Year of Books: 2011 Edition

As I did in 2010, I will be sharing my 2011 reading list here on NTB. I add books to the list as I finish them. If I've "reviewed" the book on this blog, I'll link to the review.

It seems both reading habits and the publishing industry are being challenged (invigorated or threatened, depending upon whom you ask) by the explosion of ereading. The Kindle and, more powerfully, the Kindle app for the ipod touch have definitely changed my reading habits (for the better, I think). I thought it might be interesting to track not only what I read, but also how I read.

I'd argue there are few people who love books as physical objects as much as I do, but I find that I love the stories themselves even more. I am very thankful that audiobooks, ebooks, and Apple products make it easy for me to read within the confines of a life that offers few opportunities for curling up on the couch and peacefully reading "real books."

Please click on the Booksburgh link on the left sidebar any time you want to revisit this continually updated reading list. (An * indicates a book I am re-reading.)

Please, please, please leave any and all book recommendations in the comments! There is nothing I love more than finding a new book or author to add to my to-read list.

Retired 2010 Reading List

2011 Reading List

Anne of Windy Poplars* by L.M. Montgomery

(paperback – my copy from seventh grade!)

Anne’s House of Dreams* by L.M. Montgomery

(ebook – Kindle app on ipod touch)

I Still Dream of You by Fannie Flagg

(audiobook – download from audible.com)

Them by Nathan McCall

(audiobook – download from audible.com)

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

(ebook -- Kindle app on ipod touch)

Rainbow Valley* by L.M. Montgomery

(ebook -- Kindle app on ipod touch)

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

(audiobook – download from audible.com)

Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Gail Skeketee and Randy Frost

(ebook -- Kindle app on ipod touch)

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

(ebook -- Kindle app on ipod touch)

Let's Take the Long Way Home: A Memoir of Friendship by Gail Caldwell

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

She Got Up Off the Couch: And Other Heroic Acts from Mooreland, Indiana* by Haven Kimmel

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield

(paperback)

The Provincial Lady in London by E.M. Delafield

(paperback)

Rilla of Ingleside* by L.M. Montgomery

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

Life from Scratch by Melissa Ford

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

Mrs. Ames by E.F. Benson

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

Skipping A Beat by Sarah Pekkanen

(ebook -- Nook app on iphone)

The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen

(ebook -- Nook app on iphone)

The Three Weissmans of Westport by Cathleen Schine

(ebook -- Nook app on ipod touch)

Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy

(hardback)

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. Harkness

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

When Tito Loved Clara by Jon Michaud

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

The Old Romantic by Louise Dean

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels--A Love Story by Ree Drummond

(hardback)

My Korean Deli: Risking It All for a Convenience Store by Ben Ryder Howe

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

Love's Shadow by Ada Leverson

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

The Enchanted April* by Elizbeth von Arnim

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

Bossypants by Tina Fey

(hardback)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

Me and a Guy Named Elvis by Jerry Schilling and Chuck Crisafulli

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Summer and the City, A Carrie Diaries Novel by Candace Bushnell

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

The Uncoupling by Meg Wolitzer

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

(ebook--Kindle app on iphone)

Poser: My Life In Twenty-Three Yoga Poses by Claire Dederer

(hardback)

It's All Relative: Two Families, Three Dogs, 34 Holidays, and 50 Boxes of Wine by Wade Rouse

(hardback, Chicago Public Library)

The Provincial Lady in America by E.M. Delafield

(paperback, Chicago Public Library)

Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews

(ebook--Kindle app on iphone)

The Year We Left Home by Jean Thompson

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

A Little Bit Wicked by Kristin Chenoweth

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Persuasion* by Jane Austen

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Signs of Life by Natalie Taylor

(hardback, Chicago Public Library)

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

(ebook--Kindle app on iphone)

The Ninth Wife: A Novel by Amy Stolls

(ebook--Kindle app on iphone)

The First Husband by Laura Dave

(hardback, Chicago Public Library)

Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews

(hardback, Chicago Public Library)

The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Imposter by Mark Seal

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Sense and Sensibility* by Jane Austen

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Malled: My Unintentional Career in Retail by Caitlin Kelly

(hardback, Chicago Public Library)

Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan

(hardback)

Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Then Came You by Jennifer Weiner

