I've been binging lately on new books. I recently celebrated a birthday, and between that and Christmas I have a few gift cards burning a hole in my pocket that I felt like using. Besides it's been ages since I've been to a bookstore, and it's been nice to do a little browsing. Someone was also kind enough to share a 40% off Borders coupon with me (am still not getting them in my email in basket, though strangely I did get a 25% off birthday coupon, which I might use in the next week or so, if something good catches my eye).
I'll probably get around to showing you my new purchases later in the week, but I do want to share one of the books now, because I've wanted it for a while. I put off buying it as I didn't want to pay the full $35 for it! A 40% off coupon, however, makes buying it far more palatable. I wanted to pick something really good, as I probably won't get such a large discount again soon. I've not compared it to the revised list, but I'm assuming this is the original version (did we ever get the new book here in the US?). Anyway it's a great reference book and I've been enjoying flipping through it. It might be helpful as I try and decide which classics to read this year.
Although I've not started a historical fiction novel yet (I'd like to finish up a couple of other books first), I do think I have it narrowed down to either Eva Rice or C.S. Forester (or maybe Arthur Japin...so maybe I haven't really decided). As weird as it may sound sometimes just thinking about starting a new book is enough, and then I press on with what I'm reading. The thing is, I've encountered a small wrinkle. Deanna Raybourn's new Lady Julia mystery Silent on the Moor was released a little early. Ever since I read the last book I've been anxious for the new book to come out. Now that it's here do I drop everything and start reading? Or can I leave it in the reading queue and let it wait its turn?
The Slaves of Golconda have chosen Stefan Zweig's The Post Office Girl as their next read. Discussion is set for march 31. As always everyone is welcome to join in. I'm able to send out invitations if you'd like to post on the Slaves blog--just leave a comment there or here.
I was happy to find out that more of Daphne du Maurier's works are being published here in the US. Frenchman's Creek and My Cousin Rachel are being reissued by Sourcebooks this spring. I've read both read the latter years ago and am due for a reread I think. I've heard more are to come in the fall, though I'm not sure which titles. New York Review Books Classics have also recently published Don't Look Now: Selected Stories of Daphne du Maurier. I had planned on working my way through all her books (how many authors do I say that about!), so perhaps it's time to pick something by her to read.
It seems January and February have been all about reading library books. I plan on getting back to one at a time only, now that I've finished my five books--things felt a little hectic for a while. Hopefully I can get back to my own reading plans, though I suspect March may be about finishing review copies. I've thankfully not accumulated any new ones, so maybe I can whittle what I have down without too much trouble. I'll be working on them one at a time by the way, and will be happy to get back to Winter in Madrid, which I was enjoying. As a matter of fact all those poor neglected books on my sidebar will be getting much more attention from me than they have lately. Now just so I'm not too wooed by new books....