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Reader's Paradise

Oh what to buy, what to buy

17 years ago

My DH replayed his birthday gift to me for our sweet 16th wedding anniversary today. He presented me with 12 roses, each with a book gift card attached. Well - I can think of several books I want. But wondering if you all have a book that is not a best seller type, one that you absolutely love, that would live up to such a wonderful present.

Oh and we also celebrated by eating a mudpie from Cheesecake Factory. Sweet 16, dontcha know

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Comments (9)

picassocat
17 years ago
Hi Cindy,

Congratulations on your 16th wedding anniversary!

I recently read Truman Capote's novella, The Grass Harp. His prose is a delight, and the story magnificent. I loved it, and I think you will too.

Adam
cindydavid4
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Adam. Actually I not only read that book (in HS) but we did the play as well. I was the Baker's Wife - my claim to stage fame....
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jankin
17 years ago
Congrats. Hope you enjoy many more such anniversaries - we are in our 50th this year.
I expect you have the Capote collection then which also contains Music for Chameleons.
So many books - I think I would have a trawl through Amazon under my special interests - it may remind you of books you would like to read and others that you may enjoy again.
My special selection would always be an illustrated copy of 'The Complete Borrowers'- charming, enchsnting, superb descriptions of of nature, beautifully written - immensely rereadable - exciting and comforting.
books4joy
17 years ago
Happy anniversary Cindy. How romantic to pair the cards with roses.

What about choosing a book based on one that you and your husband read together while dating or when first married?
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
17 years ago
I would get a book that rarely goes on sale and is so popular that it never shows up for trading or used. And tends to be expensive.
The first book(s) that came to my mind is Dirr's Manuel of Woody Landscape Plants and Dirr's Hardy Trees and Shrubs.
But I like gardening!
cindydavid4
Original Author
17 years ago
>What about choosing a book based on one that you and your husband read together while dating or when first married?

I like that. The books we have in common are histories and sci fi. However right now he is hooked on superheroes graphic novels (aka comics but don't tell him I said so). If I bought them for him, he'd be the only one reading them!

I did think about splitting this and letting him use half. But I know he'd tell me no, its mine.

However, I like this

>I would get a book that rarely goes on sale and is so popular that it never shows up for trading or used. And tends to be expensive.

I've had a book on my amazon wish list for two years now. Just not sure Borders has it. I remembr seeing it in an indie store and just drooled over the exquisite drawings. I'm not that much into fashion but this is one I'd love.

If not, there is another one that I'd love, called Museum of Lost Wonder, by Jeff Hoke. Here is the Amazon description:

>The Museum of Lost Wonder is a book with a mission, simply stated: To illuminate lifeÂs mysteries. The execution is nearly indescribable...Jeff Hoke has created a history of the human imagination with visual cues and clues and wonderment about and around everything you ever thought and everything you wish youÂd been crafty enough to think. He has built a museum accessible to all, in book format, arranged with 7 halls (representing the seven stages of alchemical process) in which the questions of the universe unfold. All one needs to enter is some basic understanding of the human experience. Open The Museum of Lost Wonder, and step into an alternative world full of beautiful drawings, interesting historical tidbits, thoughtful challenges to common myths, and projects and pursuits to complete at home. Pages pull out with cutouts for building models. HokeÂs museum is graphic novel meets quantum physics meets mythical journey meets spirit.

Plus I can see David going crazy over the models (hee, building models, not the other kind) Mmmmm.....

Here is a link that might be useful: Auguste Racinet, The Complete Costume History
twobigdogs
17 years ago
Cindy,

Congratulations on your 16th anniversary. And kudos to your DH for being so thoughtful.

My own (very selfsih) recommendation is a favorite book that combines history and a great story. The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone is a fiction-based-on-VERY-well-researched-facts about the life of Michaelangelo. Truly a fanastic book and definitely a keeper.

PAM
cindydavid4
Original Author
17 years ago
Love that book, read it several times. But its a good reminder that I might want to reread it.

Ok, Borders did not have either of my wish list books (the Museum of Wonder doesn't come out till the Fall anyway, Amazon gave wrong info). So I came home with:

>The Book Thief (which I am already reading)

>Night Watch by Sarah Waters

Still room for more tho!
janalyn
17 years ago
I'd buy reference books that would augment my fiction reading and understanding. I've always enjoyed visiting university bookstores and browing through their course selections. I don't have time to take classes, but some of the texts (especially for first year classes) are accessible and interesting.

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