Adam Johnson has always been a winner in my book

The announcement of a major literary award is always cause for celebration, but how much more exciting when it's a book you love, by a really delightful author. Such was the case earlier today, when it was announced that San Francisco novelist Adam Johnson was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel, The Orphan Master's Son.  (And BTW, Pulitzer Committee, see how much more fun it is when you pick a winner?)

Now, I'd encountered Adam around San Francisco at various literary events over the years, and he was always pleasant, but I never quite got around to reading his first novel.  He really came onto my radar when his editor, the awesome David Ebershoff, sent me a galley of The Orphan Master's Son, along with a personal letter.  I, of course, geekily wrote about that here, and suffered further embarrassment when Ebershoff left a comment on the blog post.  D'oh! 

When I finally got around to reading the galley, I absolutely loved it!  You may read my review here.  Ultimately, out of the 202 books I read last year, it made my top 10 list.  The Orphan Master's Son is simply an extraordinary novel.

I was fortunate not only attend Adam's local book launch at the Booksmith, but I filmed his talk and posted the video to the blog.  I had my first substantive interaction with the man when he signed my galley.  Now, you know that thing where people say, "It couldn't happen to a nicer guy"?  Read on. 

We talked for a few minutes, I asked if I could posted the footage here, and must have given Adam my calling card.  I know this, because a couple of weeks later, I received the sweetest note in the mail.  Snail mail, people!  Believe me, that's a first.  He thanked me for posting the video I shot, and for all the support I give to books and authors.  And he meant it.  Plus, the man walks the walk, because I continue to run into him occasionally at other--often less established--authors' lit events.  He comes out to support his peers.

The next time I bumped into him it was months later, and I just wanted to thank him for the thoughtful note.  He was talking to some people, so I approached quietly in order to reintroduce myself.  Before I even could, he greeted me warmly by name.  I was stunned.  He then launched into this... this... ridiculously flattering introduction to his friends and we all chatted in the most convivial way.  Seriously, what a nice guy! 

Suffice it to say, I was rather jubilant upon hearing the happy news.  Great book, great guy!  I'm sorry

the excitement of the day was quickly overshadowed by deeply sad news out of Boston, but I'm thrilled for Adam Johnson.  I hope to have the opportunity to congratulate him on this honor in person sometime soon.  And more than anything, I hope that this new visibility brings new readers to his fantastic novel. 

Mailbox Monday: I need a vacation edition

In case you're wondering, these mailboxes are in Palos Verdes, California, and the photo was taken by Tash.  Stunning!

Meanwhile, I'm counting the minutes until Labor Day Weekend, because unfortunately, I'll be working every day until the not-long-enough weekend.  Mostly, I need to get away from this unrelenting cold.  Blech.

So, I got a little reminder this week that people occasionally read what I'm spewing out onto the 'net.  Last Monday I was geeking out about getting a letter from David Ebershoff?  Yeah, he posted in the comments over the weekend.  *blush*  (You're awesome, David.  I wrote the #1 review for The 19th Wife on Amazon.com, and I'm totally available to do freelance editorial work for Random House.)  And, yes, I'll be reading that novel he sent me, the Orphan Master's Son, sooner rather than later.  I need to see what all the fuss is about.  Okay, moving on...

This past week, I had a great book group meeting in a local bar, as is our custom.  And, a bookseller friend and I had the first of what we've decided should be a quarterly dinner to compare notes on what we've read, and what interesting titles are about to be released.  Also, we gossiped about people we know.  This coming week, I would love to catch Lev Grossman's local book tour stop at Kepler's, but I'm not sure my work will allow it.  It's graduation week at the university.  I'll let you know next week if I make it.

Happily, it's a short list of books this week, but a very cool list.  And this first book will have a place of true honor in my home...

