Christmas Swap 2015

Welcome to the Christmas Swap for the 75 Books Challenge Group 2015. In case you don’t know me, I am Jeff (mahsdad) and I am taking over this year for Mark, who did such a great job last year. I hope I can fill his Santa boots adequately.

As before, we keep this simple: Let me know if you are playing, PM me your address, I will draw names randomly and everyone will get a 75er to buy gift book(s) for.

We keep it to a $25 limit, so it can be affordable for everyone. This can be new books or carefully preserved “used” books. This will be open to everyone, everywhere, since there are free shipping options available, like Book Depository.

The cut off will be about the 21st of November (weekend before Thanksgiving). I will pick the names and get the addresses out in PM messages as soon as I can after that.

Once that is done, you can select from that Lter's wishlist or pick something on your own. The former is a safer bet. We do our best to get the gift books to the recipients, by Christmas, so ship accordingly. International shipping can sometimes take up to 3 weeks or more.

Make sure you have Christmas Swap or LibraryThing printed somewhere on the shipping label, so your giftee "knows" and can save it for a Christmas opening. Another suggestion that I saw last year was, if the shipper didn’t allow for personal messages, put “LT” in as part of your giftee’s name.

Please feel free to use this thread to ask questions, make suggestions, or explicitly state that you do NOT want the latest YA Werewolf/Vampire Romantic-comedy series even though everyone says you must read it.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Merry Festivus for the rest of us.

Of course I am in buddy.

I will join this year. Last year I somehow missed the thread until the day after the deadline.

Hey, Jeff, how great of you to take this over! I'm in, please.

Thanks for taking this on, Jeff!

I'm in.

Thanks for saving the day, Jeff. Of course, I am in!!

I am in as well ......

I'm in as well! I think I have a more or less live wish list on my library; varying from it can be dangerous given my omniverous reading habits and incomplete library listing, alas.

Great that you're stepping in, Jeff!

Thanks for doing this Jeff.
I'll try it this year as well. I'll have to update my wishlist.

Thanks, Jeff! I am in.

cbl_tn, ronincats, avatiakh, great that you want to participate. Can you PM me your address when you get a chance?

Thanks! I'll PM info ASAP.

Thanks for stepping in and putting the Christmas Swap together this year, Jeff.

Count me in, though I've got a lot of work to get my Christmas wishlist into shape. It'll be lots of fun, though, as usual.

^ Oh yeah. I may never read them all, but that doesn't mean I don't want them all.

I will prune my Christmas Wishlist from my existing wishlist and mark and tag it clearly as such, "CHRISTMAS WISHLIST". I won't list down anything too obscure or unavailable on Book Depo.

I think I'll participate again this year. I'll send you my address privately as requested. I guess I'd better get to work on a Christmas 2015 wish list.

Thank you, Jeff, for taking this on and giving Mark a much needed break!

I'm in and I'll PM my address.

I've put together my list; it's in list of books under Wish List, and tagged Xmas Swap 2015! There, that's done! I had fun shopping last year; I think I managed to find three or four books for my giftee and come in under the $25 mark...

I am in! Time to update the wish list. Where did the year go?

>19 Chatterbox: I updated my wishlist but the tagging idea sounds really good.

May I join in, please. The list to look at in my collections is called "Buy These 4 Me." I'll PM you, Jeff, with contact info.

Oh, and get yourself a Christmas beverage of your choice at Starbucks. Ask for the green cup.

ETA: Used book is okay with me.

ETA: No e-book or audio book, pls. Ink on paper is my preference.

Welcome. :)

Green cup? Where's the orange, brown and yellow one for Thanksgiving? That holiday is getting stiffed

I hope I'm not too late to join the frivolity. Also, I would like to offer a scholarship for someone else to participate. I didn't get to last year because money was so tightnon-existent, but a wonderful LTer sent a book anyway. I would like to pay the favor forward.

Hi Jeff, I think I'm managing to squeak in before the cut off?

I will participate as well. I put my address in your comments on your profile page.

Just a quick update. No one is too late to join, I won't do the picks until next weekend.

Right now we have 21 people participating. Hopefully, we'll have some more lovely people join in this week. (An ODD # will be helpful, so we got an even match of people. :) )

Tell all your friends.

Bouncing this up to the top of the list of threads...

Thanks Suzanne. I was just thinking about that. I'm always curious how other people see new posts. I've always used the Starred thread method and then look for the unread posts, but I know others rely on the latest post listing on the Group page. Too much to keep track of at times.

I will post a reminder message on Wed, here and on the General message thread.

I'm in. PMing you my address.

Would love to join! Can you instruct a newbie on how to PM you? Thanks!

Just left you one. A PM is just a post on your comments on your main page. You should see now a yellow "1" up on the top of the page next to your user name. Click on it and it will take you to the message/comments section of your profile.

I'm in!

Happy Wednesday everyone.

I'm happy to report that with Ellen's post we are now at 25 lovely groupers joining us for our annual Christmas Book Swap.

If there is anyone out there who is still interested in joining, there's still plenty of time, just PM me your address and I'll include you in the selections.

OK, thanks for doing this job, Jeff. You are definitely appreciated!

I am joining in, and will PM my mailing address to you.

Happy mid-week... looking forward to the weekend!

^Make sure everyone gets their wishlist(s) in order. I just added a Christmas Swap WL, to make things easier, for the very lucky person who gets me.

Thanks for the reminder, Mark.

My LT "Wishlist" collection is up-to-date. I have no problem with used books.

If you want to get me something not on my WL, you can check my other collections to see if I already own it or have read it.

Yeah my WL is long, but up to date, so no problem with anything there.

Used books are fine for me as well. No ebooks please. Not even sure how you do that, buying ebooks for someone else. The SantaThing folks have obviously figured it out, tho.

The books I've read are tagged and go back at least 8 years, so if I haven't read something you find interesting, I am totally game.

I've been adding to my "Christmas wishlist" on LT. I've got an even 100 books on there.

My other books on LT are books I've read. I don't catalog books I own but haven't read.

The books in my wishlist are safe choices, but I like surprises, too. Older books can be tricky, especially series books, since my LT catalog doesn't contain most of my pre-LT reading if I didn't keep the book or if I borrowed it from the library or a friend.

I've been on the fence, trying to decide if my TBR could stand to get any bigger. Starting to get in the holiday spirit, so I'm in. I'll send you my address. And I'll put a Wish List together.

My wishlist is up-to-date. I don't mind getting used books.

I'd like to join in if it's not too late! I'll PM my address and get a wishlist up soon. And I have no problem with used books.

