First Canada Reads Book

I am happy to report that I've finished the first of the Canada Reads books. The lucky contender for first: Unless by Carol Shields. Coming up next are The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis, and The Birth House by Ami McKay. But for now, on to Unless.

Unless is about a woman, Reta Winters, who is an author, translator, and mother of three girls who lives in a lovely town in Ontario near Toronto. Her life seems to be perfect: her partner is a doctor, she is a best-selling author and translator, and her girls are happy and healthy. That is, until one spring day when her eldest daughter Norah disappears and ends up on a Toronto street corner holding a sign that reads "Goodness". Why is Norah on the street corner? Why won't she talk to her family or come home? These are the central questions that drive this novel.
However, the novel is more than this story: it is about feminism and a woman's place in the world. What was the role of a woman in the 40's, the 60's, and today? How are women's voices being heard? What about women writers? While the book is not preachy about the subject, feminism inhabits the book and its central character, Reta.

Reta is a writer. She lives in a beautiful house in a beautiful part of Canada. She is thoughtful, and intellectual. She thinks about Norah and tries to figure out Norah's motivations. She is concerned about women's voices and women writers and the marginalization of women. Why are there so many lists of greatest thinkers and authors which do not contain any women? Women are half the general population - why are they being marginalized? Reta seems like she has always been a feminist. And the book explores her ideas about feminism through her roles as mother, daughter, translator, friend, partner, and writer. The feminism thread really comes to its head with the arrival of a new editor and his ideas to change her book to make it more about the male character as opposed to the female character. While with another writer the symbolism could be obvious, it is nicely handled by Shields. The idea of feminism is nicely handled by Shields as a whole. It forms an interesting B Plot to the A Plot of Norah's mysterious change - and ties together the narrative of Reta's life.

One nagging question: Reta is not married to her partner, Tom. However, Reta's "maiden" name was Summers. Tom's last name is Winters. Reta thought is would be ridiculous to have the Summers-Winters household, so she changed her name to Winters. Which is fine - you can do whatever you want with your own name. But then why the big insistence on not getting married? Is marriage anti-feminist? This is, admittedly, not a big part of the book. But it just bugged me that she would change her name but be so adamant about not getting married.

The book is dreamy and reflective. As I came closer and closer towards the end, I began to wonder if we would end up with the happy ending - would Norah come home? I won't spoil the ending for you here, but I thought the author made an interesting choice to end the book as she did. The book is not a page-turner - you will not be glued to every page wondering how it's going to end. But it's okay - this isn't that kind of book. It is a book for careful, calm, quiet and reflective reading. Shields is a beautiful writer and has a gift for description; for setting scenes, creating characters, and describing memories with only a few choice phrases.

I don't think this is a book I would buy if only because I'm not sure I would read it again. I tend to buy books that are light and enjoyable and rereadable because of story: this book is more quiet and thoughtful - less about story and more about ideas. I am interested to see what the panel has to say about the book when Canada Reads plays on CBC Radio in early February. (Early February! I hope I have time to read all the books!) Let me know what you think of the book in the comments. What other Canada Reads books have you read? Which is your favourite to win? Next up: The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis. I'm really looking forward to this one: it won the Stephen Leacock Medal for humour, so it should be a funny read.

Christmas Books

Today I thought I'd write about Christmas books. No, not books about Christmas; books you received for Christmas. Due to a combination of family members, returns, and a gift card, I got 6 books for Christmas this year! (Actually, 7 if you count my cookbook of the last post.) That has to be a record number of books. And, of course, I can't wait to read them all.

Common Birds of Alberta by J. Duane Sept is an interesting and short book about, well, the common birds of Alberta. I recently received a birdfeeder and birdhouse for Christmas, so I am looking forward to getting to know our feathered friends a little bit better. It seems to go along with gardening and all the other eco-activities I seem to be involved in these days. Plus, it will give the cats something to stare at out the window other than magpies, bluejays, and the adorable little red squirrel that runs across our back fence from time to time. However, I probably should have put up both birdhouse and birdfeeder before 4 foot snowdrifts developed in our backyard.

I have never read any books by Kate Morton, but received both The House at Riverton and The Forgotten Garden for Christmas. My mom really enjoyed them, and is hoping that I will as well. They are historical-based novels about women and sound really interesting. I'm looking forward to reading them, as I'm always interested in reading books by authors who I've never read before.

