I went to our annual Canadian Federation of University Women Book Sale last weekend and came home with these. Last year, my pile looked like this.
This weekend, I just happened by a used book sale at the local museum. This pile cost me $4.50. I almost felt guilty about it.
“She had always wanted words, she loved them; grew up on them. Words gave her clarity, brought reason, shape.”
― Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient
Consumed by Ink 
What great hauls! I always feel guilty when I pay so little at the library. I usually take a $20 and whatever’s left I leave as a donation. It’s not a lot but I know it helps on top of my regular yearly donation.
Good idea, Geoff! Plus, I know I’ll be back again next time.
Did you enjoy Suite Francaise? I tried reading it, but the people in it were just so superior and snarky that I stopped.
I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve seen it around so much lately and most people do seem to like it, that I picked it up when I saw it. If I ever get to it, I’ll let you know!
I tried reading it several years ago.
I love a new pile of books. Very exciting.
It really is!
Ooo you haven’t read Claudine yet?? Remember when a bunch of us did last year…
Nice Coupland picks. I read Eleanor Rigby last year and haven’t read Generation A yet.
I think I might have almost all his books now, but I haven’t read a single one yet. How ridiculous! But, really all that means is that I want to and I plan to. It will eventually happen, and when it does, I will have many to choose from. 🙂
I remember everyone reading the Claudine book! The funny thing about that one is that I had just been eyeing it at the library, but decided I didn’t have time for it right then, and it was on the way home from there that I saw the book sale going on, and there it was! I always go into a sale thinking there probably won’t be much that I’ll want, but I’m usually wrong. It’s a good thing to be wrong about. 🙂
What a great stack of books! Suite Francaise really is quite remarkable…I hope you like it.
Now I’m even more curious about it. Kay just said she had trouble getting into it because of the characters. I will have to see for myself..
Best $4.50 you’ve ever spent.
That’s right!
You haven’t read Suite Francaise yet?? Get to it! They’ve turned it into a movie. I remember being really moved by it but I can’t remember if it was because of the story of what happened to the author.
I’m curious what you will think about The Twelve Tribes of Hattie. I LOVED Reconstructing Amelia, hopefully you do too!
A movie? I didn’t know!
I read The Twelve Tribes of Hattie when it first came out, but, you know, I didn’t own it yet. I liked it, but it was depressing.
Reconstructing Amelia sounds good!
Where are you now?
It was depressing wasn’t it? I felt like it kind of fell apart in the last two chapters, like the ending was rushed.
I just picked up McCreight’s second novel, Where They Found Her, and I CANNOT WAIT to read it.
I’m home! Flew home Sunday from Amsterdam. Will hopefully be able to get some new stuff up later this week. Jetlag is KILLING me right now though. That 9 hour time difference is the devil.
I didn’t think you needed to read “How to be a Canadian”. May I remind you that you already are a Canadian. Why would you need to be told how to be one. Or did you forget. I mean, sometimes I forget how to be an American. I find myself falling back on Monty Pythonesque behaviors. I know, they are English. But they can be forgiven for that. ‘Course Terry Gilliam was American before he became English. That doesn’t count. So if you find a book called “How to be an American” I would be interested.
What?! There’s no “How To Be an American”? How do you guys do it down there, then? You should write it!
(P.S. Don’t forget to subtitle it “Even if You Already Are One”, like the Canadian version.)
True story: After Will Ferguson wrote “Why I Hate Canadians” (I know, not very nice – I haven’t read that one yet, either), Margaret Atwood suggested to him that he write a guidebook for newcomers on how to be Canadian. So, he did. Once I read it, I can let you all know what you need to do if you want to move up here. 🙂
I already know what to do because deep down I am Canadian. I just don’t let my Canadian show much, eh.
I just love to see these piles of books! What a bargain! I don’t think I’ve read any of them, although I have the Jean Rhys on the shelf.
I could just stare at my piles all day. That wouldn’t be very productive, though, would it? 🙂
Not productive, but totally understandable!
Great stack of books! I try to stay away from the sales. I can barely contain myself at the little table by the library doors.
I seek them out! But, maybe if there were more around here I would have to try to contain myself a little more.
Exciting! And I never feel guilty about such great deals! You’re giving these “orphaned” books a rightful home and place to be given appreciation and love! 🙂 (My own pathetic attempt at justification, eh? lol) Interesting comments about Suite Francaise. I have yet to read it, but assumed it might not be an easy read.
I like that reasoning – I’m going to remember that! 🙂
I’m interested too in reading A Man Called Ove which I’ve heard is great. Enjoy your stacks!
I’m excited about that one, too!