Still plenty of time. I won't "close" the list until Sunday. Come on along...

My wishlist is up to date. Used books more than welcome.

Evening folks. If there is anyone following this thread but is still on the fence about swapping with us, there's still time

PM me your address and I'll put you on the list.

I am going to make selections tomorrow night

If the list is still open, please add my name to it. Used is always always welcome. I have a wishlist collection here. Consultation with lycomayflower could avoid duplications, for both of us!

I echo what Linda said above, if possible, can I still get my name in. I apologize for the delay.

Okay the proverbial polls are closed. I'll start sending out the emails today.

When you get your giftee, have fun searching thru their vast wish lists and picking them out something special.

Try to stick to a $25 budget. I know the Book Depository has free shipping.

Merry Christmas!

I THINK that Michigantrumpet (aka Marianne) wanted to get in on the action, too. I had brunch with her yesterday. Is it too late if I give her a prod and get her to PM you?

I just started, but hadn't sent anything out. If she wants in, give her a poke and PM me

One suggestion, Jeff: If you are sending out international, with Book Depository, ect...You might want to give it, at least 3 weeks. One time it took, my package nearly 4 weeks to arrive. Just a heads-up...

Better getting it early, than after the New Year.

For whoever gets my name: I've made a swap wishlist, but please don't feel constrained to pick from it. It's really just for guidance! I'm open to most anything. :)

And let the fun begin. I've sent out all the messages. I tried to be as random as I could.

As Mark said above, if you are one of the 8 international swapping pairs, don't wait until the week before Christmas to make your picks. Unless, of course, you are shooting for Eastern Orthodox Christmas!

Hope everyone is having a good week. Whether or not you are in the US celebrating Thanksgiving this week, I think this group is something to be thankful for.

Cheers...

>54 mahsdad: Thanks for sending them out. It's always fun to poke around in someone else's wishlist and try to get a sense for what they'd like.

How ironic, as soon as I send out our picks, the Santathing announcement comes out. :)

>56 mahsdad: So, you're one up on the "competition"!

>54 mahsdad: Thanks for doing this!

I also have a wishlist. I'm good with nice used copies.

Used works for me, too.

It would be lovely if all of us could specify whether we are OK or not with used copies, or prefer nice shiny new ones. For my part, I'm very happy with used ones, though tend to be wary of very elderly ones that are described diplomatically as "reading copies"! When I'm buying them for myself or others on Amazon, I hone in ones described as "very good" or "like new" rather than "good" or "acceptable".

If others could follow up on this and clarify, it gives their swapee a bit more guidance in making picks...

>60 Chatterbox: Good idea. Personally, I prefer new books but very good quality(like new) used books are fine, too.

>60 Chatterbox: Fine idea, Suz.

I will accept used books. My Christmas Swap List is locked and loaded.

You have done a fine job, Jeff. We salute you.

>60 Chatterbox: Good idea, Suz. I tend to also only purchase used books that are referred to as "very good" or "like new".

Happy shopping everyone!

New or used, they're all books to me! My wishlist is up to date - with only 393 books on it. :)

For me, it's either the "nice shiny new ones" or the "very good/like new" ones. Thanks for asking this Suzanne.

I think I mentioned up thread that good quality used books are fine with me. (If I didn't add the "good quality" I do so now.) I know some people have a problem with books that may have been in a house with many pets, or smokers, so when buying used on-line I pay close attention to the descriptions.

My wishlist is up to date, and I don't mind used books, unless they are falling apart :)

>64 alphaorder: eek -- talk about being spoiled for choice! (For your swapee, I mean).

>66 laytonwoman3rd: Yes, I was also thinking about the smoke/pets issue. I don't have an issue with either, but some people do. I did once get a book that smelled so much of smoke that I had to put it in a well aired room that I seldom used, right by a window (away from rain) until it could air out. It took nearly a month! It was a book I deeply coveted and that had been VERY hard to get hold of, so I was highly motivated, but still...

I'm also okay with used books. You can use the xmas wishlist or the regular one, but not ones that have "library" as a tag--that means my library has it. THanks.

>68 Chatterbox: You think I should narrow it down?

I'm good with used. Not picky at all, though a really smoky book would be less desirable.

>70 alphaorder: Heavens, no, it's up to you! Just chuckling at the quantity. It sounds like something I'd do. If I didn't firmly restrain myself (and thought I had enough years left to get through my TBR list...)

> 72

Well, according to LT, there are 450 books in my house that I haven't read, so I don't really NEED to be adding more. But I can't hep it. I am sure my friends here can relate. :)

>73 alphaorder: Yes, I think I've long since lost count of the # of unread books. Just as well; I think the answer would terrify me.

Unread books are like money in the bank. I never feel a bit guilty about how many of them there are in the house. Untapped resources, that's what they are, just waiting to enrich my life.

>75 laytonwoman3rd: I like this way of thinking. Trying that out in the husbeast the next time there's muttering. "Resources."

>76 lycomayflower: Right? Impossible to argue. If you use my name, remind him of my chicken wings. Would not want to be banned from the house.

I think I mentioned above, but as names have gone out, I'll say again: used books are awesome (my only objections to a used book is of it's truly falling apart, is written/highlighted in, or smells of cigarette or wood smoke). My wishlist is up to date (as is my library--everything I own is in there--so if you want to go "off list," you can easily be sure you're getting something I don't already have). Wheee! This was such fun last year. I'm excited to be participating again!

I've entered all the books on the floor so my library should be up to date, though I have lotsa books in the To Be Organized collection, owned but not yet shelved. The Xmas Swap Wishlist is suggestions, feel free to deviate (but no fiction; that's all e-book or public library), gently used books are fine.

I am of course more than ok with used but it may prove to be cheaper to send me something from Book Depo as the postage otherwise could be more than the price of the book.

My orders for my 'chosen ones' have gone out already.

Used, new, soft, hard.... I love 'em all!

Boo hoo, I missed the boat. Just as well, I have enough books already. (Ha! Who am I kidding?)
Have fun with your picks and your givings and receivings!!

I just placed my order for my Swapee and used Book Depository. I have not sent books overseas using Book Depository so hope that it works. I decided to try this source because so many of the folks in this group who swapped books last year had good luck with this source. The order had free shipping to the country so I was able to get two books and still stay in the $25.00 limit. Delivery will be from the UK in 3 business days. That means the Swapee should get the books in the next week or so. I put LT-Christmas Swap after the name, so I hope the person understands what it is when they get it. I couldn't find a place to send a note with the gift, so in a week or so I will send a card in the regular mail.

