This is the first time I have hated a winter.

When I lived in Los Angeles, I used to complain about the lack of seasons. It threw off my natural clock! I couldn’t feel the shift in the world, in my mood and energy that came with the seasons. And when “winter” did come around in that warm land, I would dream beautiful dreams of perfect white snow.

Now, with this harsh winter, Jack Frost and Suzy Snowflake can both go suck it.

I want warm weather.

I want to lay on a beach and get a sunburn. I want to pretend again that wearing a long sleeve shirt is a “cold” weather day. Oh, LA, I am so sorry. Take me back!

This month’s list has one overlapping theme to all of my selection… They involve things that help distract you when you are stuck inside for long periods of time. Don’t believe me? Check out my first choice!

Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails With a Literary Twist by Tim Federle

Yes, I am beginning with a recipe book for mixed drinks. Did I mention this book is awesome? It is so easy with a book like this to get lost in the “cute” idea of it (drinks based on famous book titles), but the author goes that extra step by saying a little bit about each book and drink.

My wife and I have started a weekend tradition of trying a new drink from the book each weekend. If this book was out when I was in college, I would have gifted it to everyone. Everyone! Now my dream is to have a literary party and make a bunch of drinks based on my favorite books. Yeah, I’m a book nerd like that. (You can find this fun book on Amazon here.)

Frozen Soundtrack

This one is for my daughter. She is two and nothing makes her happier than this soundtrack right now. When I first picked up the soundtrack and put it in the car stereo, I thought it would be a fun surprise for the kids… Then to my wife and my astonishment my daughter started singing along to “Let It Go.” It was hilarious.

She now has almost all of the songs memorized and walks around our little house singing random lines from it. She has even adapted some of the lyrics to match what she wants to say. For example, “Let It Go” has become “Let Me Go” a few times.

Okay, if I am going to put something on this list for my daughter, my son has to have a chance now…

Disney Infinity

Congratulations to the geniuses who made this game. You made the perfect game for my son. He will probably be addicted to video games for the rest of his life now. Kudos!

Yes, my son loves this game and there are so many different ways he can play it. He can take on a favorite character in their land (with or without following the story), he can just explore downloaded land (which are free!). I also love the two player aspect of it, and we enjoy playing together. Being Mr. Incredible while he is pretending to be Dash is just cool.

My dream is that they continue to add to this game. Maybe more Pixar? Or maybe even things from George Lucas since his creations are now with Disney? Dare I dream… Indiana Jones? (Please, please, please.)

Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume 2: The Complete and Authoritative Edition

Mark Twain is one of my favorite writers of all time. I have always respected his creativity. So many people only think of him as the writer of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, but he could do anything as a writer. Prince and the Pauper! A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court! Heck, he even wrote a story mimicking the style of a Shakespearian contemporary. He was truly a master writer.

For those that don’t know, Mark Twain spent the last decade of his life working on this book. It was one long literary experiment in many ways feeling almost like a stream-of-consciousness work as he puts down whatever catches his fancy at the moment. And since he asked for the book to not be published until a 100 years after his death, it is a free for all. Want to know how Mark Twain feels about religion? (He is an atheist.) Or contemporary politicians? (He doesn’t like Theodore Roosevelt but is friends with Ulysses Grant.) This is that book.

This is not a book for a light read or to skim through. You need to devote the time for it (just like Volume 1), and I am sure this will be on my nightstand for months to come; and I wouldn’t want it any other way; because, I am getting into Mark Twain’s head. Yes, as much as I have always respected his ability, thanks to his autobiography I feel like I really, really know him.

Batman: Arkham Origins

Welcome to my sanity right now and it has pointed ears. Yes, this game is what is making a lot of being stuck inside in the cold bearable. Batman and I are bros right now.

Some people complained that this game was too much like Arkham City. My response is what is freaking wrong with that? That was a great game! I would take a dozen more games just like that one.

This game follows Batman during his first year on the job. He is just learning about the Joker and the other villans from his rogue gallery (most are surprised to discover that he is real). I love the environment of these games. The capability to explore all of the nooks and crannies of Gotham City. I especially love the side quests and the fact that I am not forced to move forward immediately in the main plot.

Until I get to go outside, at least I have Batman at my side… and a drink with a smart literary name.

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If you liked reading this post, why not check out one of my books? I’ve had four novels published in the last few years, A Jane Austen Daydream,  Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, My Problem With Doors and Megan. You can find them via my amazon.com author page here, or as an eBook on Google eBooks here.  Thanks for reading!

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