All I want for Christmas

I’m not usually a happy Christmas camper. I find the overdone consumerism of the holiday basically sucks the life out of me and I spend most of the time wishing it were over. I try to be aloof and not ask for gifts, and try to get the other adults in my life to not give me gifts for which I then have massive amounts of guilt for not buying them a gift. Just come over and watch movies, is that so wrong?

But last week I came across something I really want – an illustrated, limited edition, hard back copy of The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. The illustrations are by the author herself. (Extra glee!)

Now ladies and gentlemen, this is a great book. And for me, reading a great book is similar to finding a really good lover. The first time, you’re surprised by the twists and turns. Shocked at the depth of your pleasure. You gasp and moan. You twist and writhe. You fall instantly in love. You enjoy every moment so intensely that you cry a little after the final climax. And then you think to yourself, “Self, we are going to do that again very soon.”

I don’t usually have such a strong reaction to a book. I enjoy books, very much, but I can count on two hands which books have moved me like this one.

Ok, since you begged, here’s the list:
The Stand by Stephen King
Color Purple by Alice Walker
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Peace Like a River by Lief Enger
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
The Blind Assassin, also by Ms. Atwood (Yes, she's a personal favorite.)
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Time Traveler’s Wife stands out even in this illustrious group. I imagine it’s similar to having an affair. You make an enormous emotional investment in something or someone that cannot love you back, yet there you are five chapters deep, praying to God there is a happy ending.

In the books I love best, there is almost never a happy ending, but I wouldn’t change my enjoyment, or the experience for anything in the world.

Dear Santa, I have not been good, but I still want that book!