A couple of weeks ago I was having a really tough week at work. We were on endless conference calls, my lunch hour was mainly spent at my desk, and I think in general we were all having a bit of spring fever.
One day when I couldn’t leave my desk for my usual lunch hour I decided I needed to do some book shopping or else. So I decided to visit BookCloseouts. I had forgotten about my little shopping spree though until today when my box arrived.
All of my books came from their bargain section so my little splurge wasn’t too hard on my purse. Here’s what I got:
- The Book of Dead Birds by Gayle Brandeis. I remember hearing quite a bit about this book when it came out a while back so I thought I’d give it a try.
- A Dry Spell by Clare Chambers. I found out about this author through Danielle so I’m excited to read this book.
- The Mysteries of Glass by Sue Gee. I read The Hours of Night a couple of years ago and meant to read another of her books. Thanks to a recent post by Ann I remembered I should read another of Sue Gee’s books.
- Thorn by Vena Cork. According to a review, fans of Nicci French or Minette Walters, or anyone with a taste for edgy psychological thrillers, will find her one of the most exciting discoveries in years. It’s been hit or miss with me with some of the Nicci French books but I do like Minette Walters a lot so I need to check this one out.
- The Woman Who Painted Her Dreams by Isla Dewar. Another author who I’ve read one book from and enjoyed so would like to read more by her.
- Small Island by Andrea Levy. A novel that’s won the Orange Prize and the Whitbread Book awards should be good right? It does sound interesting to me so why not.
- Mr. Golightly’s Holiday by Salley Vickers. I enjoyed Miss Garnet’s Angel and have had this book on my wishlist.
Book therapy is a good thing.
15 Comments
Buying books is good therapy indeed!!!
Wow — some really interesting sounding reads on there and a good way to wash away that work stress! I really liked Miss Garnet’s Angel as well – it was a fun read and Small Island has been on my list as well.
Tell me about book theraphy.
Hope that the rest of the week is peaceful.
Most people would have trouble deciding which was more exhilarating : searching for and buying books vs reading them 🙂 I guess reading wins in the end.
I see you’ve sampled most of those authors before. Which do you prefer ?
Reading an author you’ve never read before ?
Or reading subsequent novels from an author known by you ?
Carl V. – It really does help sometimes doesn’t it 🙂
Christine – You’ve read some of her other books haven’t you? I know I read Instances but I can’t remember a thing about it. Ugh.
Isabel – You’re back! Can’t wait to read your posts on all the book shopping you did in England.
Gavin – Definitely reading wins in the end. Although a good book bargain or book quest is fun too 🙂 That’s a tough question, I guess it depends what kind of mood I’m in. For example, if I want to go for a pure “comfort” read I’d probably try an author I’ve already read before.
I hope you’re feeling better Iliana. Book buying and reading are good therapies indeed. I missed my book club last week because we had to stay on campus grading midterm exams. But on the way home, I stopped by the used bookstore that was still open and guessed what, I came home with a shopping bag full of goodies.
I have Small Island on my shelf, but haven’t read it yet…maybe I’ll give it a go.
Book therapy is the best therapy I know!
Like you, I sit at a desk (or at least am “confined” to my classroom) all day. Some days are better than others. I haven’t heard of the store you mention, but perhaps that’s a good thing, as I have a proclivity to order from amazon.com. I can completely relate to the joy of receiving a box filled with books. It’s really cute in our building, because the special needs kids have the job of delivering the mail, and I love when they come in saying, “Special delivery for Mrs. ____”. Almost every other day.
Oh, my! Spring fever has hit us all at work. We were just complaining how our usually speedy work week was REALLY D-R-A-G-I-N-G! We all agreed, we would rather be reading a book in the sun, than working in the library. 🙂
Matt – Thank you! It’s been a much better week at work that’s for sure. And, I don’t remember the list of all the books you bought. Did I miss that or are you keeping it away from us? 🙂
Gentle Reader – I actually picked up Small Island a while back but only got through a few pages and then had to return it to the library. It did intrigue me though.
Bellezza – Bookcloseouts is awesome. They may not have all the latest books but I’m always surprised at the bargains I’ve found there. That is totally cute about the kids in your school. That would certainly make my day 🙂
Maggie – I think we should all get spring break don’t you? I’m sure it would help to get us out of our funks 🙂
Book Therapy is the best!! I know I always feel better, even if I just go to the store and browse. It’s calming!! It looks like you got some great books too!!
Book therapy is indeed a good thing….going to book closeouts to check them out!
Hello! I just wanted to tell you I enjoy your site and thank you for the tip about book closeouts. I visited them yesterday and found 3 books I’d been looking for at great prices. They seem to have books and editions besides American ones which I was happy to see.
Wow, Iliana, those are some lovely new additions. I’ve read “Small Island” and learned so much from it…would be very curious to hear your impressions. “The Woman Who Painted Her Dreams” is such a nice title, I would be curious to read the book for the title alone. The fact that Isla Dewar is a writer of numerous bestsellers would be a bonus!
Stephanie – I totally feel better after buying a book. I know for some girls it’s shoe shopping that doesn’t but give me books 🙂
Nancy – I hope you find some good stuff on Bookcloseouts!
Tara – Thank you for stopping by. I notice that Bookcloseouts has a lot of UK editions and I kind of like that. Different cover art 🙂 I’ve had great experiences ordering from them so hope you do too!
Lotus – The one Isla Dewar book I read was also along the lines of finding yourself. Made me think of chicklit but very well-done and smart. So I hope this one is that good too.