Mine are ordered too.

I also used Book Depository as soon as I knew who my recipient was, their wishlist made the job easy. Afterwards I realised that as my recipient lives in the US I could have used amazon so checked the pricing and for what I ordered it was much cheaper through BD and I was able to gift them 3 books.

Kudos to mahsdad for providing me with a good match.

Mine are ordered also, thru Amazon. I put "LT Xmas Swap" on the address label.

My list now is fully up to date. Sadly, it's a bit tricky for people to venture "off list". I've got about 2,500 books here that are NOT yet catalogued, plus the ones I've read and haven't catalogued. If you desperately want to venture off the wish list, the best bet is to opt for a new book, published in the last three or four years, as I've tried to keep up with books as they have entered the house in that time frame.

My order is going in this week. It's going to be summoned here ("accio books!") and then turned around and sent out again in one box.

Order placed for my swapee. Might get a couple boxes, if Amazon's infinite wisdom holds true. "LT" is on the label

Now to decide if I want to do SantaThing as well.

Hi all, great to see the Xmas-swap excitement is building ..... now off to BD

I bought my Swappee's books and just wrapped them. They're ready to go off to the post office tomorrow and I marked the package 'LT X'mas Swap' on the front and the back of the package.

Part of my Swappee's gift is on its way, also marked "LT Xmas Swap" as part of the address. The rest will be mailed out this week sometime.

I ordered my swapee's gifts last week from Book Depo. I usually have them delivered to me so I can wrap them nicely and include a card, but I'm paranoid about the gifts arriving in time, so sent them directly. I included LT Xmas Swap in the name/address box.

>92 katiekrug: I'm slightly paranoid about timing, too, since I'll be away from the 8th to the 16th. Oh well. Hopefully either nothing shows up here between those dates, or else my lovely cat sitter tracks it down and gets it indoors before it's stolen!

I've put in an order, managing NOT to wait for cyber-Monday. I expect it to arrive later this week, at which time I will package it up with something else I want to include, and off it will go! It should have plenty of time to get where it's going.

A little late (it was a busy week!) but just to note -
I'm easy to please; used books, paperbacks, audio books are fine. Or any other books except maybe not Ebooks.
Wishlist is up to date and I like surprises too!

I've done my shopping now. I had the books gift-wrapped so my giftee can decide whether to open immediately or wait until December 25!

I know mine won't be wrapped. So I'm going to suggest caution if you want to wait until the 25th when opening the box. Perhaps an impartial observer can let you know wrapped or unwrapped.

Hate being surprised too early.

Also, I think I neglected to mention that after the 25th (or on the 25th for insane people like me) you are most welcome to reveal yourselves to the group and your swapees. Let us know what everyone got, cause I'm sure all of our selections will help expand our own personal WL.

If this post shows up three times, don't blame me. I posted the following message (or tried to) a few minutes ago:

Gracious goodness, I've received a package with "LT XMAS SWAP" emblazoned on the address label! Somebody around here is horribly efficient.

LT told me I was duplicate posting. But it didn't show up even once. I closed the site. Reopened it. Looked at my "Talk", and sure enough, it showed that I had posted the most recent message on this thread. But the message still didn't appear. So I'm trying again.

>98 laytonwoman3rd: Just seeing it once.

My, that is efficient. I'm plotting out what books to buy for mine today. Maybe I'll finish today or maybe not.

>98 laytonwoman3rd: I noticed that in the thread list. Your name showed up as the last poster, but when I opened the thread I couldn't see your message at the bottom. I had just about decided that you had edited an earlier post when this message showed up.

And how exciting that your swap package has already arrived! Are you saving it for Christmas? Will you be able to stand the suspense?!

Well that was fun picking out books for my Swapee. As is usual, I found plenty on his or her wishlist to add to my own wishlist.

I was off today and three packages arrived on my doorstep. I opened them all and then realized that I probably should've checked the labels more carefully before I opened them.

I know it's cheesy but I am very excited to receive a package from my Xmas Swap buddy, whomever they may be!

I've signed up for SantaThing as well, and I know there are at least a few others who are doing both. If it's not too much trouble, it would be nice if the swapee who is sending us books could check our SantaThing profiles before the deadline on Dec. 11 to make sure we don't get any duplicate selections from SantaThing. We won't be able to see our SantaThing comments until Christmas so you can leave messages there about any books you know are already on their way to us if it looks like our Santa is about to select duplicates.

My SantaThing profile is here.

>90 cameling: Woot, woot, package has arrived! I'm sorely tempted to tear the sucker open but I'm going to wait until closer to Christmas (if I have the willpower). Thank you in advance!

I got a package today! I had ordered a bunch of books for my nieces and nephew and thought this was part of that order and was just opening the box when my husband stopped me - "I don't think you're supposed to open that yet. It's from the book cult." Heh.

He has taken the package and promised he'll remember to pack it so I can open it on Christmas Day at my MIL's in Florida :)

Books for my Swapee were mailed today.

>105 katiekrug: "From the book cult" LOL

I had two Amazon packages today. Carefully checked to make sure there was no LT mention.

>104 LibraryLover23: *pats sofa* Come sit here by me; we'll hold each other's hands so we can't get at that wrapping...

>105 katiekrug: "book cult" . I like it. We aren't brainwashed, though, are we? Acting of our own free will at all times...not under the influence of any gurus. Or warblers.

I finally had enough time to place an order for my swapee. I had LT put on the outside although there are gift receipts inside.

>102 EBT1002: I don't think it's cheesy, Ellen, I feel the same way!

>105 katiekrug: Book cult...lol!

#105
I love the book cult thing. Tell your husband that is sooooooo cute.

I was notified by Book Depository today that the order going to my swapee has been shipped. Somebody is going to get a nice package soon.

The library in which I work has a Toys For Tots campaign each year and that box is in the library. It really bugs me that people put toys in there but never do I see books. For that reason I try to put some kind of book in the box each year. This year I had purchase points in Amazon so I ordered a boxed set of four Black Stallion books and put them in the box. I just know that there is some kid out there who would read books if they had them in the house, so I just did my part.

My local Barnes & Noble hosts a book donation project at Christmas time as well. Here in Tuscaloosa the books go to local charities that give out gifts to kids. Last weekend I purchased Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl in paperback as my donation. I love locally owned and independent bookstores, but if you have a Barnes & Noble close by stop in and see if they have one of these book buying programs. The book I bought cost about $8.50 including tax. I have faith that there is some kid who will get that book and spend Christmas day reading it with pleasure.

well, it looks like my swapee will be getting three packages from Book Depository. I put an identifier in the address so you'd know it was from a 75er.

