Thursday, June 6, 2013

Ta Da!


Here are the books I bought at The Village Bookstore on my recent travels to America's Heartland:

Founding Brothers (2000) by Joseph J. Ellis 
I sometimes get excited about reading books on American history. Mr. Ellis is coming to the library this month to speak so I was glad to find one of his books and hope to get it read in time to hear him. This book takes a look at seven of the guys who got America going: Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison. All in 250 pages. Not extended biographies but a look at telling events involving each. First up - The Duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.

Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit (1954) by P.G. Wodehouse
I don't even need to explain this selection. I love Wodehouse!

Nights of Rain and Stars (2004)  by Maeve Binchy
I have not read anything by this popular author so I will give this one a try. It is a nice clean hardcover copy. The story takes place on a Greek island and involves travelers to and residents of a small village there.

The Reluctant Tuscan: How I Discovered My Inner Italian (2005) by Phil Doran
This was actually on my ToBeRead List and I was thrilled to find a hardcover edition. The sort of real-life tale I enjoy - Hollywood sitcom writer and producer pulls up stakes and moves to Tuscany. 

The Vintage Caper (2009) by Peter Mayle
I have been wanting to read one of Peter Mayle's mysteries. I read earlier this year one of his real-life accounts of his life in Provence. This crime novel involves a wine heist and knowing Mr. Mayle it will be a delight. A nice hardcover edition.

The Witch of Exmoor (1996) by Margaret Drabble
Another author I have not read and I was glad to find this hardcover edition. The story has to do with Frieda, an author and thinker who has run away from home and hearth and lives in a hotel by the sea in Exmoor. She sounds like a woman I would like to get to know. 

At this rate, I will need to ask for an extension to summer if I am to get all my reading done. Who, pray tell, is in charge of that?

10 comments:

  1. Wonderful finds! Maeve Binchy is always a good read. I'm really interested in Founding Brothers. I know you will enjoy these, Belle, and probably pick up more books, yet, this summer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Penny, I don't know what I enjoy more...buying books or reading them!

      Delete
  2. What a great collection of books! The only one I've read is the Drabble.

    I've always meant to go to Missouri: it's such a beautiful state. But we've only driven through there. Sorry to hear about the flooding (an earlier post of yours). It really has been bad in the Midwest this spring.

    Sounds like you had a great time at the bookstore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the rains have really taken a toll on the Midwest this year. Not to mention the tornadoes. It is amazing what Mother Nature can get up to.!

      Delete
  3. That was probably my least favorite of Maeve Binchy's books, so if you don't care for it either, do try another.

    Joyce in KS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Joyce. That is the joy of a used book store...I can take a cheap chance on something new.

      Delete
  4. Belle! How exciting when you get home with an armful of books from a books sale or shop, especuially with new authors. Our local library just had a sale and my bag had some authors that i have not read previously (Zadie Smith, Colette, Muriel Spark). I believe you will like Margaret Drabble, I have read just one "The Realms of Gold" which I really enjoyed I think she has a unique female perspective, feminist but somewhat depreciating. She is a wonderful word smith. The other author you mention was Maeve Binchy. I am ashamed to say i havent read any of her works, ashamed as I had to admit that to her face when I had tea with her in her lovely home outside Dublin a few years ago, I had not seen her in nearly 30 years, last occasion when she was London correspondnat for the Irish Times. She was so funny and we had a great laugh at both my honesty and folly! Her husband had an even bigger laugh as I had read some of his writings!! Speaking about her upcomimg work she said she had just been inspired for a new novel by a convestaion she had overheard while on the bus from the city, she was forced to go way beyond her stop as she wanted to hear more of the convesation! A wonderful character she will be missed by her many fans and especially by those who were captured by her infectious laughter and smile!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tullik, sounds like you got some good finds yourself. I have not read Zadie, but the other two are old friends.

      What a wonderful Maeve Binchy story! I can now claim two degrees of separation, right? I know so many readers who love her and I am anxious to 'discover' her for myself.

      Thanks for sharing your Ms. Binchy experience with us!

      Delete
  5. What a great pile of books! I also have the Ellis on my own reading pile--recently pulled it out thinking I would start it but have not yet had a chance... enjoy all your new finds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is always so exciting to find new/old books, Danielle. I have only read one chapter in the Ellis book and find him pretty straightforward. I like that in a historian. I look forward to hearing him speak at the library later this month.

      Delete