It’s Sunday! Once again we get a chance to feature the books we have acquired, bought, shared, borrowed, stolen over the week(s) as we join the Sunday meme In my Mailbox hosted by the lovely Kristi from The Story Siren. Before I go about my business of sharing with you my book finds – I would like to invite you all to sign up for our Award-Winning-Book Reading Challenge for 2012.
Detailed guidelines for your participation can be found here. We would be giving away monthly book prizes! Make sure you sign-up with your announcement post indicating your intention to join and the level you are aiming for.
Now back to IMM: I’m pretty fortunate that there seems to be quite a lot of book sales recently here in Singapore. Last week I shared the Bras Basah Book Sale – this week I share with you the recent Harris Book Sale here in Singapore. It’s not as dirt-cheap as last week’s finds, each book costs around 10-12 sgd (discounted price), but since they’re all brand new and they’re at 30% off, I figured that I might as well grab the titles I love – call it an early Christmas present for myself.
Harris Book Sale
Such a nice delectable spread, right? I’m pretty happy with the Newbery honor book The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly. I almost did not buy the book since I can not figure out for certain whether I already have this title – I honestly can’t keep track anymore of the books I have on my bookshelves. Yikes. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, I know, is a great find. I’ve seen the film, but haven’t read the book yet. Big Nate on a Roll by Lincoln Peirce is my daughter’s selection. She’s deeply into diaries (Amelia’s notebook, wimpy kid, dork diaries) and Goosebumps too. I was also particularly intrigued by The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff. I know that this is her debut novel and a best-selling one at that. It’s nice to expand one’s tastes every now and again, especially if the books are on sale. I’ve been meaning to get my hands on a Rabindranath Tagore book, and I was just glad to have found The Land of Cards. I recalled that when I was in Mumbai a month ago, I was so surprised that I could not see any Tagore book in the university bookstore I visited. Perhaps in other local bookstores (which I didn’t have a chance to visit), there would have been a much wider selection. I’m just glad that finally, I have Tagore in my bookshelf.
I returned these titles (I was way over my budget) when I purchased my first batch of books (see above) only to go back again to Harris the next day to purchase them – my heart in my throat desperately wishing they’re still in the bookshelves. After a brief moment of panic, I managed to find them. Such a relief. F. E. Higgins’ The Eyeball Collector and The Bone Magician. I know there is one more title I need to have to complete the titles from Tales from the Sinister City but unfortunately I didn’t see The Lunatic’s Curse anywhere.
Naturally, my daughter had to buy this one Big Nate: Boredom Buster by Lincoln Peirce.
Since my supposed-prize from the Dewey’s Readathon last April was never sent to me (and no word was given as to the reasons why) I decided to purchase the book for myself. Hah. The Search for Wondla by Tony Diterlizzi. I was also intrigued by A Child’s Book of True Crime by Chloe Hooper – I was even more hooked when I noted that it was shortlisted for the Orange Prize. Nice. At 4 sgd, this is not bad.
And finally my best buy of all times, the book that I could not put down as soon as I have pulled it off from the shelves. I was so intrigued by this book when I read Nikki-Ann’s review from Notes of Life about Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. You are mine now. 🙂
Community Library Love
This November and December, the community libraries have doubled the number of books that we can borrow. Yipee! For that, I went on a book-borrowing spree, again all for the love of our bimonthly theme on “Poetry-filled Yuletide Cheer” until first week of January (there is always a spill over in the next month since we usually start our themes a few weeks late).
More novels-in-verse! I know that it’s not realistic to be able to read them all and review them, but I feel better having them on my bookshelf for the meanwhile. Good intentions count for something, right? Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba by Margarita Engle is a must-read. I’ve finished reading The Firefly Letters and I just fell in love with Margarita’s writing. To say that I can’t get enough of her would be an understatement. I shall also try to read Ann E. Burg’s All the broken pieces. Our featured storyteller, Holly Thompson recommended Thalia Chaltas’ Because I am Furniture – so I thought I’d also add on her other novel-in-verse Displacement – simply because I am ambitious that way.
