Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Linda from Silly Little Mischief 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.
Bleaker House by Nell Stevens – not about Charles Dickens! A much-praised memoir about Stevens’ time living (and writing) on a remote island in the South Atlantic.
Happy as a Dane by Malene Rydahl – a slightly smug list of the 10 things that make Danes the happiest people in the world. Particularly interesting to read in light of a recent conversation with one of my Denmark-dwelling cousins, who loves his adopted home but finds certain elements of the society frustrating.
Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley – a retelling of “Beauty and the Beast”.
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman – hilarious comedy about the Apocalypse. Always worth reading (and rereading and rereading…)
Negroland by Margo Jefferson – this memoir of growing up in a privileged Black family was highly praised when it came out a few years ago and looks to be very interesting.
The Art of Flight by Fredrik Sjöberg – I know nothing about this but was intrigued by the blurb: Fredrik Sjöberg – collector, romantic, explorer – spends his life tracing the smallest details of the natural world. In these two beautifully wrought tales he meditates on the joy of little things, childhood memories, long-forgotten Swedish entomologists, earthworms, wine-making, the National Parks of the United States, the richness of life and the strange paths it leads us on.
What did you pick up this week?
The Captive Reader 
I’ve read Rose Daughter. I didn’t like it quite as much as her earlier retelling of the same fairy tale- Beauty. Bleaker House and Art of Flight look interesting- adding to my list!
I read Beauty earlier this year so it will be interesting to see how they compare. So far, I’m quite enjoying it.
An eclectic collection! My daughter loves Robin McKinley. I would be interested in either of the memoirs you mentioned. And Good Omens intrigues me. However, I seem to struggle with comedy in written form.
I’ve just discovered McKinley this year, which seems bizarre given how much I love fairy tales. I love comedic writing so think Good Omens is perfection but good news for you: the adaptation is coming soon!
Great loot. Enjoy!
Thanks, Linda!
I thought of you yesterday. I had several books to pick up at our city library, and then I got a notice that one I was particularly wanting to read had come in at the county library – so I managed stops at two libraries on my way home from work. And of course I found other books on the shelves to bring home with the reserves.
You’ve reminded me to put Negroland back on my library list.
This is definitely how I like to be thought of! I got a random call as part of library survey this week on a day when I had visited three branches – and was livid that the survey had no questions about my frequency of use. How am I going to show off my passion for the library if all they ask me about is how I feel about the Aboriginal Storyteller in Residence or Musical Instrument Rental programs (answer: complete disinterest. I just want their books and the occasional DVD or CD).
What a great cache of “loot”, Claire. I keep meaning to read “Good Omens” – maybe a New Year’s resolution. 🙂
It’s a super fun book, Penny. I hope you get a chance to read it in the New Year!
Mockingbirds Songs by Wayne Flint. He and Harper Lee became friends through Alabama history interests and he provides a collection of their exchanged letter up until her death. It really provides a thoughtful insight into this beloved, reclusive author.
Sounds interesting. Enjoy!