Friday Finds
Friday, September 5th, 2008Friday Finds - September 5, 2008
September 5, 2008
I managed to wade through nearly 400 posts from my Google Reader this morning and my eyes are tired! It has been a busy work week for me and so you might notice my Friday Finds list today is shorter than usual.
Mind of A Raven, by Bernd Heinrich as featured on Jeane’s blog Dog Ear Diary. This is a non fiction book and although I prefer fiction, I love to read interesting books about animals. Jeane writes about Heinrich’s book: ‘It’s full of information about the birds’ social interactions, relationships with predators, evidence of problem-solving, how they raise their young, what many of their calls mean, etc.‘ I think I’ll have to check this one out.
Persepolis I and II, by Marjane Satrapi has been recommended by many readers since I posted my review of Maus I & II. I am new to the graphic story form and these two books seem like the next best picks in this genre.
What have you found this week to tempt you? Visit today’s post on Should Be Reading and leave Jenn a comment.
Friday, August 29th, 2008Friday Finds - August 29, 2008
August 29, 2008
I belong to several book groups on Yahoo - and often my book “finds” come through them. This week I discovered Pears on A Willow Tree, by Leslie Pietrzyk as recommended by Gayla (from the Yahoo group Weekly Reads). Gayla writes: ‘The prose is beautifully composed; the bevy of voices allows an intimate feeling about each character and a love for this stubborn family who believe everyone must live by each other.‘ Doesn’t this sound like the kind of book you’d love?
The September/October edition of Bookmarks Magazine arrived this week and in it I found many books to add to my burgeoning wish list. They include:
- To Siberia, by Per Petterson (release date - September 30, 2008)
- Say You’re One of Them, by Uwem Akpan (I read one of the stories from his collection - read my review - and decided I had to have this book…and then I got an email from Miriam of Little Brown and Company who graciously offered to send me a review copy - THANK YOU, Miriam!)
- A Partison’s Daughter, by Louis De Bernieres (release date - October 7, 2008)
- Land That Moves, Land That Stands Still, by Kent Nelson
- Being Dead, by Jim Crace
- Trespass, by Valerie Martin
- Cost, by Roxana Robinson (Dewey at The Hidden Side of a Leaf is also coveting this one)
- The Girl With No Shadow, by Joanne Harris (I will need to read the prequel to this first which is Chocolat)
- Finding Nouf, by Zoe Farraris
As usual, the lit-bloggers keep tempting me to buy yet more books:
The Night Villa, by Carol Goodman as featured on S. Krishna’s Books. Although the book is considered mystery genre, S. Krisna writes: ‘Carol Goodman’s ability to craft yet another novel which is rooted in so much history with so many mythological aspects astounds me. I don’t know how she isn’t a master of Greek and Roman mythology by this point. I can’t even begin to imagine how much research must go into her novels, but however much work is required, I’m glad the author takes the time to do it well. Her books really are unsurpassed, especially because they are so unique.‘
Short Stories: Months and Seasons, by Christopher Meeks as featured on Adventures in Reading. Meeks’ name keeps popping up on the book blogs, and so I payed attention when I saw this book being reviewed. Adventures in Reading notes: ‘…within these short narratives Meeks talent at exploring the power dynamics within relationships, almost exclusively between men and women, is fascinating. Of these eleven stories all of them provide a unique glimpse on the interaction of men and women.‘ I love reading literature that explores relationships and this books sounds like a good read.
The Sorrows of an American, by Siri Hustvedt as featured on Joanne’s blog Aspiring Writers. Hustvedt has appeared on the Orange Prize for Fiction lists and so I was eager to see what Joanne thought of this book. She wrote: ‘This is an engrossing and intelligent novel. Set in Brooklyn, NY and Minnesota. Erik, a psychoanalyst narrates the story of intrigue that besets him and his family. He’s also trying to reclaim his life after divorce.‘ I’ve added it to my wish list and maybe I’ll read this one for the Orange Prize Project Yahoo group in February when the group celebrates this author.
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt as featured on Stephanie’s Confessions of a Book-A-Holic. Stephanie found herself thinking about the book even after flipping the last page - and it sounds wonderful. Stephanie writes: ‘A brilliant, well-written novel, The Secret History is going to be one that sticks with me for quite some time.‘ AND ‘Donna Tartt’s writing is amazing. It’s beautiful, and the story which is a tough read seems to flow with ease.‘ On to my wish list it goes!
Visitors, by Anita Brookner as featured on Adventures in Reading. Last month I read Hotel Du Lac by this author (read my review) and loved it. So when Adventures in Reading wrote: ‘Visitors is a delicate and subtle novel filled with well-crafted complexities and demands.‘ I knew this is one I’d enjoy.
