March 19, 2010

Friday Finds is hosted each week by Jenn on Should Be Reading. Share with your readers which books you’ve discovered and added to either your TBR or wish list.

I am constantly adding books to my wish list on Amazon. There are so many books listed there that I have no hope of reading them all – but it is still fun to add to it!

Clicking on the book title will take you to Amazon to get more information on the book; clicking on the featured blogger will take you to the review which tempted me.

A Wasted Vigil by Nadeem Aslam as featured on ANZ Litlovers Litblog. I have not read Maps for Lost Lovers which is this author’s most well-known novel…but I have had this one on my radar for awhile. ANZ LItlovers writes:  ‘It’s a love story of sorts set in Afghanistan, traversing its fraught history from the time of the Soviet Occupation to the American so-called War on Terror.‘ Despite a lukewarm review by this blogger, this book still interests me. I want to understand these kinds of conflicts, and I think this novel would help me do that…

The Murderer’s Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers as featured on Heather’s blog Book Addiction. Heather wrote: ‘The Murderer’s Daughters is an incredibly compelling family drama that hooked me in from the first page.‘ Any book that can hook a reader on page one is one I want to check out.

The Water’s Edge by Karin Fossum as featured on Kerrie’s blog Mysteries in Paradise. This is a translated novel and Kerrie writes: ‘THE WATER’S EDGE is a relatively quick read but raises some disturbing social issues.‘ Lately I have been interested in translated mysteries…this one goes straight to my wish list.

What new books did YOU discover this week?

Friday Finds is a weekly event hosted by Jenn at Should Be Reading. Jenn writes:

The weekly FRIDAY FINDS event asks you to share with other bloggers about the new-to-you books you found during the week — books you either want to add to your TBR (to be read) list, or that you just heard about that sounded interesting.

Clicking on the title of the featured book will take you to Amazon; clicking on the featured blogger whose review made me want to read the book will take you to that review.

Castles in the Air, The Restoration Adventures of Two Young Optimists and a Crumbling Old Mansion, by Judy Corbett was recently featured on Cathy’s blog Kittling Books. I don’t read a ton of non fiction, but this story about the restoration of an old house in Wales looks really good. Cathy writes: ‘If you love reading about old houses being brought back to life by people who love what they’re doing and have a true sense of adventure, you will love reading Castles in the Air. Corbett not only has a knack for restoration, she’s a deft storyteller as well.‘

A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly was reviewed over on Nymeth’s blog Things Mean A Lot. This YA novel (whose title in the U.S. is A Northern Light) centers around a high school student and a murder (which just happens to be based on a real case). Nymeth writes: ‘It’s a triumphant novel in some ways—full of life, courage, determination and idealism—but it’s also not one that romanticizes life at the turn of the twentieth-century. Bad things happen to good people, as they did then and still do now.‘

Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools by Victoria Twead is a memoir which was recently featured on Suzanne’s blog Chicks With Books. The author and her husband relocated from Sussex England to a tiny village in the Alpujarra mountains – deciding to give themselves five years there to see if it was really for them. Suzanne writes: ‘This book was a joy to read! When you open the book it’s as if Victoria is sitting down with you over a cup of coffee chatting about what funny things happened on the way to Andalucia. Her warm personality floats off the page and you are hooked to keep reading. Victoria’s writing is wonderful, funny, and entertaining! And as if the story wasn’t enough, there are spanish recipes sprinkled through out the pages. (and the one for gazpacho looks deelish!)‘

Mothers and Sons by Colm Toibin caught my eye over at Joann’s blog Lakeside Musings. This is a short story collection, and Joann talks about one of the stories in her review: ‘[...] I find myself still thinking about these characters today. I’m looking forward to making my way through the rest of this collection.‘ I love discovering new short story collections – and I’ve read a novel by this author which I enjoyed, so it is not a stretch to place this book on my wish list.

