Welcome to another edition of Mailbox Monday where I regale you with the books I received during the previous week.

The past few weeks have been slow, but the brief respite has allowed me some time to get caught up on a few titles collecting dust on the TBR shelf. Things are beginning to look up, though.

Algernon, Charlie, and I: A Writer’s Journey by Daniel Keyes

In Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes created an unlikely duo-a laboratory mouse and a man-who captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world. Now, in Algernon, Charlie, and I, Keyes reveals his methods of creating fiction as well as the heartbreaks and joys of being published. With admirable insight he shares with readers, writers, teachers, and students the creative life behind his classic novel, included here in its original short-story form.

I opted for this title specifically because it will serve two purposes: 1) it will allow me to read the original story of Flowers for Algernon for the re-reading challenge; and 2) it will allow me to see the process which allowed such a story to come into being.

Now I just need to steel myself for the reading (of Flowers for Algernon). The first time was emotional enough…

Welcome to another edition of Mailbox Monday where I regale you with the books I received during the previous week.

There’s going to be a double helping of Mailbox Monday this week because I didn’t post last week. (It was hectic, what with Christmas only a few days away! That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it….)

Week of Monday the 22^nd

Into the Land of the Unicorns (The Unicorn Chronicles Book 1) by Bruce Coville.

In Luster, Cara meets many wonderful creatures, but the most magnificent of all is Lightfoot, a rebellious young unicorn. Cara’s band of friends comes to include a hairy creature named the Dimblethum and the monkey-like Squijim. Together, they set out to reach the Unicorn Queen before the mysterious man following them does-and to prevent the destruction of all unicorns forever.

I’ve already finished reading this book and found it delightful. Now to actually finish writing the review.

Continue reading »

Since last week was an incredibly slow week in terms of books arriving miraculously in my mailbox, I’m going to cheat a little and list the two books that just arrived. Yes, right this very moment. (OK, maybe not right this moment, but still….)

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I broke down and nabbed this book when I saw it mentioned at almost every site I’ve visited (and because of it’s mysterious ending that, I’ll note, many people refuse to discuss in detail).

I picked up the illustrated edition since it was about $4 cheaper and is illustrated.

It made absolutely no sense to me that a hardcover illustrated version should cost less than a mass market reproduction sans pretty pictures. But OK.

When Wanderers Cease to Roam by Vivian Swift

This one I first learned about from Ms. Bookish and immediately I knew I needed to have it.

This is a time in my life when I don’t much feel like venturing out into the world; I’d rather curl up in the security of my bed and hide from the world.

While I hide, this book looks as though it could keep me company, reminding me to find the beauty all around me. It may also spark some creativity. I have been meaning to get back into sketching and painting.

Now, when I’ve found the time to read both, I’ll surely offer up my reviews.