Really. I am feeling distinctly guilty right now. Between returning so many books to the library unread (which I had to do today), and my ever growing TBR pile, I need to busy myself with more reading and less buying. That's not to say I won't buy the odd book (please note the singular case) here and there--the new Dumas translation for example, or a book club book. But my little goal is to not buy anymore stacks of books until after the holidays (when I might just have a few gift certificates), and try and concentrate on reading what I already have. Certainly I have plenty of books to keep me busy for the next few months (make that decades, actually).
So, for my last hurrah, I took advantage of the Barnes and Noble classics sale. I was actually fairly restrained in my book buying. Everything I bought was discounted. Not only were the B&N classics 50% off each, I had a "take an additional 15% off coupon", the two non-classics had 20% off stickers, and with my discount card I got an additional 10% off everything! Not too shabby really. I came away with a smaller stack ,than Stefanie but I still have a few more to add to my shelves (actually the selection was not as good as I had hoped, but I still can't complain!). My choices: After reading Middlemarch earlier this year, when I came upon George Eliot's books I decided it was time to add a couple more of her books to my library. Adam Bede and Silas Marner both look good. I am not sure how they will compare, but I have a feeling that even at her worst George Eliot would still be good! Litlove recommended Nana by Emile Zola, which according to the blurb is considered his masterpiece. Isn't it interesting that prostitutes seem to be written about and painted so much in literature and art? The Call of the Wild and White Fang by Jack London--London is on my Modern Library list, so I thought it wise to stock up on an inexpensive copy. He is not an author that I have ever thought of reading, but I bet I will like the books when I get around to them! Girls in Peril by Karen lee Boren is completely new to me. It was on their new authors to watch shelf, and as a coming of age story (set in 1970s Wisconsin), it appealed to me. It was compared to Margaret Atwood's Cat's Eye, so I thought that meant it deserved a read. Lastly Victoria recommended Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle recently. Quicksilver is the first book of three. It is a pretty lengthy book--over 900 pages and set in the 1600s. I had looked at this earlier, but I couldn't decide. A recommendation from a trusted source will usually nudge me over the edge. I guess from here on out I will be writing down new book suggestions...