Thursday, November 13, 2008

Begged, Borrowed, and Stolen


Okay, I didn't beg, borrow, or steal these books. But I didn't pay for them, either! I'm trying not to actually acquire books at the moment, because the piles next to my bed are threatening to engulf me while I sleep. And I figure I'll save my book-buying for the holidays (see last post), so I'd better start saving some money now. So the books on this pile are either from a publisher or a gift...oh yeah, one is actually borrowed. So the pile grows...

The Blind Assassin: A Novel, by Margaret Atwood--on my list for a long time, I borrowed this to read for the Orange Prize Project challenge.

Purple Hibiscus: A Novel, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie--I loved her second novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, so I thought I'd read this for the Orange Prize Project challenge, too.

Who by Fire: A Novel (P.S.), by Diana Spechler--I thought the family that this book is about sounded extremely dysfunctional and would make me feel much better about my own family.

To Catch the Lightning: A Novel of American Dreaming, by Alan Cheuse--I decided to take this review copy partly because I like NPR commentator Alan Cheuse's on-air book reviews, partly because I was intrigued by the idea of a novel based on the life of photographer Edward Curtis.

Mother on Fire: A True Motherf%#$@ Story About Parenting!, by Sandra Tsing Loh--Loh is a local writer, performance artist and radio personality here, and she's often quite funny, so I'm looking forward to laughing while reading this unusual mommy memoir. I'm also looking forward to feeling less alone as a parent. I hear you don't have to have kids to appreciate this book...

6 comments:

Jeane said...

I hope to hear what you think of To Catch the Lightning soon. I felt kind of iffy about it...

Gentle Reader said...

jeane--I will let you know--I've seen mixed reviews :)

litlove said...

What a lovely selection of books! I'm particularly interested to hear what you think of Mother on Fire. But they all sound good.

Gentle Reader said...

litlove--I'll definitely let you know what I think of Mother on Fire. I always enjoy Loh's commentary when I hear it on the radio, and I've heard her writing is funny...hope so!

Unknown said...

I have read the book Blind Assasin many years ago. I just loved it. She even has a better one. I read too.
It is historical fiction too bad I can't remember the name. I Just had a review and the author guest post on my blog. If you are interested come visit me. http://38thavedivareaders.blogspot.com.
Seaside Book Worm
Susan

Bookfool said...

What Jeane said. We were in agreement about TCtL. I'm looking forward to your review.