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So often we find books through recommendations, reviews, and general book buzz. But there are plenty of other ways to discover books to love.
A few months ago, I shared a quote from Lauren Destefano that sparked a conversation in the comments about ways we've come to certain titles unconventionally: at garage sales, from a friend's shelf, and the like. In celebration of Found Books, I'm sharing three with you today:
where I found it: The library shelf. The cover intrigued me. Karen Cushman's gorgeous endorsement (below) sold me.
I found The Raging Quiet enchanting, a celebration of the power of love, hope, and courage to overcome prejudice and ignorance, with characters I cannot forget: the independent Marnie, the kind priest, and Raven, who is no one I know or am ever likely to know but who was so real and true that I loved and feared for him. The book is a wonderful achievement, full of truth and compassion, and a delight to read.
THE UNNAMEABLES - Ellen Booraem
where I found it: a free book table at a recent writing retreat. I couldn't resist this description.
Medford lives on a neat, orderly island called—simply—Island.
Islanders like names that say exactly what a thing (or a person) is or does. Nothing less.
Islanders like things (and people) to do what their names say they will. Nothing more.
In fact, everything on Island is named for its purpose, even the people who inhabit it. But Medford Runyuin is different. A foundling, he has a meaningless last name that is just one of many reminders that he's an outsider. And, to make matters worse, Medford's been keeping a big secret, one that could get him banished from Island forever.
When the smelliest, strangest, unruliest creature Island has ever seen comes barreling right into his rigid world, Medford can’t help but start to question the rules he’s been trying to follow his entire life.
MY INDIAN FAMILY: A STORY OF EAST AND WEST WITHIN A MUSLIM HOME - Hilde Wernher
where I found it: Goodwill
I love cross-cultural stories and old books, so this one was a winner (my copy is a lovely green hardback). Ended up sharing this one with my mom and have spoken of it to a number of friends.
Share some of your Found Books below!
2 Comments on Celebrating Found Books, last added: 1/23/2013
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I love finding books at the library. One of the sad things about blogging is that I have so many books to read for interviews that I don't get to the library to just look for books that much anymore. But it's how I've found some of my favorite authors.
I do, too. There's something very satisfying about discovering on the library shelves a book you've never heard of and falling in love.