Bloggers on the bookshelf

First, I should apologize: This is not a book blog and yet every entry as of late seems to be book related. I didn't plan this but you have to understand, it is very cold in Michigan during the winter. Meaning, I am indoors more than usual and there are only so many indoor activites one can do... and the boyfriend, Nate, is also very busy these days. Although we are both excited for our Lost party tonight. (I'm calling it a party even though only one other person is invited and that person may or may not be able to make it...) So, you see, this is not a book blog and I'll return to posting new material in the future. Like how I went about discovering the cure for cancer, or a look inside my high school yearbook... This is all content I have been saving. You'll just have to wait for the day in which I post it. Moving on...

This year I have several books I'm looking forward to from some of my favorite bloggers. The first on my list is Petite Anglaise by Catherine Sanderson. This title will be released on June 17, 2008 (in the US).



You can read Petite Anglaise's personal blog by going here. She is an Englishwoman who has made her home in Paris for the past decade. Her life is a bit Bridget Jones-esq, but without all the annoying aspects of Bridget Jones personality (Bridget Jones I find annoying, while Petite Anglaise I find charming and clever). Also, her stories of French life are reason enough to read her blog.

The second book on my list is Things I Learned About My Dad: Humorous and Heartfelt Essays by Heather Armstrong (Editor). This title will be released on April 29, 2008.



You can read Heather Armstrong's personal blog by going here. Of course, I probably don't need to put up that link or mention Dooce because everyone and your dentist is already reading her blog... But, there is a chance my Mom will be reading this entry and won't know about Dooce and will find the link helpful. This book is a compilation of essays dealing with fatherhood that has been edited by Dooce. I like the idea of examining fatherhood but maybe that's because I have a very odd father myself, who currently spends his days between the treadmill, computer and chessboard.

Dooce has a second book, that deals with the postpartum experience of having her first child, that will be out later this year. I must admit, I am more excited about the second book. I'd rather read an entire book by Dooce herself than a series of essays written by countless authors who (in my opinion) are not nearly as talented or interesting. I'm sorry if that sounds mean or horrible but I think there is a reason why Dooce is nominated for Best Writing of a Weblog and continues to shine as an excellent writer.

This third book has been out for some time now but I wanted to mention it anyway: No One Cares What You Had for Lunch: 100 Ideas for Your Blog by Margaret Mason.



I gave this book to my sister, T, for Christmas and before wrapping it had the chance to read glance at its pages. This is the perfect gift for the blogger, be it the novice blogger who is just starting out, or the blogger who has written on the web for years but is running out of fresh, provocative material. I feel better knowing this book is on my sister's bookshelf which is about a 15 minute drive away. This way I can return to it in times of emergency, or I could always call my sister on the phone and say, "Quick. Give me #21," and she can fill me in over the phone. A thoughtful gift given? I think so.