Windy all day yesterday and very cold! Today is much better wind-wise and I do believe I see the sun peeking through the clouds.
In our morning conversation yesterday, we touched on Patti Smith and her Instagram account (which I follow) and her writing. You may recall that I purchased two of her books recently. Don got more and more intrigued by her as I shared some of her IG posts, which are always poetical, so much so that he decided that he wanted to read one of her books. I offered to share mine, though I hadn’t cracked them open yet, but he didn’t want to read my copies before I had the chance to read them. I mentioned her newest book, Year of the Monkey, which is out in hardcover, as a possibility. He called a local bookshop. They didn’t have it on hand, but would be ordering some more copies soon.
I was sure that Oblong Books (our favorite independent bookshop that is across the Hudson in Rhinebeck) would have it. I called them while Don was in the shower and, yes, they had it. Since Don had a previous commitment during the middle of the day, I offered to drive to the shop and get it for him.
In case you’re thinking that I’m completely and angelically unselfish, it’s a bookshop that I love and I hadn’t been there for a while. I benefitted, as well.
It was a windy but sunny day and the Hudson was glittering in the midday sun. It’s a lovely drive to take on a Friday afternoon. I had a very nice visit; seeing what’s new, checking out fiction and mystery and classics and travel. In the end, I bought a few inexpensive books, as well as the newest Patti Smith.
The red and black Olive Editions, by Harper Perennial, are limited editions that are only $10 each. This particular series of Olive Editions is centered on mysteries. I already have a couple here at home; Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers, which I’ve now read, and Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz, which is in my TBR pile. I don’t know how much longer these will be offered, so I grabbed Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon (the first of her series) and The Redbreast by Jo Nesbö. I also wanted another Simenon/Maigret mystery. I can’t find them in any other bookstore around here. Thank goodness for Oblong! Weather by Jenny Offill, is a new book that I’ve read very good things about. It happens to be signed; I think she’s doing an event at Oblong.
Don got the newest Patti Smith, which means I’ll be able to read it as well.
It was an unexpected and nice diversion on a Friday. I came home, ate some lunch and cleaned a bit. All in all, a nice day.
I’m looking forward to the warm-up that is headed our way soon. It was too cold yesterday!
Happy Leap Year and Happy Birthday to all those born on February 29th who get to celebrate on the actual day of their birth.
Happy Saturday.
lots of people stocking up on water, food etc. just in case. Myself, I am stocking up on real books….you just never know. I started to read some of Jo Nesbo from your suggestion and I am enjoying it.
I’d rather stock up on books, too! Glad you’re enjoying Nesbo – he’s such a good writer. Thank you!
I love it when running an errand turns into doing a thoughtful thing for your spouse…and a bonus trip for you or me, Win win. Looks like you hit the book jackpot.
It’s sunny here…and warmer, as in 40+ starting tomorrow, and for the next week. I’ll take it! Going to clean today, so I can enjoy the upcoming week. Enjoy your day! ;)
Yes, it’s warmer here today (Sunday). Yesterday was very cold! We are to have the same sort of weather as you this coming week. Huzzah! Thank you, Donnamae!
It’s quite a lovely scene envisioning your trip. I can imagine you driving along with a smile, the Hudson glistening. And is there really anything better than browsing a bookstore.
Though the adage is “no good deed goes unpunished” I have so often found it to be just the opposite. Don got his book, and you had the happy adventure with its own rewards.
In my childhood my father traveled to pick up our official guard dog and somehow returned with a second dog, the sweetest little companion to ever delight a young girl. It wasn’t supposed to happen that way ……but isn’t life grand some days !
Exactly. The trip over the Hudson was lovely and I was rewarded by Don’s pleasure in receiving the book and mine in discovering some new reading matter.
That story about the second dog and your father is so lovely, R. It makes me smile! Thank you.
Glad you had a nice trip to the bookstore. There is nothing better than browsing through a book store. I have never come out empty when browsing. Unfortunately there are no bookstores in my area. i have no car so I have to order on line. My friend usually gives me books for Christmas and birthdays. Have a nice Saturday.
Marilyn
Is it too difficult for you to travel into Manhattan, Marilyn? I sort of know where you live, but then again, I’m not sure how easy or difficult it is to get into the city where there are so many bookstores.
A sunny day at the end of February is a hopeful indicator that spring is not far…
Re: what are your readers reading, there were several mentions of James McBride and his wonderful memoir, “The Color of Water.” It just so happens that the NYTimes Sunday Magazine published a special section of an excerpt of his new novel, “The Day Deacon King Kong Got a Gun.” I’ve read about half of it. It’s hard.
I just read about that book the other day. Am I right that it’s a mystery? Or did I get that wrong?
I don’t think it’s a mystery, There is a murder, but we know who did it right away.it’s about another world that exists in plain sight, the world of poverty.
I might be confusing it with another book. Thank you!
what a lovely day, offering beauty for you to enjoy through the weather, river and a nice drive … and some interesting books, too! :)
nice day here … time with some of my family (among other things, we watched “the darkest hour” movie about winston churchill), got some chores done and i did my taxes. :)
hope you have a nice night.
kathy in iowa
We saw The Darkest Hour a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Hurrah for getting your taxes done, Kathy!
That drive on a sunny day does indeed sound lovely. The Hudson River Valley area is beautiful and what fun to get to hit the bookstore and the antique store. I love the model house, but you’re right, overpriced, altho it would be a decorator’s dream for a certain decor. I love your collection better because they were played with and loved. I just finished reading American Dirt–well written, engaging characters, very difficult subject. I read it primarily because I object to the author’s ill-treatment over daring to write about the immigration experience even tho she is not Hispanic. A horrible philosophy. It’s truly informing about the awful conditions in Mexico due to the cartels but also about the lengths humans will go to save their loved ones. I’m seriously considering ditching my NOOK. I’ve loved it for convenience, the lighted screen and text size adjustments which help my aging eyes, but I have to plug it in to charge it so frequently and I fall asleep and drop it so I’ve replaced the device about once a year. So much plastic and electronic waste. Then again, over the years, I’ve carted around countless boxes of books, hardback, paperbacks, new, used, and water stained that I felt I was drowning in them. And the stacks on the floor reminded me of my tendency to sink into hoarding. Ah well–we need libraries and bookstores more than machines I think. I’m glad you and Don stick to your principles with what works for you. Welcome to March–the month where we often get lulled into a taste of spring and then hammered with a big snowstorm around St. Patrick’s Day. LOL
I had the same reaction to that ‘controversy.’ Enough already. I feel for the author. Good for you for reading it, Nora.
I have a Kindle and I can’t remember when I picked it up last. It was good for a while, especially when I was reviewing books and often had to read the books via a device, but I find I’m not into the screen anymore. I have enough screens in my life; phone, laptop, iPad. I want my books to be three dimensional. Thank you, Nora!
That’s a Maigret I don’t have yet. You’ll have to let us know how it is. A friend of mine is in serious Donna Leon mode these days. I just ordered three for her birthday. That looks to be a marvelous book store. Good finds, all!
Donna Leon is a good author – I’ve only read one of her series so far, but I just bought the first one the other day and I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks, Jeanie.