The next three books, Poirot's Early Cases, Aristocrats, and Lady Queen, I picked myself from the bookstore through a combination of returns and a gift card. (I hate returning books - even when I already own them and so, logically, have to return them as it would be silly to own two copies of the same book. I just feel so sad. Although I don't think I've ever returned a book for cash/store credit. I always find something else at the bookstore that I'd like to have. So it ends up being a win-win situation!)

Of course, we all know about my Christie obsession - Poirot's Early Cases helps fill in the area of Christies that I don't have - short stories. I waffled between this and The Labours of Hercules for awhile, but settled on this one as I recently read The Labours of Hercules. However, I'll probably pick that one up soon because I still have money left on my gift card! Score!

I always begin any visit to the bookstore by going to the history section, and that's where The Lady Queen: The Notorious Reign of Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem, and Sicily by Nancy Goldstone, caught my eye. I have just now realized, at home, that she is also the author of Four Queens, the book about four Provencal sisters who became Queens of England, France, Germany, and Sicily. So this one should be good. It's obvious from the subtitle that this book is about Queen Joanna who I think I know nothing about, other than what I may have read off Wikipedia. I'm really interested in the Crusader states that were created in the Middle East (Outremer) and this looks to broaden my knowledge of that area. And, just read this quote from the back of the book and tell me this doesn't want to make you pick up the book immediately:

"In 1348, at the age of twenty-two, Joanna I, queen of Naples, stood trial before the pope, accused of murdering her cousin and husband, Hungarian prince
Andrew. Arguing her own case in Latin, she won her acquittal, and went on
to become the only female monarch in her time to rule in her own name."

As soon as I read that, I had to have it!

And, finally, the last book I picked up is Aristocrats: Power, Grace & Decadence by Lawrence James. I have long wanted to read a complete history of the major aristocratic families in England (or, to be honest, a complete history of ALL the aristocratic families in England - there's only so much tracing of families one can do on Wikipedia!) and it looks like this is as close as I'll get for some time. (Or until I write one myself!) It is a history of the British aristocracy as a whole and how they've managed to survive until the present day. It sounds very interesting.

Now, I'd love to start reading all these books immediately. But, sadly, more pressing matters arise. The first of the Canada Reads books has come in at the library, so I have to read that (Unless by Carol Shields) and then pick up and read the second one which came in this week! However, once I've read those, I will be breaking in to my Christmas book stash. The dark, cold, snowy days of January and February are just made for reading, and that is what I'll be doing.

Cooking: A Love Story

One of my favourite books I received this year for Christmas was a very special cookbook called Gluten-free girl and the chef: a love story with 100 tempting recipes by Shauna James Ahern and Daniel Ahern. Now, I don't want to get into specifics, as this blog is not about me or any medical issues I may or may not have, but suffice it to say that I have been put on a gluten-free diet by my doctor. (Which basically means no wheat, rye, barley, or products derived from those grains.)

To someone who likes food, this can be a severe blow. And while I may not worry so much about bread, I will miss cake in all its forms. But it means the question "What's for dinner?" just became a slight bit more complicated.

Enter this lovely, lovely cookbook. Daniel Ahern is the chef, Shauna James Ahern is the gluten-free girl, and this cookbook is the story of their romance and their romance with food, illustrated with recipes. The fact that the cookbook happens to be gluten-free is almost an afterthought, really. The focus, and point, of the book is the love story between these two unlikely people.

I enjoy sitting down and reading a cookbook from front to back. This is one of those cookbooks that flows like a story and can be, is meant to be, read from back to back. Each pivotal event in their relationship is followed by the recipe for the dish in that pivotal moment. So, we have the story of the first time Shauna cooked dinner for Daniel, followed by the recipe of the dish she made. (Baked Eggs with Taleggio, pg.16.) We have the tender and humourous story of their proposal, followed by the recipe of the dinner they were eating at the time. (Pan-seared beef tenderloin with port sauce and balsamic onions, pg.54.) Their love for each other and for food comes through clearly on every page.

This is more than just a gluten-free cookbook. Sure, there are specific recipes for bread, pasta, muffins, and carrot cake that are specifically gluten-free. But there are plenty of recipes that are gluten-free but that have always been gluten-free because they never contained wheat, such as rice, veal, and fish dishes. The authors stress the importance of cooking in season, with local ingredients, and working slowly, carefully, over your food. It is important to put your love for your friends and family into your food.

