Thursday, 26 July 2012

Library Haul

Regular readers will know that despite having a TBR pile numbering into the hundreds and review commitments, I can't stay away from the library.  I have managed to cut my book spending dramatically, but my library habit means my TBR pile still isn't getting read.  I especially can't resist the library when I'm on summer holiday, and can spend a leisurely morning in there browsing my way along the shelves.  Here's my loot, all impulse picks rather than reservations:

     

1. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice - I read Interview with the Vampire whilst on honeymoon in New Orleans and had a mixed reaction to it, mainly because of Louie and his whining.  But Lestat is a much cooler character, so I'm excited to read this volume in the series.  Gorgeous cover.
2. The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan - I've been seeing this everywhere on blogs and was very surprised to see my library had a copy I could pick up, rather than go on a long reservation list for.  Love the blue colour on the edge of the pages too, this is a lovely edition.
3. The Constant Gardener by John Le Carre - Loved this film of this and wanted to try something outside of my reading comfort zone.  Looking forward to starting this.

       

4. Baking Made Easy by Lorraine Pascale - I actually got a few cookbooks but I thought I would share this one as it contains a recipe I am very excited to make - Mojito Genoise Cake.  It's our first wedding anniversary tomorrow and I'm making it for my husband as a treat.
5. Ghost Train to the Eastern Star by Paul Theroux - I'm a sucker for a good travel book and couldn't resist this one about a train journey east to Asia from London.
6. Empires of the Indus by Alice Albinia - This is part travel, part history as the author travels along the Indus river and explains it's role throughout history.

So, plenty to be going along with in the next few weeks!
Have you read any of these books?  If so, what did you think of them?
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23 comments:

  1. Trish26 July 2012 at 14:22

    Another great book haul, Sam! I'm especially interested in what you'll say about Vampire Lestat - I also was on the fence about Interview, but liked her writing enough to want to try more of her books, but which one? I'll be awaiting your review ;)

    Lifeboat and Constant Gardener look promising too. My hub read Paul Theroux and quite liked him.

    Happy Anniversary :)

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:02

      I think Lestat is technically the next book in the series although from the plot summaries it sounds like they might work as stand-alones. Lestat was my favourite character from Interview, so fingers crossed I like his book.

      Thanks for the anniversary wishes :)

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  2. Beth26 July 2012 at 15:10

    Looks like the quite the list. & I know you are a super reader so I'm sure we'll see reviews pretty soon. I want to see a copy of The Lifeboat in person since you've mentioned these blue pages.

    I've been wanting to see The Constant Gardener for ages, but perhaps the book would be the best start.

    Which of these are you most looking forward to?

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:03

      Haha, I'm not so much of a super reader at the moment, being very lazy in my holidays and watching a lot of trash TV. I think my brain needs a beak!

      The Constant Gardener is a really good film, hopefully the book is as good. I think I'm most excited to start The Lifeboat as I've seen so many good things about it.

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  3. Lindsey26 July 2012 at 18:38

    I read The Constant Gardener years ago, but I don't remember too much about it. Is that a bad sign? I hope you enjoy it and I will definitely check your review and see if it helps the brain remember a thing or two!

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:04

      To be honest, I'm like that with lots of books! I have seen the film a few times so I hope the book can make an impact too.

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  4. Jae26 July 2012 at 18:59

    What an excellent haul! I've got The Lifeboat on hold at my library and can't wait to get to it. I've only seen the film The Constant Gardener and it was pretty good. Never thought to read the book. I hope you enjoy it and maybe find a new kind of book to read that's outside your comfort zone! :)

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:05

      I was very shocked to find a copy of The Lifeboat on the shelves, usually I have to get in a long hold list for any new books. Le Carre is supposed to be a good writer so lots of books might open up for me if I like The Constant Gardener :)

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  5. sawcat26 July 2012 at 19:57

    Lorraine Pascale-- I think she does the baking show that I watch on the Cooking Channel. I like that show. She makes things look really easy on the show.

    I've not read any of these. I toyed with the idea of The Constant Gardener, but I don't think I ever picked it up. But I do want to read his Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:06

      Her TV shows are good, Sarah. And I have made the Mojito Genoise cake and it was totally delicious. Might have to buy a copy of her book as there's so much in there I want to try...

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  6. Alyson of Bathe26 July 2012 at 22:53

    Lestat: how vampires should be written - sans sparkles. :P

    I've always had a bit of a weakness for Anne Rice books myself, and Lestat is a pretty awesome character. Enjoy!

    Cheers,
    Alyson

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:06

      Oh yes, I'm definitely a fan of vampires without sparkles!

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  7. Anonymous27 July 2012 at 01:48

    OOooHHhh! I can't wait to read The Lifeboat- the waiting list at my local library is very very long and I am last on that list! Also, I didn't know that The Constant Gardener was a book first- d'oh! Enjoy!

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:07

      I did not expect to be able to just pick up a copy of The Lifeboat, must read it quick in case someone puts a hold on it! I hope I enjoy the book of The Constant Gardener as much as I enjoyed the film.

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  8. Hanna @ Booking in Heels27 July 2012 at 11:29

    Ohh I'm lethal in the library. Oddly, I can never find a damn thing on the standard fiction shelves, but I'm great at picking awesome things from the fantasy, biography and general non-fiction shelves!

    Mojito Genoise Cake? I'm intrigued...

    I'm not a massive fan of Anne Rice. I read Interview with a Vampire when I was about 14 and it was 'cool,' but then I couldn't get into the second one I picked up. Maybe it's time to give her another go :)

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:09

      I am lethal too. I find the fiction books are usually cleared of all the good books (you have to go on hold lists) but the non-fiction sections are full of gems.

      The mojito cake was scrummy, flavouring was subtle but yummy. I might have to buy a copy of the cookbook for myself as there's lots I want to try.

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  9. Lovely Treez27 July 2012 at 11:29

    Lovely haul, Sam. We're big library fans here too with weekly (twice weekly..) visits with the kids and I always pick up some for myself. We're all doing the Titanic Reading Challenge too so it adds to the fun!

    I really liked The Lifeboat and enjoyed the film versions of The Constant Gardener and Interview with the Vampire but have yet to read the books. Happy Anniversary for tomorrow. Tx

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:10

      I've always been a fan of the library, I used to go every Saturday with my Mum and the habit has stuck. Your kids are lucky, going to the library is something I look back on happily from my childhood :)

      Glad you enjoyed The Lifeboat, can't wait to start it!

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  10. Alex (The Sleepless Reader)27 July 2012 at 14:21

    I heard great things about Empires of the Indus. I've recently read The Constant Gardner and it actually made my short list of movies-better-than-the-books...

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    1. Sam (Tiny Library)27 July 2012 at 15:11

      Me too, I'm looking forward to starting Empires of the Indus. I've had a scan through and it looks very well written. I enjoyed the film of The Constant Gardener so the book does have a lot to live up to...

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  11. Anonymous27 July 2012 at 15:38

    I like your books especially the train journey from London to Asia.:)

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  12. Loni27 July 2012 at 16:25

    Lestat is great! Better than Interview. I can't wait to see what you think.

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  13. JoV27 July 2012 at 20:03

    I got Constant Gardener on my shelf. I have been waiting for the special time to read it! Enjoy your loot!

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