This is so exciting! 2010 (MMX) is thisclose, so pardon us as we hoot and holler a bit and make celebratory noises that sound the warning that it's time to clear off the night table to make room for the book bounty of the New Year. Hooray! Welcome, 2010!

I could say  "Oh-dear-I-don't-know-where-to-begin," but I know exactly where to begin...with those books whose authors will be coming to speak at Darien Library in early 2010!

First, imagine (multiple!) exclamation points after every sentence. Then, realize that we are still planning our 2010 Spring Author Series and there will be even more good author-news to come! Here are the confirmed events so far:

Amy Bloom's newest book, Where the God of Love Hangs Out, comes out in early January and she'll be here to tell us all about it on Thursday, January 21st at 7 p.m. Given the author's insightfulness, complex characters, and wry humor, her books are more than popular...they become beloved. (This event is presented in partnership with Barrett Bookstore.)

By now, you must certainly know that Little Bee is one of our favorite books from 2009 -- in fact, it made many Top Ten lists for the year. But, NO, it is not out of place in our 2010 excitement. The paperback edition will publish in February and we are thrilled that its author, Chris Cleave will be coming to Darien Library on Sunday, February 28th at 2 p.m.

Judith Warner sparked controversy and hit the New York Times Best-Seller List a few years ago with a book that explored the culture of parenting, Perfect Madness: Motherhood in the Age of Anxiety. In late February, her new book, We've Got Issues: Children and Parents in the Age of Medication, will be published. This is a topic that for millions of parents involves one of the most important decisions they'll ever make for their child. Please join us on Thursday, March 4th at 7 p.m. for this Meet-the-Author event. (This event is co-sponsored by YWCA Parent Awareness Network.)

Now, if you want to know what else we've been whispering, humming, and talking about, AND itching for, waiting for, and clamoring for, take a look below and go for it! Place those holds now! Many of these books come out in January, but I just couldn't help myself and added a few other "early-2010" books for your consideration. There will be no chance for the boredom of deep midwinter to grip you with this terrific assortment!

And, here's one more to look for...some local flavor in March! Just when we'll be sure to be desperately desiring the sweet and savory, we'll be rewarded with The SONO Baking Company Cookbook: The Best Sweet and Savory Recipes for Every Occasion. Yes! SONO! Yes, as in "Thank you. We've been wanting your recipes all along"!

We know that it's difficult to look forward without looking back, so for a look at our favorites from 2009, click here.