Devil's Plaything
by Matt Richtel
Release date: May 3, 2011
Source: Limited edition hardback from author and publisher

When this novel was published a few months ago, there was a SNAFU and the acknowledgements page was omitted.  This is unfortunate, but not the end of the world.  At his book signings, Matt had pre-cut acknowledgement pages that people could slip into the books.  But he wanted the people who had helped him with what turned out to be a challenging novel to get the real deal.  So, this past week, I received a signed, very limited edition hardback of Devil's Plaything.  I have one of only 50 in the world.  And I am very kindly acknowledged.  Thank you, Matt.

Sanctus
by Simon Toyne
Release date: September 5, 2011
Source: Paper galley from publisher

I may have heard of this religious thriller at some point, but looking at the galley, it seems like it's going to be a high-profile debut.  I got kind of burned out on religious thrillers in the wake of The Da Vinci Code, but this does look fun.  I think I'll be giving it a read.

The Most Dangerous Thing
by Laura Lippman
Release date: August 23, 2011
Source: Finished hardback from publisher

I really enjoyed Lippman's last stand-alone, and I am very much looking forward to reading this one.  Thanks, Shawn!

A Bitter Truth
by Charles Todd
Release date: August 30, 2011
Source: Finished hardback from publisher

I live this novel's cover, but don't feel compelled to jump into this series in progress.  If we've got a swarm of Todd fans here, speak up about a giveaway.  Otherwise, I suspect it will be given away via the face-to-face book group.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
by Alan Bradley
Release date: April 28, 2009
Source: Trade paperback from bookseller

Apparently the tiniest of crumples on the corner of this book makes it "damaged merchandise."  My bookseller friend threw it at me an suggested I read it.  I have heard good things and been interested in the series...

The Time in Between
by Maria Duenas
Release date: November 8, 2011
Source: Galley from bookseller

So, after our dinner, my bookseller friend and I sifted through the store's galleys for the next six months.  Both of us agreed that it was a sad collection.  Where's the copy of the new Eugenides?  Why can't she get hold of the forthcoming Murakami?  Anyway, I suggested a couple of books she might read, and I walked away with a galley of this Spanish debut that Simon and Schuster is promoting.  It's a bit of a doorstop, so we'll see. 

Sleeping Beauty
by Elle Lothlorien
Release date: unknown
Source: Draft from author

I've only just begun reading this draft, but I like what I've seen so far!





Books finished this week:

Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore
The Accident by Linwood Barclay
Sister by Rosamund Lupton
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler


Currently reading:

Sleeping Beauty by Elle Lothlorien
Luminarium by Alex Shakar


So, faithful readers, what have y'all been reading?  What books did you acquire this week?  Please let me know in the comments!

Mailbox Monday: The geeking out edition

So, I'm geeking out a little.  The past few weeks you guys have seen references to a book I was reading called Ready Player One, a debut novel by Ernest Cline.  (My rave review may be read here, or simply by scrolling down.)  So, I don't know Ernie Cline, never met him, but in honor of his book going on sale tomorrow, the theme of this week's mailbox photos is geeking out, LOL.  Yes, these are all mailboxes.  Finding these photos was so much fun!  Say what you will, but the geeks have a great sense of humor.

Incidentally, even though I don't know uber-geek Cline, I did have some minor correspondence with him last week.  He signed his email, "MTFBWYA."  You do not want to know how long it took me to figure that out.  Yeah, I'm totally a geek, but a different flavor geek than Mr. Cline.  I'm a book geek, and I show my true colors each week on this blog, LOL.

Case in point:  I totally geeked out last week because I got a personal letter (snail mail to me specifically, not a form letter) from Random House editor extraordinaire (and an awesome novelist in his own right), David Ebershoff!  It was nothing important, and I rather doubt most of his correspondents are as excited as I was, but I take my thrills where I get them, okay?

I have to say that this was an awesome week for books, too!  I mean, they're all pretty awesome, really.  Are you ever astounded by just how many great books are out there?  I am, all the time.  On that note...

Ragnarok: The End of the Gods
by A.S. Byatt
Release date: February 7, 2012
Source: Electronic galley from publisher

This fall seems to be the season to face down all my literary fears.  I've always been intimidated to read Byatt.  But this one is small, and seems... Well not accessible, but, uh, shorter.  Don't judge me.

