Christmas Swap 2014

Keskustelu75 Books Challenge for 2014

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Christmas Swap 2014

Tämä viestiketju on "uinuva" —viimeisin viesti on vanhempi kuin 90 päivää. Ryhmä "virkoaa", kun lähetät vastauksen.

1msf59
marraskuu 9, 2014, 8:07 am



Welcome to Christmas Swap. I am hosting again this year. A big thank you to Caroline for doing a stellar job last year.
We keep this simple: Let me know if you are playing, PM me your address,( if you haven't participated before), I will draw names randomly and everyone will get a 75er to buy gift book(s) for.
We keep it to a $25 limit, so it can be affordable for everyone. This can be new books or carefully preserved “used” books.
This will be open to everyone, everywhere, since there are free shipping options available, like Book Depository.
The cut off will be about the 20th of November, so I can pick names and get addresses out. Once that is done, you can select from that Lter's wishlist or pick something on your own. I prefer the former. It is a safer bet. We do our best to get the gift books to the recipients, by Christmas, so ship accordingly. 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.

2msf59
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 9, 2014, 8:30 am

Sorry, I can't remember everyone, who already stated that they were "in". I have Caroline, Katie, Linda P, Jim, Karen, Jenny, Joanne, Megan, Jeff, Paul, Stephanie, Heidi, so far.
Still deciding members: Marianne, Lynda, Lori...

I am not sure if there is easier way to do this but just drop a post and I will add you.

3maggie1944
marraskuu 9, 2014, 9:03 am

I will PM you my address again because I'm not sure if you have the most recent. Sorry if I'm dupicating, and making your life on the margin a wee bit more complicated. Happy Face on Me!

4msf59
marraskuu 9, 2014, 11:41 am

It looks like I have everyone's address from last year, so if you are participating again this year, you are all set. Just make sure you let me know, if you are joining again.

>3 maggie1944: I have it Karen. Thanks!

5DorsVenabili
marraskuu 9, 2014, 1:58 pm

I'll do it this year!

Is it ok if my wishlist is gigantic and it lives at Goodreads? Should I pare it down, and put it over here for the xmas swap?

6SandDune
marraskuu 9, 2014, 2:46 pm

I'm in - I will do a separate Christmas Swap wishlist as my normal wishlist needs serious pruning.

7AuntieClio
marraskuu 9, 2014, 4:38 pm

I'm in, anything from my wishlist, used or new is good with me. Yay!

8lindapanzo
marraskuu 9, 2014, 7:12 pm

Yes, please count me in.

I'll spruce up my Christmas wishlist during the next few days. Make sure there's plenty in there and that I didn't pick any of these up along the way.

9drneutron
marraskuu 10, 2014, 10:50 am

As Mark noted above, I'm in and will set up a Swap Wishlist collection.

10katiekrug
marraskuu 10, 2014, 11:27 am

I have populated the "Wishlist" collection in my library with some selections...

11michigantrumpet
marraskuu 10, 2014, 2:27 pm

Willing to give it a go this year, Mark! Heading off to PM you now.

12norabelle414
marraskuu 10, 2014, 2:44 pm

I had a lot of fun doing the 75ers swap last year, so I'm in again! I'm making an extra-special Christmas Swap Wishlist, but I also welcome anything that is not on my wishlist.

13jll1976
marraskuu 10, 2014, 6:11 pm

I'm new to the 75ers- but intrigued by this concept. I've been doing the Santa Thing for a few years now, but I reckon this is a bit of a step up. I will PM my address.

14Berly
marraskuu 10, 2014, 11:45 pm

I am in! Thanks for organizing us again. xoxo

15Chatterbox
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 11, 2014, 2:51 am

OK, toss my name in the hat... Though I will have to sort out my wish list!

16PaulCranswick
marraskuu 11, 2014, 6:55 am

Of course Mark, I'm in. Will PM shortly.

17msf59
marraskuu 11, 2014, 7:34 am

Remember: If you participated last year, I HAVE your address. Just to save everyone time. Thanks!

>13 jll1976: Welcome jll1976!! Nice to have you with us.

18Morphidae
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 11, 2014, 4:14 pm

I've just finished creating a collection called Xmas Swap 2014. It has 187 books - fiction from all sorts of genres and nonfiction. It was built from my LT Recommended, Maybe, LT Book Club, and Xmas Swap 2013 collections. My Santa should have no problems finding *something* for me!

19thornton37814
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 11, 2014, 9:40 pm

My wishlist is in the profile "thornton38821", but it is noted on my own profile page. I didn't want to mix things I didn't own or had not read with things I have.

20cameling
marraskuu 11, 2014, 11:21 pm

Mark - Is there a final date we should make sure our Swapees receive their lovely pressies by?

21LovingLit
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 12, 2014, 12:50 am

Hi Mark, glad I found this thread in time!!!
I will PM you my address, as I am in (with a grin)

Eta: just saw that you already have addresses from last year. So I won't be PMing you my address. But I am still keen, just so you know.

22Chatterbox
marraskuu 12, 2014, 2:14 am

My wishlist is contained in my books section, not in my library but "Wishlist" and the relevant books are labeled/tagged Xmas Swap 2014. There are only about a dozen of 'em, but I'll try and add a few in the next few days! I would just add that it's very, very, very hard to buy books for me, because I've only catalogued about half my library, and I've read more than I have catalogued. I also have very specific tastes, I'm afraid... *sheepish*

There are a few books that were on my wish lists and that I have added the Swap tag to that I think come out in early December. Any of those would be fab, but there also are some that are older and a nice second-hand copy of any of those would be fab, too. Whatev.

23lycomayflower
marraskuu 12, 2014, 8:43 am

I'd like to participate. PMing you my address.

24DorsVenabili
marraskuu 12, 2014, 10:17 am

I put my books in an LT collection called 2014 Xmas Swap.

Mark - I'll PM my address, since I didn't participate last year (but I did the year before).

25AnneDC
marraskuu 12, 2014, 4:05 pm

Good--I thought maybe I might have missed my chance to sign up for this year's swap. I'll participate again this year--you should have the address. I'll create a 2014 Xmas Swap collection since my wishlist is a mess.

26nrmay
marraskuu 13, 2014, 2:34 pm

I'm in!

Address on the way...

27msf59
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 14, 2014, 9:42 pm



Please spread the word. I NEED to know if you are participating. I will have to cut this off by the middle of next week, so I can draw names.

**Also, make sure you are updating your wishlists! This is important too.

28-Cee-
marraskuu 14, 2014, 10:02 pm

Confirming... I'm in!

29LauraBrook
marraskuu 15, 2014, 4:33 pm

Oooh, looks like I'm sneaking in late this year. I'm in! I'm so looking forward to this, as it's one of my favorite holiday activities!!!! I have an Xmas 2013 collection from last year, and tomorrow (after tonight's chestnut roasting party) I'll be updating that and trying to figure out how to change the title. Or, make a new one for this year, whichever is easiest.

Thanks for doing this again, Mark!

30majkia
marraskuu 15, 2014, 7:03 pm

nobody gifts me books except here on LT, so of course I'm in. Also, I've created a special 75rs swap wishlist.

31roundballnz
marraskuu 15, 2014, 9:09 pm

Whoops almost missed the posting

I am in, I played last year let me know if you need my address again

32EBT1002
marraskuu 15, 2014, 9:23 pm

Hi Mark. I know I was late to the party but I'm in for the Christmas swap!

33DeltaQueen50
marraskuu 15, 2014, 9:45 pm

I'm in! This is one of my favorite holiday activities. I just updated my Christmas Wishlist.

34msf59
marraskuu 16, 2014, 8:40 am

^^I have Claudia, Laura, Alex, Ellen and Judy down.

35Kaie.Hein
marraskuu 16, 2014, 10:22 am

I want to be part of this Christmas swap, too.

36mahsdad
marraskuu 16, 2014, 8:28 pm

I know Mark already has my name, but I wanted to post to whomever "draws" my name, anything off my Wishlist collection is fair game. Though if you you look at my 75 threads for this year and last and think of something based on what I have read that I don't have listed, I am totally up for something new. Can't wait.

37qebo
marraskuu 16, 2014, 10:00 pm

I PM’d Mark last week, posting here now because I’ve updated my catalog. For whoever gets my name: the Xmas Swap Wishlist is a collection of books that I would be happy to have. It is meant to suggest, not to dictate; if you have other ideas of a similar ilk, or a subject you’re more familiar with that is compatible with my typical reading preferences (links to 75er threads are on my profile page) go for it. I’m fine with used paperbacks or whatever. My only request is no fiction; I’m sticking to e-books and library books when possible. As of a few hours ago (phew!) my catalog is current with all the books I physically possess, so you can check to prevent duplicates.

38Cobscook
marraskuu 17, 2014, 7:43 pm

Hi Mark and everyone! I would also like to say that anything on my Wishlist is something I would be excited to receive, and I have no preference as to format or new/used. I'm also up for receiving a book not on my WL that someone thinks I would like....I'll read just about anything! So excited for the swap!

39-Cee-
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 17, 2014, 8:12 pm

OK. I've got my X-MAS SWAP WISHLIST done to make things easy for my Santa. However, anything on my standard WL will also make me happy if you need more ideas. Surprises are good too!

Used is ok in very good condition. Just a note: highlighting drives me nuts! When I get "very good" this is not a problem.
Don't stress. I'm easy ;-)

Fa la la la la... I love book presents...

ETA: I love to GIVE them too :-)

40jll1976
marraskuu 17, 2014, 8:27 pm

Hi folks! I have a 'Wishlist' which I have updated- you are welcome to choose from that. However, I honestly don't mind what I get. When it comes to books the more obscure and the more from left field the better. So, if there is a book that you just love and think that everyone should read- and it isn't on my list anywhere- feel free to send it on over.

41drneutron
marraskuu 17, 2014, 8:35 pm

Me too. I made a Swap collection, but it really is just some suggestions. I'm happy with whatever someone wants to pick!

42msf59
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 17, 2014, 9:44 pm



^^ I have picked names and I will be notifying you, of your swappee!! This will take me a couple days, to get the addresses out, so please bear with me. And yes, get those wishlists ready.

Once again, if you have an international pick, you might want to make your purchases by the end of the month or earlier.

