Ah, a good night’s sleep and some hatha yoga really do wonders don’t they? Granted here I am staying up late but what can I say, I am a night owl.
Anyway, I finally posted my thoughts on two books I recently finished, The Last Summer (of You & Me) by Ann Brashares and To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis (links will take you to my reviews). I had a bit of a problem with one aspect of The Last Summer (of You & Me) but on the whole it was quite readable and would make a perfect beach book. To Say Nothing of the Dog was thoroughly enjoyable and is one of my choices from the Once Upon A Time challenge. I still have several other books I need to talk about so stay tuned.
Chances are I won’t finish the OUAT challenge but I have started another book today, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. So far the word grim comes to mind to describe this book. I’ll let you know how it goes.
But you know what I’m oohing and ahhhing over right now? The Hesperus Press catalog. Thank you to Danielle and Tanabata who recently have mentioned this small press, and thanks to Ellie over at Hesperus Press for sending me the catalog. I have already checked off several books I want.
I think I need some book catalogs soon, too. I just love browsing that way since brick and mortar isn’t easy for me right now.
Sounds like you’re getting into some good stuff!
Love Connie Willis!
How to get Hesperus Press books
Check out Ellie’s comments here:
http://danitorres.typepad.com/workinprogress/2007/06/the_calligraphe.html#comments
You have been diving into some interesting things. I had a quick look at Hesperus and there are some real gems on there. Must do more exploring later!
I gave in and ordered a couple more earlier this week. One of them The Calligraphers’ Night that Danielle recently reviewed. They’re all so tempting aren’t they?
“Ah, a good night’s sleep and some hatha yoga really do wonders don’t they? ”
Hear hear! Yoga was the only thing that really helped my chronic insomnia problem. Later I read insomnia is often symptomatic of the vata dosha, like myself, and the summer heat can really affect those with the vata imbalance. Great stuff, yoga.
Hesperus Press has some really cool stuff – but I recall their initial mission is to do small books with only about 100 pages. Guess they have to reassess that these days.
I’m still going to wish you luck on the Once Upon A Time Challenge – you never know, you might just make it. Go go go go!
Octavia Butler – Note to Self: Please get around to reading her already! 🙂
Have fun with Octavia Butler!
Oooh the Connie Willis one sounds so cool! I love Time-traveling novels!
Glad you liked To Say Nothing of the Dog, and a nice write up of it too. Parable of the Sower starts off very grim but if it helps, it ends on a hopeful note.
aka Nik – You should contact Hesperus Press and see if you can get a catalog. Some great finds!
SciFiChick – I’m definitely reading another Willis. This one was just so good.
Isabel – I saw that. Thanks for linking it in case anyone wants to contact Ellie.
Christine – Have fun exploring Hesperus Press. I want one of each in their catalog!
Tanabata – Oh that’s great. I can’t wait to hear what you got and how you like them.
Dark Orpheus – Okay, I’m going to read up on what you mentioned. I’m curious about that and hey anything to help the insomnia. So glad your yoga practice has helped you with that. I’m struggling a bit with one wrist problem so I need to read more on how yoga can help me with that.
Grominou2 – I was skeptical at first because of the time travel stuff. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it and wow, did I ever! Hope you read it.
Stefanie – Thank you for that bit on Parable of the Sower. I still at the beginning but got to the part where she talks about an elderly neighbor that died. Sadness.
Glad you got a good nights sleep. I also recently received the Hesperus Press catalog. It is so very temping.
Hi, Iliana, I got the Hesperus catalog too and I want to order the whole lot, but ofcourse I can’t…will have to sit down and limit myself to just a few for now, but honestly, I don’t know which ones to pick, they all look so good…I will run over to Danielle and Nat’s blogs to get some suggestions. Enjoy your books when they arrive!
Oh, no. I’m not looking, I’m not looking, I’m not looking.
I’ve never read anything by Connie Willis….then again, it’s a pretty new genre for me. I doubt I will finish the Once Upon a Time either, but it was fun trying!! Nice reviews, by the way!
I really liked To Say Nothing of the Dog too. I thought it was a humorous take on time travel and especially approachable for people who don’t read a lot of science fiction due to the “light” touch (my full review here).
It was my first Willis book, but she’s won several Hugos and Nebulas, and although this was an award winner, it didn’t receive as high critical acclaim as some of her other works, so I’ll be checking out more and anticipate that they’ll only get better.
Tara – Thanks! I know, I don’t think I can hold out and not order a couple of things.
Lotus – Oh I can’t wait to see what you select. I still haven’t chosen – too many good choices!
Nancy, aka Bookfool – Ha,ha….
Stephanie – It’s a new genre for me too so I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying it! Most of the books I’ve read I’ve liked and liked well enough to read more by the authors.
Kim – Thanks for linking your review! I’ll check that out. You are right, super approachable for those who wouldn’t necessarily read sci-fi. I’ll definitely read more of her books.
You’ll have to share which Hesperus titles you decide on. I am contemplating ordering a couple more myself!
Since seeing you mention To Say Nothing of the Dog in an earlier post, I’ve signed up for a BookCrossing bookring for it, so I should be reading it soon. Glad you enjoyed it!