I love the turn of a New Year, a chance to start fresh, to focus my energy in novel and exciting directions. I also like the clean pages of my new kitchen calendar, as yet uncluttered by color-coded scheduling notes.
In the spirit of goals and self-evaluation that January inspires, I’m starting this year with a Word Nerd Word of caution: pedantic.
My friend Valerie shared this word with me last week, and I guessed that it meant “instructive”. I was close, but not quite right.
Pedantic \pi-ˈdan-tik\ adjective from Italian pedante
narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned
unimaginative, dull
related to a pedant, one who makes a show of knowledge
So basically, a pedantic person is an intellectual a show off, someone who likes to correct.
Oh dear.
I’ve been known to twitch when people use adjectives as adverbs, as in “work careful.” If I find errors in newsletters, especially those from school, I automatically circle them and consider sending them back. If my kids commit a grammar foul, I’m quick to correct them. Clearly I’m at high risk for pedantic behavior.
But I don’t want to be Sheldon Cooper! I love to learn, and I love sharing what I’ve learned, and I hope that never comes across as condescending. Knowledge, about grammar or literature or history or politics, should bring people closer together. I should never use it as a weapon to alienate or criticize.
As 2016 opens, I’m holding up pedantic as a warning to myself, something I will strive NOT to be, on the blog, or IRL.
Word Nerd Workout
Think of a pedantic person or character you know. What’s another adjective to describe him/her, besides “annoying”? And, as fellow word nerds, be honest: do you have pedantic tendencies too?
We did it! Over 20 people contributed ideas for my monster book list, and now we have over 40 book suggestions to use for gift ideas or pleasure reading. I’m so excited! Thanks to everyone who offered titles.
And the winner is…
As promised, everyone who contributed a book suggestion entered a giveaway to win the book of his/her choice. Randomnumbergenerator.com chose for me, and congrats to Sally James!
The Monster List
I know what you really want… the books! Here they are, somewhat organized, (it’s December 14th, people, and I still have presents to shop for…), including the reasons why readers loved them.
The Children’s Crusade, Ann Packer: family drama, fascinating characters
The Sound of Glass, Karen White: successfully weaves the stories of three women
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho: while it is the story of a shepherd, it has larger life lessons
Fates and Furies, Lauren Groff: astonishing prose, true and believable insights into characters, cool structural trick
The Husband’s Secret, Liane Moriarty
What Alice Forgot, Liane Moriarty: kept interest from the start
A Beautiful Truth, Colin McAdam: knock out story that haunts
The Shoemaker’s Wife, Adriana Trigiani
Five Days Left, Julie Lawson Timmer: unusual topic, well written, unexpected ending, easy read
The Martian, Andy Weir: a witty and engaging narrator (a fave of multiple readers)
The Round House, Louise Erdrich: great character building, especially 14 y.o. boy character
Garden Spells (Waverly Family #1), First Frost (Waverly Family #2), Sarah Addison Allen: for readers who would enjoy a little bit of magic and an apple tree that throws its apples at people it doesn’t like
The Guilty One, Lisa Ballantyne: great suspense, keeps reader guessing; Recommended for those who like dark suspense.
Still Life, Louise Penny: The main character, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is well drawn and so are the towns folk. An 11 book series.
Quicksand, Gigi Pandian: A treasure hunt mystery, like Indiana Jones, but with Jaya Jones as lead.
Adult Non-fiction
Five Editors Tackle the 12 Fatal Flaws of Fiction Writing, C.S. Lakin, Linda S. Clare, Christy Distler, Robin Patchen, Rachel Starr Thomson: fun, instructional book on writing with lots of examples
Concussion, Jeanne Marie Laskas: the riveting story of pathologist Bennet Omaula and his decision to stand up to the NFL and tell the world the truth about concussions.
The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo
Adult Poetry/ Short Story
Crosscurrent and Other Stories, Gerry Wilson: beautiful and profound stories
Under the Keel, Michael Crummey: gorgeous narrative poetry
Adult Classics
Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison: gripping page turner with beautiful prose. Masterful connections linking different parts of the story and startling parallels to modern events.
