A Reading Holiday

I'm often told I read too fast. I'm not sure how that's a problem, but there it is. Or another version I hear is: "How do you read so many books?" Answer: See the first sentence.
But even a speed-reader like me needs a holiday to catch up. I read because I like to read. If it becomes a chore, or if it feels too much like work, then there is no point to doing it anymore.
So I will take two reading vacations each year. One will be during the traditional winter holiday season, and one in the summer.
That will allow me to recharge my reading batteries and to catch up on books I've been setting aside for months (see the photo for a small part of my stack). This will be my last post until Jan. 2. I'm looking forward to seeing my family, to cooking a big Christmas Day lunch, and to reading, reading, reading.
And since many of you ask me what I'm reading on any given day, here is my list of books that I'm ready to dive into:

• A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan (thanks, Leslie!)
• The Devil's Star, by Jo Nesbo 
• The Fig Eater, by Jody Shields
• The Ladies of Grace Adieu, by Susanna Clarke
• The Tudors, by GJ Meyer
• Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories
• A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens (getting ready for the 200th birthday event in Feb)
• The Keeper of Lost Causes, by Jussi Adler-Olsen
• Miss Timmins School for Girls, by Nayana Currimbhoy
• Dreams of Joy, by Lisa See (this will be reviewed in 2012 with an author recipe!)

Enjoy your own holiday with your loved ones ― and your books.
See you in 2012!

Top Holiday Covers

For my ongoing holiday week posts, I started gathering up my favorite magazine covers for December. Having been a magazine editor myself in the past, I can tell you that holiday covers can be the bane of any publication. You have to walk the line between all of the religions that celebrate in some way this month, while also avoiding as much cliche as possible. And, even if you are tired of the topics yourself, it is almost a requirement that you have articles on gift ideas, decorating tips, and holiday recipes.
Here are a few of my favorites this month.

Martha Stewart Living

There are two things I love about this cover. First, it is so clean and has such a beautiful photo that you would almost want to frame it. Second, this is not one of those over-the-top Martha projects that looks deceptively simple, but is impossible to reproduce. It's just a lot of lights on a bare tree. Lovely.
I have a little love/hate thing with Ms. Stewart, so it takes a lot for me to admit that I love the cover. You see, there was once an incident with me and a cranberry wreath that was supposed to be a "Good Thing," but turned into many bloody fingertips, a scary temper tantrum, and cranberries all over my front yard. Enough said.

Better Homes and Gardens

Okay, there's a dog. And he's the cutest dog in the world. He even looks like he's reading the cover lines.
Add in the red door and a stunningly abundant garland, and you've got yourself a winner.
I also like the position of the type and the typefaces used. Nice job.

Woman's Day

I have to admit that I am not a regular reader of this magazine, but the cover stopped me in my tracks.
The wreath is adorable, and then I read that it's made of paper straws. Genius.
The red-and-white palette is also a winner (and seems to be the most popular for magazines), and the photo also shows the type of decor that even a klutz like me could achieve.
Smart.

Real Simple

Wrapping the cover has been done before, but this one is done very well. The idea that the ribbon has been wrapped over the title gives it a little 3D effect.
The clever "Open Me" tag is my favorite part.
I also appreciate that the editors understand that not everyone may have a "happy" holiday, but they do it in a gentle way with "inspiring stories" that give a nod to tough times.




Southern Living
I'm a sucker for the holiday recipe guides, I'll admit it. Southern Living usually has a good one, and they seem to always have cake on the holiday cover. Who doesn't love cake? The only way it could be better is if it was a pie (see previous posting last week).
I also love the idea that there are 50 gift ideas that "every Southerner will love."
The photo isn't as visually arresting as some of the others, but there's a big chocolate bomb right in the middle to distract you from the fussy decorations.