Memes to look backward and forward in my reading
These mid-week memes suit me well because they provide me a quick reminder to check my own shelves and see what interesting books are lingering there. How about you? Why don't you feature one of your shelf books (or e-reader) and see if that helps you decide to read it or toss it. Since this is a split focus post, I'll share a book from my bookshelf or Kindle first and then a newer release (often an ARC I've received) that I'm eager to read.
Book I Own and Still Want to Read
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
Winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction
A Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Oprah Magazine Top 10 Book of the Year
Goodreads Blurb:
From the bestselling author of The Color of Water and Song Yet Sung comes the story of a young boy born a slave who joins John Brown’s antislavery crusade—and who must pass as a girl to survive.
Henry Shackleford is a young slave living in the Kansas Territory in 1857, when the region is a battleground between anti- and pro-slavery forces. When John Brown, the legendary abolitionist, arrives in the area, an argument between Brown and Henry’s master quickly turns violent. Henry is forced to leave town—with Brown, who believes he’s a girl.
Over the ensuing months, Henry—whom Brown nicknames Little Onion—conceals his true identity as he struggles to stay alive. Eventually Little Onion finds himself with Brown at the historic raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859—one of the great catalysts for the Civil War.
An absorbing mixture of history and imagination, and told with McBride’s meticulous eye for detail and character, The Good Lord Bird is both a rousing adventure and a moving exploration of identity and survival.
I'm embarrassed to say that this has been patiently waiting on my Kindle since 2014. As I reread the blurb, I remember why I bought it - now I have to find time to read it - Do you know this book? What did you think?
I'm linking to:
Shelf Control is hosted by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies every Wednesday. Details here.
Books From the Backlog is hosted by Carole's Random Life. posted weekly on Thursdays.
New Release Book I Want to Read
I received an advance copy from #netgalley and the publisher #stmartinsminotaur
The Poisoner's Ring by Kelley Armstrong
Publish Date 5/23/23
Edinburgh, 1869: Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson is adjusting to her new life in Victorian Scotland. Her employers know she’s not housemaid Catriona Mitchell―even though Mallory is in Catriona’s body―and Mallory is now officially an undertaker’s assistant. Dr. Duncan Gray moonlights as a medical examiner, and their latest case hits close to home. Men are dropping dead from a powerful poison, and all signs point to the grieving widows… the latest of which is Gray’s oldest sister.
Poison is said to be a woman’s weapon, though Mallory has to wonder if it’s as simple as that. But she must tread carefully. Every move the household makes is being watched, and who knows where the investigation will lead.
I just recently read A Rip Through Time, which is the first in this new series, and am thrilled to have received this ARC. Can't wait to read it. Are you a Kelley Armstrong fan? Have you read any other of her series?
I'm linking to Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight the upcoming books I'm excited about.
Hope you join the fun and share what's been lingering a LONG time on your shelves OR a new release that you're excited to read. Happy Reading.