This is a cookbook for people who love food first, and people who need gluten-free food second. It is a fantastic book filled with many recipes that I cannot wait to try. (The pan-seared beef, the risotto, the carrot cake....I could go on!) In short, this is a terrific cookbook and one I would recommend to anyone who loves food, loves romance stories, and may or may not want to/need to learn how to cook gluten-free. It is a book I plan to cook out of a lot - for friends, for family, for me.

Too Many Wives

Before Christmas, I came up with what I thought was a brilliant plan. I own two history books, by two different authors, about the wives of Henry VIII. I thought it would be really interesting to read the two and compare them. The books are The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir, and The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser. Then at the library I spotted the book The Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII by David Starkey and thought that one more would be great! How interesting it would be to compare how each author saw the wives and interpreted the historical evidence.

Sadly, I was wrong. I finished the Fraser book, and only made it to Anne Boleyn in the Weir and Starkey books. It was just too many wives all at once! However, I think of the three, I preferred Fraser's book. She is sympathetic towards her wives, and I think a sympathetic biographer has a good relationship with her subject and can really pull in the reader's interest. Weir's book is factually excellent, but a little bit dry. Starkey's book is okay: I don't think he liked the wives all that much and boasted too much about his terrific new interpretations of the historical documents which meant that all other writers on the subject were wrong. Here are my notes on the Fraser's and Starkey's books as I was reading them.

Fraser:
"This is a very readable and entertaining look at Henry VIII’s six wives. Despite the fact that it is a non-fiction book, at times it reads like the best kind of historical fiction. Yet the book is thoroughly grounded in solid research. It is a pleasure to read and a good intro to Henry’s fascinating wives. Fraser takes the point that all the wives are to be pitied for being married to Henry VIII and so is sympathetic to all the wives in general. The feeling is transmitted to the readers: I feel sorry for Catherine of Aragon in her struggle against Henry VIII, but then I later feel sorry for Anne Boleyn, the woman who supplanted Catherine of Aragon in Henry’s affections. However, my feelings of pity for Catherine do not lead to corresponding feelings of rage against Anne Boleyn. Instead, one feels sympathy for all the wives caught up in the maelstrom that was Henry VIII’s later romantic life.

The book is split into sections roughly corresponding with the wives’ connection to Henry VIII. Katherine Howard and Anna of Cleves (author’s spellings) are joined together in one section as Anna’s tenure was so brief and she was so quickly supplanted by Katherine Howard. The reader really gets to know each wife well and know her background. Fraser moves beyond the stereotypes of Older Wife, Temptress, Good Wife, Ugly Wife, Bad Girl, and Mother Figure to reveal the personalities behind the crown."

Starkey:

As you can see from my notes below, I disagreed with a number of Starkey's conclusions - and that was only the introduction! As the book went on, it got a little better.

"Starkey seems to be too credulous with his sources and accuses Weir and Fraser of falling into the same romantic trap as Strickland. I would argue not so; they offer a balanced (especially Weir) view of the wives. Fraser is admittedly a little more sympathetic, but that’s okay for me; makes it readable. Already, based upon the introduction, Starkey appears to be too credulous with some of his sources including some of the testimony given by people at all the various court trials surrounding Henry’s confused matrimonial life. Unlike Weir and Fraser, Starkey does not seem to have given any thought as to the circumstances surrounding the testimony. Some of it was probably extracted by torture, others from people desperately trying to save their own skin – self-serving, as it were. You can’t always take that kind of evidence at face value.

Most of the things that Starkey presents as old established “facts” that he’s debunking have already been debunked by Weir and Fraser – they may be established “facts” to the popular mind, but not to the serious historical reader who has already done a lot of reading and research on the wives. For example – discussing a portrait he has apparently “uncovered” of Catherine showing her as blonde/red-haired to prove that she was of the same fairness as Henry instead of the sultry Spanish beauty she is often described as. Um, did he read Fraser or Weir’s books and look at any other portrait of Catherine? Nowhere in those books is she portrayed as a dark-eyed Spanish beauty – in fact Fraser and Weir especially go to some trouble to trace Catherine’s Lancastrian descent. He does not need to “prove” anything that has already been proven by other historians and other portraits – it is very clear that Catherine was just as fair as Henry."

In summary, then, do not try and read three non-fiction books on the same subject matter within a limited amount of time - you will burn out! But for those who are interested in learning more about the wives of Henry VIII (the real version, not the TV-Tudors version!), I will make some final suggestions.

