Reader, It's Cold Outside | Mid-Columbia Libraries

Early riser

Fforde, Jasper, author.

From the Publisher

"Imagine a world where all humans must hibernate through a brutally cold winter, their bodies dangerously close to death as they enter an ultra-low metabolic state of utterly dreamless sleep. All humans, that is, apart from the Winter Consuls, a group of officers who diligently watch over the vulnerable sleeping citizens. Charlie Worthing is a novice, chosen by a highflying hero Winter Consul to accompany him to the Douzey, a remote sector in the middle of Wales, to investigate a dream which is...

我的思想

之后的世界构建与生动的char是惊人的acters and plenty of humor.

Hiddensee : a tale of the once and future nutcracker

Maguire, Gregory.

From the Publisher

Presents an imaginative tale rooted in early nineteenth-century German Romanticism that explores parallels between the origin legend of the famous Nutcracker with the life of Drosselmeier, the toymaker who carves him.

我的思想

I'm a sucker for a retelling, I'll admit. Maguire is renowned for "Wicked," but his other stories are just as richly imagined.

A lot like Christmas

Willis, Connie, author.

From the Publisher

Collects twelve Christmas tales with a speculative twist, in an expanded edition of the author's "Miracle and Other Christmas Stories." --Publisher

我的思想

I just recently discovered Connie Willis' Christmas anthology, and it made my day!

I am half-sick of shadows

Bradley, C. Alan, 1938-

From the Publisher

"Colonel de Luce, in desperate need of funds, rents his beloved estate of Buckshaw over to a film company. They will be shooting a movie over the Christmas holidays, filming scenes in the stately manse with a famous and reclusive star. She is widely despised, so it is to no one's surprise when she turns up murdered, strangled by a length of film from her own movies! With the snow raging outside and Buckshaw locked in, the house is full of suspects. But Flavia de Luce is more than ready to solve...

我的思想

Number four in a series but one highly recommended by my staff.

The deal of a lifetime : a novella

Backman, Fredrik, 1981- author.

From the Publisher

"Holiday novella about a man who sacrificed his family in the single-minded pursuit of success and the courageous little girl fighting for her life who crosses his path. It all begins with a father telling a story to his son on Christmas Eve. But this isn't your typical Christmas story. The father admits to his son that he's taken a life but he won't say whose--not yet. One week earlier, in a hospital late at night, the man met a five-year-old girl with cancer. She's a smart kid--smart enough...

我的思想

Backman draws such vivid characters, and a feel-good story is always a win during the holidays.

The shining

King, Stephen, 1947-

From the Publisher

Jack Torrance makes a fresh start with a new job at the Overlook Hotel, but as the harsh winter sets in, the idyllic location begins to feel more sinister. The only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.

我的思想

Ranks with Die Hard as an offbeat seasonal favorite.

Hogfather

Pratchett, Terry.

From the Publisher

这是最美妙的时间,Hogswatchnight, when the Hogfather himself dons his red suit and climbs in his sleigh pulled by--of course--eight hogs, to shower gifts across Discworld. But when the fat man goes missing, someone has to sit in. It's up to Death to take up the reigns--otherwise the sun won't shine tomorrow . . . or ever again.

我的思想

Christmas is turned on its head and shaken thoroughly for loose change. If you haven't read Pratchett yet, give yourself an early present!

The latke who couldn't stop screaming : a Christmas story

Snicket, Lemony.

From the Publisher

"Latkes are potato pancakes served at Hanukah. Lemony Snicket is an alleged children's author. For the first time in literary history, these two elements are combined in one book. People who are interested in either or both of these things will find this book so enjoyable it will feel as if Hanukah is being celebrated for several years, rather than eight nights."--back cover.

我的思想

Short, funny, ostensibly for children; don't let that stop you, though!

Muse and reverie

De Lint, Charles, 1951-

From the Publisher

This collection of 13 stories is the fifth set in Newford, de Lint's city of artists, musicians and magic, and the first since 2002. Interspersing time travel and period pieces with tales of Native American and Celtic magic, de Lint creates mythology that seems as real as the folklore from which it draws. From flighty yet powerful avatars to fiendish goblins, the characters are complex and clever, and even the most fantastical still has a sense of humanity.

我的思想

Lyrical and fantastical short stories from a master.

Murder for Christmas

From the Publisher

It is often noted that people are at their best during the holidays and this is most certainly true for our most celebrated mystery writers. Ranging from classic to contemporary, these authors spin 26 ghastly yuletide tales that will put you in the Christmas spirit in no time.

我的思想

A collection of classic murder mystery authors give a twist to the season.

The left hand of darkness

Le Guin, Ursula K., 1929-

From the Publisher

A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants' gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter's inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters...

我的思想

Set on a world called Winter, this will make you think, and it may make some pretty interesting discussion at dinner.

Shiver

Stiefvater, Maggie, 1981- author.

From the Publisher

In all the years she has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house, Grace has been particularly drawn to an unusual yellow-eyed wolf who, in his turn, has been watching her with increasing intensity.

我的思想

An atmospheric read with a little paranormal romance.

Holidays on ice

Sedaris, David.

From the Publisher

David Sedaris's beloved holiday collection is new again with six more pieces, including a never before published story. Along with such favorites as the diaries of a Macy's elf and the annals of two very competitive families, are Sedaris's tales of tardy trick-or-treaters; the difficulties of explaining the Easter Bunny to the French; what to do when you've been locked out in a snowstorm; the puzzling Christmas traditions of other nations; what Halloween at the medical examiner's looks like;...

我的思想

Families, drama, disaster. What's not to laugh about?