My first issue of Bookforum has finally arrived. I know it has been out for a while (being the June/July/Aug/Sept issue!), but I am still thrilled to get it. Some time ago Stefanie posted about various literary magazines (too lazy, and too warm to go searching for the exact post), which prompted me to think about subscribing to one. Of course this makes me want more (ever greedy for words I am). Although I enjoy Pages and Bookmarks magazines, they seem very commercial to me. I usually buy them when I see a new one at the bookstore, but I feel like I generally don't learn anything new or find books that are completely new to me. They write up and review the same books that everyone else seems to. I am hoping that Bookforum will be more off the beaten path--written more for readers. It seems to me that the other two magazines are more for publishers to sell their books--not that I am going to stop buying them--book news is book news. It would be nice if there were magazines about popular books, as well as unknown books and presses and authors, and then a nice sprinkling of literary articles in it as well. Any other suggestions?
The new Bas Bleu catalog has also arrived. I know I frequently mention this, but they do such a good job with it that I am always happy to get it in the mail. I always go through and mark what I want, but that inevitably I don't order (though I do add to my wishlist or try to get it from my library). My fantasy shopping cart? 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die--yes, I know this has been discussed over and over--old news and all that. But I have never seen it. I discovered that my public library owns copies, and I am now #5 in the waiting list. The Girl in the Green Glass Mirror--I love this title--more art in fiction. New Yorker Literary T-Shirts--wonderful--I may have to buy the Dostoyevsky one! The Novel 100--definitely one to find in the library--since you have to check out the lists! Book Lovers' London--since this is the closest I'll be getting to any sort of vacation. Reading Women--I really do want this one--will have to add to my wishlist. For the Love of Libraries Postcards--need I say more? What Jane Austen Ate and What Dickens Knew--all those details you don't usually read about. Selected Shorts: Lots of Laughs--sounds like fun! And one more...My Favorite Books Journal--may have to get this one, too!
The new Book Page was out at the library. It is the "reading for summer's last days" issue, but to be honest on first glance I am not sure if I spotted anything I can't live without. You can check this list out from The Times (London) of their 100 best summer reads or Oprah's - What You're Really Going to Want to Read This Summer--both links thanks to Bookglutton. Just in case you need some good books to finish out the summer with...