Buster McLeod’s Neighborhood

 What’s the first thing you do when you log on to your computer every day?

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First, I check my email. Then I usually check Twitter. That's sort of embarrassing, isn't it?

What’s the perfect gift to give to the person who has everything?
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A vacation. And no, I don't have everything, but YES I WILL TAKE ONE.

What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
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I'm torn between Chewy, my big brown bear (at least two feet and very fat) that I got in 2nd grade (who, um, I might have pulled out of the closet this weekend for a cuddle session) or the fact that my ex-boyfriend tracked down a copy of the very first book I ever read when I was three ("Ann Likes Red") AND had it signed by the author. That was the same year that his mom gave me another amazing present. Apparently the conversation went something like this.

Ex Boyfriend's Mom: "I'm looking for a bedazzler for a Christmas present?"

Shop Keeper: "And how old is the little girl you're getting this for?"

Ex Boyfriend's Mom: "Twenty-five."

But yeah, she got me a bedazzler. Amazing.

Await Your Reply: A Novel

Dan Chaon

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would...and I really enjoyed the last third as all of the seemingly disconnected bits came together.  I haven't read a book this strongly about "identity" since the Auster binge I went on about 15 years ago.  (Speaking of which, his new book is next up in the queue...)

But also: yay!!!

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