Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sunday Salon


Read more Sunday Salon posts here.


Yesterday was my favorite library book sale of the year- the only one I actually put on my calendar. I'm talking, of course, about the town of Arlington's Robbins Library book sale, timed to coincide with Town Day, one of those fun suburban street fairs. The Robbins Library itself is a terrific place- an attractive, well-provided-for public library; I did a collection-development project with them while I was in library school. Tables and tables of books in beautiful condition- new or barely-used hardcovers and paperbacks in every subject under the sun. Being me, I stick to the fiction tables and always come back with some great stuff.I love library book sales because the books are cheap enough that it's okay to experiment and get some of those things you'd only eyed, and not feel guilty if you don't like them or never get around to them. I only bought six books (eight if you count the two that my husband and I are going to share), but the key here is quality. I got six great books.

I don't know where I heard about the Dawn Powell book, but I heard about it somewhere; Maps for Lost Lovers just looked like something I'd like; Love Medicine is one that I've always wanted to read; The Zig Zag Kid looked like fun; I read another Grossman that I loved, so figured I'd give this one a try; In the Company of the Courtesan is one that I'm interested in after having read Sarah Dunant's latest, Sacred Hearts; and The Jewel Trader of Pegu is one that I was offered for review and passed on- then one of my favorite bloggers, Sandra of Fresh Ink Books, gave it a great review and I reconsidered.

Today's all about resting and relaxing, and digging into my stash. There's a good chance I will finally finish The Hakawati today; I've only been reading it for two months! So then I'll have to decide what to read next. I think it will be something I've agreed to review. Then I can read something for me!

What are you reading today?

14 comments:

Literary Feline said...

Your Saturday sounds like it was wonderful, Marie, and the books you brought home sound great. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a terrific week.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your day of resting and relaxing. I'm running some errands then I'm curling up with my book, The Lost Symbol. I don't know if I will finish it today - we'll see!

JoAnn said...

Library book sales are the best!! I've been wanting to read one of Erdrich's novels - loved her collection of stories, The Red Convertible. Hope your day is peaceful and relaxing...

Frances said...

That Dawn Powell (as with all Dawn Powell in my opinion) will be a treat. Congrats on the haul!

Today I will finish the Colum McCann novel Let the Great World Spin and I highly recommend it. It may be the best book I have read this year.

Happy reading!

Kathleen said...

Oh I love library sales...sounds like you got some interesting books at yours!

the heart is a lonely reader said...

Sounds like the day of my dreams. It's been a long time since I've gotten to peruse a good library sale. Your picks sound particularly good!

I'm still slowly making my way through Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris, a really engaging study of how the 1967 Best Picture nominees represented a turning point for Hollywood. Mostly, it's fun to read dishy accounts of Rex Harrison's bad behavior.

Ana S. said...

I've always wanted to read Love Medicine too. Those are some great finds, Marie - happy reading!

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

I LOVE those library book sales, and I have 3 marked on my planner for October--can't wait. Enjoy your new books; love Edrich.

Unknown said...

I picked up 44 books at the Friends of the Seattle Public Library sale. I was making an effort to expand my collection of books by women and writers of color.

Anyhow, you have more self-control than I.

Marie Cloutier said...

44 books?!? KingRat, I envy you :-) I just don't like to carry around that much!

bermudaonion said...

You did find some great books!

Mike B. said...

I didn't know about Arlington's sale, but I went to Medford's library sale on Saturday and picked up 11 books for $10.50. I'll be making a quick post tonight about my finds.

I highly recommend Malden's book sale as well. It is only a yearly sale (Oct. 17 this year) so they have about 30,000 great books.

Gilion at Rose City Reader said...

I don't know about you, but Dawn Powell came to my attention when Rory was reading one of her books on The Gilmore Girls. :)

I've added several of her books to my TBR shelf since then, but haven't gotten around to reading them yet.

Zibilee said...

I love library sales for all the reasons you mention. I think a lot of your picks are new to me, so I'll be watching out for your reviews to see what you think. I think I m most curious about The Jewel Trader of Pegu...it sounds interesting.