It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. This year, our celebrations land on November 26, but you've probably already started thinking about it. What will you do? Where will you you? With whom will you share this delicious national holiday?

As we draw nearer to the day, you may be curious what famous writers have said about the day. So, here's what Mark Twain wrote about Thanksgiving:

• "The observance of Thanksgiving Day--as a function--has become general of late years. The Thankfulness is not so general. This is natural. Two-thirds of the nation have always had hard luck and a hard time during the year, and this has a calming effect upon their enthusiasm."

Take a look at other quotes from Mark Twain, related to Thanksgiving.

I have so much for which I am thankful: family, friends, and the opportunity to live one more day. I'm also thankful for the many writers who have poured out their passion upon the page, who have offered their insights and inspiration--even as they coped with their own joys and sorrows, large and small.

November is a time to remember and celebrate the great writers, but we also recollect the words they have left us in reference to Thanksgiving (and the spirit of gratitude). O Henry once wrote: "There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American." Here are a few other writers of note: Louisa May Alcott, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Rebecca Harding Davis, and Lydia Maria Child. Then, join our discussion.

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about fairy tales, and "Little Red Riding Hood." In this book, Catherine Orenstein explores the history of the fairy tale, from the French court, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Anderson, the Brothers Grimm, Bruno Bettelheim, Italo Calvino, Gwen Strauss, and Anne Sexton. As she explains, "The endeavor of this book is to draw Little Red Riding Hood forth from her literary crypt, to unwrap the protective vellum that mummifies her in the rare book section of the library."

In this survey of literature, Orenstein inspects the derivations of Little Red Riding Hood, who has been depicted as a seductress, a victim, a femme fatale, and a she-wolf in various works. Changes in society have dramatically affected the evolutions of the tale, but the image of Little Red Riding Hood has also been adapted to nearly every possible commercial pursuit. What is it about this red-clad character that still ensures enticement (and controversy)--even after so much time has passed. Read the complete review. Then, join our discussion about Adults Reading Children's Literature.

We've all been affected by the economic downturn--some more than others. Even with the inevitable adverse affects to the budgets of so many literary events, it's heartening to learn that they are STILL going on. One case in point...

The Miami Book Fair will begin on November 8, continuing through November 15 (with the street fair on November 13-15. The budget was cut and fewer writers will appear (according to AP), but the fair will go on in this 26th year--with great events, and featuring literary greats like Margaret Atwood, Barbara Kingsolver and Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk.

If you're in the area, stop by. Or watch out for a book fair near you!