**I toughed it out and sent all notifications for international deliveries...I think.

43LauraBrook
marraskuu 17, 2014, 10:08 pm

Like everyone else, I have an Xmas Swap 2014 list, and a wish list here on LT, so feel free to get something on it, or something similar to something on it, or something you think I should read. As long as the spine is firmly attached to the book, I'm happy with a used book too.

Really looking forward to this this year!!! :)

44ronincats
marraskuu 18, 2014, 1:03 am

Oops, I'm in again! Almost missed the thread.

45roundballnz
marraskuu 18, 2014, 2:20 am

Whoever is lucky enough to get me, free free to be inspired by this years reading & my wish list, my reading taste is rather eclectic .... so am very easy!

Book elves, tis a joyful time

46drachenbraut23
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 18, 2014, 5:57 am

Hooray! I still have to update my WL, but please feel free to send me anything, you think I would enjoy reading. My reading taste is also very eclectic and I found that LT has broadenend my horizon even further.

Mark Thank you for mentioning Book Depository - I have never used this before. :)

47msf59
marraskuu 18, 2014, 6:52 am

We try to keep this a surprise, so keep mum, just make sure you include a note on the inside. Can you include a note inside, if you are shipping it directly from the outlet? I forget.

>44 ronincats: I think you missed it, Roni We'll see if someone else jumps in late. Sorry!

48msf59
marraskuu 18, 2014, 7:27 am

I will send out more notifications tonight.

ETA- I will gladly accept Folio Editions or Drop Cap Editions...just sayin'...

49lunacat
marraskuu 18, 2014, 8:28 am

Count me in twice if no one else shows up for Roni, I'm happy to send two books.

50mahsdad
marraskuu 18, 2014, 10:26 am

I'm sure yinz will find this on your own, but if you are going to shop with Book Depository, here is a link to the shipping cut-off dates for the various countries.

http://www.bookdepository.com/Christmas-FAQs

The FAQ also mentions that they can't do personal messages, gift wrap or gift receipts (where they blank out the pricing).

So if you get anything from Book Depository in the next 2 months. DON'T OPEN IT. Unless of course you can't wait until Christmas, or don't celebrate Christmas and were only in it for a box of books from strangers, then open away.

:)

51LauraBrook
marraskuu 18, 2014, 11:07 am

I think last time I listed the name on the shipping label as "Edith LT Wharton", with LT as the middle name. I get too many things from book depository, Amazon, etc, that I know I'd appreciate saving a present to me for Christmas Day, instead of opening it accidentally.

52mahsdad
marraskuu 18, 2014, 11:21 am

That's a great idea, Laura. I will definitely be doing that.

53ronincats
marraskuu 18, 2014, 3:00 pm

Sorry, Mark. When I read your post of the 14th that you were cutting it off at the middle of the next week, I thought I had until the 18th or 19th to get in, and I went straight to the bottom to put in my name without reading the intervening messages. When I came back to read the whole thread this morning, I realized you had already picked names yesterday before I posted.

54lindapanzo
marraskuu 18, 2014, 3:06 pm

>53 ronincats: Roni, I haven't gotten my name yet. Maybe Mark can still squeeze you in somehow.

55msf59
marraskuu 18, 2014, 6:52 pm

>49 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny. We will see how it plays out.

>50 mahsdad: Thanks, for sharing that link, Jeff. That is perfect.

>51 LauraBrook: "Edith LT Wharton"! I love that idea, Laura. We should all put that name on our return address. LOL. I know I am.

>53 ronincats: No problem, Roni! We will see...

>54 lindapanzo: I only notified the international folk last night, Linda. I will try to do a few domestics tonight.

56lindapanzo
marraskuu 18, 2014, 7:02 pm

>55 msf59: Mark, that sounds like domestic vs. imported you know what.

Looking forward to the Swap and to Santa Thing, once again.

57msf59
marraskuu 19, 2014, 9:19 pm

I think I got all the notifications out. Whew! And I was able to include Roni. Yah! If you didn't get a PM, double-check your messages again and then PM me.
Sorry, in advance, if I made any errors. I'll blame it on brain-freeze.

If you are sending international, you might want to give yourself 3-4 weeks.

58ronincats
marraskuu 19, 2014, 9:50 pm

Yay! Thank you, Mark. I need to update my Christmas wish list now. I've been out doing craft fairs all day so don't have the energy now but tomorrow for sure.

59majkia
marraskuu 19, 2014, 10:04 pm

Great job Mark! Thanks so much for organizing us. Herding cats and all that...

60lindapanzo
marraskuu 19, 2014, 10:12 pm

>59 majkia: Yes, absolutely, Mark. Thanks for putting this together. It's always so much fun.

61katiekrug
marraskuu 19, 2014, 10:17 pm

Thanks, Mark! Hope I haven't jumped the gun but I went ahead and purchased my swapee's gifts this afternoon. Such fun!

62jll1976
marraskuu 19, 2014, 10:58 pm

Great work! Thanks for organising it all.

63Copperskye
marraskuu 20, 2014, 12:19 am

Yes, thanks again, Mark!

I didn't purchase my books yet, but I have checked out the wish list and I think I know what I'll be sending.

64msf59
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 20, 2014, 7:01 am



^If anyone else wants to jump in, PM me. I have a stranded soul.

***You are welcome everyone. Just make sure you get your books ordered and keep it a SURPRISE!! Those are easy rules. right?

65lunacat
marraskuu 20, 2014, 8:31 am

Ordered and dispatched already. Otherwise my procrastinating tendencies could have caused real problems!

66majkia
marraskuu 20, 2014, 10:04 am

me too. wanted to get it done before I forgot about it.

67AuntieClio
marraskuu 20, 2014, 10:41 am

I am going to bow out. I just lost my job (again) and think I need to save my money. I am so sad about this and apologize for the inconvenience. 😪

68msf59
marraskuu 20, 2014, 1:20 pm

>65 lunacat: >66 majkia: Yah, for the early birds!!

>67 AuntieClio: We got it covered, Stephanie. I am so sorry to hear the news. Hugs from the Midwest.

69Chatterbox
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 20, 2014, 3:13 pm

Ha, my giftee has made it easy by enabling second-hand books. I am placing an order for four -- yes four! -- from Abebooks today. They'll come in with a buck or two to spare, I think. Two are from the wishlist, and two are a result of studying the thread. I think there will be four separate packages, though... and no gift-wrapping...

ETA: with Abebook vendors, there is no way to remove prices from invoices, etc., or to indicate that it is a gift. My apologies in advance for the social misstep to my giftee, but my goal was to maximize the # of books per $25 ceiling... :-) And I think I did a pretty decent job on that score!

70lycomayflower
marraskuu 20, 2014, 3:26 pm

Since all the names went out, I thought I'd jump in and say--to whomever to may concern ;-) --that my wishlist and catalogue are both current. I'd be thrilled with either something from my wishlist or something my gifter thinks I would like. Used books are most welcome.

71lunacat
marraskuu 20, 2014, 4:36 pm

To whom it may concern - I'm also happy to accept second hand books, no fussiness here!

72DeltaQueen50
marraskuu 20, 2014, 4:48 pm

Just putting it out there that I too, love second-hand books. :)

I have ordered my giftee's books so they should arrive in a timely fashion.

73lindapanzo
marraskuu 20, 2014, 5:31 pm

I've got a Christmas wishlist on LT. I don't mind secondhand books, as long as they're in good shape, aren't smelly etc.

Now if I could just get my swappee (giftee?) to add more books to his or her wishlist. Hmmmmm.

74AnneDC
marraskuu 20, 2014, 5:38 pm

I spent last night refreshing my Xmas Swap 2014 list and would be delighted with any selections from the list. Surprises are good too, but I can't vouch for the accuracy of my catalog. And I'm a fan of used books.

75drachenbraut23
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 20, 2014, 7:10 pm

I also have ordered my giftee's books and apparently they are gone out today already.

I love secondhand books and most of my books are :) - so whoever you are, I am not fussy at all !!!

76Copperskye
marraskuu 20, 2014, 7:11 pm

>67 AuntieClio: Oh that's a lousy thing to happen, especially this time a year. Hope a new and better job is right around the corner!

I should say that I'm also ok with used books as long as they are in good shape and aren't smelly!

77benitastrnad
marraskuu 20, 2014, 7:14 pm

#67
That's really bad. Losing my job is one thing about which I live in terror. It didn't bother me so much when I was younger, but age has changed my view on that.

I am also happy with used books.

78katiekrug
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 20, 2014, 7:57 pm

I'm also pleased as punch to get secondhand books.

I wonder what a decent length WL is? Mine has about 20 books on it. There are more books I want, of course, but I have to split up my whole WL between LT, my husband, and the rest of my family this time of year :)

I think most things on it are easily found, but I wonder if I should add more titles, just in case...?

79ronincats
marraskuu 20, 2014, 8:37 pm

I've updated my xmas wish list collection (removed those I acquired last year!) and am also just fine with used books in good condition.

80msf59
marraskuu 20, 2014, 8:46 pm

I will also take gently used, odor-free books! Glad everyone is fine-tuning their wishlists!

>78 katiekrug: I think 20-30 is a good number, Katie. I keep my BIG wishlist over on Bookmooch. It's easier that way.

**It looks like I missed two LTers. Bad Mark. But it is all straightened out. Good Mark.

81jll1976
marraskuu 20, 2014, 9:39 pm

>67 AuntieClio: That sucks! Big hugs from 'Down Under'.

82nrmay
marraskuu 20, 2014, 11:40 pm

Anything from my wishlist would be great or surprise me with anything you think I might like!
I'm very fond of used books.

83LovingLit
marraskuu 21, 2014, 12:18 am

>80 msf59: hehe, GoodMark/BadMark :)

84msf59
marraskuu 21, 2014, 7:05 am

Question: Has anyone NOT received a notification? Please let me know.

Question II: Can you split up a shipment on Amazon? One package there. One package there?

85Fourpawz2
marraskuu 21, 2014, 7:15 am

So exciting to see all the Christmas Swap activity! Though finances do not permit any gifts this year I hope to be a swapper/swapee next year. Enjoy everyone!

86DorsVenabili
marraskuu 21, 2014, 9:36 am

I too am pro-used books!

87norabelle414
marraskuu 21, 2014, 10:42 am

Used books are fine by me!

