In Defense Of Good Old-Fashioned Books

My good buddies BJ Hoff and Cindy Swanson have been twittering today about how books make such excellent Christmas presents, and I couldn’t agree more.

I think the first time I truly became aware of the magic of a wonderful volume unwrapped on Christmas was when I, as a ten-year-old, read Little Women. Who can forget how the four sisters each opened a differently-colored Pilgrim’s Progress—-obviously the story Marmee felt would most ably shape their young hearts during difficult times—-plus one other small gift suited to their individual personalities?

Ever since, I’ve been thrilled to both give and receive coveted books at Christmas, when often the members of my family—-after the gifts are all opened and before the feast is begun—-find private nooks and crannies in which to preview their treasures. A hush descends upon the house for those few minutes, as fingers carefully turn new pages and eyes smile over the bounty of even the slimmest tome.

So, as the holiday season once again approaches, tell me: What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift? Is there a title you’ve given that was appreciated even more than you imagined it would be? And if you could receive only one book on your wish list this Christmas, which one would it be?

Sure, many of us will be cutting back on extravagances this year. I know we are, just like those Little Women did back in the day. But pity the Christmas when books become beyond our reach! For us, we’ll celebrate with good books even if most everything else falls by the way side.

How about you?

Posted by Katy on 11/17/08 at 02:54 PM

Fallible Comments...

The best book I ever got for Christmas was the complete works of Jane Austen. I think I was 14 or 15. I was SO disappointed! It wasn't until I read Jane Austen in college that I realized what a treasure I'd been given so long ago.

This year. . . well, true confessions: I've already bought three books that are up in the closet, not to be looked at until Christmas Day. Each of my children will give me one. But I have another on my list that I happened across at the bookstore (ok, 2 more books): Looking for Anne of Green Gables: The Life and Times of L.M. Montgomery and Reading Like a Writer: A Guide For People Who Love Books And Those Who Want To Write Them.

I sure hope Santa reads your blog!
Posted by D'Ann Mateer on 11/17/08 at 06:53 PM
One winter when I was little, my mother read Johanna Spyri's Heidi to us one chapter a night--two if we could talk her into it--and I've loved that book ever since. My sister found an old 1959 British copy when she was in England for my niece's wedding last summer and brought it home for me. I treasure it... along with all my various copies of Heidi. : )
Posted by Deb Raney on 11/18/08 at 10:22 AM
Growing up in a small town, my father, the pastor of a small town church and mother, his wife (like how that works out? LOL) didn't have much money. However i always, always received books for Christmas and Birthdays. In fact, when i became an adult, i was sorely disappointed when i had to start buying my own books - though i've learned to enjoy doing so to the point that it feels like a holiday.

i think books at Christmas are one of the best presents ever. Many times during the Christmas vacation you can find us all at my parent's house and most times there are at least three or four people (or more - we are 16 in all...18 with the dogs)curled up reading.

oh! i'm so excited for Christmas!!!
Posted by laura on 11/18/08 at 01:47 PM
I remember my first book gift, too: Charlotte's Web. My godparents gave it to me, and though I'd already read it, I was thrilled. I turned to everyone and said "I've read this!" My mother was horrified, and gave me that "look." I was so confused, and kept telling them, "NO, I'm really glad you gave it to me even if I have read it. Now I get to keep reading it over and over, and it's MINE!" What can I say...I was only 8! Manners were a little fuzzy to me.

I still love Charlotte's Web, and I still love to receive, and give, books as gifts!
Posted by Kelley Mathews on 11/19/08 at 07:35 AM
The best book I've ever received for Christmas would definitely be The Restorer by Sharon Hinck. I'd been waiting to buy it for seven months since it came out, and finally last Christmas I got it. And it was every bit as good as I'd expected -- maybe even better.

One of the must-be-read books on my list this year is Dreaming in Black and White, by Laura Jensen Walker. I've already read the first chapter online so many times I can quote pieces of it by heart!
Posted by Gracie on 11/19/08 at 06:14 PM
My favorite book I've ever gotten as a present came from YOU when I was about 7 or 8. It was a Raggedy Ann book, and you put the nicest, most wonderful, sisterly inscription inside. I still have it in a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf! :)
Posted by Bridget on 11/20/08 at 07:53 AM
Wow, I can't remember the first book I got. I was a horse fanatic in my early years (I have slightly mellowed) and the Black Stallion series and Black Beauty stand out. I have been giving books for years, a legacy my Mother passed on. We rescue old books from library sales, find great first editions of old favorites and generally have a huge collection of books. Our 3 yr old grand daughter already loves books too. I was glad to see BJ's list, as I have already made a small dent there and will forward it to my family for my Christmas.
Keep reminding people of the wonders of books, Katie.
Posted by Sandi Thompson on 11/20/08 at 10:15 AM
I was given the Anne of Green Gables series by my Aunt one year, and I so absolutely adored it. Unfortunately, in all the various moves I made afterwards, most of the books have been lost, but I still have at least two.

This past year my belated Christmas present to my neice was Andrew Peterson's book, "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness". She loves reading, and I hope she always will!
Posted by PattyT on 11/21/08 at 01:40 PM
Katy - It's been a long time since I checked in on your blog; it is, as ever, delightful to read.

