Generosity

There seems to be something inherently generous about book lovers. Every time I turn around, there's a new book giveaway on the book blogs, and in the LibraryThing groups I belong to, book mooching is an almost daily occurrence. Readers just love to share. Many book bloggers also use their space to bring awareness to some of the crucial issues around the globe.

Here are some of the current book blog giveaways:

• Jen at Devourer of Books is giving away a newly published book, The Heretic's Daughter, which looks like a good bit of historical fiction.
  
• Meg over at 1st Books has a triple novel giveaway, including her own highly acclaimed novel, The Wednesday Sisters.

A couple of blogs of note this month are addressing some issues that we all need to pay attention to and do what we can to pass the word along.

• Natasha at MAW Books "will be reading and blogging in an effort to create awareness and raise funds for the people of Darfur." There are a number of ways to get involved in this campaign. Be sure to visit her blog to find out what you can do.
  
• Wendy at caribousmom posted "Freedom to Read - Individual Rights vs. Government Control" regarding banned books and the effort by the U.S. Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin to have books banned in the Alaska town where she served as mayor. Please pay attention to what this woman stands for - don't be taken in by the media hype about her chutzpah and her "family values." I believe she is a threat to our constitutional rights.
  

I spent most of the week reading Tipping the Velvet, a Victorian lesbian romp (Palin would certainly disapprove!) that was intriguing, heartfelt and quite erotic. A very enjoyable read. Sarah Waters is genius; I've read Fingersmith, a Victorian mystery with many great twists and turns. Also have The Night Watch on my TBR shelf; I will read anything she writes.

For my birthday, I was gifted with (among other wonderful books) the much talked about Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I started it last night; so far it's a bit reminiscent of Helen Hanff's 84, Charing Cross Road, but I sense it will delve a bit deeper emotionally than that. I'm also reading another graphic memoir, Blankets, by Craig Thompson. I love this genre! Will report on it next week - it looks to be a heart wrenching story of a boy growing up bullied and abused.

In the coming weeks, look here for information about a book tour stop on this blog for The 19th Wife by David Ebershof. I'm looking forward to reading this book and hosting the tour stop.

Huh. I didn't think I had anything to say for TSS today! I hope your week is a good one. I will be peeling peaches and - hopefully - watching the US Open tennis semi-finals and finals this afternoon, weather permitting in Flushing.

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