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

To Be Sung Underwater by Tom McNeal

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Miss Buncle Married by D.E. Stevenson

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

The Two Mrs. Abbotts by D.E. Stevenson

(audiobook--download from audible.com)

Planting Dandelions: Field Notes from a Semi-Domesticated Life by Kyran Pittman

(hardback, EPL)

Domestic Violets by Matthew Norman

(paperback, EPL)

Following Polly: A Novel by Karen Bergreen

(ebook -- Kindle app on iphone)

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close
(hardback -- EPL)

The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson
(hardback -- EPL)

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
(paperback)

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
(audiobook -- download from audible.com)

One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell
(audiobook -- CDs from EPL)

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
(ebook -- kindle app for iphone)

Practical Jean by Trevor Cole
(paperback -- EPL)

Is Everyone Hanging Out without Me and Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling
(hardback)

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt: A Novel in Pictures by Caroline Preston
(hardback -- EPL)

Maman's Homesick Pie: A Persian Heart in an American Kitchen by Donia Bijan
(hardback)

Enjoy Every Sandwich: Living Each Day As If It Were Your Last by Lee Lipsenthal
(hardback)

The Kitchen Counter Cooking School: How a Few Simple Lessons Transformed Nine Culinary Novices into Fearless Home Cooks by Kathleen Flinn
(hardback)

Comfort and Joy by India Knight
(audiobook -- audible.com)

The Four Ms. Bradwells by Meg Waite Clayton
(audiobook -- audible.com)

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
(audiobook -- audible.com)

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
(audiobook -- audible.com)

Nothing Daunted by Dorothy Wickenden
(audiobook -- audible.com)

The Radleys by Matt Haig
(audiobook -- audible.com)

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
(audiobook -- audible.com)

Straight Man* by Richard Russo
(audiobook -- audible.com)

A Year and Six Seconds by Isabel Gillies
(audiobook -- audible.com)

Chariots of Diaper? Parent Olympics (Working Title)

I just scanned four months of a facebook friend's status updates hoping to find the one that inspired tonight's post. The gist of the update from this busy mom was that she wished there were an Olympic event in doing tasks with a baby on your hip because she would totally medal in that event.

As I regularly do household tasks with a baby on my hip, I could totally relate. And, ever since, I've been thinking about Olympic events for parents, specifically parents of small children.

Before I find the right venue for this competition, take the idea to corporate sponsors, and pick out my outfit for the Oprah show, I'm going to need your help.

First, we're going to need a name for the Parent Olympics because Parent Olympics is just not going to cut it. We need something a little edgier and also a little funnier. I liked the idea of the Iron Mom, as in, "Carb loading? Well, yes, I'm training for an Iron Mom," but then I think that Iron Mom might be a real thing or name for moms who train for those intense athletic endurance events. Then, I kept thinking of the novel, The Hunger Games (though my competition will be far less bloody) and have been testing names in my head . . . The Diaper Games, The Stroller Games -- urgh, I don't know, I'm stuck on this point, one of the reasons I haven't posted in ten days.

Let's move on to the events for these Parent Olympics (working title). I'm still not sure if the events will be individual events or if there will be a sort of obstacle course set up where the contenders move from one task to the next.

Here's what I have so far:

* Dishwasher Challenge: Contender approaches the top rack of a dishwasher filled with various components of sippy cups (multiple brands), bottles, and breast pump accessories. Challenge is to assemble and put away in an already-crowded cabinet as quickly and accurately as possible.

* Blowout with a Twist: Contender needs to change diaper blowout in public. The twist? There are only two wipes left in the diaper bag/purse/backpack. Oops! Speed matters as does overall cleanliness of child, child's outfit, parent's outfit, and physical surroundings.

* Screw you Previews: Contender inserts DVD (could be separate competitions for at-home systems versus vehicle systems) and deftly moves past previews and multiple menus to get the child's program of choice started as quickly as possible.

* DVR Star: Contender locates a specific episode of a children's program on DVR as quickly as possible, requiring him/her to decode cryptic, household-specific clues such as "Caillou magic" or "The Tom and Jerry with Tuffy" or "Tubby custard."

* Pack and Players: Assemble and sheet a pack n' play and then disassemble and pack into carrier bag. Timed trial.