>98 laytonwoman3rd: Another package has arrived, marked LT XMAS SWAP!! I almost opened this one before I realized it was marked that way. The excitement may get to me...

WE ARE THE BOOK CULT! Love it.

I received a package from Book Depository today. Christmas Swap gift?

I'm assuming this was from my assigned person.... *big smile*

eta: Maybe a book mark was included. *even bigger smile*

LT, aka the Book Cult...

*grin*

I got a message from the amazon vendor for one of the three books I had chosen, telling me that it wasn't available. grrrr. I had composed my list very carefully, so as to squeeze in three books that (with prime shipping, good quality used condition) would total under $25, and had to go back and find something that I could fit in more or less within the remaining budget. Hampered by the fact that the vendor hasn't returned my $$ yet. Grrrr. But I succeeded, and a third book is on its way to my swapee. I like using Prime, since I can get the $ amounts removed from books and include a gift message (if not wrapping...) I'll be away until the 16th, so hoping my book cult shipments will be here waiting for me on my return. I will buy a little/miniature tree to put them under!!

Received Amazon books from my LT Santa last week. Dying to peek . . .

I've received two packages from Book Depository that I believe must be from my Xmas Swap buddy. We've been having the most horrid weather and both arrived somewhat wet so both have been opened. Luckily, the packaging did protect them so both are in absolutely fine condition! I'm quite excited!
In the Light of What We Know - I've not heard of this but it looks very interesting!
Ancillary Justice - There has been much warbling about this series so I'm excited to check it out.

AND -- both books came with a BookDepository bookmark!!!! Hooray!

THANK YOU to my Xmas Swap buddy, aka Cult member. :-)

I got a message from the shipper that the package that I sent was "left on an outside porch". I hope that my swapee has checked the porch and brought the package in from the cold.

I received a message that the package to my Santee was delivered also.

>117 EBT1002: Yay for wet weather that forces the opening of Christmas packages!! Glad to hear your new books were undamaged. Do you know who your Santa is yet?

^I received a package from Amazon today (marked appropriately). Mine was completely dry, so I will tuck it away safely until Christmas morning.

I've received messages that 3 separate packages (!) were all delivered to my Santee. Interestingly, one was at the front door, one was in the mailbox, and one wasn't specified. I hope she got them ok.

I received one package from Book Depository!

^I received a 2nd package today (marked appropriately). Yah, Me! This will join the other one, under the tree.

I am pleased to see that my swap has received at least one package.

Someone has a package galloping to her/him from my neck of the woods, and it should arrive Monday, so says my favorite postal clerk. (I don't believe she's ever lied to me yet.)

^My Swap package is in the mail...

Lovely Saturday morning surprise - 2 packages in this morning's mail ...YAY!!!!!

Now for those who do open before Xmas day - when is too early ??? :P

To whom it may concern: A package marked LT Xmas Swap or some such arrived either late yesterday or early today, and another arrived perhaps sometime last week but I didn't notice until a few days ago because I'd neglected to check the back porch. I am dutifully obeying instructions on the label not to open until Christmas.

On my end, I have books in hand to mail on Monday, which for domestic delivery should be soon enough.

I received a package labeled LT Swap the other day. I've set it aside for Christmas.

I also put mine in the mail this week for my swapee.

In today's mail, I received a Christmas Swap book. Holding it til Christmas Eve.

The mailman just left a package from Amazon which wouldn't really be unusual except that my middle name on the label is "coppers" so I suspect it's my Secret Santa gift! :)

Yippie!

I'll be waiting for the 24th, at least, to open it!

I e-mailed the LT Goddess, Abby Blachely about the American Library Association meeting. The winter meeting will be in Boston starting January 8, 2016. Librarything will be offering free passes to the exhibit hall. These passes are good for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning. I will have more details when Abby gets back to me on Monday.

If you live in the Boston area this is a great way to spend a weekend and get free books.

I was notified that my swapee received a package yesterday.

I sent my package out yesterday. I also received two more, for a total of three! They are under the tree.

I've received a package that I didn't order! It actually arrived a week ago, but I wasn't notified that it was here. My work and home address are the same (long story) so I get all my mail at work. The system for picking up packages was changed about 2 weeks ago and it seems there are a few kinks that need to be worked out. I'll be out of town for Christmas and traveling by air so I will open the box Thursday evening to celebrate the end of the semester.

Bright and early this AM a package arrived at my front door. Thank you, Santa. I'm following the instructions.

Okay, I confess. I got a package more than a week ago, followed several days later by a second. So bein' a geezer--and geezers is prone to pop off at any time in December (seasonal affective poppin' off, a.k.a. SAPO)--I figured I better open 'em quick, lest I miss my chance. (Waiting until Christmas is for kids whose parents practice PSYOPS on them.)

So thanx my friend, whoever, for the lovely books. My wife already read one; ha ha ha.

So, my swap box is on the table. I keep finding excuses to hover over it. Will I make it to Thursday? I already got three new books in the mail today - 2 review copies and one purchase. I should be satisfied with that, but the curiosity is eating away at me!

I received a second package today and put it under the tree to be unwrapped on the 25th, or the 24th. We'll see...

Thank you Santa!! :)

>138 weird_O: hmmm no idea what PSYOPS is short for ...... but totally agree with the unwrapping sentiment of unwrapping all the things now !

>141 roundballnz: PSYOPs is (or was) U.S. Army jargon for Psychological Operations, which was army jargon for propaganda. Messin' with people's minds.

>141 roundballnz:, >142 weird_O: Read The Men Who Stare at Goats for more info on PSYOPs.

I'm getting a bit concerned. Book Depo says my order was dispatched a couple of weeks ago (to US destination) but my swappee hasn't mentioned getting books yet.

>144 AuntieClio: - I'm in the same boat, though my Book Depo order was going not to the US but elsewhere....

Amazon told me that all 3 packages were delivered to various spots in/near my swapee's house but she hasn't mentioned getting anything either.

>144 AuntieClio: I think it's within a typical time frame for Book Depository deliveries to the U.S. I ordered a book from Book Depository (via Amazon) on Nov. 5. It was shipped on Nov. 6, and I received it Nov. 23 (although it might have arrived on the 21st - I don't always check my mail on Saturdays). Hopefully your swapee will receive their book(s) any day now!

