I have a few books to share with you that have recently been acquired from publishers. I am keeping the receipt of review copies at a minimum as I find it rather overwhelming but these are all titles that I would have bought anyway and that were on my wish-list. My only issue now is where to start as I want to read them all immediately ...
Red Dog, Red Dog by Patrick Lane: I have loved the Canadian literature that I have so far read and this was longlisted for the Giller Prize there in 2008 and this week released in the UK in paperback. I read about this in the lead-up up to the Booker nominees announcement last summer, my curiosity was piqued and I have been wanting to read it ever since. Windmill Books kindly sent me a copy.
You may notice that the other titles on the list are all from Virago; as you will probably know by now, I cannot resist books from this publisher and the lovely Sophie at Virago sent me these. The first two on the pile are both Virago Modern Classics and the other two written by renowned Virago authors (who each have other titles which appear on the VMC list).
Memento Mori by Muriel Spark: matching my other quirky re-issues of Spark novels this newest release is purported to be her best.
The Tortoise and the Hare by Elizabeth Jenkins: this VMC received a lot of attention amongst bloggers -and from some of my favourite ones at that- towards the end of last year as it was chosen for the Cornflower Book Group; I have been wanting to read it since then.
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood: I love the new Virago issues of Margaret Atwood's books and it is all that I can do to replace my nearly-complete and mismatched collection of her books with the new ones. Cat's Eye of hers that I have been meaning to read for the longest; I recall attempting to borrow it from my school library many years ago and being refused by the school librarian as he deemed it "inappropriate".
Letter to my Daughter by Maya Angelou: this is a beautiful hardback edition of essays dedicated to the daughter the writer never had but sees all around her.
Okay, where do I start?
Red Dog, Red Dog by Patrick Lane: I have loved the Canadian literature that I have so far read and this was longlisted for the Giller Prize there in 2008 and this week released in the UK in paperback. I read about this in the lead-up up to the Booker nominees announcement last summer, my curiosity was piqued and I have been wanting to read it ever since. Windmill Books kindly sent me a copy.
You may notice that the other titles on the list are all from Virago; as you will probably know by now, I cannot resist books from this publisher and the lovely Sophie at Virago sent me these. The first two on the pile are both Virago Modern Classics and the other two written by renowned Virago authors (who each have other titles which appear on the VMC list).
Memento Mori by Muriel Spark: matching my other quirky re-issues of Spark novels this newest release is purported to be her best.
The Tortoise and the Hare by Elizabeth Jenkins: this VMC received a lot of attention amongst bloggers -and from some of my favourite ones at that- towards the end of last year as it was chosen for the Cornflower Book Group; I have been wanting to read it since then.
Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood: I love the new Virago issues of Margaret Atwood's books and it is all that I can do to replace my nearly-complete and mismatched collection of her books with the new ones. Cat's Eye of hers that I have been meaning to read for the longest; I recall attempting to borrow it from my school library many years ago and being refused by the school librarian as he deemed it "inappropriate".
Letter to my Daughter by Maya Angelou: this is a beautiful hardback edition of essays dedicated to the daughter the writer never had but sees all around her.
Okay, where do I start?
18 comments:
Oh, that would be such a difficult decision and I'm afraid I'd be of no help. And all-things-Virago? Must-Reads for me and I especially love Muriel Spark and Margaret Atwood (have enjoyed some Angelou and have long wanted to read Elizabeth Jenkins as a reading friend has raved of that one in particular). And Red Dog, Red Dog: I have heard sooo many wonderful things about it (have only read his poetry before myself). His partner, Lorna Crozier is also worth a look! And, sadly, reading all five all at once just isn't an option, I know. Good luck!
I also want to replace my old mass-market paperback Cat's Eye with that new Virago. The problem is that The Book Depository does not carry the new one, and yet it does Atwood's other titles. It befuddles me.
I have Red Dog, Red Dog too! I'm hoping to read it in the next few weeks - I look forward to comparing notes with you.
I love the apple on your Mac in the background!
