It’s that time again when book bloggers share their book acquisitions. Here is what arrived at my house this week:
The Brightest Moon of the Century, by Christopher Meeks came to me as an Advance Reading Copy directly from the author. If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know I’ve read both of Meeks’ short story collections (The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea reviewed here; and Months and Seasons reviewed here) and thoroughly enjoyed them. I was thrilled to be added to the list of reviewers who would get an ARC of his first novel. The Brightest Moon of the Century is about Edward, a Minnesota man. It follows his life from age 14 to age 45 over 9 chapters. Meeks creates quirky characters and a sneak peak of the first chapter of this novel made me think of John Irving’s Garp. The book is due for release in March 2009.
Delicate Edible Birds and Other Stories, by Lauren Groff. This is a finished hard cover which arrived from Hyperion. Isn’t the cover gorgeous? This collection consists of nine stories which ‘offer portraits of smart, daring women who are in search of, in thrall to, or disillusioned by love.‘ I am looking forward to sinking into this book. Thank you to Pamela Peterson from Hyperion & Voice!
I also spent some of my Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Border’s gift certificates which have been adding up in the last few months. Here’s what arrived from the bookstores in the last week.
Collections of Short Stories:
- One More Year, by Sana Krasikov – winner of the 5 Under 35 Award (2008) and a collection which is getting rave reviews.
- The Boat, by Nam Le – winner of 5 Under 35 Award (2008) and a collection which has been on my wish list since the first time I became aware of it.
- Drinking Coffee Elsewhere, by ZZ Packer – winner of the 5 Uner 35 Award (2006) and another collection which I’ve been looking at for a couple of years now.
Novels:
- The Spectator Bird, by Wallace Stegner – winner of the National Book Award (1977)
- A Golden Age, by Tahmina Anam – on my wish list since I read Teddy’s review
- The Senator’s Wife, by Sue Miller – just because I love Miller’s writing
Cookbooks:
- The Flavor Bible, by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg – I got tired of waiting to win this one!
- The Improvisational Cook, by Sally Schneider – which seemed to be a good book to use along with The Flavor Bible.
Visit Marcia at today’s Mailbox Monday Post on The Printed Page to leave a link to your acquistions and see what other people found in THEIR mailboxes!
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
You had a great week! I agree with you on the cover of Delicate Edible Birds, but I think the title is a little creepy.
I love The Flavor Bible! And I got Improvisational Cook for Christmas. I’m looking forward to that one too…
The book by Christopher Meeks looks good. I haven’t read any of his stuff, but I still really want to check out Months and Seasons: heard good things.
Nice week!
-lauren
I started a blog for all things non-american and this is what I got (Shooting Stars List on other blog)
http://bridgethegapx.blogspot.com/2009/01/in-your-mailbox.html
Ooo..look at all the goodies! I have the Senator’s Wife as well…its in the TBR pile that is out of control.
Looks like you also have a great bunch of short story books as well.
happy reading.
I have Drinking Coffee Elsewhere on my TBR list – (I am trying to do the 5 under 35 Challenge, but haven’t read a book for it yet! – When it says Perpetual… it means they get read last!)
Come check out my books here: http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2009/01/mailbox-monday-1-12-2009.html
Kristi
I’ve got Delicate Edible Birds in my TBR pile too. Isn’t the Flavor Bible great? I was fortunate enough to win a copy and I love it.
I should find a copy of The Boat. I read one of Nam Le’s stories in last year’s Best American Short Stories anthology, and I enjoyed it…hmm. Can’t wait to read your review!
I’m going to plant myself right outside your mailbox so that I can run off with your stash!!
I thought the same thing about the cover of Delicate Edible Birds before I read what you wrote. It totally makes me want to read it based on that alone.
Your received some awesome books and I look forward to your review of the short story books. I’m on the hunt for the Chris Meeks books based on your previous reviews.
What a great week you had! The short story collections look interesting – I’m hoping to start reading more short stories this year.
Oh – I love the Flavor Bible! It has such great information in it.
Here’s my Mailbox! ~ Wendi
I really enjoyed Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by ZZ Packer. I look forward to your thoughts on it.
Lots of great books this week! That really is a lovely cover on Delicate Edible Birds but I agree with Kathy, I’m not sure I like the title.
I’ve been wanting to get The Boat since I first heard of it too. Enjoy your new books!
Kathy: *laughs* Yes, it is a creepy title – maybe once I’ve read it I will understand it
Rebecca: I think the two cookbooks are a nice compliment to each other – I am really excited about trying things with them as guides!
Lauren: Thanks for stopping by (nice blog, by the way!). Meeks is a good writer – if you like John Irving, you should give Meeks a try.
Serena: Out of control – *laughs* – I can certainly relate!
Kristi: No, no – perpetual doesn’t mean LAST, it means “NO PRESSURE!” *laughs* Looks like you got some good books this week too
Alyce: I really am enjoying reading the Flavor Bible and can’t wait to put it to use in my kitchen!
Lexi: The Boat is getting a lot of positive attention these days – I’m eager to read the stories.
Staci: I’ll keep a watch out for a stalker at my mailbox
I’m a sucker for beautiful book covers too. You can get Meeks book on Amazon 
Belle: I really enjoy reading short stories…these collections look enticing.
Wendi: I couldn’t resist The Flavor Bible…I love the idea of cooking without recipes!
Leah: Glad to hear Packer’s book is good!
Tanabata: The title is creepy, yes! *laughs* But that cover – ahhhh, so gorgeous!
Lots of awesome books in your mailbox!! I have never heard of that Wallace Stegner title, but I really liked Stegner’s Crossing to Safety so I’m going to look for it. Thanks!
Yummy-looking books! I have Delicate Edible Birds on my stacks as well. In fact, I need to put it on my nightstand and start working on it!
Lisa: I would also HIGHLY recommend Stegner’s Angle of Repose – wonderful, wonderful.
Andi: Yummy – yes, I agree!!!
Nice haul Lezlie! I am expecting ‘The Brightest Moon of the Century’ in February and am looking forward to it.
I sure hope you enjoy A Golden Age as much as I did, especially since you used part of your gift card on it!
Thank you for stopping by the ‘mailbox’ this week. I just spotted ‘The Golden Age’ at Costco today but resisted buying until I check Amazon for a Kindle version.
Teddy: I am really excited to read Chris’ book – I’ll be picking it up in February. I think (based on your review as well as some others)that I will really enjoy A Golden Age.
Marcia: You are so good at resisting! I’m a terrible resistor (actually I don’t try that hard!).