Ya know, I don't always put a lot of money into a gift because it's just not necessary and that's not what it's about. I do, however, put a lot of time and thought. However, if the store has gift-wrapping available I always jump on it. I'm a terrible wrapper. Really -- dismal.

Oh, and not to be a comment hog but I meant to say that I LOVE that your mom sent you a book for your first Christmas away. That's so sweet.

Jennifer, you're welcome to post as many times as you like. I love reading what everyone is thinking. So, I guess that means you think alot. :)

I'm sending my publisher P.C. Cast's "Betrayed", the second book in her House of Night Series. P.C. is receiving "The Tree Shepherd's Daughter" by Gillian Summers. Both are Young Adult books, but resonate with us grownups.

Because my mom and sister read a lot, it's hard to know what they've already read. So for them it's usually a gift card to the book store. However, last year I did give my sister a guide to Maccu Picchu because she wants to visit there and I thought she should be forearmed before she went. This year the grandbaby is getting 5 Sandra Boynton books that are just the cutest things. She loves books and that makes me soooooo happy.

I love books as presents! They always fit and they don't wear out! I've already mailed off two BookSense gift cards to younger friends. One buddy (who is deeply missing the end of the baseball season) is getting a Sandy Koufax bio, and my music-loving hubby is getting a first-edition of a composer bio ("The Devil's Maestro" about Kurt Furtwangler), thanks to ABE.com. And I like to think that some of the "Cries and Whiskers" I've been signing will find their way under a tree. Merry last days of Chanukah and upcoming Christmas everyone!! Clea www.cleasimon.com

Okay, after yesterday's paragraph disaster, I'm going to try some html coding that works in other places, so apologies in advance if funny bracketing shows up and it still gets all run together.
My kid, the former senate staffer for Harry Reid, loves political bios so I've gotten him A Magnificent Catastrophe, The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America's first Presidential Campaign by Edward J. Larson, whom, the cover tells me, won the Pulitzer for Summer for the Gods.
We'll also be getting books for the grandbabies and some charity Angel Tree kids, but I haven't bought them yet -- plan to tomorrow -- because browsing for them at the store is so much fun.
I usually get my sweetie whatever latest Mt. Everest or true life adventure book is out, but we've decided this year just to contribute to the USO's Phone Home program for the troops stationed overseas, since we both have all the stuff we need. Including towering TBR mountains!

Oh, forgot to mention, Barb, I was the same way with The Godfather! I could NOT stop reading it once I started. As great as the movies were, it's another case where, imo, the book was better.

Jana, I agree, there's a lot of great YA books out there for adults.

Marilyn, I also get great joy from introducing new books to kids.

Clea, I see your book under lots of trees. :)

JoAnn, I love just browsing book stores and the USO program is a great way to give more during the holidays. And I agree that the Godfather book was better than the movie.

I didn't read the Godfather or see the movie. Someone remarked on the scene with the horse's head and that was enough for me! It's become harder to actually buy books because everyone seems to just go out and get what they want. However, several people will be getting B&N or Borders gift cards, according to where they live. Those are always well received. Imagine that! :)

Barbara, I probably read The Godfather about the same time you did. I gave three books on writing to writing friends, a book of cat cartoons, and Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Plus I went through my books and gave away bags of them.

In some parts of my family I am known as the "book aunt" - she always gives us books! Not a bad thing I say!