Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Marg and myself that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!
Marg has the Mr Linky this week!
Bit of a hodge-podge today though I’m delighted by the even split between fiction and non-fiction (this almost never happens).
Vaclav & Lena by Haley Tanner
I have absolutely no memory of where I heard about this book. Clearly, it was a trust-worthy source since I immediately placed a hold without bothering to learn anything about the plot of the novel. Now that I know it’s a love story set inNew York’s Russian émigré community, I am quite excited to read it.
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Place in the World by Eric Weiner
I really feel like this might have been mentioned in one of Nancy Pearl’s Book Lust books which I read so recently but, if so, I didn’t make a note of it. I’ve been eyeing this for ages.
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
I’ve read and enjoyed three of Patchett’s books (Bel Canto, Run, and Truth & Beauty) so as soon as this turned up on order in my library catalogue I placed a hold. Thank goodness I did so then because it’s received so much press since publication that the hold queue is now depressingly long.
A Devil’s Chaplain by Richard Dawkins
Picked up while browsing in the science section (after such success with my last find there, Naming Nature). A collection of essays rather than a book with a focused argument, I’m hoping this might be the most palatable way to approach Dawkins.
The Brandons by Angela Thirkell
When is Thirkell ever a bad idea?
Imagined London by Anna Quindlen
I read this book years ago but have absolutely no memory of it now. However, I’ll be in Londonthis September and thought it might be fun to reread it before I go. I’d been looking at it in the stacks for a few weeks but Eva’s mention of it in her loot last week is what actually motivated me check it out.
Wonderful picks!
Bel Canto remains one of my favorite books and its images stay with me so many years later. I’m sure State of Wonder will hold up to it.
Bel Canto is very good. I was utterly absorbed when I read it for the first time and I’m very hopeful I’ll have a similar reaction to State of Wonder.
Great picks. I want to read State of Wonder.
It’s a popular pick this summer! I hope you’re able to track down a copy.
The Brandons was my introduction to Angela Thirkell, and it’s still one of my favorites. I’ve never read Ann Patchett, though all the reviews I’ve read have been so enthusiastic.
I’m glad to hear that The Brandons is a favourite of yours! I only started reading Thirkell this winter – in a far from ordered manner – and this will be my first reading of it.
Do give Patchett a try! She’s not for everyone but I really enjoy her books. Bel Canto is a great place to start.
The Geography of Bliss sounds interesting. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Enjoy!
Thanks Linda. I’m looking forward to trying it!
Interesting selection as always. I confess to never having read Angela Thirkell but I’m sure they must be in my library so I need to discover why they’re so well-loved.
Happy reading!
I just started reading Thirkell in January of this year but I fell hard for her. I hope you give her a try!
I really enjoyed Geography of Bliss. It’s a hoot!
Wonderful! I really haven’t heard a lot about the book but it always caught my eye whenever I was browsing.
If you enjoyed Patchett’s books so far, you will love State Of Wonder! Here is my review of it: http://wordsandpeace.wordpress.com/2011/07/05/bell-canto-and-state-of-wonder/
Now I’m going to have a look at Run, and Truth & Beauty. Thanks! Emma @ Words And Peace
Glad to hear you enjoyed State of Wonder! Run is forgettable, though entertaining while you’re reading, but Truth & Beauty is very powerful and memorable.
[…] Library Loot is a weekly meme hosted by Claire of The Captive Reader and Marg of Reading Adventures. Readers share what library books they have picked up recently. […]
I liked Bel Canto, thought The Magician’s Assistant was okay, and really liked Truth & Beauty. State of Wonder has been everywhere lately, and I’ll probably wait until the talk has died down (and the library waitlists get smaller. . . ) Good on you for getting the jump on it! I hope you enjoy it!
Truth & Beauty is my favourite of her books so far, though I find it difficult and disturbing to read. I know that if I hadn’t been on the waitlist months ago I would definitely be feeling a bit daunted right now by State of Wonder‘s popularity, choosing, like you, to wait a few months until the hype fades. But I’m certainly glad I did place the hold early and that I have it now!
I’ve got a couple of those on my to-read list. Happy reading!