I've been trying to update this blog, but my computer keeps crapping out on me. It waits until I'm right in the middle of doing something super important (like checking my Facebook), then announces that "The monitor is going to sleep" and shuts itself down. My resident computer expert says he gives up - anybody know what's wrong with it? I shouldn't complain - after all, we have 4 (yes, 4) computers in this house - but my computer is perfect. Boo hoo. If I can't bribe my friend into fixing it, I might have to convince Santa to buy me a new computer for Christmas.
In the meantime, I'm forging on with my attempts to update this blog. No, I don't have a review to share (I will next week - never fear), but I do have some fun stuff to chat about ...
(1) First off, I thought you might like a peek at the little someone who has been comandeering my life (and my heart) lately. This isn't a fabulous picture of her (her eyes are closed) or of me (I had been on a plane all day), but I still love it. If my computer ever boots up again, I will try to post more pictures of her :)

(2) Even though I've never read Elle Magazine in my life, I picked up a copy today. Guess whose name appears - not once, but twice - on Page 75? Oh yeah, that would be mine. Even though Elle is a fashion/beauty magazine, it has a pretty decent book section - at least in the January 2009 issue. Check it out. I'll be signing autographs all weekend. Ha, ha.
(3) I've gotten some fun emails lately about Christmas goings-on in the online book community:
- If you're searching for the perfect book to give/get this holiday, check out Bookreporter.com. Not only are they counting down the reasons to gift books this year, but they also have a nifty What to Give/What to Get guide. While you're there, enter to win a basket of books.
- Speaking of Bookreporter, I just got an email from Joshua Henkin, author of Matrimony, talking about the new gig he has going on - every month, he will be posting about his discussions with book groups. I just got Josh's book in the mail, and I am so excited to read it. I tried so many times to win it from other bloggers, so I was thrilled when he offered me my own copy. If you would like your very own copy, stay tuned - I will be holding a Matrimony giveaway in February.
- Also stay tuned for my review of Taken By Storm by Angela Morrison. Angela is the sister of a friend of mine, so I was hoping and praying that her book didn't suck. It's hard to write scathing reviews when you sorta know the author. Luckily, the book was really good. The story involves an LDS teenager who's trying hard to live the way her church dictates - no drinking, no smoking, no pre-marital sex, etc. When she and the hunky new kid hit it off, she suddenly finds herself wanting to give into temptation. This is not your mother's LDS fiction (I'm not even sure it's considered LDS fiction since it's being published by a national publisher) - it's realistic, edgy, and engrossing. This one will appeal to all those kids - Mormon and non - who are trying to be "good" despite all the pressure they face on a daily basis. Taken By Storm won't be available until March, but you can check out Angela's website now. Angela's really interesting, so keep your eyes open for my interview with her as well as my review of her novel.
- I just got my first catalog from Bas Bleu. They have lots of fun bookish gifts - I'm especially coveting this. I also noticed that they pay $25 for book reviews. Interesting.
(4) To those who won books in my last giveaway: I will do my best to get your books in the mail before Christmas, but considering the huge lines at the post office and my attempts to keep the baby away from crowds and germs, that may not be possible. So, thank you in advance for your patience!
(5) Okay, I can't remember anything else. I hope you are all enjoying the pre-Christmas frenzy. I escaped Mommy duties last night and headed to the mall for some shopping. The place was packed, but guess which store had the longest lines? Borders. Great news - looks like lots of readers will be getting just what they want for Christmas!
I've got a baby who's rooting around for her bottle - I better get Her Highness some refreshment. Happy reading, everyone!

So, it's 2 a.m., the baby's asleep and I'm wide awake! Since I didn't get a chance to choose any giveaway winners yesterday, I plugged the info into http://www.random.org/, and voila!




These two ladies won a copy of The Reincarnationist: Linda and Caseykelp

These two ladies won a copy of The Memorist: LazyDaisy0413 and acrisalves

Congratulations to the winners. If you will send me your snail mail addresses (blogginboutbooks[at]gmail[dot]com), I will get your books out to you ASAP.

Thanks to all who entered this contest. I had a blast reading your fun and creative answers to the question about past lives. Thanks also to M.J. Rose for her generosity.

If you've never driven to Yellowstone Park via Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you should start planning a trip. The landscape ranges from dramatic (the Grand Tetons) to serene (Yellowstone itself) to jaw-droppingly beautiful (Jenny Lake). Sightseeing isn't the only thing to do in the area, though - there's fishing, skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, white water rafting and so much more. After a full day outdoors, travelers can also enjoy museums, nature talks, and dining choices that range from gourmet to bistro fare. How do I know all this? Is it because of all the time I've spent in the region, consummate traveler that I am? Well, no. I read all about it in Nina Lary's Jackson Hole: A Comprehensive Guide to Jackson and the Grand Tetons.

I'm always on the lookout for clean reads to press into the hands of my 93-year-old grandma.

After skimming some reviews of The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett, I thought it would work. A few pages into the story (after some homosexual references and some language issues), I realized I wouldn't be putting this one under her Christmas tree. I wouldn't describe the novella as graphic - it's more like irreverent - but there is definitely a bit of "color" to the story.

The plot is pretty simple - one fine day, the Queen of England chases her yapping dogs across the palace grounds. They - and she - end up in front of the City of Westminster's bookmobile. Curious, the queen steps inside. Although she reads, of course, "liking books was something she left to other people" (6). On this occasion, she decides to check out a book just to avoid the awkwardness of the situation. Armed with a novel by Ivy Compton-Burnett, she heads back to her home. Soon, the queen is visiting the bookmobile every week, checking out books by all kinds of authors on all kinds of subjects. She just can't get enough. The queen's advisors, however, are not quite as enthusiastic. Since discovering books, the queen has been performing her duties with considerably less elan - she waves listlessly from her car, while hiding a book on her lap; fakes colds to further her reading time; and asks unprepared dignitaries for book recommendations. One of the servants sums it up nicely: "Her Majesty is getting to be what is known as a handful" (42).

The queen's staff plots ways to distract her from reading, but she will not be put off her new hobby. Her interest will have funny and interesting consequences throughout her household and kingdom.

Bennett's novella charms in so many ways, offering a humorous plot, colorful characters, and surprising insight. Any voracious reader will recognize him/herself in the queen, and revel with her as she discovers the joy books bring. As long as they can handle a little "color," The Uncommon Reader should delight bibliophiles of every stripe.

Grade: A

P.S. Since this one didn't make the Grandma cut, I'm still looking for a clean read to give her for Christmas. Any ideas?

(Book Image from Barnes & Noble)