I was able to do quite a bit of reading during my Christmas break along with relaxing and spending time with family and friends.
Not too long ago I read Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I followed up with Fire the companion novel. On one hand I was irritated not to get the continuing story of Katsa and Po, but it did not take many pages before I was caught up in the story of Fire and Brigan. Their story takes place in the same world as that of Katsa and Po, but many years before. There is also a significant cross-over character who will be important in the third book, Bitterblue, which is at the top of my TBR pile.
I do like the books I read at holiday time to be generally cheerful. I chose 
well with The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. It is a love story in which the romantic lead is a man with Aspberger's. As more and more children and adults are diagnosed we will see more and more literature of this type. The object of his affection is Rosie, a woman who on paper, or according to Don's questionnaire, is completely wrong for him. There are few surprises in this love story, but the tale is so sweet and so indicative of the Aspberger's experience that it is informative as well as heart-warming.
Next up was The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg. This is the first of her books I have read, though I have seen Fried Green Tomatoes, the movie version of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. This novel moves back and forth from present day (approximately) to right before World War II. I enjoyed both segments, which of course intersected, but the WWII were great historical fiction. Just like in Flygirl, by Sherri L. Smith, which I read last year, this is the story of women pilots, a whole family of them. I find this topic really interesting and appreciate the incorporation of historical accuracy with the story of women who might really have been there.
For New Year's Eve I read Persepolis by Marjane Patrapi, which made me want to know more about the Iranian people. All I know pertains to the time after the establishment of the Islamic republic. I know almost nothing about the rich and ancient culture of Persia. I also had time to visit my favorite used bookstore in Norfolk, The Book Exchange, where I picked up Lauren Myracle's ttyl and L8r, g8r but not ttfn. I did not find ttyl as shocking as I expected given the buzz I have heard about the series. I just found it to be a realistic depiction of teen life. I look forward to the next two books. I also started This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen, whose work I always enjoy.