88ronincats
marraskuu 21, 2014, 12:13 pm

Mark, yes, you can split shipments on Amazon!

89Morphidae
marraskuu 21, 2014, 12:23 pm

I am fine with used books - ditto on gently used, non-smelly.

90drachenbraut23
marraskuu 21, 2014, 1:52 pm

I just noticed that my books for my swapee got send as single parcels. I am also not sure whether my name appears somewhere. I couldn't check it anywhere :(

91msf59
marraskuu 21, 2014, 8:07 pm

>88 ronincats: Thanks, Roni! Yah!!

92Chatterbox
marraskuu 21, 2014, 10:57 pm

I have no idea whether my name will appear anywhere here: I couldn't add a message, and having them sent here and then onward shipping them would have taken more time & driven up the cost.

So my swapee will be getting four books, all with LT Christmas Swap in the second line of the address, from:
-- River City Books
-- Free State Books
-- Hippo Books
-- Paperbackshop US
I think all have now shipped, and some may be showing up next week. Est. shipping time 4 to 15 days for all of them.

The person in question is someone I know on LT and can PM me to ask if they are unsure about mystery packages arriving.

93TinaV95
marraskuu 22, 2014, 12:02 am

Mark, do you still need another person?

94Copperskye
marraskuu 22, 2014, 1:19 am

Well, my Santa Swap books have been ordered and will soon be winging their way to their new home, some faster than others. I was happy to be able to send books that I either loved or plan on reading!

Back to stressing out about Thanksgiving Dinner....(choosing books was more fun). Ho-Ho-Ho!

95LauraBrook
marraskuu 22, 2014, 3:50 pm

I'm getting my Swapees books sent to me first since I'm ordering from a few places (like Suz), I of course ordered a few for myself (not on any wishlist) and am paranoid about them getting lost in the mail. No reason for this, just some weird brain fart I had. Anyways, I'll wrap them up and get them out probably by the end of this week at the latest.

96mahsdad
marraskuu 22, 2014, 5:02 pm

If anyone is keeping score, I've sent my selections off to my Swapee. Its always a bit nerve-wracking, but fun to pick books for each other.

Its easy to make suggestions and rate books, but to take that next step and actually buy it... :)

Happy US Thanksgiving All!

97roundballnz
marraskuu 22, 2014, 5:51 pm

Books ordered for my swapee - chances are they will arrive in separate deliveries ( went the online way as posting books from here to US/Europe can be eye watering unless batching)

Enjoy whats left of your weekends ....

98lindapanzo
marraskuu 22, 2014, 8:32 pm

Three books ordered for my swappee. The books should arrive at his or her house around Dec. 1-3. Name, c/o Christmas Swap, Address

Always fun wandering through someone else's wishlist!!

99EBT1002
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 23, 2014, 1:33 am

Ack, it's almost Thanksgiving. Time to check out my swappee's wish list.
I'll add here that I'm very happy with used books. And I recently tidied up my wish list so I'd be thrilled with anything on that list -- or anything you think I'd like that I haven't listed!

100Morphidae
marraskuu 23, 2014, 10:41 am

Everyone is sending so early! I was going to wait until December 1st to send since it would be closer to Christmas. Is that wrong?

101katiekrug
marraskuu 23, 2014, 10:47 am

>100 Morphidae: - I don't think there is a wrong way to do this, Morphy! Well, other than not sending something ;-) I did mine early because I have a busy schedule at work and then leave to spend the holidays with my in-laws, so I wanted to check this off my to-do list. Some people shipping internationally want to make sure the package arrives in time. No matter when I receive mine, I am going to do my darnedest to wait to open it until Christmas!

102msf59
marraskuu 23, 2014, 10:55 am

"I am going to do my darnedest to wait to open it until Christmas!"

Go Katie! Go Katie! I HOPE everyone follows this sacred path!!

>100 Morphidae: I probably will also wait until after the 1st, Morph. That is still over 3 weeks.

103EBT1002
marraskuu 23, 2014, 11:03 am

When mine arrive, I plan to save them until Christmas, as well. We'll be having Christmas here so I won't have the excuse of opening them before traveling (you know: "I don't want to carry this package with us on the plane but I don't want to wait until after Christmas to open it!").

I am going to send mine as soon as I return from Thanksgiving. I've already picked out what I'm going to purchase, though. This is so awesome for those of us who love buying books!!

104majkia
marraskuu 23, 2014, 11:06 am

I've tried to warn my hubby who generally picks up packages and opens them up to take the boxes apart and put them in recycle. I'll just have to ask him every time a package arrives, 'is it books'?
LOL.

105lunacat
marraskuu 23, 2014, 11:51 am

I won't be opening mine till Christmas which is pretty easy as there isn't much coming for me in the meantime, given that I'm making nearly all my presents.

Hopefully I made it clear enough to my recipient that it shouldn't be opened till then! I only sent it so early because I'm sending internationally and I know I procrastinate a lot.

106ronincats
marraskuu 23, 2014, 12:26 pm

I'm waiting until closer to Christmas to send mine too, Ellen. I like to have the tree up before the Christmas presents arrive.

107roundballnz
marraskuu 23, 2014, 2:11 pm

>100 Morphidae: not at all, some of us the books have to travel further, I know from experience that BD books take that bit longer to travel at this time of year .......

108majkia
marraskuu 23, 2014, 2:42 pm

I still have nightmares about snowpocalypse so i believe in sending early.

109mahsdad
marraskuu 23, 2014, 4:54 pm

I still remember the Book Depocalpyse, but I still used Book Depository for the free shipping. ;)

110nrmay
marraskuu 23, 2014, 6:51 pm

Does anyone else ever use Better World Books? www.betterworldbook.com
Free shipping world wide and they donate lots of books to literacy projects in Africa and other places.

I buy books from them often.

111Chatterbox
marraskuu 24, 2014, 8:06 am

I have to confess to my Santa that I had to make a change to my wish list -- I realized that I already had one of the books on my list (a mystery) and scurried off and removed it. (This is what happens when you have too many books). I'm confident about the remainder, however!!

Oh, and secondhand books are fine. Heck, even Kindle books are possible. :-) If anyone wants to be very sneaky, some people here (you can check my life of LT friends) have my RL e-mail address, and my Amazon.com/Kindle account is tied to that. (My Amazon UK account is different, however.)

112cameling
marraskuu 24, 2014, 3:25 pm

Used books are fine with me too and my wishlist is updated. :-)

Gosh, Morphy is right, everyone seems to be sending out early this year. I'm not sending out until Dec 6 because I pulled a domestic giftee.

113Chatterbox
marraskuu 24, 2014, 11:27 pm

If I don't do it now, something will happen, and get in the way, and stuff Will Not Get Sent In Time. This is, sadly, inevitable.

114majkia
marraskuu 25, 2014, 7:48 am

#113 by Chatterbox> LOL. Tooo True.

115katiekrug
marraskuu 26, 2014, 8:46 am

FYI to my gifter, I'm going out of town on the 20th. I'd be perfectly happy to come home to a package, though :)

116Cobscook
marraskuu 26, 2014, 3:27 pm

I also am planning to order, have the books shipped to me and then send out to my swappee. I won't be mailing for awhile. But my swappee is domestic as well so I think it will be fine.

117msf59
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 27, 2014, 8:14 am



^Does this look familiar to anyone??

118cameling
marraskuu 27, 2014, 12:54 pm

Mark, your Christmas list receives my stamp of approval. :-) It's strangely similar to mine!

119drachenbraut23
marraskuu 27, 2014, 7:18 pm

>117 msf59: YES LOL

120msf59
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 28, 2014, 7:14 pm



^^If anyone else would like to join, I have a lovely LT pal interested. Let me know ASAP. (PM, me)

121nrmay
Muokkaaja: marraskuu 29, 2014, 11:05 pm

Received an LT package today and I'm very excited. I want to open it now!

My books for my Santa swap buddy have been chosen, ordered and are in transit!

122lindapanzo
marraskuu 29, 2014, 8:19 pm

I received a package today, I think it was from The Book Depository. The label said something about LibraryThing Christmas on it so I didn't open it.

123benitastrnad
marraskuu 30, 2014, 2:06 pm

I got a package in the mail this last week from Amazon. When I opened the box inside was a nicely wrapped gift that looked like books. So I didn't open it. Saved it for Christmas. Thanks to whoever it was who has my name.

Last night I went shopping for my Swapee. i went to the big used book store in Birmingham, AL. - mostly to get away from the football frenzy that had seized Tuscaloosa and I had a good time shopping for used books. I was a bit disappointed as I could not find many books on the wishlist, but I suspect that was because most of the books on the list are new, or fairly new titles. I did find one, and since most of the titles on the list were sci/fi fantasy I picked up a couple of other titles that I think my swapee might like. I did check the library of my swapee and the titles that I picked were not listed in it, so I think I am safe in making these "like" purchases.

And, I do have to say that I haven't yet met a book person who would turn down free books in a genre that they like, so I think my purchases will be appreciated.

124Cobscook
marraskuu 30, 2014, 3:56 pm

I got two packages in the mail which said LT Swap in the address. I made my hubby put them away until Christmas. Thanks to my secret Santa.....now I am even more excited for Christmas!!

125LauraBrook
marraskuu 30, 2014, 4:12 pm

Last week I received two slim book depository packages addressed to "Margaret LT Atwood" - hah! Love it! I've had my Mom look at what was inside to make sure my regular wishlist here on LT doesn't now have a duplicate (before the SantaThing starts up) and she updated as necessary. Thanks to my Santa! Can't wait to open them up myself!

126lindapanzo
marraskuu 30, 2014, 4:25 pm

Laura, that's actually a very good idea about having a family member update the wish list to reflect the swap books.

127Chatterbox
marraskuu 30, 2014, 5:07 pm

I shall have to publicly or privately "out" myself to my recipient as they are coming from a third party that won't provide gift notes (i.e. not from Amazon...)

Meanwhile, I keep finding new things to add to my list! Oh dear... But at least since no one actually buys me Xmas gifts any longer, there won't be a risk of any duplications! :-)

128EBT1002
marraskuu 30, 2014, 7:15 pm

I just ordered books for my person today. I think they will know it's me pretty quickly because I forgot to (or didn't see an opportunity to) indicate that it was a gift and should be anonymous and all that. Essentially, I just sent a holiday gift with the dang price tag still on it. Oh well. This seems like a forgiving bunch around here....

