R.I.P. IV
It’s R.I.P. IV time (that’s R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril)!!! Oh, I love when Carl does this post, because it means fall is not far away 
I went off to Barnes & Noble today for the express purpose of finding a book or two to read for Carl’s challenge and I found three:
The Magicians, by Lev Grossman: This blurb alone made me pick it up – “The Magicians is to Harry Potter as a shot of Irish Whiskey is to a glass of weak tea. Solidly rooted in the traditions of both fantasy and mainstream literary fiction, the novel tips its hat to Oz and Narnia as well as to Harry, but don’t mistake this for a children’s book. Grossman’s sensibilities are thoroughly adult, his narrative dark and dangerous and full of twists. Hogwarts was never like this.” – George R. R. Martin
I’m already on page 25 and hope to get a few more under my belt tonight.
By Blood We Live: A compilation of vampire stories by Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Joe Hill & Anne Rice as well as a host of others.
The Sister, by Poppy Adams: This one got some great reviews by, among others, the New York Times – “The Sister is powered by the same sort of confidently rendered literary suspense that propelled Donna Tartt’s The Secret History onto bestseller lists.”; The Washington Post Book World – “Masterly…At once beautiful, informative, and disturbing…stylish prose, taut plotting and dark psychology”; and the Detroit News – Deliciously creepy…Reminds us of A. S. Byatt, Kate Atkinson and Stephen King having a house party.”
A fourth as yet unknown book will be added to my list, so that I can do Peril The First. Wish me luck!
And I’m off to read!
Posted in R.I.P. IV, books | 10 Comments
August 30th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Yay, Janet!!! Love it that you are in this year. One of the things I do miss about my current book buying ban is rushing out during RIP season to buy books! No matter, I do have some fantastic ones on the pile, but that experience is still one I miss.
I can certainly see why you picked these up, the descriptions sound great. Can’t wait to see what you think of them.
August 31st, 2009 at 3:25 am
“By Blood We Live” sounds interesting. I’m not a particular fan of most of the current vampire fiction (drivel like Twilight put me off most of it), but If Stephen King and Neil Gainman are included I guess it can’t be bad. After reading (or rather listening to) “Heart Shaped Box” by Joe Hill I am also very curious to read more from him as well. He takes after his dad in his writing style, which in this case is a good thing for me.
August 31st, 2009 at 4:13 am
I’m doing this one to this year – I love it and hang out for the challenge every year – I missed the first one but have done the last two
I have to find a 4th one two – but am doing these:
1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
2. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
3. Charmed to Death by Shirley Damsgaard
August 31st, 2009 at 6:24 am
I’m susceptible to nightmares and therefore usually stay away from books like these, but “The Magicians” sounds good to me — and not just because Irish Whiskey is a wonderful addition to a chilly autumn day.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:56 am
Happy Reading! Love you, Mel
August 31st, 2009 at 11:36 am
After reading that blurb about the “The Magicians” I think I may have to add that one to my reading list! Sounds good!
Happy Reading!
August 31st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I do so love this time of year. The Magicians sounds great! I can see why you picked it up just from the blurb. Happy reading!
August 31st, 2009 at 11:44 pm
Hey it’s reading weather. I’ve got a bunch of stuff I’m going to just get reading…like homework attitude, but fun. I’ve had a reading slump and it’s time to get over it. Looks like really cool books you’ve got ready to go. Wow!
September 2nd, 2009 at 12:09 am
i think of carl’s challenge as the first sign of fall, too.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
The Magician looks good. R.I.P. IV