These are the library books (and one DVD) that I didn't get to pick up during last week's snowstorm. I finally got them, though, and I've added them to my growing pile. I now have a generous selection of titles for my library's Winter Reading Program, which kicks off January 1 and runs through the end of February. The idea is to read five books and then they give you a tote bag (as if I needed anymore of those) and a coupon for a couple bucks off their next library sale. This is their way of getting people to use the library during the cold months when everyone is stuck inside. As I already use the library I'm not sure why I feel the need to participate, but I do it every year now, so it's become a habit. You've seen a couple of these already, but now that there are no more lines of readers waiting for them, I might actually get a chance to read them. My latest finds:
Wives and Daughters -- The film adaptation in anticipation of finishing the book by Elizabeth Gaskell. I've still got about 300 pages to go, but I'm going to be optimistic that I can finish before my vacation starts.
The Jade Cat by Suzanne Brogger -- a "sweeping family saga that takes us from Denmark to Riga and back, through two World Wars, to India and Afghanistan, to America as it was and as it is, and it takes us through boarding schools, mental hospitals, and almshouses for the poor." Sounds promising.
The Coral Thief by Rebecca Stott -- Yes, this one's back as I really do want to read it. It's set in 1815 Paris, and The Washington Post Book World called it "A hypnotic brew of speculation, intrigue, and murder...".
Awakening by S.J. Bolton -- I read her first book, Sacrifice, and found it thoroughly entertaining. This is another thriller set in a small English village. "Awakening is a disturbing tale of dark secrets and insidious rituals that will have readers unable to stop for a breath until they've reached the stunning climax." I like edge-of-your-seat reads, so I hope it stands up to the book blurbs promise.
I think I may cheat and start now on my five books, but which one to choose is the question. One of these or one of these? I should pick the one that's due soonest, but I hate that sort of pressure, so will see which one grabs me.