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!