Did you read find any great books this week? Why not share them over at Should Be Reading today?

The weekly FRIDAY FINDS event asks you to share with other bloggers about the new-to-you books you found during the week — books you either want to add to your TBR (to be read) list, or that you just heard about that sounded interesting.

I don’t participate every week, but I do star reviews on my Google Reader which catch my eye and when I have enough of them, I post on Fridays about them. Clicking on the title of the book will take you to Amazon; clicking on the featured blogger whose review made me want to read the book will take you to that review.

Back to the Coast by Saskia Noort caught my eye when featured on Danielle’s blog A Work In Progress. This is a psychological thriller published by Bitter Lemon Press, and is translated from the Dutch by Laura Vroomen. Danielle writes: ‘The ending might have been a little too pat, the solution a little too perfect, but really that didn’t detract from the chilling story Noort tells of Maria’s paranoia, fear and helplessness.‘ I’ve added this one to my wish list, and added my name to the Bitter Lemon Press mailing list.

Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian was recently featured on Jill’s blog The Magic Lasso. I have loved some of Bohjalian’s previous novels, and this one looks like an important story about an abused wife who is murdered by her husband. Jill writes: ‘The abuse of Alice Hayward was heart-wrenching. Bohjalian shows every aspect of an abusive relationship – from the punches to the belittlement. Physically, emotionally and mentally abused, Alice endured it all – while hiding it from her neighbors. This is a hard subject matter to read but an important one [...]‘

Even the Dogs by Jon McGregor caught my attention on a review written by Dovegrey Scribbles. The novel centers around an unlikely protagonist – a derelict and drug addict whose body is discovered in his apartment. Dovegrey Scribbles writes about Even the Dogs: ‘[...] a book that will inform, will challenge assumptions and perhaps redistribute rationed sympathies, to ignore it is to ignore a painful but fundamental failing and perhaps to understand that a little more clearly is a step nearer to … well to I don’t know what, because I’m not stupid enough to think the solutions are there for the sorting, but someone needed to tell the story of those who live and die in this underworld and tell it as it really is, and Jon McGregor most courageously and brilliantly has.‘ Sounds like a book I should read.

What the World Will Look Like When All the Water Leaves Us by Laura van den Berg was featured for review on Ti’s blog Book Chatter.  Ti writes that this book ‘[...] is a gem of a little book. Filled with stories about women who don’t settle, yet struggle to find their place in society. Honest and thoughtful in her delivery, van den Berg creates a world where beauty exists in everyday things.‘ I love well-written short story collections, and I like discovering new female writers…so this book definitely goes on my wish list.

What have you found lately? Please share your Friday Finds by visiting Jenn’s blog TODAY!

Clicking on book titles will take you to Amazon where you can read more information about the book; clicking on the featured blogger will take you to their review or post about the book.

To join Friday Finds, visit Jenn’s post today and link up!

The Courilof Affair by Irene Nemirovsky caught my eye through a review by Booklover Book Reviews who wrote: ‘Don’t let the lack of words used (only 168 pages) fool you – Nemirovsky delivers a powerful message through the telling of this story. In her usual beautiful prose (credit must also go to translator Sandra Smith) she does much more than relate historical events and experiences of our narrating character at the dusk of his life – she evokes a mood.‘ I’ve read two books by this author and loved them both. I will definitely be putting this on my TBR pile!

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton was reviewed by Chris at Book-A-Rama who wrote: ‘The Custom of the Country is mostly a feminist novel but it’s also a satirical look at wealth: the rising nouveau riche of America and the fading old families of New York and Europe. They are all subject to their own follies.‘ I just finished reading The House of Mirth (read my review) and Wharton is one of my favorite classic writers. Thanks for the great review, Chris…you’ve added another one to my wish list!

