Recent Acquisitions

Posted on | February 27, 2010 | 29 Comments

Alarmingly my recent acquisition posts seem to be occurring once a week, which indicates to me that there are too many books arriving at Paperback Reader headquarters. If I only read 2-3 books a week then surely 6 coming through the letter-box is a little more than I can manage to read if it continues to be a weekly event? You do the math. As it is though, I do love new books and the majority of those above were surprises; if there is anything better than a parcel of books then it is a parcel that contains bookish surprises.

In this week’s acquisitions we have:

Hector and the Search for Happiness by François Lelord: Gallic Books (the UK publisher of Muriel Barbery’s books, both of which I loved) approached me to review this upcoming title and it sounds delightful. I want to read a number of both modern and classic French texts in the coming months and now have a head-start on the modern (with both Emile Zola and Alexander Dumas upcoming on The Classics Circuit).

On that note, Gallic also offered me the choice of any other books that appealed and The Suicide Shop by Jean Teulé was one of them.

An Angel at my Table by Janet Frame was sent by the lovely Sophie of Virago preceding its reissue next month. This autobiography of the writer intrigues me and I would also like to see the adaptation directed by Jane Campion, who writes the introduction to this edition. I have been intrigued by Frame recently and became aware of her -and this volume- first through Verity who reviewed it last year for her Virago Venture.

Another Virago received this week was their forthcoming (April) edition of Less than Angels by Barbara Pym. I have previously set out my intentions of finally reading Barbara Pym and this year will be the year especially as I have a lovely collection of the new Virago designs.

Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese was a surprise from Vintage Books and a serendipitous one at that; I had been wanting to read the book after reading Jackie’s review and then it turned up. I am considering suggesting it to my book group when my next choice turns around but mainly because we eat in a restaurant thematically connected with the book and I love Ethiopian food! I’m sure it would generate a good discussion too.

Lastly is a huge tome of a book that I won from Waterstone’s for review: The Passage by Justin Cronin isn’t released by Orion until June but apparently it is one “the most anticipated releases for 2010″. I hadn’t heard anything about it until this week and know nothing about it going in except that Ridley Scott has already bought the film rights. Hmm, after doing some internet research (not that Wikipedia constitutes as valid study) I now know that it is the first in a post-apocalyptic vampire trilogy and that the author received a huge advance. Oh, and I also know that it is HUGE.

Do any of these appeal to you?

Comments

29 Responses to “Recent Acquisitions”

Simon T
February 27th, 2010 @ 2:30 pm

Cornflower reviewed Hector a while ago, hope to get onto it later today myself…

And I have the Janet Frame waiting for me… (so many books, so little time!)
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)
February 27th, 2010 @ 2:34 pm

Interesting selection! The publishers seem to send us a very different selection of books – I only have Hector from that pile (other than Cutting for Stone of course, which I hope you love as much as I did)

I had heard of the Passage and am always intrigued by books that are supposed to be amazing – especially ones with a plot so good that the film rights are bought straight away. I’m not sure about the vampire elememt though. I look forward to hearing what you think ot it.
Stephanie
February 27th, 2010 @ 4:06 pm

I just got Cutting for Stone too!!
Verity
February 27th, 2010 @ 4:41 pm

LOL – I know what you mean about books coming in too fast!

I have two of those; the suicide table is an intriguing title so hope you will review that for us.
kiss a cloud
February 27th, 2010 @ 4:49 pm

The only one that interests me is the Hector book.
Simon T
February 27th, 2010 @ 4:52 pm

Oh, and lovely photo, by the way – very nice and crisp, makes me want the books all the more.
Megan
February 27th, 2010 @ 5:25 pm

Looks like a tantalizing pile of books!

I just got a copy of Cutting for Stone a few weeks ago, and I’m looking forward to reading it after all the good stuff I’ve heard.

I’m also very curious about The Passage. I’ve heard some whispering about it, but not much more. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
SFP
February 27th, 2010 @ 5:35 pm

That is one fantastic stack of books.

And I for one am anxious to get my hands on the Justin Cronin. I was much taken by his Mary and O’Neil several years back.
Annabel (gaskella)
February 27th, 2010 @ 8:16 pm

I really enjoyed the Suicide Shop. It was very French indeed and made me laugh lots – Gallic Books are wonderful. Cutting for Stone is getting promoted up my TBR pile with every +ve review I read. But ‘The Passage’ really attracts me – I do like an adult vampire novel – hope you enjoy it!
Darlene
February 27th, 2010 @ 8:59 pm

Thank you for the heads up regarding the Jane Campion film! Since watching Bright Star I’m in awe of her vision in storytelling and direction.
Mae
February 28th, 2010 @ 5:26 am

I read Janet Frame’s autobio trilogy a couple of years ago and I loved it. It’s incredibly sad but also her writing style is quite amazing. You never know when she’s manipulating you…
anothercookiecrumbles
February 28th, 2010 @ 11:49 am

I’m intrigued by Cutting For Stone, but will probably read it after the hype surrounding it has died down a little.

As for Barbara Pym – haven’t read any of her works either, but have No Fond Return Of Love on my shelf. Think it’s the same “design” kind as Less Than Angels in your pic.
Paperback Reader
February 28th, 2010 @ 1:07 pm

Simon, I’m looking forward to your thoughts on Hector and enjoyed Cornflower’s post. I hope to reach it myself soon (as you say, so many books).

Jackie, isn’t it interested how we have similar tastes and yet are attracted to completely different books too?
I am intrigued by The Passage but not sure what I’ll make of it.

Stephanie, I hope that we both enjoy it! I’ve heard such great things.

