Filed under: Books, Miscellany | Tags: Barbara Kingslover, Jerome Groopman, Joy of Cooking, Leonie Swann, Susanna Clarke, Thursday Next
I’ve been knocked down and out with a cold the past few days, which is why my posting has been sporadic, at best. And just before Valentine’s Day too, which is 
just my kind of luck. So, I’m going to drink gallons of Theraflu and hope for the best. While I’m laid up, I just might find the time to dip into my new arrivals from the Quality Paperback book club:
ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE by Barbara Kingsolver: The perfect follow-up, I think to Bill Buford’s HEAT.
THREE BAGS FULL by Leonie Swann: For the life of me, I can’t recall how I heard about this book, but it sounded entirely too kookie – a murder mystery solved by a flock of talking sheep? – for me to pass up.
HOW DOCTORS THINK by Jerome Groopman: I always enjoy Groopman’s articles in The New Yorker, and I’ve heard good things about this book.
THE LADIES OF GRACE ADIEU by Susanna Clarke: I wanted to see just how much I liked her writing before I committed myself to reading her novel. Ever since it came out I’ve stayed undecided on whether I want to read it or not. Maybe this collection will help me make up my mind either way.
THURSDAY NEXT: FIRST AMONG SEQUELS by Jasper Fforde: Why? Because it’s a Thursday Next novel, and I could finally get it in paperback, which is what I’ve been waiting for.
JOY OF COOKING by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker: I’ve coveted this book for years now (despite my proclamation that I don’t cook). My other New Year’s Resolution – besides spending less money on books – was to stop eating so much take-out food. This, is think, will be the perfect guide to helping me realize that goal.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to glow blow my nose.
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Oohh-have fun!! I’m been wanting that new Thursday Next as well.
Clarke’s short story collection has a different feel from the novel, but there’s still the uber-academia approach. I think the one that fits most closely to the novel is the first one, if I remember right.
What a great cold medicine!
Comment by Eva February 14, 2008 @ 1:38 amI’ve been wanting to read the Kingsolver book as well. Will look forward to your thoughts when you’re finished.
Comment by verbivore February 14, 2008 @ 6:25 amHope you feel better soon!
Hope you’re feeling better! I’ve got ANIMAL, VEGETABLE, MIRACLE to read, too, and you’ll definitely be inspired to cook reading THE JOY OF COOKING. It’s the book that got me started with my love of cooking.
Comment by Emily Barton February 16, 2008 @ 8:27 amHope you are feeling better by now!! Looks like you picked up some real winners!! I’m looking forward to all your reveiws.
Comment by Stephanie February 16, 2008 @ 1:58 pmHope you’re feeling better. I look forward to hearing what you have to say about the Kingsolver book. I purchased that for my library, but I haven’t read it, yet. It sounds fascinating. There seems to be quite a few books out recently with the theme of eating locally.
Comment by Lisa the Librarian February 17, 2008 @ 9:36 pmEva: Hummm, “uber-academia” approach? I’m not sure I like the sound of that… We’ll see how it goes. In any case, I’m with you – I think reading is an excellent curative for just about any ailment.
Comment by J.S. Peyton February 19, 2008 @ 1:16 pmverbivore: I’ve been restraining myself since I got it to not dip into it until I finish something else. My reading has had a running food thread lately, and I’m anxious to get to this one.
Comment by J.S. Peyton February 19, 2008 @ 1:18 pmEmily: Thanks I’m feeling so much better! I took a bit longer of a break from blogging than I expected, but I got a lot of reading done so I don’t feel too bad about it.
Comment by J.S. Peyton February 19, 2008 @ 1:19 pmStephanie: Opening that box of books was like Christmas all over again. Since I’ve been sick, I’ve been trying to clean up my “currently reading” list – as much as that’s possible – so I can read one of my picks. Tonight, is actually the first night I’m going to try a recipe out of THE JOY OF COOKING. Here’s hoping I don’t burn down my apartment.
Comment by J.S. Peyton February 19, 2008 @ 1:22 pmLisa: Reading really did cure me. Or so I like to think. I’m feeling better in any case. Eating good food has been a theme lately. For someone who likes reading about food, it’s been a food writing reader’s paradise. I’ll let you know how Kingslover’s book goes.
Comment by J.S. Peyton February 19, 2008 @ 1:24 pm