129jll1976
marraskuu 30, 2014, 7:40 pm

>127 Chatterbox: Me too. I thought I had labelled it too- so it would appear in the address- but it was gone from the final confirmation. :(
So if you have receive a random parcel from Book Depository- it's probably your Santa Swap.

130EBT1002
marraskuu 30, 2014, 8:22 pm

>129 jll1976: ..."if you have receive a random parcel from Book Depository..."
Regardless, it's a wonderful day if and when this happens.

131Copperskye
marraskuu 30, 2014, 9:50 pm

Tuesday or Wednesday of last week I received a package from Better World Books with LT Xmas as part of the address.

I will be good and not open it!

Part of the fun of the swap is trying to guess who my Santa is.

132SandDune
joulukuu 1, 2014, 2:26 am

Oops! I think I forgot to indicate it was a gift as well!

133msf59
joulukuu 1, 2014, 7:26 am

"I will be good and not open it!" Music, to my ears!

I've had my Swap package sitting nearby for over a week. A glance at it fondly, on occasion...

134majkia
joulukuu 1, 2014, 8:40 am

We're big on self-torture aren't we...

135DorsVenabili
joulukuu 1, 2014, 12:37 pm

I just placed my very international order through the Book Depository and put "LT Xmas Swap" after the person's name, so it should be obvious. It should arrive sometime in the next 9 days. Yay!

136cameling
joulukuu 1, 2014, 1:17 pm

Wrapped my X'mas Swap giftee's presents yesterday and put it in the mail this morning, with 'LT X'Mas Swap' written on the front.

137jll1976
joulukuu 1, 2014, 5:15 pm

Mine arrived yesterday. Very exciting! We don't have our tree up yet, so I have put the unopened package on my bookshelf with all my other TBR books.

138drachenbraut23
joulukuu 1, 2014, 5:51 pm

Ok, may be a silly question......but how do we know that everyone received the right amount of books? I used an online bookstore and I received a message that they send the books as single items. My swapee will receive 3 books. Do we say after x-mas which books we received?

139qebo
joulukuu 1, 2014, 6:47 pm

>138 drachenbraut23: how do we know
Presumably Santa and Santee can sort things out on/after Christmas. I intend to reveal myself to my Santee on Christmas if s/he hasn’t confirmed delivery.

>113 Chatterbox: If I don't do it now, something will happen, and get in the way, and stuff Will Not Get Sent In Time. This is, sadly, inevitable.
Yeah. I ordered early, and briefly considered having books sent here for wrapping and mailing and a card, but with my typical track record of gathering the components and transporting a package physically to the post office, international delivery by Christmas was iffy.

140DeltaQueen50
joulukuu 1, 2014, 7:13 pm

I received a package in the mail today from The Book Depository and have given it to my husband for safekeeping until Christmas.

141lindapanzo
joulukuu 1, 2014, 7:27 pm

I am glad when people post here that they received packages, especially when the person I sent the package to says he or she got it.

Judy, probably wise to give it to him for safekeeping. I know I'm always tempted...

142DeltaQueen50
joulukuu 1, 2014, 7:35 pm

>141 lindapanzo: I know Linda, I am pretty good about waiting for Christmas, but it would be so easy to just gently lift that flap ... Yes, much safe with him.

143Copperskye
joulukuu 1, 2014, 11:33 pm

>138 drachenbraut23: Last year we listed our new books on the Christmas swap thread after we opened our packages (some sooner than others!) and Santas revealed themselves, if necessary.

144lunacat
joulukuu 2, 2014, 8:12 am

Two packages received from Book Depository over the weekend and they've been marked and put aside for my housemate to wrap them for me when I'm not around. Very much looking forward to seeing what I get!

145msf59
joulukuu 2, 2014, 8:15 am

I think notifying your recipient on Christmas Day, will be fine. We'll have to make sure that person is home at the time, though. Some folks are traveling.

Like, Joanne mentioned, hopefully, everyone will list their gift books over here, with accompanying smooches.

146majkia
joulukuu 2, 2014, 8:46 am

I get to open mine early (if we're home). We celebrate Yule.

147Morphidae
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 2, 2014, 10:42 am

I've signed up for Santa Thing as well with the same list. So could the person who got me PM Mark with the books so I can have my husband remove the books from the list? Would that be okay with you Mark?

148mahsdad
joulukuu 2, 2014, 2:18 pm

^ I did ST as well, but I'm going to play it fast and loose with my WL. If I get dupes, I'll just spread the love at my local used book store. :)

149Morphidae
joulukuu 2, 2014, 2:34 pm

>147 Morphidae: Or I could do that. To be honest, I have about 200 books on my wishlist and duplicates probably wouldn't happen anyway. I was a thought. Not like I'm a nervous or anxious person or something. Really.

Oh, and books have been sent to my swapee!

150qebo
joulukuu 2, 2014, 2:34 pm

>147 Morphidae:, >148 mahsdad: I put a note in my SantaThing form w/ a link to this thread, suggested PMing the organizer (i.e. Mark) if choosing from my Xmas Swap Wishlist (which is intended for the 75er swap only, but I don't want to leave my Santee stranded if the SantaThing algorithm didn't assign wisely).

151Morphidae
joulukuu 2, 2014, 5:04 pm

>150 qebo: I did it the other way since I figured someone I knew from the 75ers would be more likely to do it that what might be a total stranger. For instance, like my SantaThing Santee.

152qebo
joulukuu 2, 2014, 5:25 pm

Or the 75er Santa could add a comment to the SantaThing entry not to get those books... I'd have to train someone to tinker with my LT account, and that's too fraught with peril. Like >148 mahsdad:, I'm not really concerned. I get duplicates entirely on my own devices if I don't keep up with cataloging, and I can pass them along to my Little Free Library.

153msf59
joulukuu 2, 2014, 5:52 pm

I wonder if it would be easier just to run 2 different wishlists, for each of them. There are SO MANY books we want, that getting duplicates kind of spoils the fun.

Wherever, I can help, just let me know!

154katiekrug
joulukuu 2, 2014, 5:57 pm

I'm not doing the LT Santa Thing, but at the start of the holiday season, I split up my WL (which I keep on Amazon) between LT, my husband, and the rest of my family to avoid just this sort of issue. After the giving of gifts has concluded, I just clean everything back up and go on my merry way :)

155qebo
joulukuu 2, 2014, 6:10 pm

>153 msf59: Yeah, that'd probably be the ideal, but it'd take _work_ .

156jll1976
joulukuu 2, 2014, 6:16 pm

I'm not all that bothered about receiving the same book twice. For me the kismet involved in two random people from halfway across the world each picking the same book for me to read is telling me that the universe REALLY wants me to read it. I would simply give away the second copy to a good home.

157DeltaQueen50
joulukuu 2, 2014, 6:18 pm

Another lovely package arrived from Book Depository today. :)

158benitastrnad
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 2, 2014, 7:19 pm

I mailed my box of books today. The Post Office said they should arrive on Monday, December 8, 2014. The box is clearly marked with the word books and was mailed using the media rate for the USPS. When you get it - the return address is to LT Swap. When that happens you will know who I am, so the real surprise will be when you open the box and see what is inside.

Take my advice Swapee - just wrap the box as is. Put it under the tree and open it on Christmas Day.

159Cobscook
joulukuu 2, 2014, 7:22 pm

I received two more packages with LT Christmas Swap in the address.....YAY!! All are in safekeeping with my hubby so I don't peek. (so tempting!)

160Chatterbox
joulukuu 2, 2014, 9:19 pm

Ha, my family has been trained not to buy me books. Too often they have bought stuff I have already read. Unless they know very very specifically... I just say Amazon gift certificate please, and since I'm old and crotchety, that works. That said, last year I got no family gifts at all, so maybe it doesn't??

161Morphidae
joulukuu 2, 2014, 10:03 pm

I just asked my mom for books from Folio Society for Christmas and birthday presents from now on. She said, "Send me the website." :D

162lunacat
joulukuu 3, 2014, 8:55 am

>161 Morphidae: My mum and I started a similar tradition a couple of years ago and each make a shortlist of FS books to gift.

This year for Christmas 2014 and birthdays of 2015, we're gifting each other a weekend in Rome at some point in May, so that deals with problem of what to get very successfully!

163Morphidae
joulukuu 3, 2014, 10:23 am

>162 lunacat: I want so many books from FS that I found it easier to make a list of what I DIDN'T want! It consisted of about a dozen authors and four or five areas like poetry and gardening.

164DorsVenabili
joulukuu 3, 2014, 10:25 am

I received two packages from the Book Depository yesterday, so THANK YOU to my gift-giving person!

165AnneDC
joulukuu 3, 2014, 11:53 am

My Swap packages are ordered and shipped. Yay!

166qebo
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 3, 2014, 7:53 pm

To whom it may concern: I received two packages from Book Depository today. I won't open until Christmas (Eve?).

167-Cee-
joulukuu 4, 2014, 7:54 pm

OK. My package is off to my Santee!
My name does not appear anywhere on the package, but I will 'fess up on Christmas if you don't guess before ;-)

168thornton37814
joulukuu 4, 2014, 7:57 pm

I received a package from Amazon today. I'm glad that it was labeled LT Xmas Swap because I'm also expecting another package to arrive for a book that was scheduled to come out November 30. Somehow Amazon didn't get their copies in time so I'm anxiously awaiting that one. I have to confess that I ordered mine before I noticed that people were marking the labels so my recipient did not have that advantage.

169qebo
joulukuu 4, 2014, 8:06 pm

Hmm, today I received a card from an address I don’t recognize...

170drneutron
joulukuu 5, 2014, 10:49 am

A certain someone should have a package coming mid next week...

171-Cee-
joulukuu 5, 2014, 1:36 pm

Oh! Oh! A package came from Book Depository today! From LT Santa!
*grin*
Will not open 'til 12/25. (I pretty much promise.)

Ron has appointed himself guardian of the Santa Package, so I don't have much choice... sigh

172Morphidae
joulukuu 5, 2014, 2:18 pm

I have my books! It seemed to have come from a person rather than a company so I had MrMorphy go in another room to open the box and see if they were wrapped. They were! I molested the two packages and realized there were two books per package. Yay!

