Well, of course there aren't just three. That would be preposterous, and probably get me kicked out of the book bloggers' union. But I happen to be in a lovely place in my to-be-read pile (I can see over it if I stand on my tiptoes ;D) and thought I'd share a few I'm excited about:
1. On my bookshelf:
Above are a few of the books that have been waiting for me so very, very patiently... two are short story collections: Edna O'Brien's Saints and Sinners (Back Bay Books, 2011) and Shann Ray's American Masculine (Graywolf Press, 2011). While I'm not actually a fan of her music, I am really looking forward to reading Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids (Ecco, 2010) which won a National Book Award last year. Vanessa Diffenbaugh's The Language of Flowers (Ballantine, 2011) sounds like a truly lovely novel and a perfect read for anyone who feels the garden beckoning.
2. On my hard drive:
I was beyond delighted to receive an electronic review copy of Jac Jemc's My Only Wife from Dzanc Books, and can't wait to dig in. The description from the Dzanc website:
Ten years ago the narrator unlocked the door of a wrecked apartment, empty of any trace of his wife. As stunning as her disappearance is his response. He freezes on the facts of her, haunting his recollections. This is the story of a man unable to free himself enough from the idea of a woman to try to find her.I'm already enchanted.
3. On my wish list:
Which books are piled up on your bedside table or queued up in your e-reader or on your wishlist? Share in the comments, and happy reading!
I have been in a hold list at the library for the Language of Flowers forever! I can't wait to finally get hold of a copy!
ReplyDeleteI hope it comes to you soon! I've been itching to get to it more and more as the weather warms up... we have some travel coming up soon & I'm thinking a great one to take along.
DeleteVery envious of your stack. Adore Patty Smith and My Only Wife sounds interesting. Nice way to start the weekend. Thanks,
ReplyDeletethanks, Lisa! Did you read Just Kids? Curious to hear your thoughts!
DeleteI'll be looking out for your thoughts on the Edna O'Brien. I reviewed Patti Smith last year - it's really good. http://theknockingshop.blogspot.com/2011/10/just-kids.html
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Seamus! Really looking forward to it.
DeleteSaw Patti Smith on Sunday Mornings last week and it really made me want to read Just Kids. Love that she was such a symbol of rebellion and then in the 1980's stopped working to be a SAHM and raise her kids. But so sad, too, because in a very short period of time she lost three people that mattered so much to her.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds fascinating, and what amazing people she must have known, and experiences to have had. Looking forward to it!
DeleteNice selection of books. I really like the cover of My Only Wife, very unique.
ReplyDeleteIt does look beautiful doesn't it? Would love to see it in person.
Deletemore books than i can count in my tbr! i love the looks of yours. just kids is in my pile somewhere. i know i'll love it when i get to it someday!
ReplyDeleteGot to it over vacation- fascinating glimpse inside life at the Chelsea Hotel and all the creative types that hung out there. But also not a life I would want to live!
DeleteI love everything about Patti Smyth. Grew up listening to her music, grew into her poetry. You're going to enjoy Just Kids.
ReplyDeleteGot to it over vacation! amazing to hear about the talented people she knew and her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe. Great memoir, though not a life I would want to live.
DeleteIt looks like you have some good books to read. I have quite a few books on my bedside table: Wonder, Breadcrumbs, The Snow Child, Traffiked (I think that is how the title is written), etc... the list goes on. Those are the ones I will be reading soon because they are on top. Happy reading!
ReplyDelete~Jess