Fall of the Giants by Ken Follett came to my attention through a tickler on Passages to the Past. This book is the first in a projected trilogy which follows five interrelated families – one American, one Russian, one German, one English and one Welsh – beginning during WWI and the Russian Revolution. I LOVE Follett’s writing. This book gets released in September 2010 and will definitely be making its way onto my TBR pile.

Forgetting English by Midge Raymond was reviewed in December by Ti at Book Chatter. She wrote: ‘I am not a fan of short fiction but every now and then I give it a try and usually I am disappointed. That said, I was not disappointed by Forgetting English. In fact, I was so mesmerized by the beauty of the writing that I spent an entire morning on the couch enjoying it. From one story to the next, I found myself completely and utterly absorbed. Each story is so different and yet there are common themes…insecurity, yearning, shame and the need to escape.‘ I love finding good collections of short stories, and Ti’s review made me sit up and take notice of this one. On to my wish list it goes!

Stranger Here Below by Joyce Hinnefeld caught my eye at Amy’s blog My Friend Amy. Hinnefeld’s previous novel In Hovering Flight was my top read in 2009 (read my review) and I am thrilled to see she will be publishing another novel in the Fall of 2010. This latest book is about a young women, one haunted by the past, who forges a troubled friendship in Kentucky in the early 1960s. I can’t wait to get my hands on this one! *sorry there is no link to Amazon yet!*

Beside A Burning Sea by John Shors was reviewed by Carrie at Books and Movies who wrote: ‘Shors’ strength obviously lies in writing character and in understanding people, no matter their heritage or background. I loved so many of these characters…‘ I adore historical fiction which has wonderful characters, and this book seems like it would be a good fit for me. Thanks for the great review, Carrie!

Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden was reviewed way back in November by Books and Other Stuff who wrote: ‘This novel really deserved winning the Giller Prize, and I can’t wait for next part of the trilogy.‘ Through Black Spruce is the second book in a trilogy and centers around Native American Will Bird. It sounds like an amazing book.

The Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan was reviewed over at Beth Fish Reads in November. This is a children’s book which can be enjoyed by adults as well. Beth writes: ‘Although The Rabbits is the winner of The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Picture Book of the Year award, the sparsely told story addresses adult and universal issues.‘ and ‘I recommend this book for parents who like to discuss political and environmental issues with their children and to anyone who loves beautiful art. The paintings are incredible, and I will turn to this book many times to study the details.‘ Doesn’t this sound incredible???

A Beautiful Place to Die by Malla Nunn got a terrific review at Reactions to Reading who wrote: ‘This is yet another book that has everything I look for in my crime fiction and had me alternating between indignant mutterings under my breath, heart-in-my-mouth fear and more than a few tears.‘ This crime fiction novel is one that I don’t want to miss.

That sums up my most recent finds! What are yours??

October 23, 2009

Welcome to Friday Finds, sponsored weekly by Jenn at Should Be Reading. I haven’t participated here in awhile, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been finding great books to read. Here is what is on my radar (click on book titles to take you to Amazon, click on the featured blogger to take you to their review of the book):

Stone’s Fall by Ian Pears as featured on Jackie’s blog Farm Lane Books. Jackie writes: ‘This book has everything – a multi-layered complex plot, fantastic characters and a compelling mystery.‘ She even goes so far as to call this ‘my favourite book of 2009 so far.‘ Wow, high praise from a blogger I often see eye to eye with…so this one flew onto my wish list. I’ve been wanting to read something from this author for quite some time…looks like this will be it.

Little Bird of Heaven by Joyce Carol Oates as featured on Sam’s blog Book Chase. Sam wrote his post before actually finishing the book (something he rarely does)…he writes: ‘It is the intricate plotting of the book that really intrigues me. I enjoy working puzzles and that’s what reading Little Bird of Heaven is like.‘ I love puzzles…and this is a highly character-driven book by an author I want to read more from…so it was a no-brainer that it made it to my wish list.

