13 Books I Bought This Summer

Howdy! I'm back! And I'm bringing you a list (to ease back into the Thursday Thirteen habit) of 13 Books I bought during my Summer holiday.

Here goes:

I didn't even make it out of Europe before I started buying books. In Heathrow's Terminal Four, I bought numbers one and two on the list.

1)

Because I've got nearly every other book Hornby's written so far, and this one had a certain charm, as well. Not as good as some of his other work (About a Boy and High Fidelity for example), but an entertaining and sweet read.

2)

I haven't read this one yet, but I'm really looking forward to it. It seems like a melancholy story, perfect for a grey Autumn afternoon.

When I arrived in the States, this book was waiting for me:

3)

The hubby had purchased this title for me, and I was able to start reading it as soon as I got over my jetlag. It's a beautiful, fanciful and satirical take on growing up in Northern Italy in the late sixties/early seventies. The most striking thing about it, aside from Stefano Benni's prose, would be the striking similarities in growing up in Italy and growing up in the rural areas of the United States. One line haunts me still: "...this is one of the first things that you will be asked to forget."

Once I got to the States, I hit good old McKay's Books in Knoxville. I didn't go completely insane this time (only $35.00, this time), but amongst the books I kept for myself were these titles:

4)


5)

Because I adore John Irving, and my adoration has only grown over time.

6)

Which I haven't yet read, but it looks interesting.

7)

8)

9)

Tim Parks is a great writer, but I'm not sure how many folks have read his work. If you haven't, do give him a try, eh?

And, since we all need a little reminder to be aware of those around us, sometimes, I picked up this title on the cheap:

10)
I just love the raccoon with attitude, don't you? He's even holding a cell phone!

Another writer I read often - and consistently enjoy - popped up during this trip. I splurged and picked up two hardcovers - one at a bargain price, the other at full price.

11)

12)

Certain Girls kinda broke my heart, though. No fair, Jennifer!

When we were in the airport waiting for a new flight after ours was cancelled, I came across this one. I thought it seemed interesting, as I loved Gone With the Wind and actually had slogged through Scarlett (forgive me, Ms. Mitchell!). This turned out to be an entertaining and surprisingly moving read. I loved seeing the story from another point of view, too.

13)

Of course, I picked up other titles, too - some of which I left behind in case my family might be interested, some bought specifically for members of my family to read. A few others I got for my own personal edification - Italian readers with exercises, and a translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, for example.

Do any of these tickle your fancy? Have you read any of these already, or are you thinking about reading them? Let me know!










No, I didn't forget. It feels good to get back in the swing of things, though...








Just keep scrolling, okay?

And now, doing double duty - as a book I bought, and as this week's eye candy:

I found this at a Border's books in St. Petersburg, FL. God bless 'em! And yes, it is even more revealing and beautiful inside! It was my "birthday present", with the hubby's permission. I love that man. My hubby, that is. ;)

Ciao for now, y'all!