Good morning! Welcome to our Monday Memes, in which we celebrate the books we’ve received in the mail or bought, as well as the books we’re reading.
Mailbox Monday is hosted this month by Rose City Reader, while What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Journey.
MAILBOX MONDAY:
This week, I received one book for review from Amazon Vine, and bought three books on Amazon.
1. The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain (Amazon Vine) has been on my wish list.
“Told in the voice of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain, is a richly imagined portrait of bohemian 1920s Paris, and of America literature’s original bad boy.” —Town & Country
2. The Red Garden, by Alice Hoffman
The lush and haunted wildlands of Massachusetts provide fertile ground for Hoffman’s endlessly flowering imagination. Like The Probable Future (2003) and Blackbird House (2004), The Red Garden, a sequence of beguiling, linked stories, is rooted in colonial times and reaches into the present.
3. All the Available Light: A Marilyn Monroe Reader, by Yona Zeldis McDonough
Journalist and editor McDonough (The Barbie Chronicles) takes on an ambitious project: collecting thoughts about a woman whose every nuance has been so exhaustively discussed that nothing new, it seems, could possibly be said. Happily, McDonough pulls it off, delivering new insight into a star who absorbed all the available light and made it her own….
4. The Enchanted Barn, by Grace Livingston Hill (e-book) – A Blast from the Past
The story of a poor family displaced by economic hard times; and how, with the kindness of strangers, they turn an old barn into a home.
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WHAT ARE YOU READING?
This has been a busy week, in terms of reading, blogging, and writing. Here are some of my posts.
Accidental Choices: Reading, Etc.
Spreading Their Wings (An Excerpt)
Books Read & Reviewed – Click Titles for Reviews:
1. Child of Silence, by Abigail Padgett
2. My Mother’s Daughter, by Rona Maynard
3. The Girl in the Green Raincoat, by Laura Lippman (e-book)
4. I Remember Nothing, by Nora Ephron
What’s Up Next?
1. A Ticket to Ride, by Paula McLain (Graduate of the TBR Piles!)
The summer of 1973 in Moline, Ill., is enlivened and permanently marked for 15-year-old Jamie by the arrival of her charismatic, seen-it-all cousin, Fawn Delacorte, in McLain’s sure-handed if familiar debut novel (after the memoir Like Family). Abandoned by her parents as a baby, Jamie is a lonely, naïve teenager from Bakersfield, Calif., sent to live with her uncle Raymond after her grandmother falls sick. She falls under Dawn’s spell and embraces the dissolute life of layabout teenagers, brushing ever closer to the inevitable tragedy to come….
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson – e-book (For my Awesome Authors Challenge)
Cases rarely come much colder than the decades-old disappearance of teen heiress Harriet Vanger from her family’s remote island retreat north of Stockholm, nor do fiction debuts hotter than this European bestseller by muckraking Swedish journalist Larsson. At once a strikingly original thriller and a vivisection of Sweden’s dirty not-so-little secrets (as suggested by its original title, Men Who Hate Women), this first of a trilogy introduces a provocatively odd couple: disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist, freshly sentenced to jail for libeling a shady businessman, and the multipierced and tattooed Lisbeth Salander, a feral but vulnerable superhacker….
3. Wild Child: Girlhoods in the Counterculture, by Chelsea Cain (Graduate of My TBR Stacks)
Tofu casseroles, communes, clothing-optional kindergarten, antiwar protests – these are just a few of the hallmarks of a counterculture childhood. What became of kids who had been denied meat, exposed to free love, and given nouns for names?
4. Where Angels Fear, by Sunny Frazier
Set in the Central Valley of California, author Sunny Frazier once again explores the rich agricultural region, rural law enforcement and crimes shrouded by Tule fog in this sequel to FOOLS RUSH IN. Amateur astrologer Christy Bristol finds herself on the fringes of Kearny society and a members-only sex club as she reluctantly takes on a missing person case. A prominent business man has disappeared and his wife cannot go to the authorities. Armed with only a prescription bottle and matchbook as clues, the young woman must face the Knights of Sensani and her own sexual limitations….
So that’s it for this week. What was your week like? What’s up next for you? Hope you’ll stop by….
Your up next books look great!!! I’m going to check out review of Green Raincoat..I enjoyed it a lot!! My review will post later this week.
Have a great week!!
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Oh, I think so, too, Staci…and yes, The Girl in the Green Raincoat was wonderful. Short, too. Thanks for stopping by.
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Wild Child looks interesting – may have to keep an eye out for that! My Monday is here
http://kyliesreads.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_31.html
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Thanks for stopping by, Kylie…I ordered Wild Child quite awhile ago from Amazon, and it’s another TBR that has graduated to my reading list…Yay!
