But for book awards this month, I would actually have no books on hold at the local library. At the end of April, though, I added one so my streak continues. None of the other books making this month’s list are currently available so it means actually shelling out cash for a book or two (we’ll ignore the 15 that returned with me from my Twin Cities road trip earlier in April). Here’s what hit my radar during the month:
A Visit from the Goon Squad, Jennifer Egan — Lots of hype doesn’t attract me to books usually. But when a novel wins the National Book Critics Circle award, the Pulitzer Prize, the LA Times book award and the Tournament of Books in the course of six weeks I figure I am left with little choice. Thus, it is my library hold book.
Among the Truthers: A Journey Through America’s Growing Conspiracist Underground, Jonathan Kay — An online article on the book and my own fascination with conspiracy theorists has this on my list. I find this additionally intriguing because the author is a Canadian journalist, not an American.
Embassytown, China Miéville — Miéville is one of my favorite contemporary science fiction authors so this one is a no-brainer.
Out of the Vinyl Deeps: Ellen Willis on Rock Music, Ellen Willis — To be honest, Willis’s name doesn’t jump out — or even ring a bell — when I think about rock music critics in the ’60s and ’70s. Praise for her work accompanying this book and the fact it focuses on the music of my formative years was enough to put it on the list.
Report Card:
- Year to Date (January-April 2011)
- Total Bibliolust books: 21
- Number read: 13 (61.9%)
- Started but did not finish: 3 (14.3%)
- Number read: 13 (61.9%)
- Cumulative (September 2008-April 2011)
- Total Bibliolust books: 171
- Number read: 129 (75.4%)
- Started but did not finish: 12 (7%)
- Number read: 129 (75.4%)
Here is all I ask of a book — give me everything. Everything, and don’t leave out a single word.
Pat Conroy, My Reading Life