>143 drneutron: Laughably, I'm a veteran of PSYOPs; I was drafted in 1966 (got my draft notice the week before I got my college diploma), and possessing that freshly awarded degree in journalism, I was assigned directly from basic training to a PSYOPs unit at Fort Bragg. Except the unit had no equipment. We didn't have a single goat to stare at. I was immediately recruited to be the company clerk, giving me things to do, but not anything psychological. Later on, I got myself into a PSYOPs company being sent to Bangkok to train PSYOPs to Thais. Oh yeah. I was company clerk. Still no goat.

I received a package from New York for the Swap the day before yesterday apparently. I found it outside yesterday morning where my neighbor's unfenced dogs had drug it through the yard. I don't think the contents were damaged although the dogs had definitely chewed the corner of the package. I wish the letter carrier had put it between the inner and outer front door like the UPS guy does. I'm dying to know what is inside but I'll be good and wait until just before I leave town.

If anyone, a Santa, or Santee are concerned about the status of their shipments, PM me (if you're the Santa, send the tracking #) and I'll reach out to your partner to see what the status is....

Speaking of receiving packages. I did get a box from my Santa yesterday. Yippee!

mrsdrneutron reports a package just arrived from Wisconsin with LT Swap written on it... It's now safely ensconced under the tree!

My swappee has already confirmed receiving packages which, I know, are from me. I alas have nothing yet and am probably heading off to the UK at the weekend. Guess I may get a new year boost. :)

My Swappee has announced receiving two of three packages. I suspect that the third package is or should also have been received by this individual.

Nothing here at this end on my return from Atlanta, however.

>133 benitastrnad: I shall have to look into that ALA event!!!!

My daughter just walked in with 2 BD parcels marked 75er in the address line, so I'm good.

I know my swappee has mentioned receiving 2 of 3 parcels sent and I'm aware that there was a delay of a few days at BD with the sending of the 3rd one but should have arrived by now.

>151 drneutron:

Glad to hear the package arrived! The gifts are wrapped, so feel free to open box and put the books under the tree, if you wish.

So now you know who your Book Santa is, but not the gifts!

Nancy

Not sure I mentioned that I received a 3rd package last week from an LT source...

>155 alphaorder: unfortunately, mrsdrneutron took possession of the package and won't let me open it. It seems I have a bit of a reputation for, well, "investigating" my presents so I'm generally not allowed to touch them until Christmas Day. :)

Today, I received a second package from my Swap Santa. Thanks. Still hoping to open on Christmas Eve.

I have not received any packages containing books. I am sure that it will get here and if it doesn't come tomorrow I will open it when I get back after my Christmas break. I will be leaving Friday morning for home and will be back on January 3, 2016. I will post a notice as soon as I find out a package got here. My neighbor will notify me and pick up any package that is left at my door while I am gone.

Book Depository notified me that my purchases were shipped in two packages to my swapee. They were sent at the end of November. I would think that my swapee should have received them by now, but I haven't seen any posting here that they were received.

>157 drneutron:

:)

>157 drneutron: I'm pretty good at avoiding presents once I know they are there. But I have a reputation of stumbling upon things that my wife didn't want me to see. Opening a drawer (or some such thing). Me: Hey what's this thing? She: Ack, close it, close it. Damn. :)

>152 PaulCranswick: - I have it on good authority that an order was placed on 25 November and Santa dispatched it from the UK to KL on 30 November.... :)

I got a third package from my Swap Santa today!!

I decided not to take my swap gift with me when I fly to my brother's for Christmas since I don't know how much I'll have to fit in my suitcase for the return trip. Today feels like a holiday since it was the last day of the semester, so I opened my books this evening. Now I'm sorely tempted to drop what I'm currently reading and dig into these lovely books! (But I won't, because both are review books that I've committed to read.) Thank you Santa, whoever you are!

>164 cbl_tn: But, but, but.....what were the books?

i know who my Santa is although I haven't opened either of the packages yet. My Santee knows I'm their Santa and also that I got a little carried away. :)

>165 Copperskye: Jane and the Canterbury Tale by Stephanie Barron and Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin. The Tomalin biography has a map and lots of illustrations and a family tree!

>166 cbl_tn: Nice! The biography sounds interesting and I haven't heard of the mystery series. May need to investigate!

>164 cbl_tn: That would be me! I read the Tomalin biography earlier this year and couldn't resist when I saw it on your wish list!

>168 drneutron: Thanks Jim! A lot of my books don't stick around after I've read them, but both of these are keepers.

I received a third package today Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee! - thanks to my Santa for 3 excellent books

Still no packages in the mailbox, and I am leaving town today for my Christmas break. I have the neighbor picking up the mail and she will e-mail me if anything comes in. I won't be on LT for the next couple of days, but as soon as I get a package I will let this thread know.

Dear Secret Santa,
I got your box today, and opened it like you said I could. The wrapping paper is beautiful! They have gone on the stack of gifts to be opened on the Day itself. I will open the card then.

Gratefully,
Stephanie :-)

I think all of my Santee's books are there; I just realized that two may have been shipped in the same box. (They are all marked as having been delivered, at any rate...) Nothing here yet, but there is nearly a whole week to go!

Since I'm headed out of town, I decided to open my package to see if anything was begging to go in the suitcase. I decided these are books I want to savor instead of read with distractions so I'm leaving them for when I get home! Thanks, Vivian! (Visit my thread to see what the books are.)

>162 katiekrug: The packages can often take upwards of three weeks to reach Malaysia, Katie, I have something to look forward to on my return to Malaysia in early January. :D xx

I was traveling for the last 3 weeks, so what a thrill it was to come home to a giant pile of junk mail and peeking in between them, a wonderful package from my LT Secret Santa .. thankfully I noticed the 'LT' in parentheses next to my name or I would have ripped it open in 2 seconds. It's now safely tucked under the tree waiting for Christmas Eve!

If my Santa has sent me something from Amazon that is en route via Amazon, there is a chance it may not be deliverable, I'm afraid. There is a bug in UPS's system: they no longer want to deliver to my home, but to an AccessPoint that no longer exists, and I can't change this on their system. Just mentioning, as I have an Amazon package en route that I can't account for via UPS and haven't seen anything from my Santa yet. Still hoping to work it out, but after two hours on the phone today, not optimistic. (I have to do this with every UPS package...)

I've received a package from my Santa and it's under the tree!

Just received my beautifully wrapped package - thanks so much Katherine - can't wait to open it!

I decided to open my Christmas Swap books. It IS Christmas Eve, which is when I promised to open the packages.

I got 3 packages from the Book Depository--3 paperbacks.

--Sophie Hannah's mystery, the new Hercule Poirot mystery, The Monogram Murders.
--Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, Never Let Me Go
--Richard Matheson's novel Somewhere in Time

A great haul of books. Love them!!

