I mentioned already that I went to the bookstore earlier this week. When I was there I saw several books that I would love to have, but I knew I couldn't afford, so back they went to their respective shelves. However, I got sucked back in--the temptation came in the form of a Borders coupon. I was just going to ignore it, but I just couldn't let a perfectly good coupon go to waste. Besides, I saw a blurb in World Literature Today (that I just checked in at my library), about this Italian author, so I was pretty much sold by then...Melania Mazzucco's first novel to be translated into English was just published--Vita. It looked really interesting in the bookstore, but as I had never heard of her, it made it easier to put it back on the shelf. She has publised four novels, as well as has written for the cinema, theater, and radio. "Vita" was awarded the 2003 Strega Prize, which is Italy's leading literary award. And what is it about? It is set in turn of the century NYC, where Diamonte and Vita have emigrated as children. Per the dust jacket, "The award-winning Italian author Melania G, Mazzucco weaves her own family history into this sweeping tale of discovery, love, and loss, creating a passionate blend of biography and autobiography, of fantasy and fiction." I can't wait to start it!
I also came away with Pages. I quickly flipped through and it looks like there are some good articles. I recognized several books that I have requested at my public library, and I bet I will find a few more in there to add to my reading list. I also found two other books (Tuesday I went to one bookstore, and tonight to another--there are two right by my work), that I couldn't pass up; First Desire by Nancy Reisman, and Snowstorms in a Hot Climate by Sarah Dunant. I certainly won't be bored this weekend!