Cheers to November

We are one week into November which means your inbox, mailbox, voicemail, or ________ (insert favorite social media ap) will begin to be filled with invitations for various holiday functions. (Basic assumption: you are somewhat sociable.) These upcoming events give each of us the opportunity to meet new friends, reacquaint ourselves with old friends, and show off a bit quoting various items we have very recently read. In order to be sufficiently prepared for the season, you should begin reading new and interesting material in the imminent (nod to GBC K) future.

I would recommend you tailor your preparatory reading to your audience:

• neighborhood parties deserve odd facts, organic recipes or current events
• family meets warrant a review of your cousins's names and family tree (if your family is as large as mine) and a quick read through of Tennessee Home & Farm and
• work events likely bring out conversations regarding financial markets, sports, television programming and kids. Pre-reads may include various articles on work Christmas party social etiquette and your local paper.

Two print options for new information are The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester and Heavy Words Lightly Thrown: The Reason Behind the Rhyme by Chris Roberts. The first book is explained by its title and is useful for a bookish audience who would appreciate the use of pigeon holes for alphabetization. Heavy Words Lightly Thrown is a history of the nursery rhyme and might be interesting for any guests you encounter named Mary, who well, is a bit contrary. Another alternative, if you are short on time would be a visit to "the home of Schott's miscellanies" where you can explore samples of miscellany including a Tea Grading Nomenclature and other small facts.

Regardless of your reading habits, accept those invitations and enjoy time spent with those you like, love, or who pay you.