I have been such a good girl lately. I haven’t purchased a new book in quite a while. Between the library and the eGalleys and advanced reader copies that I get in the mail or on my Kindle, I have more than enough reading matter to last me quite a long time.
My queue at the library includes Louise Penny’s newest, The Nature of the Beast. And I’m not all that far down the list. I told myself that I didn’t need to own the book, even though I had all of the other Three Pines mysteries on my bookshelves. Surely I would be just fine if I read the library copy. No big deal.
Then I stopped by the bookstore on my way to Target yesterday.
I caved.
I justified this purchase with the fact that I’ve been sick for the last week and I’ve been sticking to my budget and I haven’t bought any new books in a long, long time and I’m on a diet from sugar and salt and I’m losing weight (thank goodness) and surely I deserve some sort of treat?
A resounding “Yes!” was my answer to myself.
Along with The Nature of the Beast, I bought Fahrenheit 451 because I have never read it. It’s shocking that I’ve never read this book about books and burning books and the need for words on the page. I’m going to remedy that.
And then I threw in Nancy Martin’s latest Blackbird Sisters Mystery, A Little Night Murder. Have you read any of the books in this series? They’re delightful and very well written. They take place in and around the Philadelphia area. As I lived there for five years, it’s fun to rediscover it all via Martin’s series.
We won’t even mention how many TBR books I have here already – both on my bookshelves and on the Kindle. We just won’t.
One of the things I had wanted to do this week when I went into NYC was visit The Mysterious Bookshop. Being sick put paid to that idea, so I guess I’m comforting myself in a way. Really, the fact is if I was given a big chunk of cash, I’d probably spend it on books. Not furniture, not clothes, not little things for the house, not shoes, not even food. (Maybe some miniatures…) No, I’d trot off to The Mysterious Bookshop and the Strand and spend, spend, spend.
I’m about 90 pages from the end of The Girl in the Spider’s Web and then I’ll either start the newest Jan Karon (which has been waiting for me on the Kindle) or the Penny. Hmmm.
What are you reading at the moment?
Happy Saturday.
I’m reading Nature of the Beast. Ooooh it’s so good. It takes place IN Three Pines and I’m just loving the food descriptions at the bistro and all the people that live there. Don’t want it to end.
So glad they are back in Three Pines, Linda. Can’t wait!
I just started “The Story of a New Name”, the second of Elena Ferrante’s four Neapolitan novels. I really enjoyed “My Brilliant Friend”, the first of the series, and hope to enjoy all four books.
I was just reading something about Ferrante’s series the other day. I’ll have to put them on my list!
I am reading “The Old Bank House” one of Angela Thirkell’s Barsetshire series. I have read most of them in the past and adore them. I had found 2 of them in the past , but recently went to the large Barnes and Noble near us that has a very large used section. Most good paperbacks are $7, but they have a section with cheaper ones. i found 7 of that series and two other of hers for $1 each! They are in almost new condition. I swear I got a nauseous stomach when I saw them and practically ripped them off of the shelf. So this one that I am reading now, I have never read before and I am quite enjoying it.
I know of that series and I think I may have read one or two many years ago. What a great find, Laura! You must be thrilled!
Can’t wait for the new Jan Karon book next week. I like reading and holding a “real” book so I’ll purchase the hardback next week with help from a gift card. I have all her books and love her warm stories.
Good for you! I think Karon’s books deserve a special place on the shelf, don’t you? Enjoy!
I just finished “A Man Called Ove.” It might be my favorite book of the year. (Although I often say that about the last book I read.) My aunt and I can’t pass a bookstore without popping in. We say there are worse vices you can have, than being addicted to bookstores and books;)
Interestingly, there’s a character named Ove in The Girl in the Spider’s Web…
I think an addiction to reading and books and bookstores is a wonderful thing indeed. I don’t smoke or drink, so why not?
I’m reading John Lutz. I especially like his Frank Quinn series.
I don’t think I’m familiar with that series, Kathy. I’ll have to check it out.
I think you will love Nature of the Beast. I’m treasuring my signed copy and the sweet note she wrote. She was everything I hoped she would be, but sadly, no picture with her. Too many people! I am about to begin Station Eleven, a totally different genre for me, and I just finished Miss Read Early Days. I’ve always had a soft spot for her stories set in the village of Fairacre and this gives an account of her days as a child. Happy reading!
So sorry you didn’t get a photo! I hope you like Station Eleven. Very different genre for me, too, but I absolutely loved it.
I’ve read several books in the Fairacre series and I really liked them.
I loved Station Eleven, I wanted more! It is fun when something surprises you in a book and this genre did that for me!
Me too! I almost bought it in paperback yesterday because the one I read was from the library. I probably will someday.
I need to cut back on sugar and bread – good luck with your program, know you’ll feel better.
