I had been doing pretty good--not a single book checked out from the library for at least a month. But I can never stay away too long and recently went online and requested a few books--including a few that I checked out earlier and never got around to reading. I am now awaiting One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (#62 in line!), and Michael Cox's The Meaning of the Night (something like #20!). I did get notification that something was waiting for me, so I stopped by the public library after work to pick up my book and browse a bit. I know for a while I was complaining that every time I was visiting, I was never finding anything new and interesting. I guess it's good to take breaks sometimes, as there were lots of tempting books there, but I only took home two (I could have easily walked away with more, but I have plenty to work on at the moment already). I now have Edna O'Brien's newest, The Light Evening, which I came this close to buying and a book that I found while browsing, The Burning Time by Robin Morgan. First the O'Brien--"Brimming with lyricism and earthy insight that are the hallmarks of Edna O'Brien's acclaimed fiction, The Light of Evening is a novel of dreams and attachments, lamentations and betrayals. At its core is the realization that the bond between mother and child is unbreakable, stronger even than death." I have a collection of O'Brien's books sitting on my shelf, have read very few of them, and now I go and check out another book from the library! But I am looking forward to reading this one!
This is what I love about going to the library or bookstore...browsing and finding something that looks so good that you have never heard of before. I am not familiar with Robin Morgan, but according to her biography she is one of the founders of contemporary American feminism and has been a leader of the international Women's Movement for 25 years. The book is "based on the true story of the Inquisition's arrival in Ireland and one woman's fight against it." At first I thought it sounded rather depressing, but it sort of reminded me of The Mists of Avalon (the whole Paganism vs. Christianity thing), so I picked it up. From what I have seen it has gotten very good reviews, so I am glad I grabbed it. The book blurb reads in part, "This riveting struggle for the soul of a country--drawn from actual court records of the first withcraft trial in Ireland--is the exciting story of one extraordinary noblewoman, Lady Alyce Kyteler." Now if I can just keep the library pile to a very few, things hopefully won't get out of control again!
I just found out that there is a Barnes & Noble in Kansas City that has four floors (thanks Carl!)!! I'm happy now! I know my sister will want to go to places like Macy's and Anthropologie, but maybe she can just leave me at B&N! I realize there is one here locally, but it is one small floor. I bet they have lots and lots of books that I haven't seen before....and there is also a Half Price Books that maybe I can hit, too. There is even a needlepoint store (thanks for the heads up Citronyella), but I am not sure I want to be tempted by another expensive hobby. I have looked into learning needlepoint, but I have never been to a store. I was thinking that this might be more of a window shopping sort of day for me as I don't think I am going to be able to afford much at places like Macy's, but now with these other alternatives...Maybe I should leave my credit card at home? Naaah.