Bed
by David Whitehouse
Release date: August 2, 2011
Source: Finished hardback from publisher

This British debut novel has been on my radar since it got a rave (starred) review in PW.  I finally got around to requesting a review copy, and I'm so grateful to Simon & Schuster for accomodating my request in record time.  This is a fascinating character study and a great story!  Look for my review later this week.

Too Much Stuff
by Don Bruns
Release date: December 12, 2011
Source: Electronic galley from publisher

Three little words:  Trashy Underwater Fiction!  A comic mystery featuring missing gold and scuba diving in the Florida Keys.  And it's releasing the week of my birthday.  What a lovely gift!

The Twelfth Enchantment
by David Liss
Release date: August 9, 2011
Source: Purchased at M is for Mystery (Because I love my local indies!)

This book is such old news already.  Noneless, I did actually purchase it, read it in record time, love it, and agonize over a review last week.  You can see it here. 

The Orphan Master's Son
by Adam Johnson
Release date: January 10, 2012
Source: Paper galley from publisher

Now, this is something very interesting, and I hadn't heard about it until it showed in the mailbox last week.  For starters, Adam Johnson is local, and I see him around the San Francisco literary scene.  Nice guy.  The novel has an enthusiastic blurb from David Mitchell on the cover, thus assuring that I will read it.  But it sounds fascinating, "Part breathless thriller, part story of innocence lost, part story of romantic love, The Orphan Master’s Son is also a riveting portrait of a world heretofore hidden from view: a North Korea rife with hunger..."

Girls in White Dresses
by Jennifer Close
Release date: August 9, 2011
Source: Electronic galley from publisher

I picked up a couple of signed galleys of this novel at BEA, but I'm so much more likely to review if I can read it on my Kindle.  To date, Knopf--who are very kind in supplying whatever books I request--have been very difficult about electronic galleys.  Hopefully that is changing.  See, Knopf, I finally read it.  Review TK.  In fact, should this be this week's Humpday Giveaway?  Maybe...

Sacre Bleu: A Comedy d'Art
by Christopher Moore
Release date: April 3, 2012
Source: Unbound MS from publisher

Okay, I don't want to hear about the 14 typos that you found in the last Chris Moore novel, because I'm one of the very last pairs on eyes that checks for such things.  All I can say is that there would be even more errors if I were not doing so.  Proofreading for Chris can be interesting, as recent novels have ranged from pseudo-Shakespearian English to... Abby Normal.  'Nuff said.  And this one's full of fucking French (his words, not mine), with the accents.  I have been looking forward to reading this for the past couple of years, because I kept hearing these tantalizing tidbits from Chris's girlfriend.  She told me that this was his best novel since Lamb, and she may be right.

Eyes Wide Open
by Andrew Gross
Release date: July 12, 2011
Source: 2 Finished hardbacks from publisher

I'd been sort of interested in reading this novel, but it was easier to just read the millions of books already in my apartment.  Now this book is in my apartment, and I will look forward to reading it in the near future.  And di you notice that the nice folks at HarperCollins sent two copies?  One is for you guys!  Another contender for this week's giveway.  (Let me know in the comments if you have a preference.)

Shades of Milk and Honey
by Mary Robinette Kowal
Release date: August 3, 2011
Source: Trade paperback purchased at Borderlands Books

I was over by Borderlands Books this weekend and allowed myself to be hand-sold this novel I had not heard of before.  Apparently, if I liked David Liss's latest, I will definitely like this one as well.  Mostly, I just like supporting my local independent bookseller, so that I always have a lovely shop to shoot the breeze in.

Ready Player One t-shirt!

Yes, I got an extra bonus gift in the mail last week, a cool and stylish Ready Player One t-shirt from my friends at Random House.  It is so very cool and awesome!

Books finished this week:


The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss
One Day by David Nicholls

Bed by David Whitehouse

Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close

Currently reading:

Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore
The Accident by Linwood Barclay

So, what awesome books have you guys been reading this week?  What have you brought into the house?  What do you want me to give away on Wednesday?  Let me know!