Bookstore Browsing
We went to the bookstore twice this weekend so the first time I just hung out reading a bunch of magazines. I was so glad to see the latest issue of Venus Zine. I was sure it had gone out of print as I hadn’t seen a new issue in a long time but luckily they are still around and with another great issue.
On our next trip to the bookstore while my husband spent time in the Art section, I wandered over to the fiction shelves. I go to the bookstore at least once a week but usually I’m reading my own books, checking out magazines, etc. but this time I wanted to pet the new books.
Lots of books looked interesting but these are the ones I wrote down:
- Miss Harper Can Do It by Jane Berentson. A story about a young woman who feels like her life is on hold when her boyfriend is deployed overseas. How does she cope? Does she stay loyal? Does she stay in love?
- Kiss the Sky by Farai Chideya. A book about a would be rock star? This isn’t my typical read but I loved listening to Farai Chideya when she was an NPR commentator so I’m curious to see what she comes up with for her debut novel.
- Frida’s Bed by Slavenka Drakulic. I’m fascinated by Frida Kahlo’s life and art so this fictional account of the last days of her life goes on my list.
- The Ingenious Edgar Jones by Elizabeth Garner. An inventor, Oxford and Victorian England. How could I not put this one on my list.
- How to Buy A Love of Reading by Tana Egan Gibson. Honestly, I didn’t even read the description of this one (it was too high on the shelves for me) but I liked the title. The description though makes it sound like a fun read. The parents of Carley commission a book to be written just for her so she’ll love to read.
- Songs For the Butcher’s Daughter by Peter Manseu. From the cover: Summer, sweltering, 1996. A book warehouse in western Massachusetts. A man at the beginning of his adult life — and the end of his career rope — becomes involved with a woman, a language, and a great lie that will define his future. Sounds good doesn’t it?
I only got as far as the “M’s” so hopefully on my next visit I’ll make my way through the rest of the alphabet. Heh. So have you read any of these? Any thoughts?
Book Escape http://www.nbbker1102.wordpress.com
June 30th, 2009 at 1:58 pmI admire your constraint on not buying any. I always wish for paper and a pencil when I’m at the bookstore. You would think I’d remember to bring some at least once!
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) http://savvyverseandwit.com
June 30th, 2009 at 7:04 pmI can’t believe that you didn’t buy anything at the bookstore…amazing.
Mike B. http://liquidthoughtspm.blogspot.com
June 30th, 2009 at 7:43 pmMy wife says that I ‘visit’ books at the bookstore because I never buy. Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter looks interesting. I added that to my list. I have the ARC for How to Buy a Love of Reading. It’s a little bit down my TBR list, but I’ll get to soon hopefully.
Jodie http://bookgazing.blogspot.com
July 1st, 2009 at 1:09 pm‘Miss Harper..’ sounds like a great book and I hear good things about ‘Songs for the Butcher’s Daughter’. I know I read someone’s partial reaction to ‘How to Buy a love of Reading the Other Day’ (they didn’t like it) and now I’m unsure about it. It has such a cool title…
Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net
July 1st, 2009 at 8:01 pmBook Escape – I never leave home without a pen & a journal
And, I have to have some restraint given that I go to the bookstore all the time. It’s hard but I try 
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) – Hee,hee… I know. But, I did get some books in the mail the other day so I can’t complain
Mike B. – Ha,ha… Isn’t the cover for Butcher’s Daughter great too? Will have to see what you think of How To Buy….
Jodie – Doesn’t that just sound cute? Yea, the title and cover were what really attracted me to that book. If I ever get to it, I’ll let you know!
Nymeth http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/
July 1st, 2009 at 8:49 pmOoh, I want to read Frida’s Bed! She really was fascinating, and I love her art.
Matthew http://mattviews.wordpress.com
July 2nd, 2009 at 3:06 amI love the title How to Buy A Love of Reading, and the jacket as well. So without a second thought I grabbed it.
Bookgirl http://www.bookgirl.net
July 2nd, 2009 at 4:29 amNymeth – Isn’t her art amazing? I really just love it. I had the chance to see Frida’s house in Mexico City about 10 years ago. It was a wonderful experience.
Matthew – haha… Great title right? You’ll have to keep us posted!
Danielle http://www.danitorres.typepad.com
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:17 pmI’ve not browsed in the bookstore for ages–I really need to go soon (though I’ve still been buying plenty of books–so maybe I should wait!). I had the Garner book checked out from the library (it sounds good), but as I’m trying to read more of my own books, I’ve returned nearly all of my library books–wil watch for that one later.
Literary Feline http://www.literaryfeline.com
July 4th, 2009 at 9:04 amI wanted to stop by the bookstore tonight on our way home after dinner, but we were good and drove right on by. I’m trying to cut way back on my book spending right now since my job situation is going through a rough spot due to budget concerns. Browsing sound so nice, but I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to resist spending money. Best for me to keep away all together.
I haven’t read any of the titles you mention, but a few of them caught my eye from your descriptions of them.