A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell as featured on Becky’s blog Becky’s Book Reviews. Becky notes that this is a complex book filled with lots of interconnected characters. Despite losing her way once or twice, she writes: ‘Was it worth it?….for me? Yes! The parts I enjoyed, I really enjoyed. There was so much to love in this one. Fascinating, flawed humans living during a very difficult time in history.‘ I love big, weighty books with fascinating characters…and I really love historical fiction, so I think this may be a book I’d enjoy.

Early Autumn by Louis Bromfield as featured on Jessica’s blog Both Eyes Book Blog. This book is actually the third in a  trilogy (book one is The Green Bay Tree and book two is Possession). Jessica writes: ‘Early Autumn is a great family saga, with all the drama and heartbreak one could want.  In my opinion, though, The Green Bay Tree was the better book.‘ I have added all three books to my wish list.

I also discovered some new books to add to my wish list with the latest edition of Bookmarks Magazine. You can see that list here.

What great books have YOU discovered lately? Visit Jenn’s Friday Finds post today to leave a link to your post and to see what other readers have found.

Today we encourage you to blog about a book you read only because you discovered it on another book blog.  Preferably, this will be a book you loved!  You might also write a bit about the blog you discovered it on!

I love this idea! I periodically participate in Jenn’s Friday Finds weekly meme…and so I can go back and tell you where I first heard of a particular book. Here is one that I not only read, but absolutely loved:

Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh (posted about on November 22, 2008 Friday Finds). This book was reviewed by Mystic Wanderer’s at What Am I Reading and I was so impressed with her review that I ran right out and bought the hardcover book at Barnes and Noble. This is a gorgeous book in scope and characterization (and I was really happy to know it is the first in a projected trilogy). You can read my review of the book here.

Have you visited What Am I Reading yet? If you enjoy literary fiction, this is definitely a blog you want to add to your feed reader.  Here is a blogger who knows how to craft a review…and it is all about the reviews on Mystic Wanderer’s blog.  I hope you’ll stop by, and I bet if you do, you’ll be adding a few more books to your towering TBR pile!

To read all my Friday Finds and get links to some great looking books and reviews from other bloggers, go here.

August 7, 2009

Friday Finds is hosted each Friday at Jenn’s blog Should Be Reading. Readers are encouraged to share the books they discovered in the last week. I don’t always get around to posting every Friday, so my “finds” usually span more than a week! By clicking on the book title, you will be taken to Amazon to read more about the book; by clicking on the featured blog title, you will be taken to the review which captured my interest and caused me to add this book to my post.

Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg as featured on Lesley’s blog Lesley’s Book Nook. I have long been a fan of Elizabeth Berg, and Lesley writes: ‘There was a time when I would buy every Elizabeth Berg novel the minute it came out in hardcover, but lately I’ve resigned myself to borrowing them from the library, as I did this one. I didn’t want to take the risk of spending money on something I may not want to keep. But this one is definitely worth owning!‘ You’ve convinced me, Lesley. I’ve added this to my wish list!

The Invisible Mountain by Carolina De Robertis as featured on Jackie’s blog Farm Lane Books. This book is set in Uruguay and Argentina – both countries I am missing in my quest to read from every country in the world. The novel explores the lives of three generations of women and Jackie writes: ‘The book is beautifully written, balancing poetic prose with Spanish words, so giving an authentic atmosphere which perfectly captures the lives of these women.‘ Jackie compared De Robertis’s book to A Thousand Splendid Suns…and liked The Invisible Mountain better. That really cinched it for me. I love books like this, and I am excited to find one that will fit my Reading The World Challenge.

A Hundred and One Days: A Baghdad Journal by Asne Seierstad as featured on Violet’s blog Violet Crush. I do not read a ton of non fiction, so when I find a non fiction book that looks great I add it to my wish list. Seierstad is a Scandinavian journalist who traveled to Iraq to cover the impending war with America…but her journey became something much more. Violet loved this book and wrote: ‘It read like a thriller. I got insights into how journalists report in war zones. It was fascinating and scary. Asne Seierstad is one brave woman.‘ I have a feeling I will also love this book.

