Books I Can't Wait to Read,

but will have to because they're not out yet:

The Year of The Flood by Margaret Atwood. Hello. New Atwood? I have been obsessing over this since I learned about it back in March. It's a sort of companion novel to Oryx and Crake , which is a novel I think everyone should read because of the realism in what it posits the future could hold. Aside from being overly excited to read this (I am trying to not get TOO excited because, then, what if I'm disappointed?), I'm feeling slightly obsessed with wondering if her book tour for this one will bring her to Utah. I did get to attend a reading she did for Oryx and Crake, but I made a fool of myself and I forgot a camera. Two mistakes I wouldn't make again if I had another opportunity. Plus, I really, really, REALLY want her to sign my much-marked-up copy of Cat's Eye .

Day After Night by Anita Diamant. I'm not sure she can ever recreate the magic of The Red Tent. But I am hopeful! Tells the story of Jews who fled Europe for Palestine and were retained by the British. . . not a story of the holocaust I had ever heard of before.

Lacuna  by Barbara Kingsolver. I don't even know what it's about but I'm uber-excited anyway. A lacuna is a gap of some sort...hmmmm. Can't wait!

Manhood for Amateurs by Michael Chabon. His Maps and Legends is one of my favorite books about writing/reading. Summerland is maybe the only book about baseball I've ever read and loved (probably because it's not really about baseball, but norse mythology, and courage, and intricate maps). Here, he collects essays (yay! for essays!) about his attempts to be a perfect father, husband, and/or man, both the failures and the successes.

Solace of The Road  by Siobhan Dowd. Siobhan Dowd might just be my favorite YA author. She's nearly perfect for my reading tastes: Irish, lyrical, brave. Unfortunately, she passed away just as she was beginning to find her writerly stride. (Damn cancer.) This book was written before her death (well, obviously) but not published until September.

The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt. Byatt's novel Possession is in my top-ten favorites. Her short stories are good, too. I'm annoyed that I really do have to wait to read this one, as it's being released much earlier in England. Not annoyed enough to pay the import fees, but still.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. There's a certain anxiety over reading the second book written by an author whose first book you love. Niffenegger also wrote Time Traveler's Wife , and the concept for that one can't, I don't think, ever be repeated. I'm excited to read her new one, but I also know it will help me understand better if I liked TT'sW because of the writing or because of the story concept. I'd actually like to re-read it before I see the movie, but my mom has my copy. (My mom, by the way, has only just picked up reading. In the past six months or so. I never thought I would ever type the sentence "My mom has my book." I'm proud of her!) 

Catching Fire by Susanne Collins. This is the sequel to The Hunger Games. Since there are currently 68 holds on Catching Fire, and since Jake and Haley and I are all dying to read the second one, I'll just be buying both of them. Then I'll be loaning them out, I believe! Should I start my own hold list?

This is, of course, in addition to the scary books I'll be reading in late September and into October. And my attempts to home school Haley for Honors English credit. (Another lengthy blog post about THAT subject.) And...well, I'll never get around to reading everything I want to read. But a girl can always dream.

What are YOU excited about reading soon?

Comments

[Kristin Johnson]

Amy Allman...now Soreneson!! Your sister Becky left me a comment on Lucy's blog on her book review of The Shell Seekers...letting me know who you guys actually are...the Allmans sisters!! How fun.

We went to Sage Creek Elementary together...Kristin McClellan...and my sister, Stacey, was Becky's good friend. I have often wondered how all the Sage Creek girls were and what they were up too. I am in contact with Lori Overly and Dayna Gadd but had no idea where you were.

I'm glad to see that it looks like you are doing FABULOUSLY. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see that you are still a reading machine like you were in Elementary. I was always trying to out read you and it could never be done!!

Great Post!! I am/have been SUPER excited to read the new Pat Conroy (how I love him!!) "South of Broad". It's been such a LONG wait.
I just bought it last night and am having to restrain myself from reading it until my kids go back to school on Thursday.

How do you know Lucy?

So glad to have found you!!

Kristin McClellan now Johnson

www.springdellgirl.blogspot.com

[Becky]

I am so excited for these books as well! I didn't know about the Diamont or Kingsovler books; how exciting! Am off to put more books on hold!

I feel the same about the Byatt, Neffenegger, and Atwood books. I want so much for them to be good, but...what if? You just never know.

[aud]

I've already got the Byatt, Niffenegger, and Collins books on my to-buy list. I'm also waiting on a new fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss and Libba Bray's new book. I didn't know that Atwood, Kingsolver, and Dowd have new books coming out, but those are now on my to-buy list as well.

Did you ever read either of Audrey N's illustrated books? The Three Incestuous Sisters and The Adventuress. I almost bought the first one, but passed it over because of price. Then when I came back for it, it was gone. I keep meaning to get them, but I haven't, and I'm not sure what is keeping me from doing so. Maybe because I love TTW sooooooooooooo much?

[Britt]

I tried to put Catching Fire on hold the other day, but our library system already had 708 holds!!! I'll probably buy it, too.

[Janssen]

I cannot WAIT until I get to read "Her Fearful Symmetry."

[Mimi]

A new Kingsolver, I did not know that. November 3 is now circled in red on my calendar, thanks!

[Lucy]

This is why we are friends. so you can help me know what to read. I've been so frustrated lately with my bookgroup here because they have chosen, for about 6 consecutive months now, books I have already read.

I'm considering this post a resource post.

Kristin - Amy and I have never met (sniff). I know her sister, Becky, because Becky's friend, Melanie, lived in Spokane for a year and we became friends the year I lived in Salt Lake (her husband is also a radiology resident, but did his transition year at Sacred Heart). So - Melanie - Becky - then Amy (through our blogs and love of books) and now you! Love crazy circles like this:)

[Jessica]

A couple of these I have been waiting for, but did'nt know about most of them. I'm always excited to read anything you recommend. I write them on little to-read lists to take to the library and book stores!