So what books ended up in your “I need to have” pile this week? To see other reader’s “finds” visit today’s Friday Finds post on Should Be Reading.
Friday, August 22nd, 2008Friday Finds - August 22, 2008
August 22, 2008
My book finds come from multiple sources. Last Saturday I attended a wedding and found myself seated next to a woman who loved books as much as I do. We spent a good part of the reception comparing books and she recommended one in particular that looks fascinating:
Skeletons of the Zahara, by Dean King is a true story which Publisher’s Weekly describes as follows…’When the American cargo ship Commerce ran aground on the northwestern shores of Africa in 1815 along with its crew of 12 Connecticut-based sailors, the misfortunes that befell them came fast and hard, from enslavement to reality-bending bouts of dehydration. King’s aggressively researched account of the crew’s once-famous ordeal reads like historical fiction, with unbelievable stories of the seamen’s endurance of heat stroke, starvation and cruelty by their Saharan slavers.‘ I like true adventure stories which read like novels, so I’ve added this one to my wish list on Amazon.
I also continue to prowl the lit-blogs and found several interesting books over the last week:
The Point of Rescue, by Sophie Hannah as featured on Cornflower who writes that Sophie Hannah’s thrillers ‘describe ordinary people in desperate situations, reacting in ways they would never normally contemplate, and as such, plot is key to her books.‘ This psychological crime novel looks exceptional, so on to my wish list it goes!
Sacrifice, by S.J. Bolton as featured on A Work in Progress. This is another thriller and is set on the Shetland Islands. Like Danielle, I am drawn to books which drop their characters on islands or near the sea. Danielle writes: ‘I thought this was a wonderfully entertaining and atmospheric thriller. The setting was perfectly evoked.‘ Sounds like something I’ll definitely like.
The Road Home, by Rose Tremain as featured on Aspiring Writer. Tremain just won the Orange Prize for this book, so it was already on my radar. And then Joanne writes: ‘This is a beautiful, moving story. A satisfying read.‘ So how could I not add this to my ever growing list of books I want to read? (Pssst, I’m currently reading another of Tremain’s novels. The Colour is WONDERFUL…my review should be up by Monday!)
Mosquito, by Roma Tearne as featured on Laura’s blog Musings. This novel is set in Sri Lanka during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Laura gave this one a very high 4.5 stars and wrote: ‘Each character’s story unfolds independently, at times heartbreaking and, at others, inspiring. I felt great sadness for the people of Sri Lanka and other countries affected by long-term civil war. But I also felt inspired by the hope and redemption in this beautifully-written debut novel.‘ Sounds like my kind of book. But also, I have learned that whenever Laura gushes over a novel, I will love it too!
Reservation Road, by John Burnham Schwartz as featured on Lori’s blog She Tread’s Softly. The book is classified as crime fiction but it is also literary fiction. It explores how two ordinary families deal with a tragedy. Lori included some wonderful quotes in her review which motivated me to add this one to my ever growing wish list.
The Hour I First Believed, by Wally Lamb as featured on Bookroom Reviewers Web Log AND The Savvy Reader. Lamb is a notoriously slow writer and this will be his third novel after a long draught. The Savvy Reader writes: ‘There are stories piled upon stories in this book, building blocks of sentences that create the world of the Quirks; it’s heartbreaking, addictive and utterly moving. And now I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil a single page.’ Okay - its on my radar AND my wishlist!
So what did you add to your reading wish list this week? To read others “finds” visit today’s Friday Finds post at Should Be Reading.
Sunday, August 17th, 2008Friday Finds - August 15, 2008
August 15, 2008
Most of my book finds come through the lit-blogs or reading groups, but this past week I got one from the librarian at my local library. I stopped at the library in Shingletown, CA on Saturday to browse their sale books (they hold small sales once a month) and struck up a conversation with one of the librarians who noticed my book choices. She encouraged me to read:
The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew and The Heart of the Middle East, by Sandy Tolan. Apparently Victoria Lindsay, an Amazon reviewer, also feels the book is worth a look. She writes: ‘Who has a heart large enough to contain compassion both for the longing for Zion, for sanctuary, for homeland, of the Jewish survivors who emigrated to the nascent Israel after WWII, and at the same time the longing for return, for justice, for homeland, of the Palestinians who were expelled from the homes they had occupied for generations to make room for what was to become Israel? Sandy Tolan, author of The Lemon Tree, has, and when you read this remarkable book your heart, too, will stretch until it is large enough to encompass the whole.‘ I’ve added this to my wish list.
