Birthday Books

I am the luckiest ‘girl’ in the world. Yesterday, for my birthday, my husband presented me with an enormous bag of books. The amazing thing is that, diverse as they were, each book was something I would have asked for. Even the C.S.I. book, which I probably would not have picked up myself, looks intriguing. I am just discovering graphic novels and other visual stories for grown-ups. I guess after ten years of marriage, he has me figured out.

Here’s the goodie list:

Let’s Go France 2006

I’m supposed to visit friends in France this year. Note to self: Start getting it organized!

Son of a Witch, by Gregory Maguire

I enjoyed the musical, based on Maguire’s earlier book, Wicked.

Secrets From the Vinyl Café, by Stuart McLean

I love radio plays and McLean has polished the technique of creating a crowd-pleasing tale. How does he do it so consistently?

The Eyre Affair and The Big Over Easy, by Jasper Fforde

I’ve had these humorous mysteries recommended to me. In each book, fictional characters are kidnapped from the past.

C.S.I. Crime Scene Investigation Serial, (Graphic Novel) by Max Allan Collins

I’m a C.S.I. fan but I’m a bit skeptical. I’m interested in this format in any case.

A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare 1599, by James Shapiro

The Elizabethan era is fascinating by itself. In 1599, Shakespeare wrote Henry the Fifth, Julius Caesar, As You Like It and Hamlet. How could I not want to read this book!

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The End, by Lemony Snicket

I know, I know, I’m too old to have read all 12 of the previous books but I have. I even own them. I would have bought this one if I hadn’t received it. What I like about these books is the exercise of style that they represent.

More birthday celebrations:

I went to see my son’s first hockey game for the year. We got whupped. We even scored on our own net, but my son skated well. It was fun.

In the evening I had a three-course dinner with Spanish bubbly at Le Select Bistro, a Toronto landmark. I am so spoiled.

Afterwards, my husband took me to The Bad Dog Theatre for some comedy improvisation. It was alumni night, featuring The Chumps. I’m a fan of improv and I’ve even done some so it was fun to watch veterins throwing sticks in each other’s spokes, just to see if they would mess up.