Saturday, November 19, 2011

Recent Reading

"Foul Matter' is the publishing term (who said those guys didn't have a sense of humor?) for the marked-up, coffee stained, original hard copy  of a manuscript that the publishers return to the author once the book is in print.  From whence it can go to a box under the author's bed, a closet shelf. or a library's archives, if the author is Somebody. (Mine are in a drawer.)

Foul Matter is also the title of a wonderful book by Martha Grimes in which she does to the publishing industry what Elmore Leonard did to Hollywood in Get Shorty. A fun read for a glimpse inside.

Three more recent reads -- Deb Crombie is a favorite of mine but I put off reading Necessary as Blood  when it came out because some of the plot line was similar to my  work in progress -- female protagonist agonizing over whether to marry her long time boyfriend.  It's a wonderful novel -- as are all of hers -- with an interesting look at the international mix that is modern London and the clashes that can occur. I'm feeling like starting back and re-reading this series from the beginning.

Remarkable Creatures  by Tracy Chevalier traces the life of Mary Anning who, though uneducated, was a great discoverer of fossils in the chalk cliffs near Lyme Regis. I enjoyed the story for the setting and because it reminded me of bits from The French Lieutenant's Woman. As with her other novels, Chevalier has a website that will enhance your enjoyment of the book -- lots of pictures of the fossils described in the novel!

Mermaid by Carolyn Turgeon is a kind of fairy tale for adults -- a retelling of the Little Mermaid story. Some lovely, lovely description.
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12 comments:

Ms. A said...

How do you keep your eyes from crossing, reading so much? I wish I could do it.

Desiree said...

I must admit to wondering when you find the time to read as voraciously as you do! You lead such a busy life what with running and managing your home, caring for your garden and animals, writing your own novels, coaching other writers, editing and so forth. Do you perhaps own a magical clock, one that slows down the passage of time? If so, I would like to get my hands on it. You are probably just one of those infuriatingly blessed A type personalities, who can accomplish twice as much as anyone else :) I, on the other hand am a slow (but impatient) plodder. Busy all day, worn out at the end of it, but not feeling I've achieved very much. Please share your secret, if you have one ;)

Martin said...

I'm pretty good at 'time management', but I couldn't come close to reading the way you do. I have a teetering pile waiting, and a list as long as my arm. Maybe the days are shorter over here.

vicki archer said...

Thank you Vicki... I always love your reading suggestions... Enjoy your weekend... xv

Pat in east TN said...

I always like your recommendations. Yep, my 'wish list' grows!

I wonder too how you find the time to read to much with everything you have going on.

Tracy Golightly-Garcia said...

Hello Vicki

I look forward to reading Remarkable Creatures because it takes place in Lyme Regis(a place I hope to visit one day).

Have a great week end!

Best
Tracy :)

A Bit of the Blarney said...

I do enjoy reading Martha Grimes but have not read this one. Must put it on my wish list! Thank you! Wishing you well! Cathy

Vicki Lane said...

First of all, I read really, really fast. And I am more or less addicted to it -- I often read at breakfast and at lunch and always for a bit before going to sleep. And just now, I'm not trying to work on a novel, what with all this running about promoting the new book. And the the vegetable garden is pretty much over; and, as of last Wednesday, my classes are over till February.

Really, you all think I do more than I do -- John and Justin do most of the animal care -- I'm the dog and cat person. And there is so much that remains undone -- I just don't take pictures of or talk about that part of my life...

Brian Miller said...

nice...i am putting foul matter on the list right now, sounds intriguing....and i am the same with reading...really fast an i never have a book far from me...

Brenda said...

Thanks for explaining further, lest you send an entire group of blog readers off into their day filled with despair at how little they are able to accomplish in a day - LOL! I know you've mentioned before that you read very quickly. One of the members of my Book Club is like that - she finishes our book in two days, while the rest of us show up at the end of the month with it halfway finished.

KarenB said...

Odd you mentioned the Deborah Crombie books. We just read one for the Laurie King online book club and it got me to go back and re-read the series from the beginning. Lovely writing, wonderfully drawn characters and great depictions of place.

NCmountainwoman said...

I'm always glad to get new book recommendations. Thanks