Now let's just hope I can hold off until Christmas. I'm not usually able to but I have the hankering to have presents to open on Christmas since MrMorphy and I have decided to stop stressing out about trying to figure out what the other person wants.

173ronincats
joulukuu 5, 2014, 8:13 pm

I've now received two packages for the LT XMAS Swap! One yesterday and one today. The tree isn't up yet, but they are set back to go under the tree when it is.

174lindapanzo
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 6, 2014, 1:08 am

I received two more books from the Book Depository for the Swap today, making it 3 shipments in all. Yay!!

175roundballnz
joulukuu 6, 2014, 1:57 am

slightly off topic ..... I think this idea has legs, maybe we can do something similar as part of the xmas swap next year ?

https://www.librarything.com/topic/183835

176LauraBrook
joulukuu 6, 2014, 4:05 pm

I received one more package from Book Depository yesterday... I REAAALLLLYYY want to open it up, but I'll restrain myself. :)

177benitastrnad
joulukuu 6, 2014, 9:14 pm

I usually send a copy of my Christmas letter to my swapee but this year I don't have the darn thing written yet. But since I have their address they may get a copy of the letter later.

178msf59
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 7, 2014, 10:07 am



Christmas Swap books ordered!!

Hopefully, all international orders have been sent and I would highly suggest, you get your domestic orders in too. Just to be on the safe side.

Any laggards?

>176 LauraBrook: " I REAAALLLLYYY want to open it up, but I'll restrain myself." LOL. You have plenty of company there, Laura!

179Cobscook
joulukuu 7, 2014, 3:11 pm

I mailed off the goodies to my swappee last Friday....now the long wait!

180Copperskye
joulukuu 7, 2014, 9:36 pm

In addition to last week's delivery, this week two more LT Xmas packages arrived from Better World Books! I've put them in the spare room...out of sight, out of mind, and all that....

181majkia
joulukuu 7, 2014, 10:09 pm

Hah. Maybe out of 'reach' but I seriously doubt those packages are 'out of mind.'

182Copperskye
joulukuu 8, 2014, 12:10 am

>181 majkia: Well, no... :)

183benitastrnad
joulukuu 8, 2014, 1:18 pm

My Swapee should get books in the mail today. I will be anxiously awaiting a posting here to find out if they came.

I think the USPS is doing a great job of delivering packages. I mailed some yarn to my sister who lives in Montana on Tuesday and she got the package on Saturday. I will have another batch of packages ready to mail later this week. None of them books - sad face. My Christmas book buying is done.

184-Cee-
joulukuu 8, 2014, 4:53 pm

Package #2 came from my LT Santa! Yay!
This is gonna be hard. I would hide them, but it's pretty sure I will forget where I put them by Christmas. I'll just bite the bullet and be patient :-}

So exciting.... I rarely get books for a gift. People don't believe that's what I really want. *sigh*

185majkia
joulukuu 8, 2014, 5:05 pm

Sigh.... Hoping for something soonish. Especially as we're heading out of town on Saturday.

186lindapanzo
joulukuu 8, 2014, 5:53 pm

>184 -Cee-: I agree. All of my family and friends know I love to read and read a lot but, unless I mention a specific title, I rarely get actual books for gift so it is a treat to get books. They tell me they figure I've already read everything.

187norabelle414
joulukuu 8, 2014, 6:08 pm

I got a package from "LT Swap" today! I could probably figure out who it is from based on the return address, but I'm going to try to hold out until Christmas!

188lycomayflower
joulukuu 8, 2014, 6:25 pm

Got a package from LT Swap today! Squirreled away until Christmas!

189katiekrug
joulukuu 8, 2014, 7:54 pm

Finally got mine mailed! Should arrive sometime next week...

190-Cee-
joulukuu 8, 2014, 9:07 pm

>186 lindapanzo: I know Linda, huh? Ron says I already have all the books in the world! Wait, Ron. I'm working on it - heh!

191Copperskye
joulukuu 8, 2014, 9:20 pm

>190 -Cee-: That's just what MY husband says! Where do these men get such ridiculous ideas anyway?

192nrmay
joulukuu 8, 2014, 11:55 pm

Received 3 LT packages with great delight!

193roundballnz
joulukuu 9, 2014, 12:08 am

Excellent to see so many receiving their packages ... including my santee

Agree like many others, I don't get given books, I suspect it falls into the too hard basket - much more fun to get books from other book lovers though :)

194SandDune
joulukuu 9, 2014, 3:17 am

Got a parcel from the Book Depository today. Didn't say LT swap but I got Mr SandDune to open it and apparently it was something on my Christmas wishlist so I have put it under the tree.

195jll1976
joulukuu 9, 2014, 3:31 am

A second parcel arrived today. Oooh.... it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

196ronincats
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 9, 2014, 3:31 pm

A third package arrived today!!

197LauraBrook
joulukuu 9, 2014, 2:04 pm

Mine will be mailed out tomorrow morning, and I'm sorry, Santee, for the delay! You will get it in plenty of time, don't worry. :)

198michigantrumpet
joulukuu 9, 2014, 2:26 pm

Just mailed mine out through Book Depository. Hope they get there in time! What fun!

199cameling
joulukuu 9, 2014, 7:06 pm

>184 -Cee-: Cee, my in-laws used to give me gift cards to Barnes & Nobel for a few years to my very very sincere and blatant appreciation, and they know I love reading because I'm always reading when I'm at their house during any down time. But then for some unknown reason, they suddenly dispensed with this delightful practice and started buying me weird (and decidedly unwanted) presents. :-( I've asked the hubster if he can just tell them that I really would prefer gift vouchers instead of objects and he said he's tried because he'd prefer them to give him gift cards to bookstores too! But we're not sure why they've decided that we won't like those gift cards as much as we would them spending time going out trying to find things for us instead. A gift card is just so very simple, quick and most importantly... we would LOVE it!

200-Cee-
joulukuu 9, 2014, 9:13 pm

>199 cameling: I know, Caro. It stumps me too. What's so hard?

Christmas + Bookstore Gift Certs = 2x fun

I have a Santa Swap vision of all these precious packages flying around the world.
Sweet :-)

201lindapanzo
joulukuu 9, 2014, 9:27 pm

>199 cameling: One year at Christmas, my cousins gave me a gift card to Crown Books and said "you might want to spend this fast." Never a problem for me.

202DeltaQueen50
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 10, 2014, 3:50 pm

Woo Hoo! A third package has arrived for me and I am really looking forward to opening them.

203cameling
joulukuu 11, 2014, 12:32 pm

>199 cameling: Now that's a lovely vision, Cee. There's really nothing better than opening the door and finding parcels of books in your mailbox or on your doorstep. I've tried but really, I can't think of anything else I'd like to see in my mailbox.

>201 lindapanzo: Linda, those are the presents I use the day after Christmas! :-)

This is part of a conversation I had with a friend yesterday:
She : I'm stumped trying to think of a present for you for Christmas. What would you like for Christmas?

I mentioned a book I saw at the bookstore I'd love to receive (or buy after Christmas if nobody gifts it to me)
She : Oh ok. I'll get that for you. But what do you REALLY want for Christmas?
Me : Huh?? *names title of book again*
She : I'm not deaf, I heard and I've taken note of the title. But I'm asking for a hint here .. what can I get you for Christmas that you'd really like?
Me : What else is there to want? Ok, you can get me 10 more books if you really insist? Shall I give you the list?
She : Hmph! You're no help. I'm going to call your mom!

I give up!

204qebo
joulukuu 11, 2014, 1:08 pm

>203 cameling: Sigh. People have ideas about what counts as a gift. Back when my family exchanged presents (thankfully now it’s kids only), they were convinced that I was “difficult”. I said you can always get me marbles or magnets or any sort of construction toy, and they’d respond with “but what do you really want?” and I’d say “really, I want marbles, go to a craft store and you can get bags of pretty colors for a few dollars, so simple, really, I love marbles”, and NOBODY ever gave me marbles. One year I asked for tinkertoys, and nobody believed me except one friend. Now, despite the no gift rule my sister-in-law and two nieces insist on buying me wine, and no amount of telling them, every damn year, that I rarely drink except when I’m with family on holidays, will stop them. The best gift would be somebody actually believing that I want what I say I want.

205mahsdad
joulukuu 11, 2014, 8:40 pm

A box arrived for me from Maine today. I'll just set that aside and try not to open it too soon. :)

206DorsVenabili
joulukuu 12, 2014, 11:31 am

I'm hoping my person received the packages by now. There are three from the Book Depository, all in separate packages, from what I understand. They were supposed to arrive by the 9th. :-|

207Chatterbox
joulukuu 12, 2014, 2:18 pm

A package arrived for me today from a bookstore, helpfully labeled Xmas Swap! So it did not get opened, and instead went straight under the miniature tabletop Xmas tree... (A real one; miraculously, the cats are ignoring it!) I'm assuming that it is unwrapped inside, so I won't take the chance of spoiling the surprise!

>204 qebo: Yes, what is with that?? This year, the sole non-book item that I have said I want/need is a scanner. I know that this is extremely unlikely to materialize. Instead, I will either get a motley assortment of random items that cost more than an inexpensive scanner would have done, or nothing at all. *sigh*

208katiekrug
joulukuu 12, 2014, 4:01 pm

Woohoo! Arrived back home to a package labeled to Katie LT Krug. That's me! I am not opening it in case the gift is unwrapped. I am putting the hubs in charge of ensuring the box makes it into the car for our drive to Florida next week, so I can open it on Christmas :)

209LovingLit
joulukuu 12, 2014, 4:19 pm

You are all being very restrained! Well done, last year in spite of my best intentions I opened mine the minute I received it!

210lycomayflower
joulukuu 12, 2014, 4:25 pm

Finally got things off to my swapee! Should arrive mid-week.

211norabelle414
joulukuu 12, 2014, 5:07 pm

I think this thread should turn into a support group for those of us trying to resist the urge to open our packages before Christmas

212jll1976
joulukuu 12, 2014, 5:56 pm

>211 norabelle414: Agreed! For me though it's doubly tough, because I won't let myself buy any books until after Christmas.
I fell off the wagon yesterday. I saw a cheap copy of House of all Nations which fits in nicely with the ANZAC challenge I'm running next year. What can I say, the universe wanted me to have it. Or else, why put it right there where i could see it?

