I came prepared, once again, for day two of my jury duty. I didn't get much time to read, as my number was called fairly early this morning and I spent the majority of the day in a courtroom for the actual jury selection process (not chosen, boo!).
But here are the books that I brought along with me (I finished The Witches of Eastwick on Monday night. Eh.). I say "books" plural, as I'm a bit of a fast reader and I also wasn't sure what kind of mood I'd be in or what would hold my attention:
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A Foreign Affair by Caro Peacock
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All The King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
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A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again by David Foster Wallace
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I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
This is often my approach to packing mutliple books: a book or two of short stories/essays (DFW and Crosley), a "classic" (Warren), and something more accessible/lighter (Peacock).
When I did have a chance to read today, I picked up A Foreign Affair. I started reading it a few weeks ago and I've really been enjoying it so far -- here's the description from Goodreads:
A remarkable debut novel rich in atmosphere, color, and suspense, Caro Peacock's A Foreign Affair is an irresistible blend of history, adventure, and ingenious invention that brings an extraordinary new writer—and a truly endearing and unforgettable heroine—to the literary stage.
The year is 1837. Queen Victoria, barely eighteen, has just ascended to the throne of England, and a young woman named Liberty Lane has just had her first taste of true sorrow. Refusing to accept that her gentle, peace-loving father has been killed fighting a duel, she vows to see justice done. . . .
The trail she follows is a twisting and dangerous one, leading the spirited young Englishwoman into an intricate weave of conspiracy. Contacted by secret agents, she is asked to pose as a governess in order to infiltrate cold, rambling Mandeville Hall and spy on its master, Sir Herbert Mandeville, who is at the center of a treasonous plan.
Nothing at the hall is what it seems, and every turn reveals another deceit, another surprise, another peril, leaving Libby to wonder who to trust and embroiling her in a deadly affair that could destroy the young queen and place Libby herself in mortal peril. . . .
And speaking of Goodreads ... in case you haven't noticed, I reorganized my right side bar a few weeks ago -- I wanted to incorporate my "shelves" on Goodreads, instead of just having a static list of books and reviews. Right now it's showing my current and recent reads. My "to read" shelf is rather lengthy ... and probably boring to most everyone.
So if you're on Goodreads too, let me know if we need to be friends -- leave a comment or send me an e-mail ;o)