“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of Library.” ~ Jorge Luis Borges
For this week’s Weekly Geeks, Dewey has asked us to come up with a quote a day. I love quotes. Not only do I always have one showing on my blog, but I collect them in my journals. Often I use them as a prompt for journaling. Anyway, I chose the above quote by Jorge Luis Borges for my first quote because libraries are my weakness.
Speaking of libraries, my personal library is getting some new additions and I feel like I’ve won the book lottery. Today I found out I won Matrimony by Joshua Henkin thanks to Tara who was hosting a giveaway, and I also won Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler thanks to Naida who hosted that giveaway. I’m really excited about reading both books as I’ve heard so many good things about them.
Last month I also got some very cool books via giveaways so thank you so much to all of you for hosting such wonderful giveaways and I promise to share in the book wealth. I actually have a couple of giveaways myself coming up later in the month so stay tuned!
As if these books weren’t enough I also happened upon a library sale. It was a small affair but I still came away with some book loot. Here are my goodies:
- Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger. I recently read a review about this book over on Melody’s site so I was glad to find this. I’m in the mood for a thriller.
- Dead at Daybreak by Deon Meyer. A mystery set in South Africa. This is actually the second book in the series but I’ve read some rave reviews about his books so I couldn’t pass it up.
- A Summer of Discontent by Susanna Gregory. Aside from the fact that this is a historical mystery and it sounded interesting, you know what else sold me on this book? It has a map. I love those drawn maps and only wish more mysteries had those.
- The Woods by Harlan Coben. Is it me or are there a lot of stories lately about kids gone missing in the woods? Anyway, I’ve not read any of his books and always hear how they are great so I had to get this one.
- Seneca Falls Inheritance by Miriam Grace Monfredo. This is another mystery but set during the Women’s Right Convention of 1848 and the main character is a librarian. Should be an interesting read don’t you think?
- A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. Another book I’ve heard so many good things about.
So not a lot of stuff but I think I found some good books.
Finally, you guys have all heard about My Friend Amy’s big event right – It’s Book Bloggers Appreciation Week. There are giveaways, interviews, and a whole bunch of fun things have been planned. I’m just busy taking note of so many book blogs to check out!
Anyway, to kick off the event, we are all asked to post about those book bloggers who didn’t make it on the list but we still want to highlight. I recognized some of my blog friends over on the nominations list (congrats to you!) and I’m so tempted to say, just check my links, but I actually need to update that page. And, plus we are supposed to highlight some blogs.
So, I’ve decided to highlight Stefanie’s blog, So Many Books. Her writing is always insightful as she explores some of literature’s finest writers. If you haven’t checked out her Emerson posts you are really missing out. I’ve lost track a bit but I’m pretty sure Stefanie’s was one of the first book blogs I was hooked on when I started my blog back in 2004. We also share a love for Half Price Books so whenever they have a sale I wonder if Stefanie will be checking it out and look forward to her posts. I also get to chat with her over at the MetauxCafe when we discuss the Slaves of Golconda’s reading choices. Thank you Stefanie for your fantastic blog and your friendship.
Congrats on all your recent wins and acquisitions.
I gave in and ordered On Reading and it just arrived today! The photos are really fun. They span from about 1928 to 1970 with lots from New York and Paris.
When I was responsible for buying books for our College Children’s Library I used to use this wonderful wholesalers which made even the biggest book shop look tiny. I always said that my idea of the perfect holiday would be to get locked in there for two weeks with enough food and a decent chair and just to be let loose!
Congrats on winning the books, Iliana! I’m happy to hear you got Beautiful Lies and other books as well. I also enjoyed reading A Thousand Splendid Suns so I’m looking forward to reading your reviews on them soon. 🙂
Congrats on all the winnings! 🙂
I’ve read Beautiful Lies, The Woods and A Thousand Splendid Suns. Some are better than others, but as always – reading is so subjective. 🙂 I hope you enjoy them all to max!
Congrats!
Wow, quite a haul! I think the library sales are bigger there than they are here.
tanabata – Oh I’m super jealous you have that book 🙂 I was looking for it at the bookstore the other day and didn’t find it. I’d love to just take a peek at Ann (Table Talk) – Now how fun would that be right? I still dream of working/owning a bookstore but I’m sure it’s a lot harder than I imagine. And, I probably won’t be able to just sit around and read books 🙂
Melody – When I saw that on the table I thought I had to get it! I remembered your review and I know I’ve seen some of her books before but just hadn’t gotten around to them. Looking forward to it!
Joy – Thank you! And, you are right, I mean what’s going to be someone’s favorite ever may be someone else’s most hated book right? That’s why in my reviews I try to give my viewpoint and just know that it may work for someone else 🙂
Serena (Savvy Verse & Wit) – Thank you 🙂
Lisa – I’m so lucky aren’t I? Oh and this library sale was teeny, tiny compared to some others I’ve been to but I won’t complain as I still found some books 🙂
Great haul! I just got Sucks to Be Me in the mail today. Thanks so much!
Good job! The Jane Austen one is on my TBR, for obvious reasons!
Hi, Iliana. I hope to read Beautiful Lies one of these days. It does sound good. The Woods is another one I really want to read. I enjoy Harlan Coben’s work very much–said as if I’ve read more than one of his books. Haha!
Congrats on all your wins! So Many Books is a fabulous blog. I love that way Stefanie writes. I just wanted to write to you that I appreciate your blog! You are dedicated to the medium which is something I aspire to be like. Your writing is insightful and you are kind. Thank you.
Iliana you are so kind! Thank you so very much. You know I always love visiting your blog too and I can’t go to HPB without thinking of you!
I think you’ll like Matrimony – I won it myself and quite enjoyed it!
You picked up some great books at that book sale…lucky you!
After all the hype, recommendations, and ubiquitous sighting of his books, I’m still Khaled Hosseini-phobic! I picked up The Kite Runner on a few occasions but put it down. I need some positive vibe.
Chris – I hope you’ll enjoy the book. I thought it was fun so keep us posted 🙂
Jessica – It sounds like a fun read doesn’t it?
Literary Feline – Ha,ha… I feel that way when I talk about some authors. Even though I’ve only read one of their books I’ve been so impressed that I just know I will like the others 🙂
Heather – Aw, thank you. That’s so sweet. I’m so glad to see you back blogging too! I’ve missed your poetry posts as well!
Stefanie – Who knows, maybe one day we’ll get to meet and if that happens we are so going to a Half Price Books together! 🙂
ravenous reader – I was a lucky girl wasn’t I. I should have bought a lotto ticket! ha,ha…
Matt – Oh you crack me up but I totally understand. I’ve felt that way about some books. I’ve actually gone back and forth a bit on my feelings about The Kite Runner. I loved most of the story although some things I didn’t care for. I felt some parts were a bit contrived. I found myself nitpicking the story probably because by the time I read it, it felt like everyone else had and had loved it. I thought surely it can’t be all that great. It was good, it was memorable but I am hoping his second book is better.
Great quote! I’m going to have to put it in my own journal.
How nice of you to highlight Stefanie’s blog — it’s wonderful, isn’t it? 🙂
Vasilly – I took a quick peak at some of the quotes you shared on your recent posts and I’ll have to steal some too 🙂
Dorothy W. – It is indeed! And, I forgot to mention her tales of assisting in the library – oh man, some good writing there! 🙂
I take it that I should give The Kite Runners a go then. 🙂
Matt – Yeah, I think you should give it a try. I liked the first part of the book a lot. I thought that’s where it was the strongest. The last part I had somewhat of a problem with but maybe after you read it I can tell you why. I don’t want to spoil it 🙂