So, I still have no voice. This has gone beyond mere annoyance, as it's been nearly three weeks now. But it led to a very funny interlude this past week. I commented to a co-worker that I'd spent the entire weekend in silence. She looked at me very skeptically. I said, "As much as I read, don't you realize that I spend most of my life outside this office in silence?" Her response was, "I always picture you reading aloud. And gesticulating." I laughed until I cried. Everyone who has heard this quote shrugs and says, "I could see that."
And on that note, let's start this week's list with the swarm of books I picked up in the Audible.com "Paperback" sale. I've said it before, I can't resist the cheap audiobooks. One of the things I love about them, is that while I have little time to reread books, sometimes I'll pick up an especially beloved book in this new format, and it feels a little less like revisiting the same territory. It's also a way to fit in older books I've been wanting to read--books I don't owe reviews on. Or new books I didn't receive review copies of. It's a little easier to squeeze the audiobook in while I'm shopping, cooking, stitching, or otherwise multi-tasking.
by Chevy Stevens
This was a hot debut thriller last summer, and I considered reading it then. Her latest thriller is now sitting in my house. I already "read" this one while walking around New York. Enjoyable. The first half was very reminiscent of Emma Donaghue's Room. I liked the second half a lot better.
by Pat Frank
I've always wanted to read this classic of apocalyptic fiction.
by Jennifer Egan
I think everyone here knows I'm a big fan of Jennifer Egan and this year's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. For five bucks, I couldn't resist adding the audiobook to my collection.
by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
I'm a decades-long fan of Doug and Linc's, but I'm a rare fan who feels that a little Pendergast goes a long way. A few years ago, I just got Pendergasted-out, and I stopped reading the books. But, I started to feel a little nostalgic recently. The latest Pendergast book is out in a couple of weeks, so I decided to re-enter the series with last year's offering, the first in a trilogy. I've already listened to it, and I had an epiphany. Pendergast's courtliness is 100% Doug Preston. An example... Me: Doug, I've lost my voice. Doug: What a shame, you have such a lovely voice. He's like that all the time.
by Jennifer Weiner
Technically, I purchased this brand new title with my Audible.com credit. This is another one I've already listened to. Enjoyable and interesting, but not funny like her typical work. I missed the humor.
by Katherine Dunn
It must be 20 years since I've read this cult classic, and yet I think of it so often. It deserves a reread after all these years. I loved this book, and hope that I still do.
by Shirley Jackson
I have heard too many raves about the book and audiobook to ignore.
by Ken Follett
In a perfect world, I would have every book I read in paper, Kindle, and audiobook formats, as I like to switch back and forth, and frequently listen and read at the same time, etc. Now that I do have this monster in all three formats, I'm running out of excuses not to read it.
by Diane Setterfield
This is another popular title that's been sitting on my bookshelf that I've been meaning to get around to reading.
by Haruki Murakami
Simply put, Nicole would never forgive me if I passed up a Murakami. I'm reading my first Murakami now, and while I don't understand it, I'm enjoying it immensely.
by Geraldine Brooks
One of these days I'll actually read a Brooks novel.
by Jamie Rose
Source: Paper galley from publisher
I don't think this is for me...
by Lisa Tucker
Source: Paper galley from publisher
I keep acquiring Tucker's novels and not reading them. I need to break this cycle! Has anyone else read Lisa Tucker? Thoughts? I shall try to get to this one.
by Anne Dick
Source: Finished trade paperback from publisher
This is a new biography of the troubled writer, written by his wife. Sounds interesting!
by Gregg Hurwitz
Source: Picked up at book club
I enjoy Hurwitz, and I missed this one last year. Thanks, Maya!
by Howard Jacobson
Source: Picked up at book club
The Jewishest Booker Prize winner ever. The only question is, why haven't I read it yet? Thanks, Steve!
Books finished this week:
Killing Kate by Julie Kramer
The Magician King by Lev Grossman
Machine Man by Max Barry
How painfully obvious is it that I will never catch up on my review writing? I'm like 20 behind now. *hangs head in shame*
Currently reading:
Dominance by Will Lavender
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
and snippets of too many other books to even mention
So, what books have you acquired lately? What have you been reading?
