Inertia has set in. Summer heat makes me lazy (and it isn't even horribly hot today). If I had a hammock I could easily (and happily) fall asleep in it, as long as I was in the shade and the insects stayed away.
I don't log into Twitter on a regular basis, but when I do, those bookish links just come fast and furious and I can't help myself. So much interesting stuff out there to notice. Here's what I've been noticing of late:
Of these 7 Books I need to Read in July, I already had two on my wishlist. I keep seeing thrillers and novels of suspense that are the "next big read" but I have this fear of picking any of them up. Not because I am afraid the story will be so frightening, only that the hype will leave me disappointed. So many books to read, and I hate to put too much effort into something I will feel 'meh' about. Unless there really is something I should not pass up?
Unfortunately there are not going to be any visits to the beach for me this summer. So really, I should just ignore this list of 31 Books I Should Bring to the Beach, right? I never ignore a book list, however. Why, oh why, do they do this to me. Just when I am happily settled on my little towering pile of current reads and am moving along at a nice pace, they throw out yet more temptations. I have been trying so hard to just add titles to a wishlist. Wishlists are just out there to be looked at or not, titles safely tucked away . . . but then I feel the urge to buy or borrow some of the books. And we all know what sort of trouble that brings, right?
Book Riot does a daily list of "straight off the shelf" books, often recommended by writers or readers. I really like this particular list a lot. I agree, that Lorrie Moore novel is great (and I wonder where my own copy is, maybe I need to dig it out for a reread). And I think I am going to get that Anne Tyler to read now. Didn't I just mention it recently? (Or maybe I've just had it in mind . . .).
Oh, a new short story prize! One for emerging authors. I can't wait to see what new work they find! Too bad the first prize won't happen until 2017!
I keep coming across Delia Ephron's Siracusa and think this is one I really do need to read, and not pass up. It's literally just out and I am tempted to buy, but no--patience--since I am one of the first requestors of it at the library. As soon as they get their copies and process them, it'll be in my hot little hands.
But I will admit I couldn't pass up (and am waiting for it to be released in another week) Ruth Ware's The Woman in Cabin 10. Not only is it so deeply discounted (paperback price even!), but it is supposedly "reminiscent of Agatha Christie" that it was just waving in front of my eyes and I could not resist.
I don't drink whisky, but I love this literary flow chart . . .
I'm also looking forward to Kate Summerscale's new book. She is always good and I've read most of her work. Victorian true crime. To go with my Victorian classic literature reading.
I know Jessie Burton's first novel received mixed reviews by readers, but I really do feel like reading it. I think I might be even more enthusiastic, however, about her forthcoming novel. There is a little bit of time before it is out (and likely longer before I get a copy from the library), so maybe I can squeeze it in I could use a good historical novel to keep my mind off the world.
I always love a good prize list (you never know what new novel you might discover and love) and here is one that has lots of interesting looking titles (a few I already wanted to read and a few more I had not come across), the 2016 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.
One last note--I think it is so cool that Stefanie at So Many Books has a postal book exchange with a fellow poetry lover. I always love the idea of reading along with others and do so occasionally with a few friends. It made me think that maybe something similar could be done but with short stories. If there is another short story lover out there--wouldn't it be fun to pick a short story, make a photo copy and then exchange it with another short story lover. It would be fun to discover 'new' (or very old) stories and authors. Well, something to think about anyway. Plus there is the added delight of a little literary-inspired mail, too.