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo as featured on Lesa’s blog Lesa’s Book Critiques. Since I read Lesa’s review, I have also seen this book featured on other blogs…all giving it good reviews. This book is a thriller set in Ohio Amish country. Lesa writes: ‘The excitement, the fast pace, and the serial killer reminds me of the best of early Patterson.‘ I love a good thriller – so onto my wish list it goes!

Pocketful of Names by Joe Coomer as featured on Kristen’s blog BookNAround. I read Coomer’s previous work Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God (read my review) back in 2007 and enjoyed it…so when I saw this book reviewed by Kristen, I sat up and took notice. Pocketful of Names features a reclusive woman living on an island in Maine and Kristen writes: ‘Coomer has written an understated masterpiece in this book with Hannah’s island as the perfect metaphor for life. As more and more people, and even an animal or two, invade her space, Hannah comes to understand the difference between solitude and loneliness.‘ This looks like a book I will love. Thanks for the review, Kristen!

Did you find any great books this week? If so, please stop by Jenn’s blog today and leave her a link to your Friday Finds post!

]]> http://www.caribousmom.com/2009/08/07/friday-finds-august-7-2009/feed/ 11 http://www.caribousmom.com/2009/07/10/friday-finds-july-10-2009/ http://www.caribousmom.com/2009/07/10/friday-finds-july-10-2009/#comments Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:57:40 +0000 Caribousmom http://www.caribousmom.com/?p=4493

Every Friday Jenn at Should Be Reading asks readers to share the books they’ve “found” that week. My book finds come primarily from the book blogs whom I have come to trust for recommendations. The list this week is short – one book, actually – because I got very far behind on my blog reading (at one point there were nearly 2000 unread posts!!). I am slowly catching up. At any rate, here is one book I have added to my wish list (clicking on the title takes you to Amazon for book buying information; clicking on the featured blog takes you to their review of the book):

The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly as featured on Tasses’ blog Many a Quaint and Curious Volume has been one of those books I have looked at and passed over time and time again. But after reading Tasses’ review I decided I need to give this book a try.  She writes: ‘Fused with both Grimm-like fairy stories and Oz-like wonders, where David must rely on his own wits to bridge the gap between child and adulthood, The Book of Lost Things begins to shimmer much like its elegantly designed cover and website.‘ AND ‘The luminous praise, website and cover reflect the magic that lies within its pages.‘

June 26, 2009

Each Friday, Jenn at Should Be Reading hosts the event Friday Finds where bloggers share their book finds for the week. I do not post every Friday, but I “collect” finds constantly, logging them into my Amazon wishlist and bookmarking reviews. Here are my finds for the last few weeks (clicking on the title will take you to Amazon; clicking on the referenced blog will take you to that blogger’s review):

Wild Roses by Deb Caletti as featured on Amanda’s blog The Zen Leaf is a YA book which Amanda writes ‘far transcends the boundaries of “young adult.”‘ She also writes: ‘Reading it overwhelmed me and threatened to break me into little pieces. It’s been a very long time since a book captured me so completely, since a book and its characters felt so real and perfect that I could almost swear they weren’t fiction. That I actually felt like I was living beside them.‘ Wow. I am not usually a huge fan of YA fiction, but I did love The Book Thief…and this one sounds like it might be just as good.

Still Life by A.S. Byatt as featured on Susannah’s blog 7th Decade Thoughts was a re-read for her (it is the second book in a quartet of books by this author – The Virgin in the Garden is the first in the series).  Susannah writes: ‘As Byatt focuses on the contradictions plaguing academic women in the Fifties, there’s a parallel drama focused on the artist van Gogh.‘ That sounds interesting to me.

