What does reading mean to you?

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Image by Casey David via Flickr

Give the Gift of,... Well, what does the written word  mean to you? When you give a gift of books or of an e-reader you are sharing one of life's true pleasures: reading. And you are giving whatever reading and the written word means to you. When YOU give books you are also giving something that tells about you, your idea about what the recipients enjoy or what they are like.

I have affiliate links to Amazon, Powell and Chronicle Books in my right sidebar. I thought I would feature some of the items that strike me as terrific gifts this holiday. Oh no! She's gone all commercial on us!  Yes, and No. I have always treated my blogging as a business. That is why I can bring you several book reviews each week. Contests however cost money to run, and because I refuse to be censored I have a tough time getting affiliate status.  Strangely even companies that sell sex toys and films have an anti-adult material clause. Go figure.

But though it is a business it is also a love of mine.  It combines several of my favorite things in one place.  Although I work ten to twelve hours every day it is not like have a job because I love it. I hope that shows in what I bring you. 

Yes, a lot of us have Amazon Affiliate Status. But we are not supposed to use it for ourselves (sad face). I recommend we spread the wealth to our fellow bloggers. If you aren't going to shop local give a blogger a break!

At Amazon:

• People seem crazy for this series by George Martin and now that it is on HBO it is a sure winner for the Holidays. It is a series that I know both men and Women enjoy.

• With the Hunger Games coming out as a movie soon,  This trilogy will be a hot item.  And, for many fans the Companion volume is a certain favorite with your favorite YA fan!

With Amazon you can click each individual item or use the search in the right sidebar.

• Stiefvater's Shiver, Linger and Forever are the height of angst and romance in YA.
• And, Kirkus has labeled King's new book about time travel and the Kennedy assassination in its top ten for 2011.  And, it's a recent release so if your friendly Stephen King-ophile is on the reserved list at the library they'll be waiting...
• And, the new Kindle Fire is one hot potato this season! Get it for your sweetie.

POWELL'S

At Powell's they offer $3.99 flat-rate shipping on orders under $50 and free shipping $50 and over. Check at Powells.com for more details.

LIFE OF PI
This lavishly produced edition features 40 of Tomislav Torjanacs beautiful four-color illustrations and brings the bestselling, Man Booker Prize-winning "Life of Pi" to splendid, eye-popping life.

Harry Potter: Box set books 1 - 7 (right)

Now that the films are over the lure of the stories is ready and waiting for a new generation of young (and old) readers to fall in love with it.

The Hobbit

And, could you ever go wrong with the fantasy some may think started it all (after Grimm of course!) or started it all up again.

This three-volume boxed set reproduces the original version of one of literature's most famous stories and includes many little-known illustrations. Also included is an examination of how Tolkien came to write his original masterpiece along with a new edition of "The Hobbit."

CHRONICLE BOOKS

Until December 8, Chronicle is offering 35% off and free ground shipping.  Use the code FRIENDS at checkout. Just click on the banner below to go to their site and see some of what I tell you about.

Aside from beautiful books, Chronicle offers notepaper, Calendars, Craft kits and and more.

☜PLEASE CLICK LEFT to buy the books below or to see all they offer.

Ticket Stub Diary

There is a new type of keeper for the scrapbooking impaired (me). It is a Ticket Stub Journal. I keep stubs under my desk blotter which is not ideal. So I think this reasonably priced Ticket Stub Keeper is a great idea!

By Eric Epstein
6-7/8 x 7-13/16 in;
52 pp;
118 ticket sleeves
Hardcover Published in August,2006
ISBN 9780811854894
ISBN10 0811854892

The Sounds of Star Wars 

Any Star Wars fan can mimic Darth Vader's voice or Chewbacca's roar with ease. But how many of them would be able to identify the lion's roar used in the sound of the Millenium Falcon's engine? In this aurally astonishing and visually engaging book, New York Times best-selling author J. W. Rinzler reveals the illuminating history of the sounds that make the Star Wars universe so believable, as recounted by their creator, legendary sound designer Ben Burtt. An attached sound module with an exterior speaker and headphone jack lets readers listen to more than 250 unique sound effects, and more than 300 photographs illustrate the epic's many memorable scenes. From the first films to the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, The Sounds of Star Wars is Star Wars as you've never heard it before. http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/kids-teens/by-age/middle-grade-8-12-yrs/the-sounds-of-star-wars.html

By J. W. Rinzler,Foreword by Ben Burtt

11 x 11in;
304 pp;
300 color and b/w images throughout,
sound module with 250 audio tracks, Ages 8 and up
Hardcover Published August,2010
ISBN 9780811875462
ISBN10 0811875466

Bird Songs Bible

From the best-selling Bird Songs series comes the most comprehensive bird book ever published. Bird Songs Bible covers the sights and sounds of every single breeding bird in North America--nearly 750 in all. This utterly distinctive package features a state-of-the-art digital audio player that brings to life the birds' songs and calls with the touch of a button. ...A beautiful keepsake object, Bird Songs Bible is an essential volume for the true bird lover. http://www.chroniclebooks.com/titles/life-style/nature-science/bird-songs-bible.html

The Complete, Illustrated Reference for North American Birds

Edited by Les Beletsky,Featuring audio sounds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology

13-1/2 x 14-1/4 in;
536 pp;
750 color illustrations, 750 maps, electronic sound module, carrying case (14-3/8 x 15 in)
Hardcover
Published in October, 2010
ISBN 9780811871389
ISBN10 081187138X

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