Tuesday, August 10, 2010

It's Tuesday - How the Heck Did I Miss That Book?


I'm doing battle with a summer cold, but wanted to show you a couple of books that I missed, and added to my wish list. Have you read these?

 Second Hand; Michael Zadoorian

(Amazon)......Richard sees treasure everywhere. In that old eight-track quadraphonic stereo, that pink granite bowling ball, or a Niagara Falls napkin holder. While most people scramble for the newest and the best, Richard searches for the odd and obsolete -- and sells it at his second-hand shop on the edge of Detroit.

Why does he do it? For Richard, junk is a way of life, a calling, and a passion. Until his comfortable second-hand life gets a first-hand jolt.

Richard's mother has died, and left behind a valuable house full of packed-away junk -- including some old photos that will change everything Richard thought about his parents. And then there's the hip, thrift-attired woman who comes into his store with more than junk on her mind.... Suddenly some very unexpected things are entering Richard's life, including some surprising revelations about love and loss -- and what's really important in life.

With an unerring blend of the comic and the poignant, Michael Zadoorian has written an unforgettable novel about knick-knacks, garage sales, romance, and the bonds we form with people and things -- the perfect story for anyone who has ever loved something second hand.

 The Leisure Seeker; Michael Zadoorian

(Amazon).....In this affecting road novel, an elderly married couple leave their Detroit home and take off in their camper for one last adventure together. Ella Robina has more health problems than a third world country, and her husband, John, is suffering from progressive dementia. Despite protests from their adult children and doctors, Ella and John hit the road and head west to Disneyland. By day, they stop off at cheese-ball tourist attractions, and at night they relive old memories by watching slide shows of their previous family vacations. Along the way, they receive unexpected aid from a rueful goth teenager, outmaneuver some roadside predators, get stopped by the police and consider running for it, and have sex. The ultimate decision Ella makes might seem life affirming to some and a callous betrayal to others, but its impossible to deny that Ellas wise, feisty voice turns what could be a sappy melodrama into an authentic and funny love story.

24 comments:

  1. A summer cold - how awful for you. I do hope you are soon feeling well.

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  2. Leisure was an enjoyable book to me. Kind of quirky characters and a definitely different ending. I hope you enjoy it.

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  3. Thanks for visiting me today, you have a very nice blog! I can relate to the second-hand book, I try to find forever homes for second-hand critters!

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  4. Leisure Seeker sounds like a good one! I missed that one as well, but I think I'm gonna check it out now :)

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  5. I read the Leisure Seeker a while ago. I am anxious to hear your thoughts on it!

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  6. Both look like very good reads. Thanks for posting.

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  7. Nope, I haven't come across these books but they do sound interesting. Hope you get over the cold : )

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  8. Sorry about the summer cold - they're the worst. I missed those books too.

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  9. Summer colds are the worst! Feel better and I'll double check on this novel, too -- I missed it as well!

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  10. Second Hand sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing these.

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  11. Second Hand sounds fun to me. I haven't heard of it before, but I can only imagine what kind of characters the story has that is based in a second hand store. I've seen some very interesting people in my local stores. :)

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  12. Second Hand sounds really interesting! I had not come across these books either! Thanks for sharing them with us!

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  13. These books look great...quirky and very tempting.

    Love the logo, too!

    Hope the summer cold passes without too much discomfort.

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  14. I read Second Hand when it first came out and really enjoyed it. I was working at a bookstore at the time, and the hardback cover absolutely grabbed me. I don't know that I would have picked it up otherwise. Thanks for reminding me of an author I don't think of. I'll have to look into his newer stuff too!

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  15. I haven't read these but just wanted to pop in for a bit to see how you are feeling. Summer colds are the worst. I hope you are resting at home and not working.

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  16. Hopefully the books will distract you from your summer cold. Hope you feel better soon!

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  17. Oh man The Second Time looks right up my alley since I love flea markets and garage sales!

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  18. Love the idea of setting off in a camper to capture some vital experiences.

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  19. Thanks for the well wishes everyone. The Day-Quill and Ny-Quill are really helping.

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  20. Seems like an issue of "How Did I Miss That Author?" Both sound pretty good.

    Feel better.

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  21. Both books sound like a beautiful and poignant. I hope you enjoy them and get well soon!

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  22. Leisure Seekers actually sounds like a fun read!! Hope you get over your cold..stinks to feel sick in the summer!!

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  23. These sound good. Feel better soon!

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  24. No, both of these are unfamiliar. Second Hand looks good. I hope you feel better soon. I would say have chicken soup, but it's been so darn hot. Who wants soup.

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