213roundballnz
joulukuu 12, 2014, 6:08 pm

I think you should all give in to temptation .....

signed Elf on the shelf :)

214majkia
joulukuu 12, 2014, 6:16 pm

#213 by roundballnz> I'm a firm believer in instant gratification. ;)

215Chatterbox
joulukuu 13, 2014, 1:08 pm

And one more package! I see now that they're both from Book Depository -- I had missed the logo on the back of the first one and only see the return address (Liberty Express or something) on the front. Now I have two under the tree!! :-)

216drachenbraut23
joulukuu 13, 2014, 1:48 pm

Arrived back in Germany very late last night and 2 book depository pacels waited for me. Today came a third one. All stowed away for Christmas.
Thank you my secret Santa :) .

217Copperskye
joulukuu 15, 2014, 12:19 am

218EBT1002
joulukuu 15, 2014, 12:52 am

^ LIKE

219roundballnz
joulukuu 15, 2014, 1:13 am

>217 Copperskye: Love that .....

220nrmay
joulukuu 15, 2014, 10:19 am

221benitastrnad
joulukuu 15, 2014, 12:17 pm

I just got my Christmas present to myself. I ordered some recorded books from Tantor publishing and they were delivered to the library today. Merry Christmas to me! One of them is a Penelope Lively book that I will use for my January read for Paul's year long challenge to read British authors.

I opened this box. I didn't have to wait.

222Morphidae
joulukuu 16, 2014, 9:58 am

I've made it 11 days without opening the packages. I'm getting twitchy.

223msf59
joulukuu 16, 2014, 11:50 am

You can do it, Morph! Just a little while longer!

224majkia
joulukuu 16, 2014, 1:03 pm

We're going out of town tomorrow, so I won't have to suffer. My books will be here, and I will be elsewhere. - Assuming they arrive!

225cameling
joulukuu 16, 2014, 5:55 pm

Absolutely, coopers! I should maybe just give them directions to the nearest bookstore next time. Perhaps even go so far as to drive them there myself?

We finally brought a tree home yesterday and decorated it. So now when my LT Christmas parcel arrives, it will have a nice spot to sit under until Christmas Eve. Wheeeee!

226EBT1002
joulukuu 16, 2014, 6:58 pm

Okay, so it's not so much waiting until Christmas that is making me crazy. It's feeling like I can't buy myself any books, at least not if they are on my wish list, until I know what my swappee got me! Twitchy? You bet!!

So today I bought A Little History of Literature which looks rather appealing. It wasn't on my wish list.

227jll1976
joulukuu 16, 2014, 8:24 pm

Oh! I nearly forgot to say I got a third parcel the other day. I'm assuming its a Santa Swap and not Santa Thing (which I'm also doing). It's a bit soon to be getting the Santa Thing books.

228roundballnz
joulukuu 17, 2014, 12:06 am

Hmmm small parcel arrived today - question is do i wait or not :P

229Copperskye
joulukuu 17, 2014, 12:29 am

>226 EBT1002: Good work around, Ellen!

>228 roundballnz: decisions, decisions.....

I'm impressed by how well everyone seems to be doing in not opening their packages!

230LauraBrook
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 17, 2014, 9:59 am

I think I accidentally opened up my SantaThing package, expecting it to be something else. Oops! Good thing is I still have my Swap books hidden away until Christmas so they're safe. :)

eta: Also, a very sincere apology to my Santee for mailing my package out so late (last week!). You should have it on Friday, and it's all wrapped up inside so you can open the package up and toss that thing away - no fear of spoilers or seeing anything ahead of time that you shouldn't! I'm sorry it's late!!!!!

231nrmay
joulukuu 17, 2014, 1:32 pm

OK. I confess. With great anticipation and joy I tore into my swap packages the moment I got them. I couldn't help myself. Much to be said for instant gratification . . ! I was delighted with what I received. I read one of them straight away, loved it, and intend to pass it along to my favorite cousin who will like it as much as I did.

Then, to my great surprise, yet another LT package arrived. (My Santa is way beyond generous.) But this package was different. I tore into it and - it was GIFT-WRAPPED. I had a huge attack of conscience and did NOT open it. Not for the time being anyway. It awaits with tantalizing appeal.

This has been so much fun. Can we do Christmas in July?!!

232roundballnz
joulukuu 17, 2014, 2:16 pm

>231 nrmay: Love the joy that jumped off the screen here .....

233norabelle414
joulukuu 17, 2014, 3:41 pm

I'm losing will-power, you guys! Where is my sponsor??

234jll1976
joulukuu 17, 2014, 5:16 pm

>231 nrmay: Ooh- Christmas in July. I'd be in that. :)

235cameling
joulukuu 17, 2014, 6:23 pm

>231 nrmay: That's a great idea ... a Summer Swap! I'd be in for that.

236roundballnz
joulukuu 19, 2014, 6:40 pm

For those weakening, just tell yourself its a Summer/Winter Solstice swap ?

Thanks to my Santa to whoever it was 3 books Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

237lindapanzo
joulukuu 19, 2014, 10:01 pm

My big box of Santa Thing books arrived from Amazon today. The 5 books in the box do not duplicate any of the Swap books that have arrived, a family member tells me.

Hurray!!

238lunacat
joulukuu 20, 2014, 6:14 am

>236 roundballnz: I LOVE the idea of a Solstice swap. Such a good excuse for opening them early :)

239nrmay
joulukuu 20, 2014, 9:29 am

>236 roundballnz:

And that would be . . . TOMORROW!
Cheers to the first day of winter!

240msf59
joulukuu 20, 2014, 9:54 am

^^Behave yourselves over here! Father Christmas is watching!

241qebo
joulukuu 20, 2014, 10:28 am

Hmmph. The Virago folks open gifts on December 19.

242Copperskye
joulukuu 20, 2014, 11:44 am

Lol, you guys are a hoot! I planned on waiting until Christmas Eve, but since we're having family over that day, I may actually make it to Christmas.

243EBT1002
joulukuu 20, 2014, 5:18 pm

In the past two days I have received two packages from Book Depository. There they sit, unopened, under my tree. And here I sit, eyeing them with a handkerchief nearby.

*wipes drool from chin*

244EBT1002
joulukuu 20, 2014, 5:20 pm

>237 lindapanzo: Linda, you just gave me a great idea! I'm going to ask P to open the packages from Book Depository and wrap them in Xmas paper for me. Nice.

It won't make it any easier to wait, but I'll enjoy the pretty wrapping paper. :-)

245maggie1944
joulukuu 20, 2014, 5:52 pm

I received my package; and I'm all for celebrating the Solstice!

246EBT1002
joulukuu 20, 2014, 7:37 pm

247roundballnz
joulukuu 20, 2014, 8:58 pm

>238 lunacat: I like the Solstice, its one universal thing the beginning/Ending of seasons, inclusive of all, easy to forget not everyone celebrates Christmas, despite what the local shops will tell you.

Summer solstice is tomorrow (Down in NZ) so means we can open all the things!

248mahsdad
joulukuu 21, 2014, 7:52 pm

I think celebrating the solstices (or is it solstii) would be great. I would definitely want to swap this summer.

Though I think I'll wait a couple more days to open the Winter Solstice Swap. :)

249DorsVenabili
joulukuu 22, 2014, 7:08 am

What is the identity revealing process (and date) again? Do we do it here on this thread? I'm totally spacing out on the details.

250msf59
joulukuu 22, 2014, 7:27 am

Great question, Kerri and one I intended to address last week. How about Christmas Eve? I don't think it will hurt to know before you open the gifts, correct? If anyone has other thoughts, let me know.

Just about everyone should have received their gifts, right?

251majkia
joulukuu 22, 2014, 7:44 am

I have not gotten mine, but that is because we are out of town. I still would like to know who my Swapee is though. :)

252cameling
joulukuu 22, 2014, 12:26 pm

I haven't received mine either, but with all the packages the postal service handles at this time of the year, perhaps it'll arrive by Wednesday ... or New Year's Eve? ;-)

253Cobscook
joulukuu 22, 2014, 8:52 pm

Christmas Eve for the big reveal sounds good to me Mark!

254lunacat
joulukuu 23, 2014, 6:27 am

Christmas Eve works for me as I would think a fair few people won't be around on Christmas Day itself :)

255mahsdad
joulukuu 23, 2014, 1:28 pm

^What you are immediately jumping on LT to add all the new books in the presents you opened Christmas morning? Maybe that's just me. ;)

256lunacat
joulukuu 23, 2014, 1:57 pm

>255 mahsdad: We don't open presents until after lunch on Christmas Day, usually after the Queen's Christmas message. And with about 12 people opening presents in turn, plus three young children to wrangle, we won't get done till 5ish, and then it's games time. So very little computer time on Christmas Day itself!

257mahsdad
joulukuu 23, 2014, 5:51 pm

LOL. Kudos to you for setting the expectation early that the youngsters have to sit on their hands until the afternoon. If my 13 yr old would have his way (and has thought this for years), he'd be done and playing with his toys by 8am.

Merry Christmas to all!

258lindapanzo
joulukuu 23, 2014, 6:14 pm

Christmas Eve is fine. Since we might be snowed in, instead of going to our annual big Christmas Eve family celebration, I might be online a lot more than I expect.

259msf59
joulukuu 23, 2014, 9:25 pm

Our Christmas Eve is going to be chaotic, so I will wait until early Christmas morning, while it is quiet and peaceful, before digging in.

260roundballnz
joulukuu 23, 2014, 11:36 pm

Tis Christmas eve eve here already .... But will jump off internet for the next day soon

Have a great day everyone, drink, eat & be merry

I look forward to the excited posts about their books !

261Copperskye
joulukuu 24, 2014, 2:13 am

My books have been transferred to a gift bag (not by me) and are tucked under the tree.

Soon, soon...

262DorsVenabili
joulukuu 24, 2014, 8:05 am

BIG REVEAL: I sent three books, via Book Depository, to roundballnz (Alex) and it looks like all three were received, so that's good! I hope Alex enjoys them.

**********************************************************

I received the following books (I couldn't wait and opened them already!) from an unknown person, so thank you Unknown Person!

*Stoner by John Williams
*The Leopard by Giuseppe Di Lampedusa

263lindapanzo
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 24, 2014, 1:53 pm

BIG REVEALAs he well knows, I sent books, via Amazon, to Mark. I think this is the third or fourth time he's been my swappee. I hope he enjoys them. Thanks, Mark, for putting this all together again this year.