I L-O-V-E receiving books are presents and always have. As a kid, the 3 or so days after Christmas were always reserved for holing up somewhere and poring over all the books I'd received. Heaven. Last year I actually didn't receive any books from anyone - the horror! Hopefully that will be rectified this year.
Posted by Bethany on 12/01/08 at 09:19 AM
I would say that my best book gift was from my uncle a few years back. It was the Harry potter series. I loved reading it and have it as a treasure even today. Books are the best companions in my opinion
Regards, DcrDetox
Posted by detox on 01/21/09 at 02:19 AM
Till then, I had never read the books of Austen. But once is started reading those, I was very much interested in reading further that I completed the full series within a few days time.
Posted by wrinkles on 01/26/09 at 02:35 AM
I have the habit of gifting books to my friends and relatives. I got this habit from my mom. I really find it remarkable and useful.
Regards, Bob Dikkens
Posted by best air purifier on 01/27/09 at 01:03 AM
For this Christmas, I gifted my friend with a couple of books by Spencer Johnson. Those are really inspiring and very practical. It’s worth reading all his books whenever you get an opportunity.
Posted by the bahamas on 01/28/09 at 02:29 AM
My sister gifted me with ‘You can Win’ for this Christmas. The work has a chunk of practical examples and scenarios. I liked reading it. There were many things that were useful and was follow able in practical life.
Posted by digital photography reviews on 01/29/09 at 08:26 AM
Frederick Forsyth’s ‘The day of the Jackal’ was the best book gift that I have ever got. I got it from my uncle. I found it to be thrilling and exciting. Every page induces a question as to what’s next when you read this novel.
Posted by сантехника on 02/03/09 at 01:44 AM
When I was small, I never knew the value of books. But when I was in my teens, it was my elder sister who made me realize the use of them when she first gifted me with ‘The power of now’. After that, I continued this habit and have it even till date.
Posted by chiropracter on 02/04/09 at 09:10 AM

