I don’t think that I’ve ever spent as much on books as I have the past year, which is really saying something.

Yep, the master card is groaning under exchange rates and my savings account is sighing about the trip to Japan that we’ve been talking about, but do I regret it?? Nope, not one bit!

I know that I’ve complained about book pimpage and my total lack of willpower; all of which is true and I’ve no doubt that I will often complain about the little blog review enablers, who are sitting on my shoulder with their sparkly red glasses, waving bookmarks with tri-tassels and whispering to me about how much I will enjoy this one, but again do I regret it?? Heck no!

I’ve always been a book addict, however I don’t think I’ve had so much fun as I’ve had in the last couple of months reading reviews and interviews with authors, sharing impressions, and discovering some truly great new books and writers.

Finding this whole new world (it’s that song again-it haunts me) has been fabulous and has added to my enjoyment of reading. Even more than that I think it has reminded me of or perhaps refreshed my interest in reading.

So, your indulgence while I list a few of the books I’ve not been able to resist and links to the blogs where I discovered them. I’m not going to review them myself because better people than me have already been there done that, hence the links (yes, I am a total slack shit *g*).

Anyway, here they are:

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (YA fantasy/horror) – The ladies at The Book Smugglers (how glad am I that I discovered this blog! Ana and Thea are pretty damn awesome) did a joint review of the latest from Gaiman. Simply, the man is close to genius at his craft.

Crimson Spell Vols. 1 & 2 by Ayano Yamane (yaoi manga) – Sarah reviewed this at her blog, Rain on the Roof. My first yaoi manga – very cool.

Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale (m/m paranormal fantasy) – I can’t recall where I first read about this, but it was Luisa Prieto talking about her fave Halloween stories that prompted me to make the purchase. It wasn’t until after I’d finished it that I read Wave’s review and completely agreed. The world-building, the characters, etc, are all fantastic and I especially liked that there were stories from the POVs of both the main characters. Only problem… I want more!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (YA fantasy) – This was recommended by Stephanie Meyer on 17/9 on her website. I’ve already talked about it before here so only want to reiterate that it is one of my best reads for 2008. Thea gave me the link to a discussion she and Christine of The Happily Ever After had about it. If you are interested, I suggest going to this and finding out more. It’s worth it.

I told you I was only going to list a few, because, quite frankly, it’s a little embarassing to talk about more of the books I’ve been (willingly) led by the nose guard of my glasses to.

And if, in turn, I’ve pimped to you…

… my work here is done. Enjoy!