Tag: Holds

There is a bit of a slump in December in the publishing world, but January will see the arrival of some exciting books that I am eagerly awaiting. I’m finding that December is a good month for reading classics or old favorites, but once January comes I will jump on the contemporary bandwagon and start reading these books I am on the waiting list for:

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd – I put a hold on this before it was chosen as Oprah’s next book club book because it is a fictional account of the famous abolitionist Grimke sisters. I took a women’s history class in college where I learned about these passionate women and the story of their lives has always stuck with me.

Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin – This is the fourth Malcom Fox novel and the second featuring John Rebus. I was slightly disappointed with Rebus’ return in the previous Fox novel, but I am devoted to Rebus and am glad to see him back on the force.

The Secret Rooms by Catherine Bailey – This is the only book on the December Library Reads list that appeals to me. It is billed as an Edwardian true-life mystery ‘for fans of Downton Abbey’.

Perfect by Rachel Joyce – I never read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, though I had every intention to. I’d still like to read it some day, but Joyce’s latest novel is calling me right now.

Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen – Allen is another author whose books I’ve always wanted to read because of word-of-mouth buzz from friends and library patrons, but they’ve somehow passed me by (or I’ve passed them by?). Lost Lake sounds like another magical tale from this quietly popular author.

What are you looking forward to reading in January?

*So sorry for the blurry image of Perfect – it just would not cooperate with me*

My library system recently bumped up the holds limit from five items per patron to ten items per patron. Of course, the day it went into effect I went crazy and reached the new limit pretty quickly. Most of the items I added to my list have a status of ‘on order’ – books that I’ve seen on Early Word or BookPage or the Random Revelations brochure that are set for release in late spring/summer. Here are some of the books I’m looking forward to getting in the next few months:

• Someday, Someday Maybe by Lauren Graham – I’m not a huge, zealous fan of Gilmore Girls, but I do enjoy the show and can imagine that this novel by the actress who plays Lorelai Gilmore (now in Parenthood) will be charming and funny.
•  The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan – I haven’t read anything by Sullivan, but I always like the sound of her books and I love reading about marriage.
• Sight Reading by Daphne Kalotay – I got a few chapters into Kalotay’s first book, Russian Winter, before I realized that it wasn’t for me. I liked her writing, however, and am willing to give her another try.
• Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld – I love Sittenfeld’s novels and have been following her career since Prep came out. She is one of those authors who has my loyalty for the duration.
•  The Lovebird by Natalie Brown – This debut sounds quirky and sweet and I think the cover is beautiful.

What do you currently have on hold? What are looking forward to seeing published this summer?

One of the pitfalls of working at a library is the enormous temptation to place holds on every wonderful sounding book I hear about. I go holds crazy sometimes and place far too many holds than are good for me. I have to give myself a good talking to, remind myself not to be greedy and realize that there is not enough time in any of my days to ever read all of the books I put on hold. This year I’ve been trying to place holds only on items I am pretty sure I’ll read. This has significantly reduced the number of holds I have placed and has made me more anxiously excited to receive the books I am waiting for. Here is a look at some of the books I am awaiting:

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey – I am SO looking forward to reading this novel. I have heard nothing but praise for it and I especially enjoyed the reviews here and here and here. It will be released on February 1 and I can already tell you I will be incommunicado that entire evening – too busy reading!

The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey – This novel is based on the story of Jane Eyre and sounds really charming. It was released today….where is my copy????

Enchantments by Kathryn Harrison – A love story set inside the Romanov circle in 1917 Russia. I find it hard to resist anything that concerns the Romanov Empire -I think the whole setting is absolutely fascinating. This novel will be released on March 6.

What do you have on hold at the library? Are you holds happy?