So, of the books I've read, here are my top 5 favorites of 2009 and a little bit as to why:
5. SILVER PHOENIX by Cindy Pon. I fell in love with Ai Ling as a character and admire her strength and persistence. I was also quite surprised by the book, not anticipating hearting it nearly as much as I did. I loved the way the events moved. It was action-packed and paranormal to boot and kept my interest. I was surprised because I don't have much experience or interaction with China or its culture, so I was expecting to be a little lost and a little frustrated, but Cindy did not leave me hanging. This is a lovely tale of spirit that cannot be broken.
4. EYES LIKE STARS by Lisa Mantchev. Bertie is one of my favorite characters of ALL TIME. This novel is truly original... there is nothing else out there like it. I can't even compare it to another book I've read. It is enjoyable in many aspects and though I've seen a lot of people say that you need to have read Shakespeare to enjoy it, I disagree. I had never read any Shakespeare before I read ELS, but I was familiar with his work through pop culture references... and I was fine. I LOVED this book and cannot wait for PERCHANCE TO DREAM. While I read ELS, it felt like I was watching a cartoon of it in my head. It was a vibrant and truly delightful read.
3. BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. Even though it took me for.ev.er to read this book, it wasn't the book's fault. I was sick and kept falling asleep. I daresay that if I had been healthy during the 22 days it took me to read Beautiful Creatures that I may have loved it even more. I'm still working on a review to do it justice, so don't worry, one's coming. But, it is exceptionally written. The language is fluid and believable and I also love the characters. And, it's not predictable. I heart it when I don't have a book figured out by the third chapter and this is one of those books.
2. PROPHECY OF THE SISTERS by Michelle Zink. I loved everything about this book. Its impeccable writing, its characters, its world. I loved the apocalyptic tone. I loved that Lia was strong, capable girl and that she had a good head on her shoulders. And I loved that Alice did in her own way too. I love the dichotomy that these twins present. I gifted this title heavily this year because I enjoyed it so much. PROPHECY is the first in a trilogy and I cannot wait for THE GUARDIAN AND THE GATE to come out as well. This story is compelling and you will no doubt be grabbed by it as I was.
1. WILLOW by Julia Hoban. When I ask people if they've read this one, most of the time they say, "No, what's it about?" Then I have to rack my brain and say, "Cutting." because I can't think of anything else to say... I mean, that's what it IS about. But really, when you get down to it, WILLOW is about healing. It's a journey through the whole process of why Willow started cutting and how she starts healing. I put off reading this for a while because I was scared of how it would make me feel. But, when I did, I read it in an afternoon. I loved it and couldn't put it down. I left the book feeling better about humanity, feeling better about myself, feeling uplifted in ways I cannot truly explain with words. It is rare that a book sticks with you like this one did with me. If you haven't read it, go get it, right now. Forget your worries that you'll slip into a deep dark depression because of it (you won't, I promise) and just read it. Seriously.
Okay, those were mine. What were yours?
I grew up with boots under the tree rather than stockings hanging from the mantle, but I do stockings now as an adult.
We alternate years between Arizona and Wyoming for Christmas, spending a year with Monster's family, and then a year with mine. Wyoming last Christmas --------->
This year, I got a 
year, we had a lot of fun watching the section that had lights timed to 
The kittehs have their own stocking. I gave up on seperate ones for all of them because Kitty Claus just doesn't have the moolah to fill up five seperate stockings. They all share anyway! Speaking of kitties, I have a funny Christmas-ish story to share about them. Last year we were in Wyoming for Xmas and the babes had the Xmas tree all to themselves. They of course stripped it of all of its ornaments and I never found them all. There was this particular hand crocheted cupcake that was adorable that appeared to be lost forever. Not so. Today I found Sweetpea playing with it in the shower of all places. But they've been really good this year and have left the ornaments on the tree. They know about the Naughty List!
Author Bios
One of the big things that happens this time of year, all over the country, are the pantomimes. For those who don’t know what a pantomime is, it’s basically a play or a musical with kids as the target audience, which can be enjoyed by the whole family. Normally some kind of fairy story, pantomimes are known for the pantomime dames, men who play exaggerated versions of female characters, such as the mother, the step-mother, and the ugly sisters from well known stories, as well as audience participation with phrases such as “It’s behind you!” and “Oh, no it isn’t!/Oh, yes it is!”. Well known celebrities – TV actors, presenters, etc – take part in these fantastic pantomimes. This year, one of the pantomimes being performed is Aladdin, where your very own Pamela Anderson is playing the Genie of the Lamp!
Each year in December, a London building famous for holding arty events, Somerset House, has its courtyard made into an ice-rink. This year the Somerset House ice rink celebrates it’s tenth birthday. As its website says, “Skate beneath the stars in the heart of London this winter, as Somerset House ice rink celebrates its 10th birthday. A calendar of special events includes Breakfast with Tiffany, DJ nights and Penguin Club. Meet in the Skate Café & Bar to enjoy a celebratory drink or visit the Tiffany Tuck shop where jewellery, cupcakes and other treats are on offer. Open all day and into the night, Somerset House ice rink is London's favourite winter tradition.” (Somerset.org.uk)
1. If your animal lover is all about saving endangered species and saving the rainforest, then you might try Jane Goodall's new book/audiobook, 