I like to browse through the $1 offerings at the Dollar stores – have found some good books there and usually pick up one for travel. Just started one which I’m taking on the trip to France this coming week – Laura Lamont’s Life in Pictures by Emma Straub – set in Hollywood ’30’s .
Boston Globe said – ”
“At once a delicious depiction of Hollywood’s golden age and a sweet, fulfilling story about one woman’s journey through fame, love and loss”.
It’s an easy read, so far I’m enjoying – and it will give me something to read on the boat. . . .if there’s any free time!
Happy weekend – glad you are getting better Claudia.
Mary x
Sounds like a neat book, Mary. Have a wonderful trip, my friend.
I hate to be an enabler, but … New England Miniatures is closing their store soon (tears) and everything is 30% off. I buy books too. They are stashed all over the house, on coffee tables, end tables, little shelves, even the loo. I am currently reading two books, We’re Just Like You, Only Prettier (Confessions of a Southern Belle) by Celia Rivenbark because I need a giggle, and A Fine Romance by Susan Branch because I am a full fledged Anglophile. I read Farenheit 451 a few years ago and it terrified me. And, regarding spending money on books, I am trying to justify the purchase of the out of print copy of Mrs Daffodil by Gladys Taber. Hope you are feeling better.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Are you kidding me???? They’re closing? I will get right on over there. But that makes me sad.
Enjoy your new books! :-)
I will, Regula!
I am reading Beverly Lewis latest book called The Love Letters. I find the Amish stories relaxing and interesting the way they live. I am also writing the names of the books people are reading for future reads. Doris
I love this kind of post and the comments because I know I’m always going to find new books for my To Be Read list, Doris.
I am reading “Study is Hard Work” by William H. Armstrong. One of the best quotes in the book is from Sir Thomas More (1478-1535). “When the destroyer comes, his first act is to burn the books.” Unfortunately, still timely. It’s a book about how to study and I wish this had been around in the mid 60’s. But I am still learning and finding all sorts of good advice about getting the most out of my time with my face in a book. One thing I have never done and should have when I was a teen, is to read the first few pages in a dictionary and find out how to truly get the most out of it. It is an eyeopener! Go grab your dictionary right now and I bet you will say “WOW!”
I did that a long time ago – just because I love to read the intros to reference books. It’s eye-opening, isn’t it?
Read the Penny first. But I say this as one who tired of Karon some time ago, tried her last and didn’t finish. Without giving anything away, I’ll say that Penny is growing, fleshing out some of her previously infuriatingly –to me, at least — flat characters in a satisfying way, Ruth in particular.
Enjoy!
I loved Karon’s last book – I thought it excellent. And I hadn’t read a couple of the books that were right before that one in the series. I’m reviewing the Karon, so I will probably read it first.
I’ve been so stressed with parental health issues, then my beloved cat died in the middle of it all, that I need to escape to Mitford…
Oh no! I’m so sorry about your darling baby, Wendy. I know how much your loved your cat and how painful this must be for you. Sending you a big hug and healing thoughts, my friend.
Thank you, Claudia. I appreciate it. You understand how it is to lose an animal family member who has grabbed a hold on your heart. I feel buried by grief now, complicated by the losses I’ve had to endure these past three years, but I believe in myself and know I’ll be ok….not great yet, but ok.
You’ve had such a heartbreaking time of it for the past few years, Wendy. I’m thinking of you.
Books are a huge addiction in our house! We discovered Chapters/Indigo here in when our kids were small and our budget was really tight. We’d browse the store, choose our favorites, then go home and order from the company but all on sale. We still do that even though now we’re a two income family. Usually takes a few days to arrive and we always get free shipping. Love it! We’ve discovered Amazon as well as a great place to order. The excitement of a package too is worth the few days of waiting vs. book in hand right away.
I just received two books in the mail last night. The first is a cookbook (loving cooking now that I have a kitchen that has space) and a book by Marisa Silver called “Mary Coin”. Was a New York Times Best Seller. Just a few pages in so far.
Hope you feel well soon!
Chy
Who doesn’t love a package of books arriving in the mail? Heaven!
Just finished Station Eleven. actually Miss Potter just read it to me…I loved it. So much so I just ordered the book to read myself. I am curious to hear what you hear of Louise Penny’s new book, I read it . I liked the story but it did not feel like a Three Pines mystery . I am about to read ( yes to myself, not on CD) A kingdom Strange by James Horn…a story of Roanoke. I am fascinated by the lost colony. It is not new but 2010. Enjoy the cooler weather, our driveway thermometer topped over 120….Wednesday…actually off the scale as they say.
I was a little disappointed in the last Penny – The Long Way Home. It didn’t feel quite right to me and I’ve found that when Penny’s books take place for a prolonged period of time far from Three Pines, I like them less. I’m looking forward to this newest. One thing about Penny – and I’ve heard her say something close to this – she really tries to change it up with each new book. She like the challenge of it and she doesn’t want to become predictable.