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
Kid Lit: Middle Grade (9-12 year olds)
All the Wrong Questions series, Lemony Snicket: smart mystery with word play
All Four Stars, Tara Dairman: well written, good pacing “even for realistic fiction”
Greenglass House, Kate Milford
Kid Lit: YA (12 and up)
The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak: WWII historical fiction, the power of books
The Kidney Hypothetical, Lisa Yee: fun take on high school life
Dragonfly Dreams, Jennifer J. Chow
Twerp, Mark Goldblatt (young middle school)
The Proxy, Alex London
The Finisher (Vega Jane #1), The Keeper (#2), David Baldacci: fantasy/ adventure
Let It Snow, John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle: three fun, light short stories that interconnect
The Madman’s Daughter, Megan Shepherd: Gothic thriller with just enough gore and science
Just Listen, Sarah Dessen: learning to speak up
Every Day, David Levithan: haunting and intriguing
Whew, my Goodreads “to read” list just grew exponentially.
Happy reading and gifting everyone! I’ll be taking a holiday break for the next two weeks, but the Word Nerd will be back in January with more helpful tips about reading! Enjoy the holidays. 🙂
Do you see anything here that looks good? Would you like to add something… we’ll take it!
If you’re like me, you are frantically joyfully searching for meaningful gifts for the people you love. And you’re running out of time to do it.
No worries, I’ve collected some unique gift ideas for the book lovers in your life. Or, for you. 😉
Personalized Book Plates from ZazzleCustomize one of the many cute designs to create personalized book plate stickers.These are fun and inexpensive, running about $5 a sheet, depending on the size you choose. I want no mistake about who owns my books, so I chose the 3″ size!
Personal Library Kit by Knock KnockBe a generous reader, but keep track of who has your books with these “old-school” library cards and book pockets. I found it cheapest on Amazon for $13.29.
Aquala Bathtub Caddy from Umbra.comThis bamboo tray has a built-in soap dish, wine glass holder (!) and fold away book rack. This gift is a bit luxurious, priced at $50. A girl can dream…
Book Rest Lamp by Suck UKSince I’ve launched into the expensive, I’m gonna stay on that trajectory. I found this book lamp at Real Simple . It’s pricey at $71, but very cool, you must admit. Almost as cool as…
Lumio Lamps from hellolumio.comWhoa. You’ve gotta check these out. They are portable lamps that fold into the shape of a hardcover book. Just open the “book”, and an accordion-like “shade” opens to generate soft light. Some Lumio lights have USB micro-chargers for cell phones and wooden pegs or a strap for mounting/ hanging. These incredible babies aren’t cheap – $125 for the Mini Lumio, $190 for the full-sized Walnut. But if you want to give something different…
And I’ll put in yet another plug for the affordable and totally artsy/literary Postertext posters.
The Book Thief via Postertext
Find anything you like? Better yet, can you share any other ideas and add to this list?
Don’t forget about the My Favorite Books of 2015 Giveaway. Share the best book you read in 2015 (it does not have to be published in 2015) and enter my giveaway for a book of your own! Don’t forget to tell me why you liked the book you enter. Details at the What Was Your Favorite Book of 2015 post. I’ve gotten a great response and should have a giant book list for you by Monday, December 14.
I’m sharing this word today not so much because its meaning was new, but because it’s worthy of contemplation in the current atmosphere of fear and hostile rhetoric over terrorism, gun control, and immigration.
Yes, I’m breaking from popular wisdom and dipping my Word Nerd toes into the controversial waters of religion AND politics. I won’t deny I’m nervous.
Antithetical: \ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl\ from the Greek antithetikós, equivalent to anti (ti) thé (nai) to set in opposition + -tikos
Being in direct and unequivocal opposition
Some examples of antithetical:
Pro Life champions exhibit antithetical behavior when they shoot people.
Christians, who are supposed to love all as Jesus loves, use antithetical language when they speak of condemning an entire group for the actions of a few.
Proponents of gun use make antithetical statements like “the solution to mass shootings is to make more guns available to more people”.
Word Nerd Workout
Please share an antithetical statement that you’ve heard recently. There are tons flying around out there these days. Or you can make up your own.
And in case you were wondering, I am a pro gun control, Pro Life Christian greatly confused and saddened by the hostility I’m observing in my world. As my friend Valerie challenged in her Bah Humbug post last week, now, more than ever, we must be the light. Cling to what is good and shine on, my friends.
It’s chilly outside, it gets dark by five, and you need gifts for family, friends, and that nice neighbor who picks up your kid from school.
There’s a simple solution to these issues: books! Too cold outside? Cuddle up with a book. Need a Christmas gift for your child’s teacher? You know what I’m gonna say.
But here’s the thing – you need good book ideas.
I am here for you.
Together, we can compile a monster list of reading recommendations for every age and taste, but I need your help. If you tell me your favorite book from 2015, I’ll compile everyone’s suggestions into an organized list for easy reference. And the best part? Everyone who contributes a book to my favorites list will enter a giveaway to win a book of his or her choice.
