That’s what my friend Kate said, after I had texted her saying I’d just come out of a Kinokunyia bookstore, after an hour and a half of browsing which resulted in the purchase of three books. She had sent me a message to let me know of a discount sale at another bookstore across town. That’s what friends are for, right?
So the next day I went to Dasa, an used books bookstore, and came away with another three books (and now regret not buying the fourth, but maybe it’ll wait for me until next time). I’m going to need a new shelf soon, but for now I’m building towers of books.
What I bought:
1. On life, death and breakfast, by Tony Parsons
I’ve read Man and Wife by the same author and I really like his no-nonsense approach to life and relationships, so I was intrigued by this book. Also, the title seemed familiar, and if you’ve heard of “Life, the Universe and Everything” by Douglas Adams (hint: the third book in “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy”) then the mystery is solved.
2. American Gods, by Neil Gaiman
This will be my first novel by this author. I’ve come across a few of his stories in the anthology By Blood We Live – Edited by John Joseph Adams and Stories – All New Tales Edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio and enjoyed them very much. I think it’s about time I tried a full length novel.
3. The Birth of Love, by Joanna Kavenna
I thought it was time for a “girl” book. The back cover promises a story that connects people across time, from a lunatic asylum in 19th century Vienna, to a woman about to give birth in London, with the word “dystopian” thrown in. Intriguing.
4. The Little Stranger, by Sarah Waters
Now I’ve had my eyes on this author for a while, ever since Nath (a friend on www.goodreads.com) mentioned how much she enjoyed it. Then I said to myself, an old and mysterious house, the promise of a haunting, how can I resist? It sounds just like my kind of book.
5. The Secret of Crickley Hall, by James Herbert
It’s probably obvious by now that I like scary stories and this one promised to scare my socks off. Good, I hope it lives up to the expectations!
6. The Winter Ghosts, by Kate Mosse
“An ancient mystery….., a cave that has concealed an appaling secret for 700 years…”
Need I say more? I was hooked!
Interesting books that you have acquired, Delia! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Sarah Waters’ ‘The Little Stranger’. I remember Kate Mosse’s ‘Labyrinth’ being a big hit among readers when it came out. Hope you enjoy ‘The Winter Ghosts’. Happy Reading!
Have you read “The Little Stranger”?
Your comment about Kate Mosse made me curious – I’ve never read anything by her and the name of this book caught my attention.
I haven’t read ‘The Little Stranger’ but have seen other bloggers raving about it. I hope you enjoy the book.
A few years back, I was reading a book called ‘The Eight’ by Katherine Neville, which had parallel storylines of two women – one a nun who was trying to protect a secret, during the French Revolution, and another, a modern day heroine, who has her own adventures. I discovered Kate Mosse’s book ‘Labyrinth’ at around that time and it had a similar premise – two heroines set in different time-periods with a secret to protect or discover. It grabbed my attention immediately and I read more about the book, though I never got around to reading the book. Hope you enjoy ‘The Winter Ghosts’.
Happy Reading!
That sounds good to me.
Just finished reading “On life, death and breakfast” by Tony Parsons. That was an entertaining book but now I face my never ending dilemma: what to read, what to read, so many books! 🙂
Ha, ha, ha! I can understand that dilemma 🙂 It is always an interesting time when we have finished a book and are planning to start a new one – which one to read next is an interesting and exciting problem to have 🙂
I read Sarah Water’s Fingersmith and just loved it. I have this one but haven’t gotten to it yet. And I need to read Neil Gaiman finally. I am sick of hearing everyone say how awesome he is!! I can’t believe I haven’t read him actually!!
Great haul! Fill those shelves!
Good, one more reason for me to read “The Little Stranger”!
Do you have any Neil Gaiman books? If you have “American Gods” maybe we can read it together. 🙂
Ah, an hour and a half browsing! That sounds fantastic. I haven’t done that for a while now – I’ve been feeling quite rushed and haven’t allowed myself to spend that long in a bookshop. But I think I should – it’s something I love to do. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂 I’ll let you know how it turns out (and don’t worry, I won’t send you the bill!).
It was great indeed, especially going alone and taking my time, although truth be told I could have stayed at least another half hour. Oh well, maybe next time.
Just send me the titles of the books, you can keep the bill. 🙂
Hi! It’s a beautiful blog you have:)
Haven’t heard of The Secret of Crickley Hall, by James Herbert but it do sounds really exciting. I love scary stories as well and I can’t wait to read your review about it!:)
Hello and thank you. 🙂
I haven’t heard of this book either and I’m curious to see if it’s as good as I hope it is.