I try to limit my trips to my favorite bookstore, but a holiday weekend provided the perfect opportunity.
I struggled initially to find anything worth grabbing for the longest time. Sometimes I find five books in the first 5 minutes. Today, it probably took me a good 30 minutes and a few riskier choices to land on 5 books.
Here’s the select few that made it home with me. I’ve tried to put the list in the order I picked each book up.
Which one would you read first?
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
I had never heard of Cloud Atlas but found two copies peeking out from the shelf. One highlighted the feature movie that was soon to follow this version’s release. Desperate to find a book worth taking home, I grabbed it and moved on to find another.
Synopsis
The book jumps from character to character moving through time at an alarming pace. Each character has its concerns and conflicts, but it’s the ending that seems to appeal to readers the most. After making it far into the future, Mitchell travels back through time resolving the stories and bringing them together finally seeing the entire spiderweb after jumping from strand to strand.
Will I actually read this book?
While checking out, the cashier remarked that she didn’t much enjoy Cloud Atlas. She knew others appreciated it, but she just shook her head and cringed. I was surprised by her strong dislike but decided to give the book a try anyway. Well, I gave the first few pages a try and couldn’t make it through. My husband asked me what the book was about, and I honestly had no idea even though I was several pages deep. I might give it another chance in the future, but for now, I’ll jump to another book on the list.
Lost in the Spanish Quarter by Heddi Goodrich
This cover immediately grabbed my attention. We recently added new bookshelves to our office and that meant reorganizing my book collection. At the very least, this book will look great as a part of my orange-colored books collection…
Synopsis
Heddi desperately wants to belong in Naples, but her American background and restless nature create conflict and push her onward. Somewhere along the way, she meets Pietro. Instantly drawn to him, they begin a romance of two very different souls destined to fall apart. Even after the disastrous end of their relationship, hope sparks again and their story continues (or so the inside cover tells me.)
Will I actually read this book?
Yes! One of my last picks, The Dinner List, surprised me. While I often roll my eyes at the typical romance, it captivated me completely. I’m hoping this one will equally intrigue and delight me. Plus, sometimes a little impractical romance acts as a relief from the heavy historical fiction I tend towards.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
I chose this book because I’ve already read it. I originally picked it up from the library but alas had to return it when my time was done. Kostova has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I started with The Swan Thieves and never looked back. Her books are not short, typically coming in at 500+ pages, but tell incredible stories.
Synopsis
The Historian takes the reader deep into Dracula’s lore. Following her family history, a young woman discovers a connection to Vlad the Impaler. She quickly finds herself deep in Eastern Europe hoping to find answers to the many plaguing questions. Her life quickly becomes endangered as she relentlessly continues on her quest requiring her to take creative and often risky opportunities.
Will I actually read this book?
This one is easy because I already have. Will I attempt to reread all 720 pages? Probably not right now, but I desperately wanted my own copy of this book for when I’m ready to attempt it again.
The Fountain of St. James Court by Sena Jeter Naslund
With the cover facing up, this book found me. If I had seen it on the bookshelf, I probably would’ve passed it by. But, while the cover forced me to pick it up, it’s the summary that made me buy it. Who doesn’t love a book within a book? Also, as a writer, I love books about writers.
Synopsis
The book tells two stories. Kathryn succeeds in writing her book on a famous painter, criticized for her sympathetic view of Marie Antoinette. While grateful to complete the project, she now has to leave the eighteenth-century world she created behind and integrate back into modern America. The second story dives into Kathryn’s book sharing about this incredible painter and the struggles she faced during the French Revolution. While they live in two different worlds, both women seek achievement and a life well lived.
Will I actually read this book?
I honestly hope so. The story sounds captivating and I love the added element of learning about a writer. But, even the best promises go unkept, and I can see myself giving up on this one before I even start.
The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton by Eleanor Ray
This was my last pick of the day, and I was determined to find a fifth book to take home before my husband left without me. I picked it up from the top of a bookshelf and scanned the inside cover. The summary mentions The Keeper of Lost of Things (a favorite of mine), so I was sold. I added it to the stack and finally made my way to the checkout.
Synopsis
Amy Ashton is a collector, although some may describe her habit as more akin to hoarding. A new family arrives next door challenging her reclusive lifestyle. Her life unravels slowly forcing her to open her home and her heart to others again.
Will I read this book?
I’m optimistically going to say yes. It’s an interesting summary with what I assume will be a happy ending. Sometimes, as a reader, you just need to know it’s going to end well.
Another successful bargain hunt and I have three new books added to my TBR list. I mentioned I already started and quickly gave up on Cloud Atlas, so which one do you think I should read next?
novel philosophy 
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