Verity, at least you keep up with the intake though! I need to prioritise some and hope that I managed The Suicide Shop soon.

Claire, fair enough! The Hector book sounds like something I’ll love; apparently there is a whole series of the books in French.

Simon, thanks. I’m quite proud of my blog photos
Paperback Reader
February 28th, 2010 @ 1:19 pm

Megan, all of the books tantalise me in some way but Cutting for Stone and The Passage more so because of their hype. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you and here’s hoping that we both enjoy Cutting for Stone.

SFP, thanks! I hadn’t heard of Justin Cronin until this week and now very curious about him and his books.

Annabel, I actually found your review of The Suicide Shop when I looked it up and your enjoyment of it prompted me to request it. I’ve enjoyed the books I’ve read published by Gallic so far so have high hopes for these. I must admit that I sighed when I found out that The Passage was about vampires… literature and TV/film have been so saturated with vampirism recently but, for the most part, I enjoy the offerings.

Darlene, have you seen The Piano? It’s been a long time for me but I may re-watch it for my Literary Adaptations posts. I also want to see Bright Star.

Mae, ooh, I do like a manipulative narrator… even if it isn’t fiction. I have been intrigued by Frame’s writing recently too as she is a new-to-me writer.

anothercookie, hype usually deters me but apart from Jackie’s review I have actually succeeded in avoiding reading anything else about Cutting for Stone, which is a good thing.
I also have No Fond Return For Love on my shelf but after my post devoted to reading her I think I’ll start with Some Tame Gazelle and read her novels chronologically.
Aarti
February 28th, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

It looks like The Passage should count as THREE books, at that heft!! I have heard nothing but good about Cutting for Stone, so I hope you enjoy it.

By the way, can I ask why you do partial feed for subscriptions on Google Reader (and all the rest, I assume)? Just wondering!
Book Psmith
February 28th, 2010 @ 5:47 pm

Thank you for writing the reminder on your old blog…I had forgotten to change the url to your new one in my google reader…oops:)
vivienne
February 28th, 2010 @ 7:08 pm

I am desperate to read Cutting The Stone. It sounds so wonderful.

I just noticed the Persephone Week dates on your blog and hope to join in with it this year. I have three of them to read.
Paperback Reader
February 28th, 2010 @ 8:20 pm

Aarti, it could well be three books! The size is rather intimidating. I hope that I enjoy Cutting for Stone too.

Stacy, I’m so glad that you’ve now moved over with me – I was missing you!

Vivienne, I’m very excited about Cutting for Stone.

I’m so glad that you’re interested in Persephone Reading Week and hope that you manage to join in.
Stujallen
February 28th, 2010 @ 10:02 pm

i d like to get my hands on the passage to looks great ,know been big buzz about it in us
Frances
February 28th, 2010 @ 10:24 pm

Would love to read Hector and the Search for Happiness. And my copy of Cutting for Stone is still calling my name.

Now that is quite the stack you have there! A little more than a week’s reading as you suggest. You might need a week out of work to accomplish that one.
JoAnn
March 1st, 2010 @ 12:18 am

I really want to read Cutting for Stone!!
Becca
March 1st, 2010 @ 2:44 am

Oh, I hope you love Barbara Pym as much as I do! It’s been so long since I’ve heard anyone talk about reading her work.

Cutting for Stone was interesting – can’t say it was one of my all time favorites, but definitely worth reading.
Paperback Reader
March 1st, 2010 @ 12:00 pm

Stu, I was oblivious to anything about The Passage until last week and now I am curious about it.

Frances, I don’t think even that would help! Way too many books and too little time…

JoAnn, I’m really looking forward to it and hoping to read it next week.

Becca, I am excited to finally read Barbara Pym and she is definitely on my agenda for this year.
I hope to read Cutting for Stone soon; most people seem to rave about it.
Merenia
March 1st, 2010 @ 12:05 pm

Hi Claire,

Less Than Angels is, like all Barbara Pym novels, finely etched and a delight. I was chuckling out loud at some parts of this one.
It still doesn’t quite beat Some Tame Gazelle, my favourite. I have had a Pym fest over the last two years and now am rationing my last two Pym’s… Like all of her novels Less Than Angels takes a little getting into, and there is always a point when I think, ok this one might just be the one that doesn’t move quite fast enough for me and I will have to give it up, when all of a sudden you are hooked in and committed. I really look forward to hearing how your Pym Fest goes.
Paperback Reader
March 1st, 2010 @ 5:08 pm

Merenia, I was thinking of starting with Some Tame Gazelle but since it’s your favourite perhaps I should build up to it? I appreciate the way you have prepared me for the feel of her novels; I will be sure not to give it up, knowing that I will soon be hooked, committed, and chuckling
Simon (Savidge Reads)
March 1st, 2010 @ 11:01 pm

The Suicide Shop sounds very intriguing, I would like to give that one a whirl.

As for The Passage I got it before Xmas from the publishers (in fact I got two and so gave one to Polly) I started it and could not put it down, its so not a me book but its unstoppable reading, I might even give it a second whirl before I make my thoughts more public when its released.
Paperback Reader
March 3rd, 2010 @ 12:35 pm

Simon, it intrigues me too.
Good to know that about The Passage! An unputdownable book is a great thing and I was concerned because it didn’t sound particularly like my kind of reading either.
Mystica
March 3rd, 2010 @ 3:53 pm

I’ve been looking at reviews for Cutting for Stone and they all have been rather interesting. Am not familiar with the other books but look forward very much to your reviews.
Paperback Reader
March 4th, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

Mystica, the reviews for Cutting for Stone have been interested and I’m intrigued by it; I hope to read it (and the others) soon and share my thoughts.