Saturday 22 August 2009

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.


18 comments:

verity said...

What a nice post, full of nice bookish things - perfect for a lazy Saturday. Those two new Penguins look fun!

Paperback Reader said...

I thought it was time for a miscellany and I had things to share but nothing that constituted a post unto itself. After the heaviness of yesterday's review, something light is welcome.
I love my new Penguins!

Ana S. said...

I have The Amnesiac on my tbr pile and I'm hoping to get to it before the end of the year. I hope we both enjoy it!

Congratulations on your awards and nominations! They're all very well deserved. And sorry to hear you won't be able to go back home after all :(

Paperback Reader said...

Ana, I'm happy to hear you are planning to read The Amnesiac too; here's hoping we both read it over the next few months and are suitably impressed.

Thank you both for the congratulations and the commiserations.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your nominations - all well deserved!

I hope Amnesiac is good - I look forward to hearing all about it.

Paperback Reader said...

Jackie, thank you!

I hope that your copy of The Island at the End of the World is waiting for you when you return from Edinburgh; I imagine it will be as they were sent at the same time.

Darlene said...

Congratulations Claire! I nominated your blog as well and like Simon, it's all a blur for which categories. Sorry to hear that you're feeling homesick, you'll be back soon, hang in there:)

Paperback Reader said...

Thank you, Darlene!

I'm looking forward to family visits; they'll keep me occupied and I'll be home before I know it.

Stacy said...

You deserve all this recognition. I have only recently discovered your blog and your posts have become a real treat for me. Congratulations!

Paperback Reader said...

Thank you, Book PSmith, that's such a lovely thing to hear :).

kimbofo said...

Hope you enjoy Trouble with Lichen. I read it very many years ago (hmmm, about 20!!!) but still remember it very well. It's one of those stories that kind of sticks with you.

Sorry, to hear you're feeling homesick. At least it's not far for you to go. Me? It takes 24-36 hours and about £1,000, so I've learnt to keep busy whenever I'm feeling like I miss Australia. I'm looking to my first trip home in almost 4 years this coming Christmas!!

Oh, and congrats on the BBAW nominations. I've received a few, too, and I had *NO IDEA* what they were. I had to do a Google search!

Paperback Reader said...

Kim, I'm really looking forward to reading the Wyndham as I enjoyed The Midwich Cuckoos earlier this year. I have his other works on my TBR pile too and kind of conspired with my friend to have this as next month's book group choice.

When you put homesickness in those terms, I really shouldn't be complaining! At least I can decide on the spur of the moment to go home. What a special Christmas this one will be for you!

Congrats on your nominations! I was aware from some chat I'd noticed in other people's posts and comments but I was fairly oblivious to the BBAW initiative.

claire said...

So sorry to hear about your homesickness. I can definitely relate. I so want to read Kieron Smith, Boy. Not sure about Kelman's How Late it Was, How Late, if it was set in Glasgow, too. I love that book so much.

Those penguins have nice covers, but I haven't read both authors. I'm trying to stop purchasing books till I chop my TBR pile down really low!

And congratulations on the nominations, very well deserved! :D

Paperback Reader said...

Oh Claire, I could also read How Late it Was, How Late at home! Good call. I definitely feel inspired to read some location-specific literature.

I've read a novel each of Taylor and Wyndham and looking forward to more.

Thank you :).

StuckInABook said...

Congratulations on the nominations - shall I tell you a secret? Twas I who nominated that blog post as my favourite!
Simon

Paperback Reader said...

Thank you, Simon. I knew you were a fan of my Henrietta post :).

Carl V. Anderson said...

Congratulations on your nominations. I know that in the brief time I have been coming over here I certainly enjoy your blog and am thrilled with your nominations!

Paperback Reader said...

Thank you, Carl! I am delighted and touched at mine. Congratulations on yours too; I forgot to include that in my comment on your post.