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Personal blog of christian writer & fallible mom Katy McKenna Raymond in Kansas City, Missouri Katy is represented by Greg Johnson at WordServe Literary Read more Katy at LateBoomer.net Follow Katy on Twitter Follow Katy on Facebook 123 Recent Posts Try Becoming Brenda Starr Off Beat Scattered That’s It So I’ve Finally Signed With An Agent. Now What? The Spoon Sciatica Sweetheart A Woman’s Train of Thought Has No Caboose However much we own, we are all still living on borrowed time After all, when restaurants shrink portions, they don’t shrink prices. As with everything in life, balance is key. Slow down, you move too fast… Yeah, I know. I have issues. Search Advanced Search Syndicate Login E me at katy @ ngenius.com	In Defense Of Good Old-Fashioned Books My good buddies BJ Hoff and Cindy Swanson have been twittering today about how books make such excellent Christmas presents, and I couldn’t agree more. I think the first time I truly became aware of the magic of a wonderful volume unwrapped on Christmas was when I, as a ten-year-old, read Little Women. Who can forget how the four sisters each opened a differently-colored Pilgrim’s Progress—-obviously the story Marmee felt would most ably shape their young hearts during difficult times—-plus one other small gift suited to their individual personalities? Ever since, I’ve been thrilled to both give and receive coveted books at Christmas, when often the members of my family—-after the gifts are all opened and before the feast is begun—-find private nooks and crannies in which to preview their treasures. A hush descends upon the house for those few minutes, as fingers carefully turn new pages and eyes smile over the bounty of even the slimmest tome. So, as the holiday season once again approaches, tell me: What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift? Is there a title you’ve given that was appreciated even more than you imagined it would be? And if you could receive only one book on your wish list this Christmas, which one would it be? Sure, many of us will be cutting back on extravagances this year. I know we are, just like those Little Women did back in the day. But pity the Christmas when books become beyond our reach! For us, we’ll celebrate with good books even if most everything else falls by the way side. How about you? Posted by Katy on 11/17/08 at 02:54 PM Fallible Comments... The best book I ever got for Christmas was the complete works of Jane Austen. I think I was 14 or 15. I was SO disappointed! It wasn't until I read Jane Austen in college that I realized what a treasure I'd been given so long ago. This year. . . well, true confessions: I've already bought three books that are up in the closet, not to be looked at until Christmas Day. Each of my children will give me one. But I have another on my list that I happened across at the bookstore (ok, 2 more books): Looking for Anne of Green Gables: The Life and Times of L.M. Montgomery and Reading Like a Writer: A Guide For People Who Love Books And Those Who Want To Write Them. I sure hope Santa reads your blog! Posted by D'Ann Mateer on 11/17/08 at 06:53 PM One winter when I was little, my mother read Johanna Spyri's Heidi to us one chapter a night--two if we could talk her into it--and I've loved that book ever since. My sister found an old 1959 British copy when she was in England for my niece's wedding last summer and brought it home for me. I treasure it... along with all my various copies of Heidi. : ) Posted by Deb Raney on 11/18/08 at 10:22 AM Growing up in a small town, my father, the pastor of a small town church and mother, his wife (like how that works out? LOL) didn't have much money. However i always, always received books for Christmas and Birthdays. In fact, when i became an adult, i was sorely disappointed when i had to start buying my own books - though i've learned to enjoy doing so to the point that it feels like a holiday. i think books at Christmas are one of the best presents ever. Many times during the Christmas vacation you can find us all at my parent's house and most times there are at least three or four people (or more - we are 16 in all...18 with the dogs)curled up reading. oh! i'm so excited for Christmas!!! Posted by laura on 11/18/08 at 01:47 PM I remember my first book gift, too: Charlotte's Web. My godparents gave it to me, and though I'd already read it, I was thrilled. I turned to everyone and said "I've read this!" My mother was horrified, and gave me that "look." I was so confused, and kept telling them, "NO, I'm really glad you gave it to me even if I have read it. Now I get to keep reading it over and over, and it's MINE!" What can I say...I was only 8! Manners were a little fuzzy to me. I still love Charlotte's Web, and I still love to receive, and give, books as gifts! Posted by Kelley Mathews on 11/19/08 at 07:35 AM The best book I've ever received for Christmas would definitely be The Restorer by Sharon Hinck. I'd been waiting to buy it for seven months since it came out, and finally last Christmas I got it. And it was every bit as good as I'd expected -- maybe even better. One of the must-be-read books on my list this year is Dreaming in Black and White, by Laura Jensen Walker. I've already read the first chapter online so many times I can quote pieces of it by heart! Posted by Gracie on 11/19/08 at 06:14 PM My favorite book I've ever gotten as a present came from YOU when I was about 7 or 8. It was a Raggedy Ann book, and you put the nicest, most wonderful, sisterly inscription inside. I still have it in a special place in my heart and on my bookshelf! :) Posted by Bridget on 11/20/08 at 07:53 AM Wow, I can't remember the first book I got. I was a horse fanatic in my early years (I have slightly mellowed) and the Black Stallion series and Black Beauty stand out. I have been giving books for years, a legacy my Mother passed on. We rescue old books from library sales, find great first editions of old favorites and generally have a huge collection of books. Our 3 yr old grand daughter already loves books too. I was glad to see BJ's list, as I have already made a small dent there and will forward it to my family for my Christmas. Keep reminding people of the wonders of books, Katie. Posted by Sandi Thompson on 11/20/08 at 10:15 AM I was given the Anne of Green Gables series by my Aunt one year, and I so absolutely adored it. Unfortunately, in all the various moves I made afterwards, most of the books have been lost, but I still have at least two. This past year my belated Christmas present to my neice was Andrew Peterson's book, "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness". She loves reading, and I hope she always will! Posted by PattyT on 11/21/08 at 01:40 PM Katy - It's been a long time since I checked in on your blog; it is, as ever, delightful to read. I L-O-V-E receiving books are presents and always have. As a kid, the 3 or so days after Christmas were always reserved for holing up somewhere and poring over all the books I'd received. Heaven. Last year I actually didn't receive any books from anyone - the horror! Hopefully that will be rectified this year. Posted by Bethany on 12/01/08 at 09:19 AM I would say that my best book gift was from my uncle a few years back. It was the Harry potter series. I loved reading it and have it as a treasure even today. Books are the best companions in my opinion Regards, DcrDetox Posted by detox on 01/21/09 at 02:19 AM Till then, I had never read the books of Austen. But once is started reading those, I was very much interested in reading further that I completed the full series within a few days time. Posted by wrinkles on 01/26/09 at 02:35 AM I have the habit of gifting books to my friends and relatives. I got this habit from my mom. I really find it remarkable and useful. Regards, Bob Dikkens Posted by best air purifier on 01/27/09 at 01:03 AM For this Christmas, I gifted my friend with a couple of books by Spencer Johnson. Those are really inspiring and very practical. It’s worth reading all his books whenever you get an opportunity. Posted by the bahamas on 01/28/09 at 02:29 AM My sister gifted me with ‘You can Win’ for this Christmas. The work has a chunk of practical examples and scenarios. I liked reading it. There were many things that were useful and was follow able in practical life. Posted by digital photography reviews on 01/29/09 at 08:26 AM Frederick Forsyth’s ‘The day of the Jackal’ was the best book gift that I have ever got. I got it from my uncle. I found it to be thrilling and exciting. Every page induces a question as to what’s next when you read this novel. Posted by сантехника on 02/03/09 at 01:44 AM When I was small, I never knew the value of books. But when I was in my teens, it was my elder sister who made me realize the use of them when she first gifted me with ‘The power of now’. After that, I continued this habit and have it even till date. Posted by chiropracter on 02/04/09 at 09:10 AM Page 1 of 1 pages Commenting is not available in this weblog entry. Next entry: Really, Really Fun While It Lasts! Previous entry: Things I've Said That I'm Happy Someone Else Didn't Say First, One In An Ongoing Series Of Several << Back to main


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In Defense Of Good Old-Fashioned Books

Personal blog of christian
writer & fallible mom
Katy McKenna Raymond
in Kansas City, Missouri