Alas, no indication as to who my Christmas Swap Santa is, though these were paid for in New Zealand dollars. Thank you to my Santa!!

>181 lindapanzo: Great to hear you loved the books!! ... yes I was your Santa - Happy reading

Alas, nothing here. *sadz*

The mysterious UPS package has been solved (if not received), and it is not LT books. I may treat myself to a Kindle download in lieu of! :-)

If I can persuade the rest of the household, which will be my husband and my mother-in-law, to open one package each tonight, I will choose my LT swap books. Otherwise, they will wait, along with all that other loot under the tree, for tomorrow afternoon when my mother arrives and we attack the business wholesale.

Heard from my Santa; no Swap books forthcoming in the immediate future so I shall indeed concentrate on a Kindle treat for myself!

>186 Chatterbox: - Seriously? That's super disappointing, especially to find out at the last minute.

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Suzanne. I do hope you are enjoying the Kindle book that you got.

So for those of you who need a **reason*** to open your packages you just need to tell your loved ones its already Xmas somewhere in the world .....

Seasons Greetings everyone

& thanks to the awesome santa who sent me the books!!!! ( not sure who you are yet)

>189 roundballnz: That would be me! I'm glad they arrived on time. Merry Christmas!

I may get the new Adam Brookes spy mystery, and consume 'em back to back during the New Year's Eve readathon. Or the Asne Seierstad book about Anders Breivik, although that's kind of dark.

I also just over-compensated by requesting no fewer than 7 ARCs from Amazon Vine. It's not that I'm going to suffer from a dearth of reading material around here!! Meanwhile, although I didn't get a delivery of books, I did get flowers today, so...

And I STILL get the fun of waiting to hear my giftee's response on the opening of my gifts... *chortle*

I went ahead and opened my package since growing up, we were alwas allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve. I am with my husband's family which doesn't have that tradition, so I poured myself a glass of wine and retreated to the bedroom.... Three wonderful picks from my wish list!

Nora Webster by Colm Toibin
A Partial History of Lost Causes by Jennifer Dubois
The Founding by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

Thanks you, Santa, whoever you are!!

Christmas Eve is essentially Christmas, isn't it? I opened the smaller of the two boxes, which contained... The Empire of Necessity from my wishlist. Thank you, Secret Santa! I still don't know who you are, and don't tell me yet; maybe the larger box reveals. Oh! I'd added it to my wishlist a year ago, don't remember why, and I just now read the back cover blurb; it's the true story behind Herman Melville's Benito Cerano, which I read last week without at all making the connection. So super thank you, Secret Santa! What perfect timing.

Like a dutiful Swappee, I waited until Christmas morning to open my Swap packages and Lo and Behold, these are my lovely gifts:

Astray (Not me)
Single, Carefree, Mellow (2 out of 3 ain't bad. Snickers...)
Straight Man (Also applies...)

2 story collections (can't get enough of those) and one AAC pick. B.A.G.

Big, Big, Hug to Suzanne (Chatterbox) for these perfect selections!

Don't know who my giftee is, but THANK YOU! (Please reveal yourself.)

I am the only one up in my house, so I have quiet time to savor my new books:
In Dubious Battle
The Mayor of Casterbridge
Among Others

So glad you picked some classics off my wishlist, as I am not ask likely to purchase those for myself as I am new books. Looking forward to enjoying all of them.

And this morning, two more! A very generous Santa, who has revealed herself on my thread as ronincats.

Crusoe: Daniel Defoe, Robert Knox, and the Creation of a Myth by Katherine Frank
Talking Hands by Margalit Fox

>194 msf59: - You're in for a treat with Straight Man - one of the funniest books I've read (but a lot more than just funny, too).

>195 alphaorder: In Dubious Battle & Among Others are excellent picks, Nancy. Enjoy!

>197 katiekrug: I do remember you being a big fan of that one, KAK. Looking forward to it.

My secret Santa was Linda (whisper), who chose for me three of her favorites that she thought I would enjoy as well. I will enjoy exploring these! Thank you, Linda!!

Don't know yet who my gifter was, but they are an excellent picker! Thank you!



Chances are very high that I'm sitting down with We Should All Be Feminists this afternoon!

>194 msf59: So glad they were hits (even if the title descriptions weren't always a propos!!) I've read the Heiny stories, and loved them; shall look forward to your thoughts on them sometime in the new year. I've not yet read anything by Richard Russo, so that was a spur to me to try a new author, and the Emma Donoghue on your wish list is one I hadn't read, either!

>200 lycomayflower: We Should All Be Feminists is a great, short read!

Nothing to open at my end, but I did gift myself with the Asne Seierstad book. Still contemplating whether I want to splurge and add the second volume of the St. Mary's chronicles to my Kindle as well, having finished listening to the first last night. Don't want to continue them on audiobook.

>192 katiekrug: Katie, I was your Secret Santa. Merry Christmas!

And a big thank you to cameling for my books! I got The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene, The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean, and The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. I can't wait to dive in, thank you!

My books arrived last week and I know who my SecSan is as she had to contact me about a possible delay - so thanks michigantrumpet / Marianne.

My Secret Santa decided to forgo my wishlist and got it very right with 2, both are books I've heard about and wanted to read, alas the 3rd I'd already read.

1) The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure - was on my 'to read' list
2) A constellation of vital phenomena by Anthony Marra - also on my 'to read' list
3) The storied life of A.J. Fikry by Grabrielle Zevin

I collected another package from BD in my mailbox this morning (Boxing Day) so my own purchase of And the rat laughed by Nava Semel will make a good substitute, Bianca recommended it a while back.

Marianne - I hope you are enjoying the books your Secret Santa sent to you.

Big Thanks to my Santa, Mr. Mark (msf59), since I did the selections (it was random, I just wrote them down), I knew who my Santa was. But I didn't open the box until this morning.

The Marriage Plot on audio (yippee)
St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves, on my WL for 8 years.
Tunneling to the Center of the Earth, not on my list but for some reason I think it should have been
The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher, even though I didn't finish Wolf Hall, this book of short stories intrigues me and can't wait to read it.

In SantaThing, my Santa was @sarawati27 and she got me...

Burning Paradise by Robert Charles Wilson, on my list after reading Spin
The Magician's Book (a skeptic's Adventures in Narnia) by Laura Miller. A critique/biograpy/memoir of C. S. Lewis and the Narnia books. Hadn't heard of this, but am looking forward to reading it.

