Mish-mash

I have been attempting to curb my book-buying recently as I have so many books waiting to-be-read so I haven't had many recent requisitions to share with you. However, this week the above books arrived at the paperback reader abode: one a free copy and the other a purchase, both coincidentally Penguins. Sam Taylor very generously sent me a signed copy of his second novel, The Amnesiac, after reading my review of his third novel, The Island at the End of the World (reviewed here). I also purchased Trouble with Lichen by John Wyndham for book group, which gives me an almost complete collection of the Wyndham titles with the striking cover art by Brian Cronin, which I first discussed in this post.


I have been feeling a little home-sick this week for Glasgow since the last time I was home was in March. I was hoping for a fortnight at home this month, which was postponed until October, and now that looks impossible too, so I am holding out for at least a long weekend between now and Christmas. That shouldn't be too bad as I have family and possibly some friends visiting every month between now and then. In the meantime, I am putting off reading Kieron Smith, Boy by James Kelman, or anything else set in my home-city, in case it makes me hopelessly nostalgic for the dear green place and I think I will instead save it to read when I am actually there.

In other exciting news, I have been nominated for four Book Blogger Appreciation Week awards for the following:

Best New Blog – This new blog seems to have appeared out of nowhere since September of 2008 and has jumped into the book blogging world with both feet. You love their posts and wonder how the book blogging world ever got along without them.

Best Writing – It’s not just what they say, it’s how they say it. This blog is almost as enjoyable to read as the books (and anything else) it talks about.

Best Blog Post – This is hands down your favorite blog post you read all year. It made you laugh, it made you cry, or it reminded you of truth. I was nominated for this post, which I have to say is one of my favourites that I have written and I am proud of it. I am delighted that somebody thought it worthy!

Best Commenter/Commentator – This blogger is a major part of what makes the community great – they comment early and often, and always have a way of keeping the conversation rolling. You always look forward to a comment from them.


To whoever nominated me: THANK YOU! I am beyond thrilled and these really do mean so much. Blogging has become such a hugely important and enjoyable part of my life during a relatively short period of time and you, my readers and the writers of blogs that I read and love daily, are responsible for that.


Which leads me conveniently onto two awards I have received recently from JoAnn and Kals, which in turn I would like to share with everyone reading.

The Heartfelt Award: Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when you're relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.

The Let's Be Friends Award: Blogs that receive the Let’s Be Friends Award are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to seven bloggers.