As for me, I just opened my Swap books. I received three separate Book Depository shipments, from an unknown person. Thank you. I love them.

I received:

--The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguru, which is one of my top to-be-read books for the new year
--Main Street by Sinclair Lewis, which I'll read for the AAC
--Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami--this is popping up as The Briefcase so perhaps that's the American title. Anyway this one looks good though I'm not familiar with the author.

At the same time, I opened my Santa Thing books. Four cozies I've been eager to read, Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy, On Borrowed Time by Jenn MacKinlay, Going, Going Ganache also by Jenn MacKinlay, and Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B. Ross. Also a book of history, How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill.

What a great haul of books I opened today. I'm eager to read all of them!!

264lunacat
joulukuu 24, 2014, 1:56 pm

Reveal: I sent three books from Book Depository to LauraBrook!

I haven't opened mine yet so no idea what I've got, but I'm very much looking forward to finding out tomorrow afternoon.

265EBT1002
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 24, 2014, 6:15 pm

I'm waiting, but I have received three books from Book Depository (I know that they are from Marianne, aka Michigantrumpet). I have to say that I am more excited about those three packages sitting under the tree than any other presents I'm receiving. Even more than the snow shoes! :-)

REVEAL: I sent two books via Book Depository to Rhian, aka Sandune. I hope they have arrived.

266majkia
joulukuu 24, 2014, 2:25 pm

I sent two books to Benita (benitastrnad) from Amazon, one a trilogy.

The Deptford Trilogy
and
The Doomsday Book.

I hope she enjoys them!

I'm not at home so I've no idea what I got or who from!

267Chatterbox
joulukuu 24, 2014, 3:29 pm

REVEAL: I sent four books from various Abebooks vendors, to Cobscook/Heidi, and she has received them all. I won't reveal them here, but wait for her to do so; two were from her wish list and two based on comments about her reading, etc.

I have two packages from Book Depository under my mini-tree, and as they are my only gifts, I'll wait until tomorrow to open them.

268katiekrug
joulukuu 24, 2014, 3:41 pm

REVEAL: I sent Karen/maggie1944 three books, wrapped by moi, and a card explaining why I chose the ones I did. I will let her share which books :)

As I was feeling a bit down today (Christmas not being my favorite time of year for various reasons), I decided to cheer myself up by opening my box, which my husband actually remembered to bring to Florida!

I received two excellent choices from my WL:

What Matters in Jane Austen and The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack

I like these choices as they are very different! I *think* they came from Jim/drneutron, unless there is another "James" living in Maryland who is doing the swap :)

269qebo
joulukuu 24, 2014, 4:52 pm

DeltaQueen50 sent a card separately, so I’ve been aware of Santa’s identity for awhile. I won’t open the package until tomorrow.
PaulCranswick has not yet received the books I ordered over a month ago, though Amazon had been been exuding optimism about delivery before Christmas. I won’t reveal which books unless he asks. I’ve been watching his thread with some concern through the recent splurges, but so far I see no duplicates.

270msf59
joulukuu 24, 2014, 6:27 pm

Reveal: I sent Kimmers, (Berly) 2 books. She has not been around, but I am hoping she has received them. I sent them out over 2 weeks ago.

**You might want to send your Swappee, a PM, in case they see that sooner.

271Chatterbox
joulukuu 24, 2014, 9:23 pm

>269 qebo: Yes, Paul's splurges would make him a particularly tricky giftee! :-)

272Copperskye
joulukuu 24, 2014, 9:29 pm

>262 DorsVenabili: I loved Stoner! Good pick - enjoy! (No, I'm not your Santa.)

273DeltaQueen50
joulukuu 24, 2014, 10:12 pm

>269 qebo: I hope you enjoy your books and your Christmas, Katherine.

We always open one package on Christmas Eve and I chose to open my LT package. I received three excellent choices, all from series I am following:

In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie
Dear Teacher by Jack Sheffield
Benediction by Kent Haruf

I'm very happy and excited about all three of these books and I thank my secret Santa whose identity I don't know yet!

274PaulCranswick
joulukuu 24, 2014, 10:19 pm

REVEAL

Well I'm the reason that Caro hasn't received her books (unless she got them yesterday).

Sent her three books from her wishlist via Book Depo. Hope you get them soon my dear. xx

275roundballnz
joulukuu 25, 2014, 4:11 am

Hi All,

My Giftee was Claudia (Cee), I don't think Claudia has revealed the books yet so will wait on that one ....

>262 DorsVenabili: Thanks for the books - excellent choices!
The Remains of the day
Pushing ice
The man in the high castle

276drachenbraut23
joulukuu 25, 2014, 7:32 am

Merry Christmas to you all :)

>263 lindapanzo: I am glad that you received all the books - The Remains of the Day and Strange Weather in Tokyo are both absolutely wonderful books and I hope you will enjoy them.

Thank you very much to my secret santa :) I received and opened yesterday evening (we celebrate Christmas Eve in Germany)

We by Yevgeny Zamyatin
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman and
Maplecroft by Cherie Priest

Thank you very much. I had listenend to The Ocean at the End of the Lane already at the beginning of the month, but I will read the book together with my son in the next few weeks.

I wish everyone a couple more peaceful and lovely days!

277msf59
joulukuu 25, 2014, 8:36 am

Merry Christmas, everyone! I tore into my package immediately. I've had it sitting nearby, for nearly 3 weeks, whispering my name.

The books are: Virtual Light, (hopefully this will kick-start my Gibson reading), The Call, (this was highly recommended, at Booktopia Asheville) and If I'd Known You Were Coming, (a story collection that came highly recommended).

Thanks for picking perfect books Linda, (Panzo). Fine job.

>263 lindapanzo: Nice selections, Linda. Kazuo Ishiguru will also be part of Paul's BAC picks for January. Make room, my friend. It is a great book.

278maggie1944
joulukuu 25, 2014, 8:55 am

Oh! Oh! Oh! Perfect. Happy Christmas morning from the west coast of N. America - I just opened my first book from katiekrug and it is exactly what I need and want: The Pattern in the Carpet which will be my first challenge book to read in the new year. And book #2: The Last Train to Paris which looks verrrrrryyyyyyy interesting. A real adventure story set in Europe pre-WWII. Oh, I can hardly wait to find time to read it. Finally, More Baths, Less Talking. I love the sub-title: Notes from the reading life of a celebrated author locked in battle with football, family, and time itself. And don't we all identify with that conflict. *big smile*

Thank you, Katie, your choices are perfect. Happy happy am I.

279qebo
joulukuu 25, 2014, 9:04 am

Ooh! DeltaQueen50 chose well from my wishlist, two animal / naturalist memoirs:
The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony
The Snoring Bird by Bernd Heinrich

Thank you!

280Copperskye
joulukuu 25, 2014, 10:35 am

Merry Christmas everyone!! No matter what your plans are for the day, I wish you all peace and, at least for a few minutes, a cozy corner with a comfy chair and a couple of good books.

Mark - I loved The Call when I read it a few years ago.

Reveal I may as well out myself to Nancy, >231 nrmay: although I did include a note with my name along with the last gift. I'll let her say what the books were! I'll be opening my Santa gift this afternoon. I love the anticipation!

281DorsVenabili
joulukuu 25, 2014, 11:36 am

>272 Copperskye: Oh, good! It seems to be a favorite around here - I'm looking forward to it.

*****************************************************

Wish I knew the identity of my Secret Santa...

282DorsVenabili
joulukuu 25, 2014, 11:57 am

>275 roundballnz: You're welcome!

283drneutron
joulukuu 25, 2014, 12:07 pm

>268 katiekrug: Yep, I'm Katie's Santa! Glad you like them!

And thanks to Karen (maggie1944) for the great copy of The Innovators!

284lycomayflower
joulukuu 25, 2014, 12:47 pm

Many thanks to my secret gifter (who is still a secret to me)! I got three perfect picks: The Tin Toys Trilogy, Palimpsest, and The Palace of Illusions. I'm super excited to read all of these!

285EBT1002
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 25, 2014, 1:56 pm

Happy Christmas, everyone!

I happily opened my three packages this morning (I asked P to wrap them for me and she had already mentioned that two of them were perhaps meant for her... ha).

Marianne (MichiganTrumpet) did a terrific job of choosing books for me! All three of these have been on my LT wish list and very high on my mental wish list:

Longbourn by Jo Baker
Waiting for Sunrise by William Boyd and
The Sorrows of an American by Siri Hustvedt

Thank you, Marianne!

ETA: And they came from Book Depository, which means I got adorable book marks, too!

286ronincats
joulukuu 25, 2014, 1:57 pm

Merry Christmas to all! My Secret Santa is AnneDC, who did a great job of locating good quality used books to squeeze the most in. I got:

Love Minus Eighty by Will McIntosh
The Western Lit Survival Kit by Sandra Newman
The Exile and the Sorcerer by Jane Fletcher
The Science of Discworld by Terry Pratchett and others

A great haul--I will enjoy reading them all.

My giftee was also Anne, and I hope that my books made it successfully to her in time for Christmas.

287Cobscook
joulukuu 25, 2014, 2:04 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my secret Santa Suz! I love them all and they are:
The Remains of the Day which I see others have been wanting too!
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine
Bruno Chief of Police by Martin Walter
The Singer's Son by Emily St John Mandela

Excellent choices all...I am very thrilled to have them in my possession!

I sent gifts to Mahsdad (Jeff) all the way out in sunny California. I'll let him announce the titles!

Thank for coordinating the swap Mark!

288mahsdad
joulukuu 25, 2014, 2:09 pm

Reveal My Santee is Jacqui (jll1976) and I hope she hasd a great Christmas and enjoys my selections.

My Santa is Heidi (cobscook) and she got me 4 books and sent me a lovely note. I got ...

Cell
Spin
The Dog Stars
Station Eleven

Now which to start reading first. Thank You! Merry Christmas

289mahsdad
joulukuu 25, 2014, 2:12 pm

Hey Heidi, how neat we just posted together. I didn't see yours before I posted

Love your selections. Thanks again!

