nightstand notes/ wanna view some reviews?

It seems that every month I find myself wondering how it's the end of the month again when it comes time for peeking at our nightstands... but it also seems that by 5 pm every day, I'm wondering how one day could possibly drag on and on.  Odd, huh?

Either way, it's that time again to share what we're reading and what's coming on down the pike with 5 Minutes for Books' What's On Your Nightstand?  I've been so caught up with Cybils reading that I have been a bit stalled on my own "adult" reading, but I'm hoping that these next few books waiting on my shelf are going to pull me back into the game very, very soon.

*  Beyond The Pasta; Recipes, Language and Life with an Italian Family by Mark Donovan Leslie -- I'm in the middle of this one right now, and it's a cool memoir/foodie book.  I'm not much of a foodie, but I do love memoir, but this is more like reading a book of a blog-- daily entries about the author's experiences living with a family in Italy and learning both the language and how to cook.  I find myself particularly hungry at the end of each chapter.


* You'll Lose the Baby Weight (And Other Lies About Pregnancy and Childbirth) by Dawn Meehan -- If you know her from her blog, Because I Said So, like I do, then you wouldn't be surprised by the similar humor-- some sarcasm, some self-deprecation, a whole lot of funny personal stories.  I'm hoping to just sit down sometime over this Thanksgiving weekend and consume this book in one sitting-- maybe with a big slice of pumpkin pie.  (I haven't lost the baby weight... and that pie is only one factor!)

* How to Read the Air by by Dinaw Mengestu -- A true "literary" novel (read: intellectually stimulating!) that will hopefully help to pull me out of my "serious" reading slump.  I didn't read Mengestu's debut novel, but he's gotten some significant acclaim for his fresh style, and I'm always open to reading new authors!  (Yes, yes, this is a repeat appearance, as it was on my shelf last month, too... I told you I was in a bit of a slump, right?)




* I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas by Lewis Black -- Oh, the anger and exasperation, just without the physical gesticulation.  I love Lewis Black-- I love that I'm not alone in my frustration at the ludicrousness of the world sometimes.  I love listening to his rants- his informed and intelligent and perceptive rants- and I really hope that translates well to print.  Another book that I hope will be a part of this coming long weekend.

* Voice of America by E. C. Osondu -- I received this one unsolicited, but after my recent experiences with short stories, I'm really looking forward to giving this one a go.  This contains stories taking place in both Nigeria and the U.S., and the reviews that I've seen in passing are all highly positive.  I'm happy that it gives me another opportunity to read works by a non-American born author, something that I find I do rarely if not pushed to do so.

Alrighty, there's my shelf- how about yours?  Link up with us over at 5M4B's What's On Your Nightstand? and tell us what you've got going on with your own reading!


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If you're so inclined, you can check out my reviews from the past few weeks:

* Shadow and Other Goose -- two fantastic new kids' books from Chronicle Books.

* The Other Side of Organized -- a neat little book about getting into the right frame of mind and finding the organization that fits you best.

* Cybils Nominees to Make Kids Laugh -- lots of Cybils books are coming my way- these crack us up!

* Late for School -- Steve Martin, rhyming song book, CD and banjo.  Fun, fun.

* The Word Made Flesh: Tattoos from Bookworms Worldwide -- I read it, I loved it, I got my own tattoo.

* Cybils Nominees with Emotional Intelligence -- These picture books focus on emotions kids can relate to.

* The Memory Bank -- JAM and I loved this unique whimsical novel.

* Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self -- Modern short story collection with an urban flair and amazing writing.

* Children's Classics Award Winners- November -- Our monthly carnival about award winning children's books- this month I went with Cybils winners!

* Cybils Nominees with Amazing Illustrations -- These are some gorgeous, gorgeous books!

* Cybils Nominees for Big Brothers and Sisters -- Books to help ease those sibling issues that families with more than one child can truly understand.

* A Long Walk to Water -- A must read for older children- JAM and I read it together.  Incredible.

* Zooborns -- Two neat books about baby animals born at zoos around the world.

* Cybils Nominees with Darling Characters -- More picture books, these with adorable characters.

Our Gift Guide and Giveaway event is in full swing!  Come over to enter these giveaway:

* Ten on the Sled -- Fun picture book in the vein of the "Ten in the Bed" rhyme- perfect for oncoming winter.

* Richard Scarry's Best Christmas Book Ever! -- The fun of Scarry's cute characters just in time for Christmas.

* Snow White and Peter Pan and Wendy -- Two classic stories with beautiful illustrations, great for holiday giving.

* Star Wars ABC and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon- a 3-D Owner's Guide -- Got SW fans in your family- they'll love these!

* Pinkalicious Fun -- Three cute Pinkalicious tie-ins great for lovers of these books.



Swimming in kids' books,