Book Haul for March 2020

New books for my library, with a little assist from Steve Donoghue.

Books mentioned:
Deacon King Kong, by James McBride
Collected Stories, Lorrie Moore
The Glass Hotel, Emily St. John Mandel
Later: My Life at the Edge of the World, Paul Lisicky
Cleanness, Garth Greenwell
The Housekeeper and the Professor, Yoko Ogawa
Writers & Lovers, Lily King
The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson

But wait, there's more!

[JuanReads]

Whatever happens, I don't think you run the risk of running out of books to read! I recently talked about new releases I'm excited about and, if I'd waited a day or two, I would've included The Glass Hotel.
I love Lorrie Moore's writing. I read her collected stories a couple of years ago and thought they were great.
I read Cleanness last month, but I didn't get along with it. I hope you enjoy it more than I did!
Stay safe, Greg!

[jenmorr]

Loved Writers & Lovers Greg. Just a nice, funny, tough-it-out journey of Casey. Keep safe. We here in Ontario have been under strict rules for about 2 weeks, it is hard but thank goodness for reading. Jen in Toronto

[sarah-roadworthy]

I just finished Deacon King Kong. McBride writes about about all of his characters with such warmth and generosity- pimples, warts and all. It's a delight.

[CourtneyFerriter]

Love a good book haul - thanks, Greg! Hope y'all are well. I finished There There and am now reading a collection of four plays by Henrik Ibsen - A Doll's House, Ghosts, Hedda Gabler, and The Master Builder. Today I finished Hedda Gabler (first time I'd read it) and wasn't quite sure what to make of it. All of characters struck me as either awful or foolish - definitely a departure from both A Doll's House and Ghosts. Tomorrow, on to The Master Builder! Happy reading to you!

[abookolive]

Definitely agree with you about The Devil in the White City. The link between those two stories was really lacking.

I hope you enjoy Writers & Lovers! Like Euphoria, it's a very subtle book, but I thought it was lovely.

[joniheisenberg]

I love that you read the first sentence of the books. My pick for best first sentence ( perhaps a video inspiration ) would be from “ Shantaram “ by Gregory David Roberts. I am looking forward to reading “ Deacon King Kong.” If you are looking for additional reading about Churchill and a comprehensive overview, I highly recommend “ Churchill: Walking with Destiny”, a superb book by Andrew Roberts.

[the_broken_spine]

Deacon King Kong is on my list to read. I'm glad you were able to find a copy of The Housekeeper and the Professor. I've been looking at those editions since last year for the same reasons you love them.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to buy them or books period for a while since I'm not working right now. Closed for social distancing. It's fine it gives me an opportunity to focus on my classes. Which I will do right after I finish watching booktube videos.😈

Stay safe and happy reading.

[johncrwarner]

Chequers is indeed pronounced like the name of the game checkers - it is a country house in Buckinghamshire which since 1921 has been the country house of the prime minister of Britain.
Interestingly one of the suggested reasons for the name is an early owner of the land was an official of the exchequer (the financial arm of the government) - The finance minister in Britain holds to this day the title "The Chancellor of the Exchequer" and lives at 11 Downing Street next door to the Prime Minister in no. 10.

[lindseysbooklife]

I loved Euphoria...such an unexpected, fascinating novel. I haven't read another book by Lily King, though.

[mradcaqbdb]

Oh, I want that gorgeous Yoko Ogawa book! I so loved The Memory Police. I’ll be ordering it soon. I am also a fan of a book with a map!

[tanyawillisanderson]

Hi Greg - nice variety of books! I’ve been curious about The Glass Hotel so that sparked my interest. As well as Lily King book - it’s on my radar too. Have a good day! (Tanya, on Voxer)

[scottramlal]

Well, Greg, exams are deferred and chaotic right now. Therefore, it is time for the greatest hardship my young mind has ever faced: reading IT

[seriela]

Hi, Greg. Thanks for reminding me I've wanted to read The Housekeeper and the Professor for awhile now. Be well.

[whatpageareyouon]

Oh I really like Moore! I think you will too. I’ve read Memory Police and really liked it, so I can’t wait to read Housekeeper and the Professor. Cleanness...is my least favorite read of the year lol. Looking forward to what you think of it!

[mckblm]

I’m reading Deacon King Kong with a goodreads group for the month of April. I’m going to listen to the audiobook will following along with the ebook.

[Stephania]

Hi Greg, I cannot wait to read the Larson book. I am always handing out "Devil in the White City" at work. Love my job!

[barbarachmura]

You might enjoy The Darkest Hour about Churchill. It might be a great companion for The Splendid and the Vile.

[jacquelinemcmenamin]

It’s been ? how many days now? I’m getting confused as to how long it’s been. Unfortunately Glass Hotel isn’t out here yet.

[joancross]

Thanks! Trying to read The Butterfly Girl by Rene Denfeld.