I rounded out Dorothy Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles with King Hereafter, The Ringed Castle, and Checkmate. Whew. Now I can finally start in on this series (those of you who know me are aware of my OCD when it comes to series: I cannot begin a series until I have all of them available on my shelves. This little problem of mine has bitten me in the butt more than once, but what can you do?).
I found an Elizabeth Chadwick novel, The Champion, and practically knocked over a poor lady who was reaching for it at the same time. She admittedly had no idea what she was reaching for so I feel completely justified in laying claim to it. Knowledge is power and all that.
Crossed: A Tale of the Fourth Crusade, by Nicole Galland, was just one I stumbled on, never having heard of this author before. I enjoy any novels about the Crusades, so I thought I'd take a chance on this one.
Crown in Candlelight, by Rosemary Hawley Jarman was just added to my wishlist this morning when Amy at Passages to the Past announced that this novel would be re-released in November. The copy I picked up is an original hardcover published in 1978.
I ran across The Last Empress, by Anchee Min, and picked it up. As it turns out, this one is a sequel to Empress Orchid, so alas, I'll have to find the first book before I can read this one.
I always look for Jean Plaidy novels at any used bookstore and happily I found two today: The Rose Without a Thorn, about Katherine Howard, and Victoria Victorious, clearly written about Queen Victoria. (Who says a title doesn't say it all?)
I also tend to search for Mary Renault books and finally found an old copy of The Persian Boy today. I've been searching for that one used for months now, so I'm feeling a little smug over that find.
As Meat Loves Salt, by Maria McCann, was added to my wishlist a couple of weeks ago and while it may be in the running for Worst Title of a Book Ever, the reviews I read were incredible and I can't wait to dive into this one about war in England during the 17th-century.
The last one I picked up was an Iris Murdoch novel, The Green Knight. Can you belive I have never read one of her novels? Nancy Pearl recommends them above all others, so that is good enough for me.
As pleased with myself as I am over this haul, the logistics of getting these books home is just setting in as I realized I'm over 1500 miles away from home. Hmmmmm. I see a trip to FedEx in my future.
You did fall off of the wagon! I'm not familiar with any of those books, so I can't comment on them.
ReplyDeleteThere is no such thing as a wagon when it comes to buying books:) I completely understand having the entire series before you start because I've gotten caught a few times where I'm deeply entrenched in a tale and then I can't find the next book, which totally sucks!
ReplyDeleteWow. When you fall, you fall in a big way don't you! Great haul!
ReplyDeleteLove the knowledge is power justification you used!
I haven't read any of these Michele. I was lol at the visual of you pushing someone out of the way to grab a book before she did.
ReplyDeleteI've just read one Plaidy, about Henry VIII's sister Margaret but I have two others sitting in my TBR stack.
Shana
Literarily
I have that OCD thing too! And I have to say that the reviewing is really messing up my system.
ReplyDeleteYou should bring an extra zippered tote bag flat at the bottom of your suitcase when you travel. That way, when you come across an unexpected treasure trove you have something to carry it in! That's what I do. (You know the F/A's will find somewhere for it!)
Carey
I'm at least glad that you all somewhat empathize with my book obsession (makes me feel less weird, I suppose). :)
ReplyDeleteCarey -- have you ever been to the used book store in the MKE airport? I swear, I take an extra rollaboard suitcase with me on those trips. ;)
I'm off the wagon, and the wheels are coming toward me :)
ReplyDeleteI went (quickly!) to a fall festival this weekend. I took limited funds and promised my husband I'd be home in half an hour. I spent all my money and was 5 minutes later than I planned!
Dawn - that is too funny. Festivals (especially anything to do with books or Christmas) are my downfall.
ReplyDeleteI have Crossed and Last Empress on my TBR also. And I a big Mary Renault and Jean Plaidy fan. I think you've got a great list here!
ReplyDeleteLezlie
I have read Empress Orchid and loved it. You must give it a try. That reminds em i still have the review for this book pending :)
ReplyDeleteHoly cow - what a haul. I never find that many good books at a used book store!
ReplyDeleteLet's see, in regards to your new additions: I have King Hereafter on my TBR, but not the others. Yeah - you found EC!! She is so much fun to read! That poor lady probably thought you were nuts, but I would've done the same thing! Crossed is on my wishlist, so let us know how it is. I've read the 2 Jean Plaidy books you got - Victoria Victorious is really good.
Oh, my kingdom for a MKE layover! I have fond memories of freezing my butt off in that wonderful shop downtown by the river! It has been years since I have been there, I remember that the airport shop was great and I'm glad to hear that it is still there. RDU used to have a great used bookstore in the airport, too, but I think it is gone now. People I work with think I'm crazy, always searching out used book stores or library sales on trips.
ReplyDeleteThat Elizabeth Chadwick novel is a good find, I really like her and it is sometimes hard to find reasonably priced copies of her books in the states!
Carey