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I adored Steig Larsson’s trilogy. I am watching The Girl Who Kicked the Hornest’s Nest tonight. 🙂 Have a wonderful week reading. My Monday: http://www.rundpinne.com/2011/01/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-24.html
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I hope I enjoy it…I postponed the trilogy for awhile, but finally gave in when I decided it would work nicely for my Awesome Authors Challenge.
Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer.
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A Ticket To Ride sounds good and in a state I need for the WHERE Are You reading map… hmm….
I am going tog o peak at some of your post s of this past week Laurel 🙂
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Oh, yes…it’s in Illinois. It begins in California, though, so you could use it for both. Bakersfield, CA, as a matter of fact, which we call “The Armpit of California” LOL.
Thanks for stopping by, Sheila.
And BTW, the author of this one is the same author who recently wrote The Paris Wife, which I received this week.
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The Girl in the Green Raincoat sounds really good! I love the play on Rear Window. I may have to put this one on the TBR list. I’ve had mixed luck with Laura Lippmann so far.
Here’ my Monday: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2011/01/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_30.html
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Me too, Bev…great movie that one was, and the book is fun, too. I could really imagine how frustrating it was to be bedridden with exciting things going on right outside the window.
Thanks for stopping by.
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hey, you got a new background. lovely. I love green trees
A Ticket to Ride reminds me of The Beatles’ song.
But seems it does not connected to them.
I really want to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
We have the translation here. But I am not sure if it’s good or not.
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Yes, I thought of that, too, Aleetha…but several songs from that period are the titles for the individual chapters, so I guess the theme is music from that era.
Glad you like the background…the photo is another one my son captured.
Thanks for stopping by.
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You had a fantastic week, and your new books look amazing. Hope you enjoy them all.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jan…I hope to dive into them soon!
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You had quite a busy week. Can’t wait to read your thoughts on the Marilyn Munroe book, I wonder if the truth will ever be told.
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Thanks for visiting, Cheryl. I have several books about MM, one of which I read a few months ago; I have another one on my TBR stacks.
She made a big impression on me in my coming-of-age years.
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The Red Garden looks really good. Happy reading this week!
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Thanks, Ryan…I enjoy Alice Hoffman, and this cover really captivated me. Glad you could stop by.
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So many interesting books – enjoy!
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Thanks, Laura…glad you could stop by.
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Good luck with Stieg Larsson (I am one of the few that just couldn’t read those books). And I really need to read a Laura Lippman; I’ve heard such good things about her books. Have a great reading week!
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I hesitated for a long time, Helen…I don’t usually like books that have been “hyped,” but then I talked myself into this one. Thanks for stopping by.
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All the Available Light: A Marilyn Monroe Reader sounds like an interesting read. I haven´t read any books about Marilyn Monroe and I don´t know much about her, but that book sounds like a great one to start with.
Have a wonderful Monday!
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Yes, I’m hoping I will like it, Nina. I think my very favorite book that spotlights MM is the fictional one Joyce Carol Oates wrote, in which it is obvious she is talking about MM. In the book, she calls her The Blonde…and the name of the book is Blonde.
Thanks for stopping by.
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The books you bought all look good. Marilyn Monroe still holds appeal to readers. That book should be insightful to read. Enjoy all your upcoming reads!
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Oh, I agree, Laura…thanks for stopping by.
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nice variety of books…enjoy
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Thanks for stopping by, Sagustocox….hope you have a great week, too.
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What a great list!!! I think I have read The Enchanted Barn, I may have to check that one out.
DOLLYCAS
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Lori, I’ve thought about that book over the years, and whenever I’ve seen an intriguing barn, I imagine transforming it into a home.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
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Oh! The Paris Wife, The Red Garden and A Ticket to Ride all look SO good! I may just have to add them to my wish list as well.
Have a fabulous reading week! 🙂
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And The Paris Wife was written by the author of A Ticket to Ride, which is awesome, BTW.
Thanks for visiting, Danielle.
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here’s mine http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/mailbox-monday-admission.html
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Thanks for stopping by, Mary Ann. Have a good week.
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Wow, you have quite a list, Wild Child and Green Raincoat are looking good t me, I’ll be watching for your review of them.
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Thanks, Irene…glad you could stop by. Enjoy your reading.
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Is that Chelsea Cain the murder mystery author? I’ll have to look into that . Your books all sound good and you also got some interesting books in your mailbox!
Hope you enjoy them and have a wonderful week,
Natalie
The Book Inn
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You know, I’m not sure, Natalie…I think that sounds right, though.
Thanks for stopping by.
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Great bunch of books this week. I have The Paris Wife for review too but I also want to read The Red Garden and All the Available Light.
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Thanks for visiting, Leslie…hope you do get to read them and enjoy them.
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What a week!
The Paris Wife looks interesting
Enjoy ur reading week, Laurel
carol
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Thanks, Carol…I think so too. Glad you could visit.