Want to see other readers’ finds? Visit the weekly post at Should Be Reading and check out the comments.
Friday, August 8th, 2008Friday Finds - August 8, 2008
August 8, 2008
It’s Friday again, and time for another Friday Finds hosted by Should Be Reading. Here are the books that caught my attention this week:
- One More Year, by Sana Krasikov as featured on Devourer of Books. I requested this book as an Advance Readers Edition from Shelf Awareness, but it has not shown up (yet). So I felt consumed with a twinge of jealousy when Devourer of Books wrote: ‘In case I’m not making myself clear, I L.O.V.E.D. this book. LOVED it.‘ The book is a collection of short stories revolving around immigrants from Ukraine, Georgia, or Russia. If my early review copy never arrives, I’ll be buying this one.
- 84 Charing Cross Road, by Helene Hanff as featured on Book Nut. I recently read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (read my review) which other readers have been comparing to Hanff’s book. Melissa’s review clinched it for me. She wrote: ‘It’s a lovely little book; the letters are funny and sweet, and Helene, Frank and the rest of the “inmates” at the store are just wonderful. I loved the way Helene would talk about the books as if they were real people.‘ AND ‘It has a bittersweet ending, but I still loved it immensely.‘
- The Secret Scripture, by Sebastian Barry as featured on Ex Libris. The book sounds fascinating and Sharon wrote: ‘As troubled as the characters and situations are that Barry creates, he always treats them with dignity. And, oh that beautiful, exquisite prose.‘ Sounds like a must read.
To see more Friday Finds, visit today’s post at Should Be Reading.
Friday, August 1st, 2008Friday Finds - August 1, 2008
August 1, 2008
As usual, my blog reading has introduced me to several reading finds - books I’d not have known about were it not for the wonderful readers who share their thoughts each week. My finds for this week are:
House and Home, by Kathleen McCleary as featured on a brand new blog: TLC Book Tours. This blog is the brainchild of Trish Collins (Hey Lady! Watcha Readin’?) and Lisa Munley (Books on the Brain). And guess what? I don’t have to wish for this one…I’m getting it! Caribousmom will be part of the Kathleen McCleary book tour on Wednesday, September 17th. So make sure you come back here in September! So, back to the book… TLC Book Tours writes: ‘Set in the gorgeous surroundings of Portland, Oregon, Kathleen McCleary’s funny, poignant, curl-up-and-read debut strikes a deep emotional chord and explores the very notion of what makes a house a home.‘ Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Watches of the Night, by Sally Wright as featured on Musings of A Bookish Kitty who writes: ‘Watches of the Night is the fifth book in Sally Wright’s Ben Reese mystery series. The novel is set in the early 1960’s, not long after the building of the Berlin Wall and Kennedy’s decision to send advisors to Vietnam. The author takes the reader back to 1945 through remembrances, which offer the reader a glimpse into Ben’s harrowing past during the Second World War, a time that was often harsh and brutal. It was also a time of great heroism, where men risked their lives for their comrades in arms, fighting with all they had to survive.‘ Although the book is part of a series, WendyCat assures her readers that the book can stand on its own…so onto my wish list it goes!
The Valley of Light, by Terry Kay as featured on Framed and Booked who writes: ‘Kay develops his characters deeply, bringing out humor, sadness, and caring in a beautiful manner. The writing is gorgeous, the descriptions lovely and the pace is as slow as sitting on the side of the bank waiting for the fish to bite.‘ I love thoughtful, beautifully written books. This sounds like one I’d enjoy.
So that’s what I’ve added to my wish list this week. How about you? To read about more Friday Finds, visit Jenn at today’s Friday Finds post at Should Be Reading.
Friday, July 25th, 2008Friday Finds - July 25, 2008
July 25, 2008
I missed this event last week as I was out of town…but I bookmarked some blogs which have fueled my list this week! **Click on book titles to take you to Amazon; click on blog links to take you to that blogger’s review of the book.
1. The Foreigner, by Francie Lin as featured on Breaking the Fourth Wall who writes:
This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. As Francie Lin’s first book, you can’t help but wonder what she’ll do as a follow up! It’s absolutely brilliant, well-written and fast paced. Even with my hopelessly busy schedule, I simply couldn’t put it down.
With those kinds of accolades who wouldn’t want to read this book?
2. Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa Lahiri as featured on Michelle’s blog Novels Now.
I’ve heard tons of good things about this book from fellow readers, and Michelle’s review reminded me once again I need to read this one.
3. No One You Know, by Michelle Richmond as featured on Presenting Lenore.
Lenore “extremely highly” recommends this novel about an unsolved murder. This one sounds like the kind of book I’d love.