* Winter Schminter: Find boots, hats, coats, and mittens for multiple children and get them into this gear in the same small area where said gear is shed upon coming in from the cold. Points lost if wet, dirty boots step off of the mat and onto the new carpet that you need to keep nice so you can sell your damn house . . . or something like that.

* Straw Maul: Contender approaches a table with a box of Capri Suns and must remove the juices from box and insert the attached straw (if you lose a straw, you are disqualified) without puncturing the juice pouch. Timed trial.

* The Chef Is In: Prepare your child's favorite meal as quickly as possible. Scores based upon speed but also overall healthfulness of the plate. (I can prepare nuggets with two dipping sauces, blackberries, and yogurt in my sleep, NTB, but I doubt the meal itself is medal-worthy).

* Sock it to Me: Contender given a laundry basket full of children's socks of multiple sizes and varieties. Socks must be matched and sorted by size. Extra points given for best effort to pair strays (i.e., slightly dirty 0-6 white sock partnered with dingy 12-24 one).

* Snap! Snap and Go Go Go: Remove infant seat from base and click securely into Snap N' Go. Then, remove infant seat, click back into the car, fold up Snap N' Go and toss into back of van.

* Stroller Roller: Fold and unfold a series of strollers of all makes and models as quickly as possible. The elite contenders in this division will also attach rain covers.

The above list is just an initial offering of the events at the Parent Olympics (working title). Keep in mind that for some events, contenders can choose to compete in various divisions: the solo division, the co-parent division, the one parent with baby on hip division, or the one parent with toddler attached to leg division, and possibly (admittedly for publicity and the sponsors) the celebrity parent with nanny division.

Of course, there are many more details to be worked out, like whether it should be a USA-only event, at least to start, or an international one (and, if so, how does that change the events). How or whether to customize events for parents of multiples or multiple children. Thoughts on events geared toward parents of older children . . . The list goes on.

Here's what I need from you for now: more event ideas. Go ahead and be selfish. What events could you medal in in the Parent Olympics (working title)? Don't worry, I'll give credit where credit is due when this event becomes a nationwide craze.

And, of course, we still need a name. Please share all your suggestions in the comments and remember to keep carb-loading because every day is a training day.

Edge of your seat? Yep, it's the Retail Beat

I don't know how long it's been, but an old feature here at NTB has been revived. That's right, folks, the Retail Beat is back!

So, here goes, a random list of products you might like to know about . . .

Famoas

You know how fake Uggs are called "Fuggs"? The name for fake Girl Scout Samoas is "Famoas." Because I said so. Famoas are sold in stores as Keebler Fudge Shoppe Coconut Dreams. I've mentioned before that I am a Samoa lover so I am pleased that the quite tasty Famoas are available in grocery store aisles year round. I still plan to support the Girls Scouts with my cookie purchases though because buying and eating Girl Scout Cookies is practically patriotic-- "Am I bingeing on cookies that have seventy calories each? Nope, I am promoting self esteem, leadership, and team work in our nation's young women." With Famoas, it's just bingeing, but they are as TASTY as Samoas (aka Caramel De-lites) as far as I can tell.

Cracker Barrel Sweet Pepper and Apple Relish

One holiday miracle for our family this past season was my hubby's voluntarily stopping at Cracker Barrel on our way to St. Louis to celebrate Christmas with his family. I almost wept with joy as he pulled into the lot. We had a delightful meal and though I was allotted less than a minute to browse in the country store (which hubby calls "the crap store"), I grabbed this Sweet Pepper and Apple relish. Pour it on top of some cream cheese to spread on crackers for an easy appetizer or use it to add tangy flavor to your green beans or pork (have tried both recently). Very pleased with this impulsive purchase.

Totes Digital Cup-Holder Change Bank (unofficial but hopefully descriptive enough name)

I spotted these little banks at Staples and Kohls this holiday season and gave a few as gifts, including one gift from me to me. The bank fits into your vehicle's cup holder and counts your change as you insert it. There are little buttons on top to subtract what you take out. If you fancy drive-thru fountain drinks or live somewhere where parking meters still require change, this item is ideal. No more having to wonder if you have enough change to cover your Diet Coke and a small fry. Just check the top of your cup-holder change bank.