Books are food for our souls! I can’t imagine being without one (or many many many) in my life. I’ve got a medium size stack from the library and I’m currently reading Karen White’s ‘the time between’ but just started so can’t say if I like it or not yet. I have read several of Karen’s books and enjoyed them in the past.
hugs,
Linda
Not familiar with Karen White, Linda – I’ll have to check her out!
I’m currently reading The Target by David Baldacci…fast moving, great read! I’m glad you splurged…and yes, you do deserve it! I’ve taken to buying my books at the half price bookstore…great condition, less $$. And yes, if I were given money, I would buy books too…and maybe a vintage piece…just for good measure! Enjoy your day! ;)
I wish we had a half-price bookstore around here, Donnamae. Alas, we don’t!
Can’t WAIT to get the Karon book and I am looking forward to your review. I just started “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion. Enjoying it!!
Happy reading!!!!
I haven’t read that one but I’ve sure heard a lot of good things about it.
I’m reading David McCullough’s ‘1776’ – and still working on Lidia Bastianich’s “Common Sense Italian Cooking.” Yep, I actually do read cookbooks like any other type of book, and for sure, it’s definitely a little weird. But I found I liked it a long time ago, and I’ve learned oodles of stuff I don’t think I’d know if I’d only paid attention to individual recipes. In the last week or so, I’ve also re-read Daphne duMaurier’s “Rebecca” which I grabbed on a whim from the bookcase when I was dusting. Just because it’s such a page-turner and sets a great mood. The phrase “couldn’t put it down…” could have been coined for this book.
I liked Rebecca a lot, but My Cousin Rachel was even better-have you read that one?
I know a lot of people who read cookbooks. I’m not one of them, but I can see the appeal. I read Rebecca was I was a teenager – as I was into all the gothic romances that were prevalent at the time. It’s a great book!
I am reading The Death Of Bees…by Lisa O’Donnell…
Sorry..hit the wrong key…it is a bit odd…a bit strange..told in three voices of three rather quirky characters…just a different kind of story…I am a third of the way through and itching to get back to it…Of course you deserve those books..lol..
When you’re itching to get back to a book, that’s the best kind of review there is!
Interesting choices. I recently reread the Bradbury book and have a different take on it in these days of ebooks etc. I’d be interested in your opinion once you’ve read it – perhaps a topic for your book blog? My last book purchase was a set of books by Anthony Trollope in an attempt to teach my daughter the tenets of property law. I thought it an inspired idea, but the net result has only been many hits on ebay looking at estate jewellery. (Sigh)
Ah well. You tried!
I will write about the Bradbury when I get around to reading it, Barbara. That would make for a very interesting discussion on the book blog.
No need to justify your choices to me Claudia,as i do get it. The new Louise Penny is bound to be a great choice. I’m glad you made it through the week and wish you may read yourself well?!:)! !, For now,you are doing the reading for me as it a bit of a scramble for me even to read your blog! Insufficient sleep due to my dog’s being up at night with diarrhea is surely compounding the challenges at this time. And, i know you can appreciate how stressful it is to have to function when feeling run down. It is still great to read your reviews and i surely appreciate your blog very much. Thank-you for all your continuous effort,but also,do make sure to care for yourself as well as possible.I love it when you do something special for yourself and it also serves as an encouragement to me. Thank-you and Happy Reading!
Aw, thank you, Grace. I sure hope your little one feels better soon!
Claudia, I think its funny your sister has audio books today. Was it planned or just a sister connection?! Doris
A sister connection, Doris. We didn’t plan anything, but we both love to read!
I have Fahrenheit 451 on the shelf left over from the homeschooling days. I’ve thought of pulling it from the shelf and readimg it. Im currently reading my English text! I havent read any books by Nicholas Sparks… but am interested in picking one up and giving it a read. Other than the text book … nothing.
Understandable, Pat. You’re in school now! I remember being so busy when I was in undergraduate school that I couldn’t find time to read anything but assigned texts.
Hi there, so glad to hear that you are on the mend, and I’m all for little rewards, or big ones for that matter! I am currently reading Howard’s End and just started Cold Comfort Farm. Different genres for me but I have just finished Susan Branch’s A Fine Romance (love her illustrations) and she included a list of other books to read. Your hollyhocks look so healthy, no rust on the leaves as far as I can see. We have to spray with a product called Neem (organic based) to keep mold and rust off of our zinnia and hollyhock leaves. xxoo
I’ve read both Howard’s End and Cold Comfort Farm – wonderful novels. I have yet to read A Fine Romance – isn’t that silly? I need to get on it!
I just finished reading “All The Light We Cannot See,” and now I’m back to the third book in the Harry Potter series.
That book is on my TBR list. I’m waiting for it to come out in paperback.
I’m in line at the library for the Penny book also. Love them. I’ve never read anything by Nancy Martin so I’ve reserved that now. Well see which one becomes available first.
And, I to, would spend my last penny on a book. Books, music, artwork in more or less that order,
The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate. Charming!