Christmas Day and I leave to go visit J for a week--a much-needed escape after the last few weeks.  While away from home, I thought I would give myself a challenge.   I have been reading more than usual, but I wanted to take the time to really get into my growing TBR pile.  And so, I packed nine books in my suitcase.  Hopefully I get all nine read, but if not, that's okay.  I'm there not just to read but to enjoy J's company and get some relaxation.  I plan on keeping the list updated throughout my mini vacation. To help, here's the tentative list:

• Bespelling Jane -- Mary Balogh, Colleen Cleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany
• Holidays are Hell --Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Petersson
• The New Dead -- edited by Christopher Golden
• This Christmas --Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
• Dashing Through the Mall -- Sherryl Woods, Darlene Gardner, and Holly Jacobs
• The Geeks' Guide to World Domination -- Garth Sundem
• The Lightkeeper's Daughter -- Colleen Coble
• Rogue Angel: Destiny -- Alex Archer
• ArchEnemy -- Frank Beddor

Lots of collections of short stories, some holiday themed, a zombie anthology (of course), a funny how-to, historical Christian fiction, an action adventure paperback, and the conclusion of a The Looking Glass Wars... I'd say a ver eclectic selection, but that's usually how my reading goes.  I figure I'll start with one of the holiday themed collections, but if it doesn't grab me, I can always switch to zombies for guaranteed enjoyment.  As I read, I hope to do a few mini reviews, or just thoughts on the book and/or author.  I have a 3 hour layover at O'Hare today, so I have plenty of time to get started...