Night Before Chistmas Book Exchange

So it's the night before my book club's Christmas book exchange meeting, and I'm really struggling with the decision on which book to include as my offering.

You see, three years ago, I suggested that we turn our December meeting into a luncheon and book exchange. All members were solidly in favor of this social idea. Everyone brought a food contribution, and a new wrapped book. Our monthly assigned read would be discussed, then we'd jump into the exchange. Since then, this December event has grown with every one's anticipation and become the highlight of our reading calendar.

The concept of our exchange has become a bit like "gorilla warfare", with no holds barred. Everyone draws a number and Number One has the choice of all the wrapped books. Once it is opened, it is shown to everyone and the book description is read aloud. Then Number Two has the choice of "steeling" Number One's book, or selecting a new, wrapped book. If your book gets stolen, then you have the opportunity to steel someone else's book or taking from the wrapped pile.

It's fascinating to watch a group of grown women get so worked up about certain books. Invariably, one or two books are the "hot" titles, that rip around the room being stolen back and forth.  When we first started the exchange, the quieter members were shy to steel books that had previously been opened. But now that we have been meeting for close to 4 years, there are no holds barred. It's a hoot and it truly is one of my favorite Christmas events!

This season, I have been torn with the book selection for the exchange. Originally, I set my mind on an autobiography by Arlene Dickinson called Persuasion. I thought it would be a good alternative to the more common fictional selections. Also, I like the fact that she is a successful Canadian business women who has the courage to tell a story from many perspectives.

But last week, I went to Chapters and I was distracted by two completely different titles.

First, The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon caught my eye.  This book is a non-fictional account of the struggles that a family of five sisters face in Afghanistan.  I am intrigued by the story, and even more tempted to read it given that Greg Mortenson (author of Three Cups of Tea) called it one of the most inspiring books he has ever read.

Second, I chose Ghost Wars by Steve Coll. (Ok, so by now, you are probably thinking that I am totally schizophrenic considering the three divergent selections that interest me! Oh well, too bad!) This book won the Pulitzer Prize for non-fiction in 2005. I was really drawn by this book because I recently read Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea, and I have become interested in understanding the history and political unrest of Afghanistan.

Here's my struggle: I'm not so sure that my ladies in the group will appreciate Ghost Wars, as it looks to be a pretty heavy and demanding read. It is approximately 700 pages in length, and you'd almost need a microscope for the fine print. The safe choice for the book exchange is The Dressmaker of Khair Khana, but I would be intrigued to see who in the group would be interested in Ghost Wars.

Not sure what to do on this one, so I'll let you know what I decide tomorrow! Oh yah, and wish me luck on which book I end up with!