Santa tells all

I don't really have time for this. I've got this other thing going on, and it's a hard deadline. But when the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library asks you to guest blog, you don't really turn up your jolly red nose at that. How did they get my contact info? They're librarians, that's how.

Well, to be more specific, they got my agent's contact info, submitted the request and also offered to help me find a great stack of books to read in my copious free time. Haha, I joke. But, seriously. I always have time for reading. And librarians can be tenacious. They really want to know what you're reading.

Now that I've got a crew of both elves and librarians in the wings, I'm all set for the holiday season. Here are 5 books I found at the library. I typically find myself reading the same type of thing again and again, so these books are a breath of fresh air.

I wouldn't recommend this read. Whether the kids are naughty or nice, the plot line is nonexistent and scrolls just don't have the same feel as a

real

book. I like to feel the weight of it in my hands and smell that "book smell."

1. A Carol Dickens Christmas

A Carol Dickens Christmas, by Thomas Fox Averill, is making a lot of waves this season. I see you when you're sleeping and know when you're awake, so obviously I know which books you're interested in, too. This novel is hitting home for me since it speaks about generosity. I really, really like generosity, as a concept. One might say it's my obsession. And that one would be Mrs. Claus. "You're obsessed!" she's always saying. She's like a broken vintage GE Mickey Mouse record player. Which leads me to my next book:

2. Cartoon Toys & Collectibles: Identification and Value Guide

It turns out that Ebay is the solution to how to turn over a century's worth of leftover toys into sled fuel and cookie ingredients. But before you can list it, you have to know its worth. That's where books like Cartoon Toys and Collectibles come in. Because the post-Millenial generation requires at least one "toy" with built-in Wifi, the really old fashioned toys that have been lying around the workshop aren't moving like they used to. Except on Ebay. Nostalgia sells, and also helps to fund the technological improvements we're continually forced to institute here at the shop.

3. Fun to Make Wooden Toys and Games by Jeff Loader

The thing that got me about this book was the word "FUN." Look, I have been working this gig a long time. There are some ups and downs to being the world's most prolific toy crafter. Some days are splinters, superglue fiascos and back-talking elves. Other days can be fun, especially when you take a skim at Fun to Make Wooden Toys & Games. That's all I needed was a skim. I got the gist. Like I said, I'm kinda a pro at this.

4. Very Fond of Food by Sophie Dahl

I'm very fond of food, which is why I liked this book, Very Fond of Food by Sophie Dahl.

5. Pilates for Men by Daniel Lyon Jr.

The final book on my current reading list is The Complete Book of Pilates for Men by Daniel Lyon Jr. I haven't cracked this one open yet, but I'm obviously a busy dude. I'm gonna read it after the New Year, ok?

Library Staff

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