290Chatterbox
joulukuu 25, 2014, 4:04 pm

I just opened mine, and although I have no idea of who my Santa is, wanted to say thanks for:

Lush Life by Richard Price
and
The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela Brown

A great combination!! A novel I've never read but have been meaning to for eons, and a childhood favorite that has been republished recently in the UK and would have required a special order on my part -- but my Santa has lifted that burden from me! I thus suspect that the Santa in question is someone in the UK who would be familiar with the book... ???

Thank you! Now, back to bed with my tea and my sore throat and sniffles.

291Copperskye
joulukuu 25, 2014, 4:40 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my still-a-mystery Santa who took the time to choose books which, except for one, weren't on my wish-list and look incredibly interesting and I can't wait to sit down and spend some more time with them!

My 5 new treasures:
The Underneath by Kathi Appelt (I've read another of her books, which I loved)
Cry of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia Owens (how'd you know I adored Born Free and this reminds me of that)
Our Hidden Lives (the wish list book that I've wanted to read for a while)
Mrs Queen Takes the Train (I've heard good things!)
The Uncommon Reader (almost a companion book to the one above!)

Santa, you're a dear! Merry Christmas!

292Chatterbox
joulukuu 25, 2014, 8:40 pm

>291 Copperskye: took a book bullet on Mrs Queen Takes the Train. Oh dear...

293Copperskye
joulukuu 25, 2014, 9:03 pm

>292 Chatterbox: You have my Santa to blame, Suz....who can it be?? Hmmmmm.....

294norabelle414
joulukuu 25, 2014, 9:24 pm

>276 drachenbraut23: Merry Christmas Bianca; I was your Secret Santa!! We open all our presents on Christmas Eve in my family too (even though I live in the U.S.), due to our German ancestors' traditions.

______________________________________

I received a box of four books from my Secret Santa, benitastrnad. One from my wishlist (Vaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner), two I have not heard of but look excellent (Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay and The Gormenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake), and my very own copy of His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik, which I love but did not own my own copy.

Thanks so much Bianca! Merry Christmas!

295-Cee-
joulukuu 25, 2014, 10:15 pm

Merry Christmas - almost missed it! Sorry so late. Have been in the ER and hospital with my Mom all day today from the time the phone woke me up this morning till just now got home. Heck of a Christmas!

Anyway - I just opened my gifts from >275 roundballnz: - Alex in NZ!!!
Thanks so, so much. After the day I had this is a great treat :-)
I got Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh which I think I'll start with... tomorrow
AND
I got The City & The City which I have wanted to read for quite a while now... so excited to have it!
Love the choices... Thanks!

REVEAL
After I got the package all wrapped and rushed off in the mail, I remembered I forgot to put a note in to say who I was gitfing.

SO.... drum roll..... it was lycomayflower! aka Laura ;-)

Hope you enjoy the books, Laura. I had fun picking them out.

Merry Christmas to ALL! (I'm going to bed!)

296nrmay
joulukuu 26, 2014, 12:50 am

I sent books to coppers AND she was my Santa as well.

I love my new books! One of them I did actually save till Christmas to open.

I received 2 from my wishlist -
Our Hidden Lives: The Remarkable Diaries of Postwar Britain by Simon Garfield. Discovered this one on coppers wishlist!
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander Newfoundland by Jim Defede
and
The Fur Person by May Sarton. Read this right away.
Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper.

Many thanks to my Santa for the excellent choices and happy holidays everyone!

297roundballnz
joulukuu 26, 2014, 3:47 am

>295 -Cee-: Excellent ! so happy you love the book choices ..... hope all is well with Family etc now after the Hospital & eventful day ?

298msf59
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 26, 2014, 7:31 am

299maggie1944
joulukuu 26, 2014, 8:20 am

Dear Mark,

You are the "bestest" Christmas elf! Thank you so much.

from,

All of Us 75 Books Challenge friends

p.s. Happy New Year to Everyone

300drneutron
joulukuu 26, 2014, 9:25 am

Well said!

301lycomayflower
joulukuu 26, 2014, 10:00 am

>295 -Cee-: Thanks so much for the books! You picked most excellently!

302msf59
joulukuu 26, 2014, 2:59 pm

>299 maggie1944: You are more than welcome, Karen! That was very sweet. I am glad we have the Swap. It is the only gift books, I receive for the holidays.

303EBT1002
joulukuu 26, 2014, 4:31 pm

>299 maggie1944: Amen to that!

THANK YOU, MARK!!!!!!! xoxo

304EBT1002
joulukuu 26, 2014, 4:32 pm

>302 msf59: The Christmas swap books are the only gift books I receive, as well. I mean, I bought and wrapped one book for myself, but otherwise not so much. I think my friends and family are completely intimidated by the thought of buying books for me. Understandable, really, since I just go ahead and buy most books that I want.

305drneutron
joulukuu 26, 2014, 5:42 pm

>304 EBT1002: I just pointed mrsdrneutron to my Wishlist here on LT. :)

306benitastrnad
Muokkaaja: joulukuu 26, 2014, 6:17 pm

I opened my book packages yesterday at my family gathering. Like many here the LT swap books were the only books I received for Christmas, so I appreciate the gifts very much. I got two books from Maijkia. They were Deptford Trilogy and Doomsday Book. They were much appreciated.

As I said earlier on this thread I gave Norabelle three books that were not on her wishlist taking a chance that they would be books that she will enjoy reading. Gormanghast novels are very popular in the U.K. and some people love them and others find their quality uneven. I also gave her one of Guy Gavreil Kay's books in hopes that she will love reading the rest of this author's oeuvre as much as I do.

Merry Christmas everybody and thanks to Maijkia for the books. I will start on Doomsday Book as soon as I finish reading my current fantasy.

307Copperskye
joulukuu 26, 2014, 7:15 pm

>296 nrmay: Lol, it was like we unwittingly had our own private Santa swap and I especially love that we gave each other the same book (Our Hidden Lives).

I hope you like Homer's Odyssey. I wanted to share a book from my own shelf and from looking at your library, it seemed like something you might enjoy. I loved it.

Hope you had a Merry Chrstmas, Nancy! Thanks again!

And thank you, Mark, for running the swap this year!!

308katiekrug
joulukuu 26, 2014, 10:42 pm

>283 drneutron: - Thank you, thank you, Jim! Great picks!

309lunacat
joulukuu 27, 2014, 7:14 am

I received two books for Kim (Berly) from my wishlist:

The Girl Who Fell From the Sky by Heidi W. Durrow

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Both of which I'm really looking forward to starting.

310LauraBrook
joulukuu 27, 2014, 10:44 am

Apologies for being so late for this, but I've been out with the flu since the 24th!

Big Reveal: I had Jean (majkia) - I'll let her post which books she received when she gets back home!

Aaaaand, I'm so excited that Lunacat was my Secret Santa!!!! I received:
The Waves by Virginia Woolf (I've long wanted to read this)
One Hundred Ways For A Cat To Train Its Human by Celia Haddon (looks very cute and perhaps entirely too accurate) ;)
and, what I'm most excited about,
Stephen Fry's Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music by, you guessed it, Stephen Fry! I adore him and have been having a mini-binge of "QI" while I've been sick. Seriously, he's the greatest!

Thank you, once again, to Mark, the head Santa, for organizing this fun round of Annual Book Love once again!!!!

311Morphidae
joulukuu 27, 2014, 10:22 pm

Big Reveal

I sent books to thornton37814. I'll let Lori share what she received.

I received delightful books from Caro (cameling.) It's a great selection of genres (mystery, romance, nonfiction, fantasy) from my wishlist. Thanks!

Hail to the Chef by Julie Hyzy
Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas
Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

312majkia
joulukuu 28, 2014, 6:35 am

#310 by LauraBrook> Hi Laura! We're due to get home on Friday, the 2nd. Looking forward to checking out my new reads!

313AnneDC
joulukuu 28, 2014, 10:32 am

>286 ronincats: Merry Christmas Roni, my gifter and giftee! I finally have a moment free of family where no one will think me rude if I get on line.

I received two books from my wish list:
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel and
The Unwinding by George Packer.

Excellent choices and a nice balance of fiction and non-fiction. I patiently left them until Christmas morning though they arrived the previous week. I'm looking forward to reading them both--Many many thanks!

314thornton37814
joulukuu 29, 2014, 4:01 pm

Reveal:
I sent books to DeltaQueen50 (Judy) who has already revealed what she received.

I received Lawrence Durrell's My Family and Other Animals and Sara Nelson's So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading from Morphy. I should enjoy both of them.

I apologize for being so late at the reveal. I just haven't had much time for LT while at my brother's house with my Dad.

315SandDune
joulukuu 31, 2014, 12:55 pm

I'm so late posting here! I received Ice Trilogy by Vladimir Sorokin and A Constellation of Vital Phenomena which I am very happy with (both have been on my wishlist for ages) but I have no idea who from?

And I was Chatterbox's swappee, so she was right that it was someone from the UK although I have to confess I had not heard of either of the books I bought beforehand.

316Chatterbox
joulukuu 31, 2014, 1:47 pm

Thank you so much, Rhian!!! Big wins on both counts...

317EBT1002
tammikuu 1, 2015, 5:55 pm

>315 SandDune: Rhian, I was your secret santa. I hope you enjoy the books. I loved A Constellation of Vital Phenomena so I absolutely could not resist sending it to you when I saw in on your wish list. Happy New Year to you!!

318Berly
tammikuu 1, 2015, 8:26 pm

I had Jenny (lunacat) -- Merry Christmas!! And the person gifting me? Our one and only Mark!!! Thank you sir for spreading such joy, not only to me, but to all of us here. You are simply wonderful.

I can't wait to read We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves (rated a big 4.5 by Mark!) by Karen Joy Fowler and Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson.

319msf59
tammikuu 1, 2015, 9:16 pm

I am glad you liked the books, Kim! I loved both of them and I hope you do too!

320majkia
tammikuu 2, 2015, 3:18 pm

#310 by LauraBrook>

We are finally home in Florida after our trek up to North Carolina - where, funnily enough, it snowed right after we left :)

Thanks so much, Laura, for the great books, wrapped and all. And what a cool card!

You done great:

Laura sent me:

The City of Saints and Madmen by Jeff VanderMeer
Desolation Road by Ian McDonald
Restless by William Boyd.

321SandDune
tammikuu 2, 2015, 3:23 pm

>317 EBT1002: Ellen, the books are great! Both of them have been on my wishlist for some time.