My SS is like a doctor who has fed my secret love for dark stories. I received The Walking Dead Book One, The Kingdom mini series, and a collection of Marjane Satrapi graphic novels. (OK. Satrapi is more compelling than dark, but somehow these gifts all fit together.)

I only told my SS that I liked surprises and that I liked cultural gifts. On my profile, I mentioned that I like horror movies and the Walking Dead. He got me Book One of The Walking Dead which was totally awesome. What was even more awesome, however, was the DVD's that he picked out--Lars Von Trier's The Kingdom, a series of Danish ghost stories set in the neurosurgery ward of hospital in Copenhagen.

I've watched two subtitled episodes so far. There are several crazy cool aspects including a sepia color tone to the episodes and two dishwashers with Downs Syndrome who offer simple commentary on the weirdness in the hospital. There is also an eerie opening sequence to each episode that tells the story of the ancient bleaching ponds that kept the area in a perpetual fog.

Edit: I didn't realize that an additional gift was on the way. Today I opened an Amazon box thinking that it was something I had ordered when in reality it was another gift from my SS. It was a collection of Marjane Satrapi graphic novels. I love the black and white drawings. Satrapi has a distinct style that plays on color and contrast, not unlike The Kingdom. I've read Persepolis I, but not the others: Persepolis II, Chicken With Plums, and Embroideries. I can't wait to dive into these books.

As an aside, I'd like to mention that I am intrigued by all of the titles of the gifts: The Walking Dead, The Kingdom, Persepolis, Chicken With Plums, and Embroideries. Such symbolism.

Borrowing from Taylor Swift, I can honestly say that I "never ever ever never ever" would have discovered this show without Reddit and my cool SS. I only hope that I make my giftee as happy as my SS has made me. Thanks for your thoughtful and cool gifts. They are perfect!

**Edit 12/20/12 I feel like crying today. Happy crying. My SS sent me yet another gift. The sentiment that went into each gift he selected for me warms my heart. The postcards are replicas of old posters from his city in Denmark. The little figurine is a warrior from Iceland in honor of my German last name.

You know what else I like? The handwritten note. I teach teenagers and college kids how to write so I have a special affinity for the written word, literally. I like handwriting. Secret Santa's handwriting has style. Thank you, SS. Big hugs from the USA.