I felt that it would be a good balance to also feature a few light-hearted novels-in-verse such as these two titles by Eileen Spinelli: Summerhouse time and The Dancing Pancake. I was actually looking for Nikki Grimes’ Planet Middle School – but this is the one I found in our library bookshelves: Dark Sons. I am excited to read this book. Perfect add-in to the PoC Reading Challenge as well.
I have a few Helen Frost titles now, but I just couldn’t resist adding Crossing Stones to my ever-growing pile of to-be-read books for this bimonthly theme. The Tree that Time Built: A celebration of nature, science, and imagination selected by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston and illustrated by Barbara Fortin would be a nice addition as well to Nonfiction Monday – that is, if ever I get to reading it! The book’s relatively thick – but I also felt that this is a nice resource for the book club that I have initiated with young readers – we’re having a poetry-theme in a few weeks’ time (no surprises there).
I honestly don’t know how we can realistically fit in all of these titles for December – even with the spillover sometime January, but yup, I shall worry about that later. Monsterologist: A memoir in rhyme by Bobbi Katz and illustrated by Adam McCauley promises to be a luscious read. I also can not pass up the opportunity to read another book creation by the Dillons in Never Forgotten as written by Patricia C. McKissack – just flipping through the pages gives me goosebumps.
From the NIE Library
I feel very lucky that I can visit not just one but two libraries that allow me access to such lovelylovely book titles – one of the joys of living here in Singapore indeed. These are some of the things I remain thankful for every single day. I am excited to read The Sun in Me as compiled by Judith Nicholls and illustrated by Beth Krommes. I am also excited to share Under the Moon & Over the Sea: A Collection of Caribbean poems edited by John Agard and Grace Nichols and illustrated by Christopher Corr. While I may not be able to review these titles, it would be great to share this with my book club for young readers.
I borrowed these books for possible feature in Nonfiction Monday. I have a feeling I’d fall in love with the paintings and the verse. Heartland and Mojave by Diane Siebert and paintings by Wendell Minor.
Gathering Books 
Wow! So many great books. Miss Peregrine is a treat. I am liking novels in verse a lot so I need to jot down some of these titles. Calpurnia Tate is one I am thinking of getting for my niece for Christmas. And Howl’s Moving Castle is a great find. Enjoy!
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Hi Lucy! I know what you mean about Miss Peregrine. The book trailer was just awesome. I haven’t started reading it yet, because I have a feeling I won’t be able to put it down, and I still have all these novels-in-verse to go over. Calpurnia Tate is likewise highly interesting – both books could actually be part of the Debut Author Challenge that Kristi from the story siren is also hosting – i’m thinking of joining. I’ve seen Howl’s moving castle but haven’t read the book yet.
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Book envy!!!!
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Hi Vera. Now to find the time to read all of them. 🙂
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That was a lot of books! I hope you enjoy them all. I especially hope you enjoy Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children! 🙂
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Hi Nikki-ann – I linked to your review which triggered my interest in this book. 🙂
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You’ve been having such a great time with your book sales! Wish I could stumble upon one locally 🙂 Really excited to get my hands on Miss Peregrine’s, I’ve been hearing such great things about that book. And The Displacement sounds awesome too!
So many fantastic book this week that will no doubt keep satisfy your book hunger 🙂 Enjoy!
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Hi Brodie, yes I have been having a great time with the book sales. I haven’t started on Thalia Chaltas’ Displacement yet – quite daunting, really. Pretty thick book. 🙂
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Wow so many amazing books this week! I had no idea Howl’s Moving Castle was a novel! Always learning new things at IMM 😀 Enjoy everything!