If you are more of a casual historian, read the Fraser book. It is very readable and enjoyable and the reader gets a good sense of the wives and what they were really like, as far as that is possible. However, her family trees are terrible and full of errors, so don't go by them. If you're interested in family trees and a more in-depth look at the subject, read Weir's book. It is a little dryer than Fraser's, but more scholarly. Both books are equally well researched - the difference is in how the material is presented. I don't know if I can recommend the Starkey book having not finished it (I've read the Weir book many times) and having argued with him all through the introduction! The chapters on Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn were okay and I did enjoy some aspects of his characterization of Catherine. But ultimately it was just too much information on the same topic for me. Further, he seemed to be very self-congratulatory on his amazing "new" interpretations of the evidence which kind of put me off from the book a little bit. Also, for a book about the wives, it seems fairly Henry-focused. I prefer Fraser's thoughts on the subject: that the women should be pitied for having been married to Henry VIII as it could not have been easy! If anyone does choose to read the Starkey book, I'd be interested in your thoughts on it. And maybe, after a few months, I will pick it up and try again!

Reading Resolutions

Hello readers and happy 2011! I trust the after-effects from any New Year's festivities have worn off now, and you're set and ready to make some reading resolutions for the New Year.

I do generally make resolutions, but this will be the first time I've made resolutions with regards to books specifically. However, I'd like to ensure I get a chance to read new and exciting books and not just the same-old, same-old - but also read some of the classics as well.

1. Read more Canadian Authors
I don't read very many Canadian authors, unless Lucy Maud Montgomery counts! But there are some excellent ones out there: Sandra Gulland, Will Ferguson, Monica Hughes, and Pauline Gedge, to name a few. But I also would like to read more books about Canada: both fiction and non-fiction. I think the Canada Reads books will be a good place to start: I have two at home right now, so I'll be reading those soon.

2. Find New and Exciting Science Fiction/Fantasy
Last year, I tried to find new historical novel authors. That did not always work out well. This year, I'd like to focus more on sci-fi/fantasy. I do enjoy those genres and there are some great writers who work in this field. Then, I can concentrate on the historical authors I like, while still getting some new books to read.

3. Read more Bestsellers
Now, I'm not getting all Oprah on you here: I usually deplore any book she picks for her show. But I could stand to read some of the new books that are coming out and actually be current in books too. I think I will start with the Entertainment Weekly list of top 10 fiction and non-fiction books in 2010. (Although I think I just lent that issue to a friend. Hopefully the lists are on-line!) There were some interesting looking books on those lists, and I would like to actually read them, instead of just thinking about how good the books list and then putting the magazine down, wandering off, and reading Agatha Christie for the 43rd time.

4. Read more Teen Fiction
There is some neat stuff happening in teen fiction now and some of it is really great. I particularly like the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast, and another series about historical magic series by Libba Bray. There are new books in both of these series that I need to catch up on and maybe I'll find some new authors as well. And, maybe I'll even give Twilight another go.

5. Read a classic, or two
I've read a few of the classics: mostly the ones I had to read for school and mostly those by Jane Austen! But I could stand to read some of the other classics out there - they are classics for a reason, right? I'm thinking books like War and Peace, Anna Karenina, anything by Dickens, Mark Twain, etc.. Any suggestions on where to start?

Well, I think these are some good resolutions for the new year. Hopefully I will get some good reads out of these ideas and maybe find some really fabulous authors who will become some new favourites. At the very least, I now have somewhere to start when I'm standing around my house (filled with multiple bookshelves!) saying, "There's nothing to read!"

Top 10 of 2010

There is something about the end of the year that compels people to make lists, and I am no different. Here is my list of the Top 10 Books I read in 2010 (and discussed on the blog).

#10. My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'homme (June 24th)
I read a number of Julia Child-related books this year, and I think this one was my favourite. As it was co-written by Julia, her earthy and humourous voice came across really well. She had two passions: cooking and her husband Paul. Theirs was a love match for the ages.

#9. The Sleeping Beauty by Mercedes Lackey (July 28th)
This is more of an homage to all of the books is Mercedes Lackey's 500 Kingdoms series. I love the fantastical twists on standard fairy tales, and Lackey's spirited heroines. She draws connections between different fairy tales that I would never have thought of. Enjoyable and fun reads.

