, Overground: A Passenger's History of the Tube by Andrew Martin

Thank you, Santa!

>118 cbl_tn: You are welcome! I was your secret Santa :) Hope you have fun reading.

Santa gave me If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino and The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andrić. Thank you!

>120 amanda4242: That is a couple of challenging leads but both can be shoe horned into my European Grand Tour challenge next year!

>120 amanda4242: Merry Christmas, Amanda! ~Your LT Secret Santa:)

I have opened my four packages from Thrift Books and found my Secret Santa sent:

Suspendered Sentence by Laura Bradford
A Guide to Genealogical Research in Maryland (5th edition) by Henry C. Peden, Jr.
Murder Before Evensong by Rev. Richard Coles
Betty Crocker Right Size Recipes: Delicious Meals for One or Two by Betty Crocker

Thank you to my Santa! I should enjoy all of these!

^Merry Christmas, everyone! And thanks to Thanesh, my Secret Santa for gifting me The History of Sound. I sure love a good story collection.

thanks to my santa! I opened my books and received . Shelby Van Pelt: Remarkably Bright creatures and Ellison: Invisible man

I have been remiss and not acknowledged that I received my box from Lori Thornton over a week ago.

I just opened it - and wow! Each book individually wrapped! Thank you Lori for the effort in making my Christmas special!

And the books are perfect:
-Best Laid Plans - Gwen Florio a favorite local author
-Disturbing the Sleeping Buffalo: 23 Unexpected Stories That Awaken Montana's Past -Sally Thompson - this is one of the additional books recommended by the Glacier Park Conservancy and was not available in my library system.
- Signs for Lost Children - Sarah Moss - one of the few that I have not read by a very favorite author

Thank you so much, Lori! How will I choose what to read first!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

>125 figsfromthistle: Merry Christmas, Anita. I am your Secret Santa. I hope you enjoy the books. 🌳🎅

Thank you, Santa/Robyn! I was thrilled to open Pretty Bitches and Simon the Fiddler from Elorin this morning. Terrific choices!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Because I'm the "host" I already know that Nancy was my Santa and she did an exceptional job. Looking forward to them all

A Psalm for the Wild Built
American Dirt
Behind the Beautiful Forevers
Demon Copperhead

Don't forget to add your Christmas books to the list... https://www.librarything.com/list/46061/all/2024-Christmas-Gifts

Merry Christmas!
At my sister’s for big family dinner. We’re in between courses with dessert coming up shortly…
My secret Santa was so generous. I received 7 wonderful books, perfect mix of surprises and wish-list titles.
I sat right down with Children of Christmas: Stories of the Season.
All those books plus tea and chocolate from my Santa.
Thank you‼️

I finally got to open my books today and boy, did my Secret Santa spoil me! Thank you so much!!

I received 3 Nonfiction books:
Riddled with Life by Marlene Zuk
Backwards & in Heels by Alicia Malone
Prague Winter by Madeline Albright

I also received 3 Fiction books:
Your Heart is a Muscle the Size of a Fist by Sunil Yapa
Angels & Insects by A. S. Byatt
The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher by Hilary Mantel

Again, I thank you so very much!

>130 nrmay: That would be me! I'm glad you like them!

>131 alcottacre:
That would be me. I hope that all of the books are in good condition because they are all used books. I decided to take the chance that they would be "gently" used so that I could get you two more titles. More books is always better than less - in my book. Hope you agree.

The "house elf" here wrapped my Secret Santa gifts and put them under our tree for opening this morning. My very generous Santa sent me Cuba: An American History, Bucking the Sun and Clear, all of which I'm really looking forward to reading. Thank you, whoever you are!!

>133 benitastrnad: I definitely agree, Benita. They are all in good or very good condition. Once again, thank you so much!

>134 laytonwoman3rd: That would be me, Linda, and I'm glad you like them.

I just got home from the family celebrations, which started yesterday, and opened my Secret Santa books. I received Dream Plants for the Natural Garden, Velocity Weapon and The Night will Have its Say, all of which look fascinating. Thank you, Secret Santa!

I opened my package after dinner and it is fabulous! Thank you to my Secret Santa for The Discworld Coloring Book. The art is gorgeous and I can't wait to sit down and go over each page and quote. Beautiful! Thank you again and Merry Christmas!

ETA I got two Kindle titles too! The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher and Snowblind both of which look great.

>123 thornton37814: You're welcome! I'm your Santa!

I opened my books from Bill (weird_O) today and received the following:

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
The Foxglove King by Hannah Whitten
Reduced Shakespeare: the Complete Guide for the Attention Impaired
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs and
William Wegman Puppies by William Wegman

The first three were on my wishlist, and the last two fit my interests quite well. I'll enjoy perusing them for sure. Oh, and as he'd mentioned, they were wrapped inside and there were some other goodies, so when I opened the box over a week ago, I was enjoyed a couple of desserts, including a most delicious mini molasses cake. Thank you, Bill!

>123 thornton37814: You were supposed to get FIVE books. Are you sure there wasn't two books in one of the packages?

>136 ronincats: That would be me, Roni! I hope you like them!

>121 PaulCranswick: That's why they were on my wishlist!

>122 AMQS: Thank you very much!

>136 ronincats: Well, thanks again, Roni. Ya done good! And the kitty on your profile page is my Molly's near-twin.
(Your gifts were in that pile to her right.)

>137 elorin: Hi Elorin! Merry Christmas - I'm your secret Santa.

There should be one more Kindle book - let me know if you don't receive it.

Janet

>1 mahsdad: and THANK YOU Jeff for organizing this again this year! It's always so much fun!

>144 streamsong: Thank you! I checked my email and there were two messages in one thread. Add Off Leash to my haul - that looks fun!

I am a happy chappie this evening as I received a parcel with two great additions to my library:

Dickensland by Lee Jackson
and
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Thank you so much to my Secret Santa, arrived today just when I needed picking up!!!

Now that I have a day to unwind, I want to acknowledge the splendid gifts from Stasia: four books, each wrapped in colorful paper.

A Rage in Harlem, Chester Himes
The Heart of a Dog, Mikhail Bulgakov
The Praise of Folly, Desiderius Erasmus
One Man's Meat, E. B. White

As a bonus, Stasia included a box of "Page Nibs" (which are in the book darts category, but slightly better than book darts) and a pack of bookmarks formatted for notes. Nifty stuff.

Oh Stasia, I love my presents.

Thank You!

>148 weird_O: I am so glad, Bill! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!!