December 29, 2009

I Couldn't Help Myself...

Ok - I admit that I have bought another two new books - but I needed them, truly! Today was my first day back at work after my Christmas break and it was pretty rough - the only thing getting me through the day was the thought of a trip to my favourite independent bookshop in a local suburb at the end of the day - and it worked - it cheered me up! I think one of my resolutions for the new year should be working out strategies for coping with bad days at work that don't involve buying new books - my bank balance will thank me!
So, the books I did come home with were;

Changing My Mind - Zadie Smith - This is an absolutely stunning book to look at - hard cover with a gorgeous and yet simple cover design. I think a book of essays by a smart, female writer who I admire is just what I will be needing over the next few weeks as I settle back into the working world.

A Truth Universally Acknowledged: 33 Reasons We Can't Stop Reading Jane Austen - Susannah Carson (Ed) - I have been admiring this book for quite a while now and it was a big reason why I went to the particular bookshop I did this afternoon - I was pretty sure they would have a copy waiting for me. I now have to decide whether I jump into it straight away or save it for the possible sequel to the Everything Austen Challenge in 2010??

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I would love to read the Zadie Smith collection even though I am not the hugest of fans of her work I have heard its marvellous. I also know one person in particular who the second book would make the year of!

Nadia said...

I absolutely Zadie Smith's novels and have heard such great things about her foray into nonfiction. That book cover is stunning and I am definitely getting that book sooner than later. I'm really looking forward to reading what you thought of it. What a great book buying trip!

JoAnn said...

Great choices! Love your cover of A Truth Universally Acknowledged (I got it for Christmas) and will look forward to your thoughts on Zadie Smith's essays, too.

Molly said...

I am waiting patiently for the Truth Universally Acknowledged....book to come in at the local library. I am, however, going to the bookstores today to spend my Christmas giftcards and may decide that I just need to own this one myself.

JaneGS said...

I still haven't read Zadie Smith, but that is a gorgeous book. I will probably be the last Janeite to get A Truth Universally Acknowledged, but it's on my list. Looking forward to hearing what you think of it.

Steph said...

These both look great and I'd love to take both of these home with me. I really enjoyed White Teeth, which I read back in 2008, and you know how I feel about Jane Austen! I'm hoping to finish Northanger Abbey before 2010, because I can't think of a better way to cap off 2009!

Anonymous said...

I also had a shocking day back to work today, I can see a bookshop visit would help with this! Both books sound great, I enjoy both Austen and Zadie Smith so will look out for them.

Meg @ write meg! said...

Both books look awesome! The cover for Changing My Mind is gorgeous -- stopped me in my tracks right away.

Iliana said...

Oh I think you definitely deserved a book treat for having to go back to work :)

I've not seen the Carson book before but it already sounds delightful. Enjoy it and tell us all about it!

Anonymous said...

You were more restrained than I was today...I came home with 8 books.

I checked the Zadie Smith book out from the library last week. I've only read a few of the essays, but I'm enjoying it.

Karen said...

Hi Simon - I have heard lots of good things about it too - so far so good!

Hi Nadia - I felt it was a very successful book buying mission!! They are both so beautiful to look at before you even get inside them!

Hi JoAnn - it is a great cover. I know it shouldn't matter but I get so sucked in by a great cover.

Hi Molly - I would understand completely if you thought this book needed to come home with you!

Hi Jane - I have only read one Zadie Smith novel but I just loved it - amazing writing.

Hi Steph - I'm really looking forward to hearing what you think of Northanger Abbey...

Hi adevotedreader - crappy days at work are the worst - I am lucky in that I now have 4 days off before I have to go back. I hope a good book can get you through.

Hi Meg - The cover of that book did exactly that to me - it drew me to it in the shop. Very clever!

Hi Iliana - that's exactly what I thought! And it did make me feel a lot better!

Hi softdrink - Wow! 8 books! I was restrained! Can't wait to hear all about your purchases.

claire said...

The Zadie Smith cover is beautiful! I've On Beauty and White Teeth on the tbr but haven't gotten to them yet. The second book I haven't seen before, but have now added to the wish list, thanks!! Happy new year, Karen!

Karen said...

Hi Claire - Happy new year to you too! You can see how I couldn't resist them can't you??