#8. Frederica by Georgette Heyer (July 7th)
For all the Austen fans out there wishing she wrote more books, Heyer is a close substitute. Unlike many authors of historical fiction, Heyer gets the tone, settings, and surroundings absolutely right. Maybe she's discovered time travel and managed to go back in time? Her books are that accurate. And Frederica is a charm: the titular heroine is spirited and witty. A lovely afternoon read.

#7. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (July 27th)
I love Jasper Fforde! His books are crazy, weird and fun, and I am dying to find out what happens in his new Shades of Grey series. But begin with The Eyre Affair: it pulls you in immediately as you embrace the wonderful weirdness of Thursday Next's world. And, fellow book lovers, how many of you have secretly wondered if there is a way to get inside a book - The Eyre Affair is the closest I'll get until I can bookjump myself.

#6. Enter A Murderer by Ngaio Marsh (July 14th)
I was fortunate enough to get introduced to Ngaio Marsh this year and immediately fell in love. For mystery fans wanting an Agatha Christie alternative, this is it! I enjoyed the first book, but I liked this one slightly more - Marsh really seemed to settle into her series and I enjoy all of the theatrical references. Marsh was very active in the theatrical world and her special insight into that realm give her books a different vibe than Christie's. Plus, Chief Detective Inspector Alleyn seems like he'd be a really lovely man to hang out with - I'd like a movie adaptation with Colin Firth as the handsome detective, please!

#5. Defend the Realm: Authorized History of MI5 by Christopher Andrew (August 9th)
This was a massive book to get through, but it was well worth it. I enjoyed learning about the growth and development of MI5, and it gave me a lot of ideas of other topics to read about. A word of advice to those attempting to read this behemoth: go slowly, and keep in mind that MI5 is the main character - the spies, directors and other named people come and go, but MI5 endures, grows, and triumphs.

#4. Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner (August 21st)
I really, really, enjoyed this fascinating non-fiction read. The authors connect ideas and interpret data in really interesting ways. The sequel wasn't quite as good, but if you want to blow your mind, try the original. It will make you think.

#3. Brainiac by Ken Jennings (August 21st)
As a trivia nerd, how could I leave this one out? Ken Jennings is practically my hero for his amazing run on Jeopardy! And in this book, he comes across as the nicest, kindest, most self-deprecating man you've ever met. He is definitely someone you'd want for a neighbour: think vaguely Ned Flanderish but with a brilliant brain. But the book isn't all about Ken - he intertwines his story of how he got on Jeopardy! with the history of trivia. And, he even intersperses little trivia nuggets along the way. This is a great book for trivia nerds: and those that live with them.

#2. Chalice by Robin McKinley (October 12th)
Yes, I'd read Chalice before when I read it again for the blog, but was equally entranced both times. The world is so complete - you are pulled in with the main character and learn with her as she learns about her new role and the powers affecting her kingdom. Most of McKinley's fantasy books are one-offs: but I want more about this lovely world and the intriguing characters in it.

#1. Becoming Queen by Kate Williams (September 14th)
Typically for me, my favourite book of 2010 is a non-fiction history book! But don't let that scare you - this book reads like a novel, except that it's all true! Williams weaves together the lives of two princesses, Charlotte and Victoria, both destined to be Queen. One princess's life ends in tragedy, the other, in love and success. It was Williams' portrayal of Charlotte that I truly loved: I did not know much about this important Hanoverian princess until I read the book. As the young girl who was destined to be Queen, she was of great importance to the nation, and even loved by her people. She had a terrible upbringing, and grew up strong-willed and confident. Her Queenship is one of the most intriguing might-have-beens of history. I also thought I knew everything about Queen Victoria, but discovered new things in seeing her story juxtaposed alongside Charlotte's. A lovely story about two very similar young women in similar situations.


It's been a great 2010 for books, readers! What are your favourites of 2010? Any recommendations for 2011? I've enjoyed reading, writing, and ranting with you. Have a Happy and safe New Year, and keep reading!

Christmas Books

In the spirit of the season, I thought I would write about some of my favourite books I like to read at Christmas that are about Christmas. One can read books about Christmas any time of year, but these picks are some of my favourites that I really enjoy revisiting every Christmas.

I will begin with one of my favourite authors: Agatha Christie. How is that Christmassy? Well, when the book is titled Hercule Poirot's Christmas and the murder actually takes place on Christmas Eve it is! (Sort of.)