Shortskie’s Mailbox
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Hi Courtney, thanks for dropping by. I loved the movie, so I’m pretty sure I’d enjoy the book as well. 🙂
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WOW. what an awesome week for you and all these children/MG books have great covers. Thanks for visiting me earlier.
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Hi! A week filled with books is an awesome week indeed – hands down. 🙂 Yes, the book covers are quite yummylicious to boot. Thanks for dropping by!
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Wow..that is a lot of great book!! And I loved the covers for Evolution of Calpurnia Tate and The Monsters of Templeton! I read Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children last month–it was pretty good! Thanks for visiting My IMM!
♥ Melissa @ Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf
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I’ve read a few reviews on Miss Peregrine’s Home – and I have a feeling I won’t be able to put it down once I start reading it, so I’m holding off for a little while since we need to get through our bimonthly theme first on poetry before I jump into the paranormal and the strange. 🙂
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OMGosh you got sooooo many books this week!! Good on you 😀 Miss Perergrine’s is one that I defenitely want to check out! Thanks for sharing, thanks for stoppoing by and happy reading 😀
MaryAnn
Chapter by Chapter
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Hi Mary Ann, thanks for dropping by as well. 🙂
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Miss Peregrine’s is such a great book! I looovveeeedddd it.
Lots of other great books!
Thanks for stopping by mine. 🙂
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Hi Amanda, I’m excited to read it next month! 🙂 Thanks for dropping by as well.
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Great way to treat your self. You are my kind of person. Thanks for visiting my blog. I am enjoying the first book in the Millennium Trilogy.
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Hi Jo. It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you enjoyed the book finds I have this week. 🙂
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Oh, great mailbox 😀 You got lots of books. Enjoy reading them all 😉 I enjoyed Miss Peregrine 🙂
Thank you for commenting on my IMM. ❤ Hih, and yeah, I love Twilight, but I love Rob so, so much more 🙂 *Needs everything with his face on* Hih 🙂
Love, Carina
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Hi Carina. 🙂 I kind of figured out that one. Enjoy your books as well! 🙂
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I am interested in Wondla. I just saw something about it on an Interrobang video. I can’t wait to check that one out. You have a great list of book. I hope that you enjoy them all.
My IMM
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Hi Steph, thanks for dropping by. Wondla is kind of thick so I’m saving it for much much later.
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I thought the book of Howl’s Moving Castle was a billion times better than the movie. So good!
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Hi Audrey, that’s saying a lot about the book since I enjoyed the movie greatly! 🙂 I’m a huge Ghibli fan. 🙂
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Wow you have a lot of books this week! Not heard of any of those books but I do hope you enjoy them all 🙂
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Hi Kate, I’m glad that your visit has brought you to new titles.
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I love the cover of The Land of Cards! Hope you enjoy all your books and happy holidays.
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Happy Holidays to you too Alison!
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Wow you got some awesome books this week 🙂
Happy reading and thanks for stopping by!
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Hi Sarah! Yup, I agree. Now to find the time to read them all. 🙂
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WOW! A lot of awesome books you got this week! A lot of them I’m excited for too! Hope you enjoy them all! Happy reading!
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Wow! Lots of great books this week.
Thanks for stopping by my IMM earlier today.
Laura @ The Traveling Owl
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Wow, that was a lot of books, you got some great deals! Its cool that you can have two libraries to go to! 🙂 Happy Reading.
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You got so many books, so many great books at that!!! I love reading Novels in Verse. I hope that you enjoy everything that you picked up this week. 🙂
I’m a new follower!
My IMM
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Wow! Thank it a lot of books, and they look like they are going to be great reads! I hope you enjoy them all! Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my IMM yesterday!
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I just love book sales. My bank account doesn’t but I have to feed that book addiction. LOL! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was a fantastic read. The characters and the pics work really well together. I hear a second book is in the works. Enjoy!
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Ohhh, book sales are always awesome. And aw, Miss Peregrine! I seriously cannot wait to pick that one up and give a go. Hope you enjoy it all! Thanks for stopping by!
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