Word Nerds Favorites of 2015: the giveaway details:
Ok, here are my favorites of 2015. I’m giving several; you need only submit one.
Best Young Adult Fiction: The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart. Frankie is smart and determined to prove herself. This book isn’t super deep, but it includes a lovely combination of wit and girl power.
Best Non-fiction: Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan. A memoir of a daughter learning to appreciate her mother. (To mothers of teen daughters everywhere, there IS hope.)
Best Historical Fiction: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. My friend Paula added this to the favorites list last year, and I’m so glad she did. Excellent writing, interweaving story lines, and a boy who loves to tinker with radios.
Some suggestions from my kids:
Young Adult Fiction:Just Listen by Sarah Dessen because “it’s awesome.” It’s about learning how to speak up when something is very wrong, and it’s got a lot of music in it.
Middle Grade Fiction: All the Wrong Questions series by Lemony Snicket. It’s a smart mystery with lots of word play. All Four Stars by Tara Dairman because it’s well written and has good pacing, even for a realistic book. (This from my 11-year-old son who prefers fantasy and adventure stories.)
We all have favorites – books, desserts, children. (Did I say that?) Usually my favorites, children or otherwise, depend on the season or situation. For example, I love hot tea in the winter and fizzy fountain Coke in the summer. (I know Coke is dreadful for me – I’ve cut back.) My favorite child in any given moment is the one who isn’t glaring at me. 😉
My friend Amy of Maisymak.com asked me to join in her My Favorite Things link up. In this season of gift exchanges, plummeting temps, and recovery from too much travel in the name of sports, here are some of my favorite things – they might make good gifts!
Poster Text Posters
These are THE BEST gifts for book lovers, a genius combination of the visual and the literary. Postertext uses the exact words from a novel to create a representative picture of the story. This poster for Pride and Prejudice, which hangs in daughter’s bedroom, includes the first 35 chapters of the novel, in teeny words:
Pride and Prejudice via Postertext
Here is a close-up of Mr. Darcy’s feet:
Isn’t it grand? And Postertext just announced their newest release, another favorite of daughter and I, The Book Thief:
The Book Thief via Postertext
The posters are reasonably priced around $30, but they come in odd sizes, so finding a frame is a hassle. We got one close to the right size and used black paper behind the poster to fill in dead space. Or, you could custom frame with a coupon from Michael’s!
Quote Magnets from Barnes and Noble
I’ve bought a ton of these this year to keep me inspired. Priced at $4.95, these are great stocking stuffers or a gift to stick in a card. You can find them at the front of your nearest Barnes and Noble store or online. I own several and rotate what appears on the fridge each month. Here are two of my favs:
Quote Magnet from Barnes and NobleHappy Quote Magnet from Barnes and Noble
Quinoa
Quinoa is a great source of protein that travels well. For a mom who carts kids an hour to sports practice four nights a week, quinoa is a miracle! We had it once a week, in various forms, such as Mexican Quinoa, “Fried Rice” Quinoa, and my own concoction, Jambalaya Quinoa. Some kids loved it, all tolerated.
Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name. Quinoa is a seed that behaves like a whole grain. It contains all nine essential amino acids and no gluten or cholesterol. It cooks up like rice, only faster. Rinse it, add to broth and seasonings, bring to a boil and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add beans, corn, and cumin for Mexican, or tomatoes, thyme, and white beans for Italian.
In fact, feel free to raid my Pinterest Recipes Board. Perhaps you could whip up some quinoa to give to a busy friend this December.
Arbonne
Let me say up front that I don’t like to spend money. However, I will spend it on a product I believe in. I used to buy cheap skin care items at Walmart to take care of my face. However, after I hit 40, my face stopped being happy with Neutrogena. In fact, it was downright flaky!
My best friend from college, who has always and will always look fabulous, sells Arbonne, and when I shared my skin care woes, she told me about her favorite Arbonne products. Then she gave me samples. One week of using products that my skin literally drank, and I was hooked.
Arbonne promotes overall health and wellness. They keep their products pure and simple, without excess fragrance or chemicals. I spent A LOT of money on my face lotion, but my skin feels so much better, even as the air cools and dries for December. I’m also using their Energy Fizz Sticks (with green tea, ginseng, and B vitamins) to help me kick my Coke habit.
How about you? What have been your favorite products of 2015? Please share in the comments and visit Amy’s blog to find more cool stuff in her gift guide!
Also, come back Friday for my announcement about my annual My Favorite Things Giveaway, in which we will create the best book wish list of the year!
If you like learning about words, visit Kathy’s Wondrous Words Wednesday meme at her Bermuda Onion Blog.
