I read A Handbook to Luck by Cristina Garcia for this month's Book A Month Challenge. In case, you don't know about Book A Month, it's a virtual sort of Book Club created by a librarian. Each month she posts a theme, then we all read a book that relates to said theme, and then we all post on her Book a Month blog and/or on our own blog/site. This month's theme is time.

So, A Handbook to Luck relates to time in that it takes place over a 20 year time period. The theme can be as loose as having time in the title, as long as we all read a book and write about it.

Now, down to business. This is not the first book I have read by Garcia, but it is certainly the most memorable. Her characters are so funny and real, and the story so absorbing. The story begins with her three main characters as children in their points of origin (Cuba, El Salvador, and Iran) and over the years, their lives cross in the US. Garcia's language and description makes for an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book to Cristina Garcia fans, and for those that don't know her, should read Dreaming in Cuban as well.

I had a great time in Philadelphia last weekend. I managed to fit in a visit with my friend Tiffini, a librarian friend from a past life, go bowling, go to a karaoke event that featured indie and punk songs, feed my pen fetish in the exhibit hall, visit some vendors, see some new products, eat some good food (those Amish pancakes are quite tasty), go to several ARL events, and make some new friends. However, there was a low point when I accidentally ate at the very apparently xenophobic cheesesteak joint in the city. Argh. I should have picked up on the fact that they served "freedom fries." I should also have noticed the blaring patriotic music which was somewhat bearable, until they started playing some song about "English being the language of thewhole United States." I don't know if it was the meat, or the song that gave me the stomach ache. I'm betting though that it was the song and the very, very wrong place. It's very disappointing to see a place like this thrive, and it does. Does nobody else notice this, do they all subscribe to this belief, or are they just happy to eat their cheesesteaks? ugh.

I'm getting excited about ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia. I'm flying out on Thursday morning. Maybe it's because I am still so new to the profession, but I really love mass takeovers by librarians on unsuspecting cities for the purpose of discussing all things library related, to schmooze with other librarians, go to all the decadent parties (though I think vendors really should cut back on these crazy parties and pass the savings on to the libraries), and to pick up some really cool swag. Yes, I sure love library conferences.

I don't know much about Philly other than the lore about cheesesteaks, us history, and the Rocky scene. So, I go armed with only one tidbit to help me order cheesesteak like a local. You have to ask for Wiz Wit'. That means, you want a cheesesteak with fried onions (that's the wit' part, or with for all you non-philadelphians) and cheese Whiz, but provolone would be a perfectly acceptable substitute. I wonder what kind of response I would get if I asked for seitan instead of meat?

Anywho, I am currently reading Handbook to Luck by Cristina Garcia. This may be my Book A Month Challenge choice instead of the Janissary Tree. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the Jannisary Tree by Jason Goodwin. I just like Garcia's book better. I'll talk more about that later.

I just got my first challenge from the Book A Month Challenge. Where will I find the time? Ah, I must make time. I took a look at the list, all related to time, and decided that the book I am currently reading will fit the criteria ( a time saver?). So, looks like I will let you know what I think of The Janissary Tree in a week or so. I like it so far.

Went to the Steinhart Aquarium on Howard Street today with the little family, and got one last look at the penguin exhibit until this Fall. La lil Ruby loves the penguins. Sad to see the new/old building go, and looking forward to its return to Golden Gate Park in a a new and improved facility (see sneak preview here). I just wish it would open sooner. I must find some live penguins for my little girl between now and then.....

Happy New Year to all!!!