Christmas Wishlist Book Talk #12

Well, hopefully all the shopping is done, but in case you're a last minute 30 minute dash person, here are some fiction treats to check out for those left on your list.  These are interesting and could be filed under the "take me away" reads.

An Object of Desire by Steve Martin
I like him.  I have through all of his various stages in his career and this one, the author who enjoys art, is particularly interesting.  He claims to know a little about that world, but isn't an expert, and yet has quite a personal collection.  None of that matters, what does for this recently released novel is that you'll be taken on a trip into NYC's art world.

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary by David Sedaris and illustrated by Ian Falconer [of Olivia fame]
Think Aesops, fables, lessons that make you laugh and maybe learn something while you're doing it.  We bought this for our niece and, of course, I took a peek - and wanted more!

The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise: A Novel by Jill Stuart
A bit of England via the select group who reside in Tower of London.  I can't tell you how many times we've been to the tower bridge and saw a glimpse of those who live there, or a beefeater mentions they live on sight.  It is intriguing to think of all that happened there and they have their milk delivered like everyone else.  Well, not quite, but close :-)

The Case of the Missing Servant: From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator and The Case of the Man Who Died Laughing: From the Files of Vish Puri, Most Private Investigator by Tarquin Hall
A window overlooking India through an elder man who wears custom safari suits and flat caps.  I read the first one and can't wait to read the second.

Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian author that is actually rather difficult to find in the US, but hopefully not for long.  There are two series, but I heard first about the Harry Hole ones, so why not start there.  The Redbreast is the first one translated and available [although in limited numbers].  Think WWII in Norway.

The Red Queen: A Novel (The Cousins' War) by Philippa Gregory takes you back even further in time, back to the War of the Roses and Allison Weir even further with Captive Queen: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine.  Both authors write fantastic fictional accounts of what happened way back then.  I missed The Confessions of Catherine de Medici: A Novel by C W Gortner and am intrigued. 

Isn't that how it, finding a new author or new to me subject matter, sometimes starts?

And finally there's the recently released Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff.  There's been lots of chatter about this book and I'm looking forward to reading an account that allows the truth to rise above the rest, be it good or bad.

Now it's time to sit back, put your feet up, and relax into a good read - tomorrow is going to be crazy!

Enjoy!