>138 weird_O: Oh yeah forgot to add, Bill (weird_o), I was your Santa. Hope you like my selections. Sounds like you did, from your message.

Merry Christmas!

>204 mahsdad: That sounds like an impressive pile of reading. I haven't read Robert Charles Wilson, though I've read Robert Wilson.

The Magician's Book was one of the first book bullets I took here on LT, I think it was from kiwidoc an ex-member of the group. I still haven't read it, though she made it sound really interesting.

>202 LibraryLover23: - Thank you, thank you! They were great selections. Merry Christmas!

Hey all, a geeky cataloging thing I'm doing is tagging all my Christmas books here with "75 Christmas Swap"

You can go to the Tag page to see all the books that are tagged. Just suggesting, if we want to kinda create a group list.

Opened my box from Nancy (alphaorder) and found two outstanding picks! The Keeper of Lost Causes and Slade House!! I'm thinking seriously of putting my current reads on hold... :)

>200 lycomayflower: I'm going to take the credit for that but they all came from your wish list. that made it easy.

>210 catarina1: Thank you!

It looks like my mom (laytonwoman3rd) had you. That's funny!

>208 mahsdad: Great idea!

Once again, a big thank you to Jim (drneutron) for his excellent choices for my swap books!

>203 avatiakh: Great gift books, Kerry! A Constellation is simply stunning. Enjoy!

>204 mahsdad: Glad you were happy with my picks, Jeff. I loved all the collections, but have still not read The Marriage Plot. Maybe, we can do a shared read, at some point.

>209 drneutron: Those are perfect choices, Jim. I loved them both.

^A Big Shout-Out to Jeff, for doing such a fine job, hosting the Swap! Will this be a permanent position? Stifles a giggle...

Thanks Jeff for doing this for us. It is such a thrill to open boxes of books!!!!!

Thank you Bill (weird_o) for the great books!!



Book of Ages by Jill Lepore (a nice hardcover)
About a Boy by Nick Hornby

The Lepore has been on my wishlist for well, ages, and I've only recently discovered Hornby.

And thank you Jeff, for setting this up!

Merry Christmas all!!

A very big thank you to lycomayflower for her excellent book giving skills.

I got:
Longitude by Dava Sobel (which dovetails nicely with the book I'm currently reading, How We Got to Now)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett (A perfect Christmas read)

>214 msf59: Amen to that, brother. Jeff did a fantastic job of organizing things!

>211 lycomayflower: Isn't that a hoot?

Many thanks to my Santa for an incredible treasure trove...my camera is tired out from its day's work and is recharging, or I would post a picture of the pile, but the titles are: Translation is a Love Affair, The Broken Shore, Fault Lines (by Nancy Huston), The Sisters Brothers and The Love of a Good Woman. All but the last were from my wishlist, and picking an Alice Munro that I don't have is a sure way to make me smile. I believe I know who you are, Santa, but if you fess up, I'll be grateful for that too!

Thank you, Jeff, for organizing this swap. It's the first time I've participated, and it was great fun.

>219 laytonwoman3rd: That would be me, Linda. It was a pleasure going through your wishlist as your tastes are similar to mine and there was a great mix of books I loved and books I want to read. The Sisters Brothers was from my shelf. I hope the ones sent direct to you were in at least very good condition. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!

>220 Copperskye: Thank you, Joanne. I thought it was you. And I'm happy to know that one of the books was yours originally. That makes it extra nice. (oooh...I just found the book mark from Tattered Cover Book Store. I have quite a collection of bookmarks from various bookstores. Is that one still in business?) Everything I received was in good condition.

>195 alphaorder: Nancy, you got me a couple of years running! I was guilty for your three books this year. Hope you enjoy them. xx

>214 msf59: Thank you all for your thanks. It was fun doing the organization. There were a few hiccups and I apologize for any thing that was due to me, but I think overall it went swimmingly. Hopefully everyone will be back on board next year.

And yes, Mark, I will take the duties as Swap Master on a semi-permanent basis. :)

Yinz all have a Happy New Year and have fun reading your new books.

I haven't heard yet from the person for whom I picked out books for the Christmas Swap. I sent a PM asking about it. I do hope she received them.

"Yinz" !!! I love it. I haven't heard that in a long time.

I think I already posted about my books as I opened them waaay early to be sure they weren't damaged by having been delivered on my front porch during a monsoon. They were not and so they've been sitting under the tree waiting for today to arrive. I am very happy with my collection!

In the Light of What We Know by Zia Haider Rahman (I'd not heard of this but it looks great!)
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie (from my wish list)
The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander (also from my wish list)

Excellent choices!! And they came from Book Depository and all three of them had BD bookmarks inside! Yay!!

Thank you!! to whomever was my Secret Santa!

>226 EBT1002: That would be me. Merry Christmas!
The Leckie books have been a popular read in the group this year.

>222 PaulCranswick:. Lucky me! Wishing you a fabulous 2016, Paul. I am looking forward to a great reading year!

>225 catarina1:. Every so often I let my inner Pittsburgher out. Or should I say aht an'at.

>229 mahsdad: Are yinz watching the game tomorrow? I currently live in B'more but I'm not the only Steeler fan here though.

>205 mahsdad: Ah ha. The Great and Powerful Oz steps from behind the curtain. Thanks, Jeff. Great choices--two for the Pulitzer Challenge, one for AACIII. Don't know that I'll be able to shelve the DeLillo until next December, though.

Jeff sent me:

March by Geraldine Brooks, 2006 Pulitzer winner
The Orphan Master's Son by Adam Johnson, 2013 Pulitzer winner
The Body Artist by Don DeLillo, AACIII and wedge doorstop challengeer

Thanks again.

>216 Copperskye: You are welcome, Joanne. Hope your Christmas was as good as mine. Part II comes tomorrow, when Son the Younger and his family come to Gram and Gramps' house to visit us, Son the Older and family, and Daughter the Only. Some more gifts will be handed out. Five grands and two doggies chasing around.

>230 catarina1: >229 mahsdad: As a Pennsylvania girl, I know about "yinz", but I don't think I've ever heard anyone say it in conversation. It's a fairly large state east to west, and Pittsburgh is far from here. Just another reason to need to meet up with some of yinz one of these days.

Jeff, how many 75ers participated in the swap altogether?

>230 catarina1: Assuming its on out here (I can't believe that it won't be), I will watch it.

>233 laytonwoman3rd: I looked where your town is and you are further east and probably wouldn't have experienced some true yinzers. That term, among others are used every day. I was never that bad, but I definitely pick up more of my accent when I talk to my family or visit. My theory was the closer you live to the rivers, the thicker your accent its.

