This one is for the ladies, and men so in touch with their femininity that they’ve grown ovaries and a uterus, or men who understand the ineffable quality of being a woman and would like to surprise a special lady in his life by winning this lovely gift for her.

So, why the long qualifying paragraph above, I’m certain you’re asking. It’s because My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff is a collection of stories about first periods. Most men, in my experience, tend to find the subject matter rather disturbing.

According to the blurb, the stories range from light-hearted (the editor got hers while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis).

(Despite health class teachings, I thought I was hemorrhaging and asked my mom whether to call 911.)

This giveaway is hosted by Belle Enchanted and is open to U.S. and Canadian (excluding Quebec) residents. Apologies to the international readers, but the books will be shipped directly from the publisher.

The giveaway will run through February 12, 2009 and to enter all you need to do is head over and leave a comment telling Belle something unique thing about yourself. For more entries, you can blog, tweet, or post a message on Facebook about the giveaway.

By chance, I happened across a new-to-me blog called She is Too Fond of Books, and it was a treat. The blog is rather warm, cozy, and friendly (well, that’s the vibe I got).

After a bit of reading, I ran across a watercolor giveaway which caused me to to something I should do more often (in fact, everyone should do more often): reflect on the pleasures of staying put. On a whim, I decided to throw my tuppence into the hat.

Watching the tangy colors of twilight kiss the lake while a cool breeze grazes my bare arms.

Watching my two-year-old niece run up and down the block (closely guarded, of course) to ooh and aah at all the holiday lights.

Warming my bones with a piping hot shower followed by sipping a cup of cinnamon-laced hot chocolate while tightly tucked under a thick hand-made comforter with a good book close at hand.

In the grand scheme of things, the pleasures are innumerable.

I’m only about halfway through When Wanders Cease to Roam (had to put it down since technically I’m still reading another book), but so far, it’s a lovely and easy read. And what I’ve learned so far is that you should read this book if for no other reason than to be reminded of the little (and large) luxuries of staying close to home.

There’s not much time left on the clock. Steph at Reviewer X is hosting a book blogging bonanza (I’m all about the alliteration today) called Girl Week and it features guest blogs, author interviews, book reviews, and contests.

My head is spinning trying to keep up with all the goodness. Luckily, she’s set up a table of contents for easy access to all the posts.

And I’m shamelessly promoting it because I really want to win the signed Gemma Doyle trilogy (there’s also an interview with Libba Bray, the author). Now to figure out that secret criterion.

These books have been taunting me on Amazon and at Borders and even at Wal-Mart. Buy me, buy me, they plead—it’s like they know I’m weak or something.

So, if you’re a fan of YA and estrogen, head on over, look around, comment, participate, and have fun.