Sorry by Gail Jones as featured on Laura’s blog Musings is one I just had to add to my wish list. If you know Laura, you know she hardly ever gives out five stars…but this one got just that, and Laura writes: ‘This book combines rich characterizations with deep emotional impact — always a winning combination for me. This is a beautiful, moving book.’ That’s enough of an endorsement for me!

Unseen by Mari Jungstedt as featured on Kerrie’s blog Mysteries in Paradise sounds like the kind of book I have been in the mood for lately. Kerrie writes: ‘This was an excellent read. Apart from the murder mystery aspect, it is really a story about relationships on a number of levels, and a tale that points out how our actions from our days of innocence can reach out into the present.‘ This mystery is a translation from the Swedish and it sounds terrific!

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg as featured on Tara’s blog Books and Cooks caught my eye immediately.  Tara writes that A Homemade Life is ‘[...]sublime. Delicious. Heartbreaking and life-affirming. Organized in short chapters, each essay is followed by a recipe or sometimes two pertaining to the content of the essay.‘ I follow Wizenberg’s blog Orangette (as does Tara) and so I know this author can truly write.

What books made it onto YOUR wish list this week?

May 29, 2009

I am publishing this a day early this week – tomorrow I have a couple of book tour posts and I thought I would spread out the posting joy!

The book groups, publisher newsletters and book bloggers keep adding to my wish list – not that I am complaining, mind you…I love getting tempted by books and Jenn at Should Be Reading encourages us to share our finds with other readers each Friday. Here is what tempted me recently (clicking on the book title takes you to Amazon; clicking on the featured book blog takes you to their review of the book):

My Dog Tulip by J.R. Ackerly as featured on C.B.’s blog Ready When You Are, C.B. caught my eye for the obvious reason – there is a large German Shepherd on the cover. But when I read C.B.’s review of this classic book, I knew I would be looking to add it to my TBR stack. C.B. writes: ‘Tulip is devoted to Mr. Ackerley as only a dog can be. It’s not at all like a human to human bond. It’s a human to dog bond. It’s different. And it’s nice to see it celebrated for the wonderful thing it is in My Dog Tulip.‘ Doesn’t that sound great?

The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey as featured on Jackie’s blog Farm Lane Books Blog was short listed for the 2009 Orange Prize for Fiction. I know very little about any of the short listed books this year, but this one was one of Jackie’s favorites (she has read them all now). She writes: ‘[...] in the end the power of this book cannot be ignored. I couldn’t find any faults with it. It gripped me from beginning to end, and left me a changed person.‘

The Sharper the Knife, The Less You Cry by Kathleen Flinn as featured on Lesley’s blog Lesley’s Book Nook is a culinary memoir. Lesley shared my enjoyment of  The School of Essential Ingredients, and so I trust her her recommendation for excellent books centered on food. Lesley writes: ‘Flinn’s experience as a journalist is quite apparent. Her memoir is not only a joy to read, but quite informative.‘ Lesley includes some fantastic quotes in her review which had me smiling by the time I was done reading it. If you like all things food related, you might like this one.

Blackman’s Coffin by Mark De Castrique as featured on Cathy’s blog Kittling Books is the first book in the Blackman Mystery Series. Lately I’ve been enjoying reading mysteries and this one sounds great. Cathy writes: ‘I just plain flat out had a marvelous time reading this book. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. My brain always seemed a half step behind Sam’s as we both tried to solve the mystery.’ The second book in the series is set for release in August.

Hello Goodbye by Emily Chenoweth as featured on Swapna’s blog S. Krisna’s Books is set in New Hampshire and centers around a woman battling brain cancer. Swapna writes: ‘Though Hello Goodbye deals with death, the novel is never heavy or depressing.  Instead, it is a beautiful portrayal of life.‘ She recommends the book to those readers who enjoy literary AND women’s fiction – that sounds like me! This novel was just released in May.

What did you discover this week?