Today's mailbox was photographed in Livorno, Italy, of all places!
So, I haven't been a great blogger of late. I've been busy doing that job that pays for rent and food. Namely, I work for a university, and this past Friday was our graduation. It was a lovely ceremony and a very happy occasion. But I've been busy with off-site meetings, graduation, and an academic conference. Part of the time I was living in a hotel and part of the time I was spending 4 hours a day commuting back and forth from the hotel. That'll eat into a girl's blogging time, so sorry about that. Hopefully, I'll be back on track this week.
Speaking of this week, I have absolutely nothing bookish planned. I'm going to get through the next several days, and then I've got a long weekend. And I am going to spend at least 48 hours of it someplace warm and sunny. With a big pile of books. Friends are optional.
I was so very busy over in academia, that I didn't really have a chance to acquire many books. This is a manageable list. Yay!
Oh, before I forget: The giveaway for Eyes Wide Shut by Andrew Gross is still open, and is in risk of being cancelled for lack of interest. You know what that means? Odds are excellent if you want to enter.
by Blake Mycoskie
Release date: September 6, 2011
Source: Paper galley from publisher
I've already gifted this galley to a professor I work with. He's all about social transformation, as is the book, so it seemed like a good match.
by Lisa Unger
Release date: August 9, 2011
Source: Amazon Vine Program
I've been a fan of Unger's since her breakout novel, Beautiful Lies. Truthfully, I haven't liked anything as much as that first book, but they've all been enjoyable. I read Fragile, the prequel to this novel, so I'll read this one too. It'll be a quick read.
by Simon Toyne
Release date: September 6, 2011
Source: Amazon Vine Program
You may recall that I received a galley of this novel last week. I picked it up and got sucked in immediately. Since I had more Vine choices than books I was all that interested in reading, I decided to choose this book I knew I'd be reading anyway. Now I have a spare galley to give away.
by Terry Pratchett
Release date: October 11, 2011
Source: Electronic galley from publisher
I won't pretent to have read all or most of the Discworld books, but I've read enough to know the world. I thought, why not? I've always wanted to read more of these, and there are many hard copies on my bookshelves. So, I've got a lengthy backlist to enjoy in years to come.
Release date: July 19, 2011
Source: Electronic galley from publisher
After reading Christopher Moore's Sacre Bleu, I was left with a slight regret that I didn't know more about the real artists and art he wrote about in his novel. This book is the perfect companion to go along with it! Now the only problem is restraining myself from jumping on a plane to Paris. I have frequent flyer miles burning a hole in my pocket!
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Release date: August 23, 2011
Source: Electronic galley from publisher
This was a fairly buzzy debut novel at BEA. Also, it's set in and around San Francisco, so I've been meaning to read it. It finally got to it this week. It was enjoyable, but nothing I'd feel the need to rave about. Review TK.
by Meg Donohue
Release date: March 13, 2012
Source: Electronic galley from publisher
This is another novel set in San Francisco, which is basically what convinced me to read it. Plus, I give myself free dispensation to eat as many cupcakes as I like while reading it. I should read it in a cupcake shop, as I read Chocolat in a chocolaterie.
Books finished this week:
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross
Currently reading:
Sanctus by Simon Toyne
Luminarium by Alex Shakar
Sleeping Beauty by Elle Lothlorien
So, give it up--what have you been reading? What books have you acquired this week? Please let us know in the comments!
Over the weekend I read Boyd Morrison's The Ark -- and noticed the nod in the acknowledgements!
ReplyDeleteReading Kate Atkinson's Case Histories at the moment. Don't know why I haven't gotten to it before now, but since the show's coming to Masterpiece at some point, I figured now is the time.
Hey Becky,
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome you read The Ark! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. And very cool that you noted my name in the acknowledgements. I read those pages religiously, but don't suppose that many people do.
As for Case Histories, I've been meaning to read it for YEARS. You must let me know what you think of it. Perhaps I can finally move it up on the TBR pile. I've heard raves from others, FWIW.