For you (and Cat) and others in the group, here's a little taste of back home, in the Christmas Spirit

https://youtu.be/2C9B4JJhxIc

Oh and how many 75'ers participated? Can't remember, my list is at work, but I think it was between 25 and 30.

>233 laytonwoman3rd: Linda - I've been gone from Pgh for many years but my heart is still there. (I live in Balmore now). I'm not a native Burger and when I first moved there, I thought the accent and word usage was a little weird. But now I miss it a bit. A few others are "redd up" for something that has been fixed or "needs clean" for something that is dirty.
Jeff - the Youtube video was hilarious.

I noticed the LT next to my name on the Amazon box (thankfully or I would have ripped it apart) 2 days before Christmas and placed it under our tree. We went down to New York for Christmas with the family and I forgot to bring the package with me! :-(

Just got home and savagely ripped the box open! Thank you, thank you Lori ... for the And the Mountains Echoed. Station Eleven and We Need New Names ! Love them!

>235 catarina1: Oh, see both of those expressions are familiar to me. My college roomie, who was from Northumberland (east central part of the state) always said"redd up". And
"needs clean" or "needs cleaned" ("needs washed", "needs swept", "that kid needs swatted") is common in Scranton...where there is NO accent or regional dialect at all. *snickers* (Haina? Or no? Anybody want a hoddog from up the Coney Island?) I'm originally from northern Wayne County, on the New York State border (and I went to school in NYS from 6th grade through high school), lived in Louisiana for 3 years, had friends from Philadelphia as a kid and lived there briefly, and now have lived and worked in Scranton for nearly 40 years. I don't know what my speech patterns and vocabulary must say to people!

Thank you! Thank you, Jeff, for putting this all together! You rock!

And an extra thank you to my all time favorite Swapper, LindaPanzo, who seems to have completely read my mind!

The Gardner Heist -- Art, Boston and true crime all in one package!
An Expert in Murder -- Fun mystery that I can't wait to start.
Thomas Jefferson's Creme Brulee -- History, food and France!
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry -- Just finished the author's debut book and loved it.

Quite the haul. Now If I can only figure out how I managed to get two other books in the mail .... Hmmm, perhaps I have another secret admirer!

Mooning around, hoping my swapee will return with good news their books arrived.

I am still in Kansas so won't get my books until I get back to Tuscaloosa on January 4.

I also haven't heard if my swapee has received the books from Book Depository. They were ordered back on Thanksgiving Day here in the USA, and Book Depository said that they were shipped, but I don't know if they were delivered. My swapee hasn't reported to this list that they have received them, so I will wait patiently.

Did my swapee ever report getting their delivery from Book Depository?

My sister sent our Christmas package via UPS on 12/23/15 with scheduled delivery on 12/30/15. She sent it late because we were going to have our family Christmas on New Year's Eve. Yesterday she got a notice that the package will be delivered on 1/6/16. By that time I will have been back in Alabama for 1 week.

I just got back to town and there is no package waiting for me. Did something happen to it? Also, I haven't heard from my swapee.

>242 benitastrnad: Benita, at this point, no use keeping secrets. Your Santa was AuntieClio. She said up above that there were 3 packages coming from Book Depository.

Stephanie, can you check on the status of the order again for Benita? You had sent me the order #, but I can't look it up without your email address.

Benita I'm sorry that you are still missing your packages. Not that I can do anything about it, but please let me know if/when you get them.

I'll get into it. I'm sorry Benita. :-(

I think the problem is the zip code. The correct zip code is 35404. I think the package of books ended up in Calera, AL. and not Tuscaloosa. Calera is about 40 miles from here.

>245 benitastrnad: okay, well ... I'll pass that information on and see what BD has to say.

I already fell on my sword to AuntieClio in messages, but this was my fault. I transposed 404 to 040 when I copied down your address. I am embarrassed and sorry.

Won't happen next year.

At this point I'm waiting to hear from Book Depository.

It will be alright guys. It is not as if I don't have other books to read. :-) And, they might still get here. Calera isn't that far away from Tuscaloosa (it is a southern suburb of Birmingham) and as soon as the Christmas rush is over the post office might figure it out and send it on.

I wanted to let the group know that my swapee was Paul Stadler who lives in Switzerland. Book Depository got his books there early in December since I had ordered them on Thanksgiving Day. I got him Shadow of the Wind and Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. He told me yesterday that he has already read Shadow of the Wind.

I think it was a very successful Christmas Swap - and I will let this thread know as soon as I get the boxes from AuntieClio.

>249 benitastrnad: Thank you, Benita, for the Zafón books. That was a good choice. Sorry for not letting you know about having gotten the books - I wasn't aware of this thread and so mentioned receiving the gift in my thread only. What else might I not have considered, taking part in this swapping the first time, I wonder.

Benita,
I feel horrible you haven't gotten your books. If they are returned, it could take another ten weeks for them to be processed! BD will resend if they are returned, but that's no guarantee they really will be returned. I don't want you to wait that long, but will leave it up to you. Please let me know what you'd like to do.

#251
Let's just wait and see. Book Depository may get them back, or the post office may be able to reroute it. I lived in a very rural area for most of my life and it was amazing what the post office would do to get things where they were supposed to go. It is OK with me to just wait. I also don't want you to spend any more money, so don't replace them. Sometimes things happen and this was one of them. You gave a gift and I would have graciously received it, so I think you did all you can do. Sometimes the systems just break down. It's Christmas and it is all about the giving - not the receiving, so let's just wait.

Too late. :) This place is lousy with generosity. Neither one of us wanted to cause any grief. :)

I messaged you, but I went ahead and placed a replacement order based on what AuntieClio ordered originally.

I know I'm probably causing more hassles if the PO does figure out how to deliver the first shipment, but that's fine. Its good karma. If you get the original shipment, lets see how much of a pain a return is. If too painful, just donate the books to your local library, in my name.

This is almost getting to be funny, but I will wait for the books and see which shipment gets here first. (your lousy with generosity made me laugh.)

>253 mahsdad: What a mensch! I'm loving this conversation myself, and it really has nothing to do with me. This group is just wonderful.

Just to add to the confusion - My swapee was Paul Stalder. I picked out his books on Thanksgiving Day and they were delivered early in December. He didn't know about this thread and so did not post here that he had received his books. I thought that Book Depository had not sent them yet and figured that all of this was the result of the package delivery snafu experienced by many people all across the U.S. and Europe. I was veery worried that wasn't going to get his books at all. He and I have since made contact and I am relieved that I don't have to trace down that order.