Recent Acquisitions

Posted on | February 6, 2010 | 10 Comments

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?

Comments

10 Responses to “Recent Acquisitions”

Buried In Print
February 6th, 2010 @ 6:29 pm

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!
claire
February 6th, 2010 @ 6:43 pm

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.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)
February 6th, 2010 @ 7:01 pm

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.
verity
February 6th, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

I love the apple on your Mac in the background!

It's got to be tortoise for me!
JoAnn
February 6th, 2010 @ 7:36 pm

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…
Mae
February 6th, 2010 @ 8:12 pm

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!
savidgereads
February 6th, 2010 @ 9:35 pm

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!
Steph
February 6th, 2010 @ 9:39 pm

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!
Simon (Savidge Reads)
February 8th, 2010 @ 4:50 pm

Just wanted to say… Love, love, loving the new image! Its awesome!
Paperback Reader
February 8th, 2010 @ 5:25 pm

You found me! How did you manage that?! Have just officially moved so you beat everyone to it!

*Apologies but ten comments from this post did not import from Blogger – it’s nothing personal! I can’t really complain as (so far) it is the only hitch.