Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Library Loot/July 15





Hosted by Eva at A Striped Armchair and Marg at Reading Adventures.
'Library Loot is a weekly event that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library.'



I am thrilled to post my first Library Loot entry!


I learned about A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson from Staci's great review. I picked up The Baker's Daughter because in these months of reading only my own books, I've missed D. (Dorothy) E. (Emily) Stevenson's writing. I love her books and though I've read several, there are still many waiting for me on the library shelf. How happy I am to find old titles that haven't been discarded in favor of the newest bestsellers. The same goes for Banbury Bog by Phoebe Atwood Taylor. This wonderful series featuring 'old salt' Asey Mayo is set on Cape Cod. I recognized Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout from reading about it on many blogs, and though I'm not sure it is for me, I thought I'd give it a try since I'm fond of connected short stories. This library lets patrons take all the books out for three weeks, and the older ones (without the red dots) may be renewed once.

Addendum: I read two, and brought two back unread. I decided to wait on the Birds of East Africa book since I had so recently read a Mma Ramotswe book. I wanted to read it fresh, without comparisons. And the D.E. Stevenson didn't appeal just now.

21 comments:

  1. I'll be interested to see what you think of OLIVE KITTERIDGE ... I've been debating it for some time myself.

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  2. Don't you just love the library??
    I really liked Olive Kitteridge. I'll be interested to see what you think.

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  3. Sounds like you got quite a bit of loot from the library! Enjoy!

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  4. I can't wait for your review of Banbury Bog - it sounds great. I've been looking for a good book about the Cape for awhile and was just thinking about reading "Cottage for Sale" for the second time!

    I too brought home Olive K. some time ago from the library but only made it through a few pages - I think I found it a bit dark and was in the mood for "light"! I just did the same thing with the popular "A Reliable Wife" - WAY too heavy for me, especially during summertime!

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  5. Seeing that D.E. Stevenson book in your photo made me smile - like running across an unexpected glimpse of an old friend. Enjoy reading it!

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  6. Hurray - you have library loot!! Staci's review caused me to place a hold on A Guide to the Birds of East Africa, too! I should be able to pick it up tomorrow.

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  7. I love to read! Especially fiction stories! Tell me your favorite out of your loot after you have read them all!

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  8. I'm sure you'll love A Guide to the Birds of East Africa!! I read Olive Kitteridge and I'm still out on how I felt about it overall. I look forward to hearing what you think about this one!!

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  9. I'm curious about Olive Kitteridge, as I've heard good reviews for it. Not a big fan of short stories, but I think I'll give it a try. Eventually. :)

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  10. How lucky you are that you can find such treasures as D E Stevenson novels at your local library.

    The local libraries where I live are filled with computers and chick lit. The Classics section is one shelf. They are great at ordering the latest bestsellers but anything older than ten years seems to be discarded without a second thought. That's why I am forced to buy most of the books I want to read! It's so annoying!

    I hope you enjoy your latest haul, it must be lovely to have fresh reading material after not going to the library for so long!

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  11. Just read the blurb about the Nicholas Drayson one and it sounds good so I've ordered it second-hand for next to nothing. Another one to keep me out of mischief...

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  12. Hey Nan,

    I am not quite sure where you live, but thought you might be interested in the upcoming "bookstock" event being held in Woodstock, VT.
    www.bookstockvt.org. We'll be there!

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  13. I bet you had a grand old time going through the library stacks!!! It is so exciting and relaxing all at the same time. Your picks all look good!

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  14. Fun! It must feel good to be able to go to the library again. And I didn't say earlier, but congratulations on finishing your own books -- I am inspired.

    Also, I've tagged you for an award on my blog, if you'd like to peek over at some point. :)

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  15. I never go to the library here since they don't have a good selection of English books. I speak only Dutch but prefer to read in English. I miss going into a really great library ~ the sounds, sights and smells.

    Hugs ~
    Heidi

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  16. You are so lucky to have a library that stocks old favourites as well as new bestsellers. I like Stevenson very much (I've just reviewed one of her books) but I have to buy them.

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  17. Heather, Pamela, Alison, and Les - who knows if I will like OK, or if I'll just take it back. Alison's word, 'dark' makes me leery. :<) And Alison, I've emailed you about the Asey Mayo series. I dearly love those books.

    Sherri, Linda, Laura, and Kiirstin - it was just such fun wandering around and seeing all those books!

    Jen, I remember you loving Listening Valley, which I still haven't read yet. I have many ahead of me.

    JoAnn, Staci, and Scriptor S. - I'll be interested to read another view of Africa, as I've only read the AM Smith books.

    Rachel and Geranium Cat - I'm just stunned that any library over there doesn't include all the DE Stevenson books. I'd think she would be almost a literary heroine. Sad, sad, sad that bright and shiny and new win out over the older books. How is anyone supposed to know about old books if they aren't available? But I guess that is the wonderful thing about the internet and blogging in particular. I've learned more authors and books here than I ever did in school, and I got a degree in English and American Lit!

    Sarah - thanks so much for the info. I'm not too far away; maybe an hour and a half. If at all possible, I'd like to come down.

    Heidi - I just can't imagine what it is like to know two (or more) languages so well. You are a wonder, my dear!

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  18. I had A Guide to the Birds of East Africa in my hand to day - I should have taken it but I have a big stack to read. I'll get it next time if it's still in. I've been enjoying D E Stevenson lately too.

    This sounds like a meme I'd enjoy!

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  19. Island Sparrow, I am amazed at how many people have noted liking DES. It really is exciting to me - that this older author is being read. I wonder if Persephone Books publishing Miss Buncle's Book has brought her into the limelight somewhat. I just love her writing.

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  20. I love D.E. Stevenson but haven't heard of this one. I also love seeing what other people are reading. Thanks for the entertainment!

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