McDonalds Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

Speaking of drive-thrus . . . I recently sampled McDonalds new Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. I found it quite satisfying, so much so that I tried it again today. Here's what you need to know -- order it with the brown sugar. The first time they asked my preference and I was all, "Yes. Of course. Sugar please." This morning, I ordered oatmeal with sugar, but there was some static, and I think they heard "without sugar." Anyway, without sugar, it's kind of crap, but with sugar, it's a home run (fitting metaphor as my McDonalds is across from Wrigley Field).

Busytown Mysteries: The Biggest Mysteries Ever!

If you take family road trips, this DVD could be your new favorite thing. I got ours for $5 at Target and just saw that it's the same price on Amazon. These little mysteries stories are really cute and watching them could just help promote important skills like paying attention to details and making inferences. Plus, there's a totally kicking theme song that plays at the beginning of each story. So good that hubby was singing along and doing jazz hands. Yep. One more thing -- did I mention that the DVD is over four hours long? Four hours for five dollars plus jazz hands. You can't lose.

What's on your Retail Beat these days?

TO BE CLEAR: No one is paying or otherwise sponsoring me to write about any of the above products. I bought them with my own money because I wanted them and am writing about them because I thought you might care.

Stretch

New Year's Resolutions. I love to make them and never care too much if I break them. Each year my resolutions are about the same (see resolution posts from 2008 2009 2010). I'm a work in progress, and I'm okay with that.

Inspired by Gretchen Rubin's blog post about choosing one word as a theme for the coming year, I decided to, drum roll please, choose one word as a theme for the coming year.

My word: stretch.

The perpetual English major in me is tempted to filter all my favorite resolutions through this new theme.

Relax more. You know, stretch out on the couch in the evening instead of multi-tasking (television with laundry folding and blog commenting).

Exercise. Try something new and stretch my muscles (do I have any?) with Yoga or Pilates or something else I've never tried.

Spend less. Stretch my resources and my imagination.

Be a better mom and wife. Stretch my patience.

Make an effort to be more fashion forward (i.e. stop wearing sweatpants multiple days each week). Stretch the new skinny jeans I received for Christmas over those hips of mine and walk tall (personal guideline for the skinny jeans/legging trend: Walk tall and wear ye a big sweater.)

I want to stretch in other ways that will require even more courage than donning skinny jeans.

My day-to-day life is a bit lonely and has been for several years now. Throughout my life I have been blessed with good friends, and I have many people I can email or call or travel to visit. What I need more of are people in my bunker day-to-day: people I can laugh, talk, and eat with in person and in/very near my home without my feeling like I need to apologize for whatever my kids are or are not doing. I would like to nurture my relationships so that some of my acquaintances become friends and my friends become really good friends. I'll have to stretch though. Reach out. Initiate plans. Be a little vulnerable. Ask for help.

There also some people in my life who need a lift. Stretch out a helping hand, MEP, a listening ear, some positive vibes. I'm going to try to stretch to be as generous and kind as I can.

I'm not teaching right now and feel okay about it. This moment in my life is not my "career moment" and I'm mostly at peace with that. I feel good that I continue to nurture my passion for reading and writing, but I also want to continue to stretch my conceptions of who I am and what I can offer, dream a little bigger perhaps. Will I start the new website I've been thinking about? Will I think about calling myself a writer? Will I consider a future career that isn't in teaching? I don't know, and right now, I don't need to know. You stretch before a big game or race, right? I want to frame this moment in my life as one of enjoying my children while stretching in preparation for whatever is next. Arm circles and toe touches for my mind and soul, if you will.

When I'm faced with challenges in 2011, I hope I can stretch in ways that make me stronger and happier -- take some risks, speak my truth even when it's tough, trust that my good intentions are clear, be less hard on myself and others.

It's no stretch at all to proclaim that the highlight of 2010 was welcoming our sweet and beautiful daughter into the world. There is nothing like a bright-eyed, smiling, squealing baby to remind you that life is meant to be enjoyed, that you can approach the world with open arms. And there's nothing like a nursing or sleeping or snuggling baby to remind you that life is meant to be peaceful and that we need to rest, trust, and be vulnerable enough to depend upon others.

My life is good. As ever, I seek to better appreciate just how good it is and to enjoy it more. I'm ready to stretch and look forward to seeing what shape I'm in when 2011 draws to a close.

Any New Year's Resolutions? What one word would you choose for yourself for 2011? Have you chosen a yearly theme word before?