4. Wind River, by Tom Morrissey as featured on My Friend Amy.
Amy hasn’t read this one yet, but she’s enjoyed this author before. He’s an author I’ve never heard of, and since I love reading new-to-me authors and this one looks fabulous…I’ve added it to my Amazon wish list.
5. The Book of Negroes (also titled: Someone Knows My Name) by Lawrence Hill as featured on BiblioHistoria.
Historia writes:
This book has been very well researched, and the details of the slave chains, the slave ships and the plantations is totally riveting. Also the research of the British during the revolution, and life in Nova Scotia and in Freetown.
Incidentally, the book won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book this year. Sounds like a winner to me!
So those are my finds for this week. What are you reading? What have you discovered this week? To read other readers’ finds, visit Jenn’s Friday Finds Post for today at Should Be Reading.
Friday, July 11th, 2008Friday Finds - July 11, 2008
It’s Friday - and you know what that means? Another edition of Friday Finds, brought to you by Jenn (note that this is now at Jenn’s NEW blog).
I’ve discovered several new to me books through the lit-bloggers. They include:
- The Speed Queen, by Stuart O’Nan featured at Hieroglyphic Streets. I recently read O’Nan’s latest novel Songs for the Missing (read my review) which I LOVED. So I’ve been on the look-out for other highly recommended O’Nan books. The Speed Queen is about an Oklahoma girl gone bad who shares her story on the eve of her execution. There are a variety of links at Hieroglyphic Streets for readers to learn more about the book.
- A Summer Affair AND Barefoot, by Elin Hiilderbrand featured at Books On the Brain (along with a give-away - which of course I entered!). What is it about summer that makes books like these look so good? I must confess that I have never read a Hilderbrand novel, but the covers of her books draw me to them. And for that alone, I will need to read at least one of these.
- Madapple, by Christina Medrum featured on MawBooks. Here’s another one that begs to be read for the cover alone. I love discovering interesting authors whose books I’ve never read. This is Medrum’s first novel which is about a 15 year old living in isolation with her overbearing mother. Okay - it might be a bit strange, but it also is oddly appealing. Onto my wish list it goes!
- The Condition, by Jennifer Haigh featured on Booking Mama. This novel is about a woman with Turner’s Disease and how her condition impacts her life and those around her. Like Booking Mama, I also enjoyed Haigh’s book Mrs. Kimble and so I’d like to read another novel by this author. This one sounds like something I’d like.
- The Memory of Water, by Karen White featured on The Friendly Book Nook. Here’s another book with a great cover (What is it about cover art that pulls me in? Do any of you also pick books purely for their covers?) The novel is set in South Carolina and centers around two sisters and a family secret. Enough said - this one is almost guaranteed to appeal to me.
- Garden Spells AND Sugar Queen, by Sarah Addison Allen featured on Just Another Blogger (Kristy). Two more books which sound like great summer reads - easy, light, well-written (and once again…gorgeous covers). I’ve been seeing these two books on a lot of the lit-bloggers lately, and most of the time they are getting good reviews.
So there you go - my recent finds tempting me to grow my overly large TBR stack. They’ll go on my bulging Amazon wish list for now! To see more Friday Finds, visit Jenn’s post today and scroll through the comments with links to other participants’ lists.
Friday, June 27th, 2008Friday Finds
Here’s a fun new weekly event hosted by Jenn at The Book Zone. Jenn writes:
The idea is to share, every Friday, about books that you’ve recently discovered (never heard of before) that sound really good!
Every Friday, those who have blogs will write a post at their own blog, and then come back and leave others a link to follow on that week’s “Friday Finds” post here at The Book Zone. For those who don’t blog, you can just tell us about your “Friday Finds” in a comment on that week’s post.
So I’m going to play today. I have three new, interesting finds which arrived at my house from book publishers looking for reviews. Clicking on the book covers below will take you to an Amazon description of the book. The books are:
The Rest of Her Life, by Laura Moriarty - published in 2007 by Hyperion. The blurb on the back reads: ‘The Rest of Her Life is a compassionate and provocative novel about how mothers and daughters with the best intentions can be blind to the damage they do to one another.’
The Good Thief, by Hannah Tinti - Due to be released by Bantam Dell Publishing Group at the end of August 2008. Tinti is being compared to Robert Louis Stevenson and Charles Dickens - with those kind of kudos, this one piqued my interest.
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher - Just released in April 2008, this one has been getting stunning reviews - true life Victorian murder mystery which apparently reads like a novel.
I’ll be reading all three of these before the summer is out…stay tuned for my reviews!