Why is it when someone mooches a book from me (and inevitably when one person mooches something three will at once--it's always feast or famine), I feel the need to mooch something from someone else in turn? I can't just be happy to see those extra points added to my account. So I will be sending out a few books, and am now waiting for: Crossing to Safety, by Wallace Stegner, Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris (a recommendation from Jenclair--after my recent vampire novel reading, I'm thinking some of these books might be entertaining after all), and The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice. I noticed that Bookmooch now tells you when someone was last logged in, and I find that handy when mooching books. I find that someone who checks their accounts often seems to mail out books more promptly than others. Of course the books are essentially free, so beggars can't be choosers. I am amazed at how quickly some people are at mailing out books! This week I received a copy of Penelope Fitzgerald's The Blue Flower. She has been around for a while I think, but I have never really thought of picking up her books to read, but all of a sudden this one sounds really good! Thanks to the post at Ex Libris for bringing her to my attention. I am trying to find a copy of Offshore, however I can't find any copies to mooch and a trip to the used bookstore didn't net one either. Darn, I guess I am going to have to order a copy.
I did find a few other things at my used bookstore visit last night, though. I never seem to find the books that I have on my list. I know next time I go there, I will find at least one of them, but by then I will have gotten a copy somewhere else. It is nice to browse though. Anne Tyler is on my "I should have read her, but have never gotten around to it" list. There are some authors out there that are famous, and popular and for good reason, I'm sure. Why do I ingore these people and choose some complete unknown? As that seems to happen quite often. I finally broke down and bought Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. Did I choose well? She has so many novels, and of course all the jacket blurbs say this one is the best. I also found a copy of Dickens's A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings, which I would like to read this year. I had no idea that it is really only a novella--it looks quite short! I wonder what his other Christmas writings are like. I know a lot of people have issues with Wuthering Heights. Okay, I know the characters are not particularly likeable, but I have to say that I really, really like the novel. I think it is more the atmosphere and setting--I'm not sure how to explain it. I found a book called Wild Decembers by Edna O'Brien, which is described in part as "a mood akin to Wuthering Heights--and indeed the spirit of Emily Bronte." It had to come home with me. Can you tell I am having my tricks and treats a few days early? Well, treats anyway!