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I love the variety in your books. The Paris Wife looks really good!
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I think so, too, Jennifer…thanks for stopping by.
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Oooh – I love Hemingway, so The Paris Wife would be enjoyable for me! Here’s mine: http://www.southernfiberreads.com/2011/01/mailbox-monday-and-what-are-you-reading.html
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I’m very excited about this one, Emily. Thanks for stopping by.
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Heey
Wild Child looks great!! Thanks for checking out my blog!!
Hope you have a great weekend!!
Juli
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I’m hoping it is a great journey, Juli…and thanks for stopping by.
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Looks like you have a diverse collection of books too – enjoy! 🙂
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Thanks, Sami…glad you could pop in and check things out.
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I’ve been thinking about reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo just to see what all the fuss is about. I’m curious. Lots of great books!
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I know what you mean, Candace…a part of me resisted, but then when I got my Kindle, it was so easy to get it! Thanks for stopping by.
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Your mailbox list looks good. Didn’t know there was a new Alice Hoffman book! Have a good week 🙂
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Mary, I couldn’t believe it, either, when I first heard about it. I think it was a WOW, or one of those posts. Thanks for stopping by.
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I loved The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo…and can’t wait to start the next one in the series. I am also awaiting The Paris Wife – it looks really good!
My mailbox can be found here.
My It’s Monday post can be found here.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
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Thanks for stopping by, Kristin…I’m very excited about the reading week. Hope you have a good one.
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“The Paris Wife” sounds amazing – I’ll have to add that to my list.
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Thanks for visiting, Her Royal Orangeness…it’s bound to be a delightful read….
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You received a nice looking pile of books. I hope you enjoy them =)
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Yes, I agree, Zia…thanks for stopping by.
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You got some great books again and I noticed your Crooked Letter Crooked Letter at the bottom of the screen. Have to get myself that book!
Enjoy the reads and love the green background. 🙂
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Thanks, P. K. Glad you could stop by and find other books to add to your list!
Glad you like the background, too.
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Not too familiar with any of the books you got or read last week but I hope you will have another good reading week.
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Thanks, Jenny…it’s fun to peek at everyone’s lists, even if we don’t know the books.
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Nice mailbox! The Red Garden looks so good!
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I think so, too, Kathy. Thanks for stopping by.
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All the Available Light sounds promising. Will look forward to your review!
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I’m excited about it, too, Kim. Thanks for visiting.
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I’m very jealous of RED GARDEN. Seriously, you received a great selection last week….enjoy Laurel
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Thanks, Diane…I agree! I’m very excited about all of them, and also about moving some books off the TBR stacks.
Thanks for stopping by.
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The Paris Wife caught my eye when I saw it advertised on Shelf Awareness. Enjoy your week!
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Yes, Jen, I think I first found it on Library Thing…I grabbed the cover photo and waited….Then it showed up on the Amazon Vine list. I love when that happens!
Thanks for stopping by.
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I hope you like Girl with Dragon Tattoo!! A Ticket to Ride looks good. I have not read Grace Livingston Hill in year and years! Have a great week.
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Oh, me too, Nise….I resisted it for awhile, but then I joined this Awesome Authors Challenge and thought this would be perfect for that one.
As for Grace Livingston Hill, that’s like a blast from the past for me, too.
I imagine it will be a quick read.
Thanks for stopping by.
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The Paris Wife is HIGH on my list of “got to get it NOW!”
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I know what you mean, Melissa! It was like serendipity to wish for it, and then find it on my Amazon Vine list! Thanks for visiting.
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I’ve had The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on my shelf for awhile, but haven’t made the time for it yet. Can’t wait to see what you think of it 🙂
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Yes, Crystal, I’m thinking it might consume some time…it’s 480 pages. I have it on Kindle, and wonder if it’s really true that it goes faster in that medium. I haven’t had a “true” test, because so far, the books that I’ve sped through on Kindle were fairly short, anyway.
Thanks for visiting.
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Great list as usual! Thanks for dropping by my blog today!
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Glad you could return the visit, Sharon…I love hopping around the blogosphere!
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The Paris Wife, The Red Garden, and The Enchanted Barn all sound like books I would enjoy. I’m off to put them on my TBR.
I just saw The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo movie recently. I really enjoyed it and would like to read the book now. Wild Child also looks interesting, probably because I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s.
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Yes, I think so, too, Teddy….I was tempted to see the movies, but thought I’d wait until after I read the book. Glad you could stop by.
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Ticket to Ride looks interesting. Enjoy your books!
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It is a fascinating story, Alita…I should have the review up later today. Thanks for stopping by.
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What a superb selection starting with The Paris Wife! enjoy the reading.
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Thanks, Mystica…glad you could stop by!
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I’m especially curious about the Alice Hoffman book. Happy reading!
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Yes, I really enjoy this author…thanks for stopping by, Anna.
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