It's got to be tortoise for me!
Start with Cat's Eye - one of my favorite Atwoods! I liked Memento Mori when I read it a couple of years ago, too. So many good options here...
Those are beautiful books and you're so lucky to have them sent to you directly from publishers! I haven't heard of many of them but I do love Margaret Atwood (though less of her sci-fi stuff) and have read Cat's Eye during uni. It's a great read though not one of my favourites.
I'm hurrumphing over your school librarian's decision to not allow you to borrow Cat's Eye. That was not his decision to make!
Ooh dont know where you should start with that lovely latest loot. I have a delightful old orange penguin copy of Memento Mori I keep eyeing up, and also want to get on and read both my Tortoise and Hare and lovely old edition of Cat's Eye! Ooooh its a tough one!
I've only read one of the titles here - Cat's Eye. I'm not one of Atwood's biggest fans, but I actually liked this novel a good deal, especially the parts that are based in early girlhood.
I'm also intrigued by the Angelou title you picked up - the premise sounds so cool!
I loved the Tortoise and the Hare. It's one of my favourite Viragos so far. And of course, Cat's Eye is excellent.
That's so cool Virago sends you review copies. I love their books! I vote for Tortoise and the Hare for your next read--I loved it. It was one of my favorite books last year and one I plan on rereading soon. Of course they all look good... :)
They look really good! I love Margaret Atwood, but haven't read Cat's Eye, can't wait to read your review.
I would love the whole collection of the new Atwood books too - I can just see them looking perfect on my shelves! I have a copy of The Tortoise and The Hare ready to read too.
Buried in Print, thanks for the Lorna Crozier recommendation; I don't read poetry very often but she is one to keep in mind. Regrettably reading all five at once just isn't an option but if only it was!
Claire, I'm not sure but if you check the Virago website and then The Book Depository you may find that the ISBNs are the same, but the old cover is displayed. I had an old, secondhand copy of Cat's Eye and this one is so pretty in comparison.
Jackie, it was your February plans that reminded me about Red Dog, Red Dog and prompted me to request a review copy. I'm looking forward to it!
Verity, thanks - it was custom-made by G for his ibook (I have a macbook and no coloured apple :().
Tortoise is very appealing.
JoAnn, pleased to hear Cat's Eye is your favourite Atwood! So many people prefer her other works but this one (of the ones I haven't read) has been calling to me the longest.
Mae, I love Margaret Atwood (but, like you, the sci-fi less). The librarian's decision still rankles with me; I did not like him at all!
Simon, it is so tough! I do love those orange Penguins. All the Spark talk of late has me really wanting to read Memento Mori although I also have The Comforters on hand.
Steph, it is the childhood scenes and the cruelty of children that I've heard good things about and which have always attracted me to the book.
The premise of the Maya Angelou is delightful and sounds so touching.
Mrs. B, everyone that has read Tortoise loves it! I think it is going to be a fabulous Virago.
Danielle, I am very lucky. I don't think there has been a Virago yet that I hated. Another vote for Tortoise; it sounds fabulous.
Becky, I haven't read any Atwood for a couple of years so very excited.
Karen, they would look fabulous on the shelf together and it's all I can do to resist upgrading all of my others! Glad I'm not the only now.
I found Cat's Eye to be very successful at nailing the primitive tribal nature of the society of little girls, it comes close to being the female equivalent of Lord of the Flies.
Letter to my Daughter is wonderful!
You lucky, lucky thing with all those free Virago's. I would definitely say start with The Tortoise and the Hare. I also noticed Red Dog, Red Dog last year - I am off to reaquaint myself with what that was about - I have such a bad memory ;-)
Hi Susan, thanks for commenting. That's exactly what I am looking forward to in Cat's Eye so I'm pleased you confirmed my impression of it.
Stephanie, thanks, you're the first person to tell me they've read it! Good to know.
Samantha, The Tortoise and the Hare was such a popular read last year. I still know very little about Red Dog, Red Dog but prefer it that way.
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