New on My Bookcase: Vol. 17

For whatever reason, I’m not as excited about this latest batch of books I picked up from the library. Maybe I’m just still in a post-vacation slump, but whatever the cause I hope to snap out of it soon.

Nonfiction

Anything That Moves: Renegade Chefs, Fearless Eaters, and the Making of a New American Food Culture by Dana Goodyear
The blurb on this one claims it “combines the style of Mary Roach with the on-the-ground food savvy of Anthony Bourdain.” And with that I was convinced I had to try it.

The Internet is a Playground: Irreverent Correspondences of an Evil Online Genius by David Thorne
Thorne came to my attention thanks to a much-forwarded post of his about a missing cat. He made me laugh so much that I immediately requested one of his books.

The Southern Vegetarian Cookbook: 100 Down-Home Recipes for the Modern Table by Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence
I think I’ve mentioned that I’m always on the lookout for great vegetarian dinner ideas (we do eat meat, but I don’t like eating it that often). Southern cooking and vegetarian don’t often seem to go together, so I’m curious to see what is included in this one…

Fiction

Unwind by Neal Shusterman
Dystopian, with a crazy plot and some great reviews – I’ve got to try it. There are four books in the series, so if I like it I’ve got three more to look forward to also.

Vicious by V. E. Schwab
Found this on a list of best fantasy books of 2013, and the plot sounded interesting enough to give it a try. Not sure the “comic-book-style world” is going to be something I like, but I’m branching out.

Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
I don’t remember how it ended up on my TBR list, only that it’s been there for ages and I want to get it off one way or another. Will I read it all, or give up on it after a few chapters? Not sure yet. The cover sure is pretty though.

The Winter People: A Novel by Jennifer McMahon
Read about this one via Jessica, and I’m not sure I’ll read it. Although it may be too creepy and scary for me, I love the past/present plotline it describes, so I wanted to give it a try. It’s possible I’ll have to concede that it’s too much, and maybe beg Jessica to tell me how it all resolves?

Kids

Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Recommended by Alison in the comments to a recent post, and it’s by Kate DiCamillo – love her, so I’m excited to try this one!

Mr. Putter & Tabby Pour the Tea by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Arthur Howard
Another recommendation from that post, this one by Sarah. And it’s another one where I already know the author from some of her other books! Excited to try this one too, and see what the kids think.