Hercule Poirot's Christmas is in my "The Perfect Murders" Omnibus edition, along with The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, Murder on the Orient Express, and Murder in the Mews. And, while it does not have a lot to do with Christmas, given that the usual celebrations are cancelled due to the murder, it does give insight into the traditional British Christmas of pudding, crackers, and a decorated tree. Further, one very important clue is gained by looking at the Christmas decorations that are in storage for the festive season.

If you want more Christie Christmas, you can also read the short story "The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding" in which the titular dessert plays a starring role in helping Poirot solve the mystery.

Speaking of Christmas pudding, what is Christmas without special treats, festive baking, and a turkey? You can read about all these and more in Nigella Christmas, a cookbook solely about Christmas, by Nigella Lawson.

Again, I will admit that I mostly get Nigella's cookbooks just to read them and look at the lovely photos and not so much to cook out of. And this book is a great read at Christmas time. She goes over all the different options for Christmas dinner (turkey, goose, prime rib, pork loin, and stuffed pumpkin) as well as festive drinks, desserts, holiday party nibbles, and edible present ideas.

What I really enjoy about it is the glimpse into British Christmas culture and just how different it can be from here. First of all, Christmas dinner appears to be Christmas lunch over there, at least for Nigella. While turkey gets a starring role, one cannot forget about the traditional British Christmas fare of goose. Not to mention bread sauce, plum pudding, and mince pie. (Yes, bread sauce. Basically a sauce made out of bread. Hence the name.)

One year I will get my act together and actually make one of her Christmas cake recipes from the book. However, I will always enjoy just leafing through the book, reading the Christmas stories, and looking at the beautiful photos of food.

As you can see, I enjoy reading about Christmasses in cultures other than my own. One of my favourite Christmas books is Stringybark Summer, by Judith O'Neill, a tale of Christmas in Australia.

Of course, for Australians, Christmas falls right in the middle of summer. A Christmas without snow or cold is very intriguing to this Canadian! The story is about young Sophie who is growing up on a farm is southern Australia in 1908. Her mother is expecting a baby, and so sends Sophie off to live with Sophie's aunt, uncle, and cousins until after the baby is born. Sophie's Aunt Dot married a blacksmith at a sawmill and Sophie lives with them in the Australian bush at the mill. There, Sophie grows to love her family and the big, beautiful horses used to haul logs out of the bush.

This is a lovely and well written story that will transport you to turn-of-the-century Australia. I love hearing about the different Christmas traditions in a land where Christmas happens in the summer when everything is green and fresh and the weather is hot. It is also an interesting portrayal of the early logging industry in Australia at a time when the locomotive was coming in, and horses were on their way out. It is a lovely read, for Christmas or any time of year.

I always enjoy reading stories about pioneers, and there is also something so fascinating as a pioneer Christmas. Some of the best pioneer Christmas stories are in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" series. When rereading this as an adult, you become acutely aware just how poor the family was at times and how little they had, and how they still pulled together to make Christmas a special and memorable time of year.

I also enjoy reading about Anne's first Christmas with the Cuthberts in Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. Shy and timid Matthew wants to make Christmas special for Anne, and somehow manages to overcome his bashfulness in order to do so. It is a beautiful and touching moment that shows just how Anne has integrated herself into the lives of Matthew and Marilla.

There are a number of other books that I enjoy reading at Christmas that live at my parents' house and are only brought out at Christmas. One such book is The Christmas Pageant Cut-out Book by Tomie dePaola. This is the usual Christmas story, but with figures that you can cut out and colour to make your own Christmas play. I remember carefully colouring the figures with Mom's special pencil crayons to make pretty paper puppets.

A sad kids Christmas book is The Christmas Day Kitten, by James Herriot. Yes, I suppose the ending is happy, but the sad part in the middle gets the reader every time. I haven't read it recently at Christmas because of the sadness, but maybe this year I'll pick it up again and read it through.

Another favourite book is The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum (yes, of Wizard of Oz fame). This inventive book looks at how Santa Claus came to be; an origin story for Santa, if you will. It creatively imagines Santa Claus's early upbringing, and how he came to distribute toys to good little girls and boys around the world and provides reasons for all the traditions surrounding Santa Claus. A fun and inventive book.

And, of course, there's the old classic "A Visit from St. Nicholas" better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" by Clement Moore. This poem is fundamental to our understand of Santa Claus today. It has been published in a number of different formats and even been made into a song. It is a true Christmas classic.

Enjoy these suggestions for holiday reads, and leave me your suggestions for holiday reads in the comments. And from my cats and from me, Merry Christmas and happy reading!