Shelving Books: Swapna’s Picks is a series profiling books that have been released in the past two weeks, posting every other Monday (though I do realize this post is a week late – I apologize!)These are books that I am excited about, but will not get the opportunity to review for a few months.
Mysteries, Schmysteries!
I have been hearing amazing things about The Two Deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey (Dutton, June 9, 2011), and though I haven’t read anything by him previously, I really want to read this book. The Twisted Thread by Charlotte Bacon (Voice, June 14, 2011) sounds like a twisty gothic novel, set at a girl’s boarding school. For some reason, some of my favorite gothic mysteries have been set at boarding schools and old mansions, so I’m really looking forward to this one. Mystery writing master (or is it mistress?) Ruth Rendell has a new book out. Though I haven’t actually read any of her books, I’m hoping to start with Tigerlily’s Orchids by Ruth Rendell (Scribner, June 14, 2011). Though it looks to be more of a psychological thriller than a straightforward mystery, I think it sounds fascinating.
Readers Reading about Readers Reading
I don’t know why those who love reading enjoy reading about reading, but for some reason there’s a definite lure there. Tolstoy and the Purple Chair by Nina Sankovitch (June 7, 2011) sounds like a very interesting memoir. The premise – to read and review one book per day of the year – isn’t super tempting for me, since I read and review more than that over the course of the year. It’s the reason behind the decision that I find interesting – Sankovitch turning to reading as a way to cope with her sister’s death.
Sisters and Pugs – Ah, the Joys of Life!
I’m a sucker for novels about sisters, so Her Sister’s Shadow by Katherine Britton (Berkley, June 7, 2011) immediately drew me in. It’s about a pair of estranged sisters, and (I’m hoping) their healing and reconciliation. However, I am not a sucker for books about dogs, but for some reason Alison Pace’s books appeal to me. I’m looking forward to A Pug’s Tale by Alison Pace (Berkley, June 7, 2011). It’s described as a tribute to New York City, art, dogs, with a light mystery just for fun. I think it sounds like the perfect summer read!
Pensive Literary Fiction
Though I do enjoy action-packed mysteries, sometimes I am in the mood for a quiet, pensive read, and it sounds like The Upright Piano Player by David Abbott (Nan A. Talese, June 7, 2011) will really fill that criteria. Henry Cage has had a life of success on the surface, but inside he is in turmoil – he is estranged from his son, his ex-wife is very ill, and he is being harassed and stalked. This seems like it will be an emotional work of literary fiction focusing on trying to correct the mistakes of the past.
Welcome! I’m Swapna Krishna. By day, I'm an editor and book reviewer, and by night, I review books on this blog. Feel free to browse my 
I really want to read Tolstoy and the Purple Chair. I read The Twisted Thread last week and thought it was great.
I really want to read Tolstoy and the Purple Chair. I read The Twisted Thread last week and thought it was great.
I’ve had pretty good luck with Rendell, and would happily sit and read her if her books were stacked up in front of me. She just writes good, solid literary thrillers.
I’ve had pretty good luck with Rendell, and would happily sit and read her if her books were stacked up in front of me. She just writes good, solid literary thrillers.
I may have to look into A Pug’s Tale, it seems to be cropping up all over the place
I may have to look into A Pug’s Tale, it seems to be cropping up all over the place
I also like Rendell, and though I have only read one of her books, it was one of my favorites the year I read it. A lot of great books on this list. I hope that you do get the chance to read them and enjoy them soon!
I also like Rendell, and though I have only read one of her books, it was one of my favorites the year I read it. A lot of great books on this list. I hope that you do get the chance to read them and enjoy them soon!