I have divided my loot into two separate categories: those books that I plan to read for my mystery writing endeavors ... and all other books outside that description.
The Eclectic Grouping:
The World of Downton Abbey by Jessica Fellowes. While I have only watched the first three episodes from season one, I know that this is a series that I would enjoy (in fact, I gave my eldest the first two seasons on Blu-Ray this past Christmas). I thought this book might provide some interesting background information that will aid me in appreciating the time period.
Vineyard Tales: Reflections on Wine by Gerald Asher. Not a typical "how to appreciate wine" book, but more a collection of narratives that involve the enjoyment of wine. I think this might be a nice book to add to my own collection so that it is available to read one or two essays as time and/or interest permits.
The $100 Start-up: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future by Chris Guillebeau. I don't remember where I first heard of this book, but I can tell you it is quite popular. I think I placed the book on hold over three months ago. I have read about half of it so far (it reads fast) and while there is nothing earth-shattering new, it does provide some interesting material upon which to ponder.
The Cozies:
Exhaustive Enquiries by Betty Rowlands. I selected this mystery because the main character, Melissa Craig, is a mystery author herself - who lives in the Cotswolds, England - my dream location.
Trouble in the Town Hall by Jeanne M. Dams. The basic description of this series is that the main character, Dorothy Martin, is a retired American teacher living in England. This sounds like fiction imitating my reality!
Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker. I know precious little about this series except that Bruno resides in St. Denis, a small town in France. Need I say more....
Strangled Prose by Joan Hess. Another "literary" sleuth - this time the owner of a bookstore in a small town in Arkansas. I'm not sure if it will have too much of a romance feel for me though...
It is an ambitious list of books - and I'm not sure that I will read through all of them - but it will be enjoyable no matter what.
I love how the US has taken to our very English Downton Abbey. Lol. Hope you well and had a good Christmas and New Year.
ReplyDeleteThe Malcolm Gladwell book sounds very interesting to me!
ReplyDeleteA fun selection of books. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see you back in the blogging world. I also slowed down during the past year but found I couldn't walk away completely. As you said in another post, it's such a wonderful community.
ReplyDeleteNice selection!
ReplyDeleteHi Molly, great variety in books here. I'm hoping that 2013 is a good year for everything for you.
ReplyDeleteThe Downton Abbey one sounds really interesting. I love the time period but my only regret about the show is how quickly time passes! Seems you blink and all of a sudden two years have passed.
ReplyDeleteI don't get to the library very often but should start now that Elle would rather flip through a book than eat it. We do have quite a home collection but she's quickly outgrowing them.
I always enjoy reading about books and get some new ideas. I don't know any of these books, and I don't watch TV, so I'm even not familiar with Downtown Abby!
ReplyDeleteThe cozies look awesome and I have to tell you that you will simply adore the Downton Abbey book. I loved it big time!!
ReplyDelete