As we are both voracious readers, my husband and I own at least a dozen bookcases in our small 1930's bungalow. In the antique oak bookcase in the living room, I have one shelf reserved for signed books. I don't generally attend book signings unless I really enjoy the author's works. As fate would have it, I just happen to have thirteen signed books.
A dear friend sent this over to me from England (many thanks again, Nat!), but I have not yet read it. I think I tried when it first arrived, but got distracted and wound up setting it aside.
Inscription: Lesley - Jasper.
Picked this up in The Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle a few summers ago. I read the first few chapters, but set it aside for something a bit more engaging.Inscription: Paul Collins
I met Hasselstrom at a Willa Cather conference (she was the keynote speaker) in Red Cloud, Nebraska in 1997. I've read a few of her stories and poems, but not the entire book.
Inscription: Linda Hasselstrom
Another acquisition from the Willa Cather conference.
Inscription: Linda Hasselstrom
I'm pretty certain my mom gave this to me many years ago. I know I've read it, but that was another lifetime ago. Thumbing through it now, I realize it's high time for a re-read!
Inscription: To Lesley - Erma Bombeck.
I fell in love with Bess Streeter Aldrich's prose when I first read A Lantern in Her Hand in 1997. I attended a book signing for Carol Miles Peterson (biographer) at Barnes and Noble in Lincoln. Haven't read any of the book (yet!).
Inscription: For Lesley, With all good wishes, Carol Petersen.
Another book (which I did read and love) from my mom.
Inscription: Dear Leslie - All the very best & lots of love. Jennifer Lauck.
I read this in April 2005. I gave it a perfect 5/5 and it wound up on my Top Ten list for the year. I wrote a fan letter to the author and received not only a signed copy, but a separate personal note of condolence to my husband and myself.Inscription: For Lesley and Rod, And in memory of Rachel - With my best wishes and deepest prayers for you and your family. Philip Beard.
I met Lorna Landvik at a small conference in Cleveland, Ohio in 1998. She is very funny (used to perform stand-up comedy) and kept us all in stitches.
Inscription: June 20, 1998. For Lesley - Here's to finding your own oasis! Lorna Landvik.
I attended a book signing for Haruf at Barnes & Noble in Lincoln. What a thoroughly engaging (and very humble) man. He was such a joy to listen to and talk with during the signing.
Inscription: For Lesley - Good to meet a book seller. Kent Haruf.
Same book signing at B&N.
Inscription: For Lesley - Good to see you, Kent Haruf.
I met Jill ker Conway at the same conference in Cleveland in which Lorna Landvik was participating. I hadn't read her book yet, but she was fascinating to listen to.
Inscription: To Lesley, with warm greetings, Jill Conway
Saving the best for last. Russell was another author I was fortunate to meet at the Cleveland conference. Not only is she incredibly intelligent, but she's also very funny. I had already read her book and thought it was absolutely fantastic.
Inscription: For Lesley - All the best, Mary Doria Russell
Hi Les ~ Loved this post! I'm contemplating doing the Thursday 13...simply because it's been so much fun reading everybody elses. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Reading!
I met Mary Doria Russell last year at a booksigning for A Thread of Grace. I agree with you completely! Sharon
ReplyDeleteThis is great. I also have a little collection of signed books.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea for a post! If you don't mind I think I'll steal in the near future. Living in the UK allowed me to get some signed copies. I too have a top shelf! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joy. Glad you enjoyed it. I'll keep an eye out for your Thursday Thirteens.
ReplyDeleteHave you read A Thread of Grace, Sharon? I thought it was quite good and want to read it again someday. I remember Ms. Russell talking about the research for it in great detail at that conference back in 1998. I sure hope she writes another novel soon!
Iliana - how many signed books do you own? I have a couple more that I didn't have room to mention, but I know some folks have quite a collection.
Nat - So glad you enjoyed the post. By all means, feel free to use the idea for a future post of your own. I'm curious about what is in your list of signed copies. Be sure to include any special inscriptions.
You're so lucky to have a signed copy of Plainsong by Haruf. I loved that book. The others? I'm ashamed to say I haven't heard of them...still, an autographed book is a lovely thing to own.
ReplyDeleteThe only one I have signed is The Love Letters by Madeleine L'Engle, which was one of my favorite books in the whole world even before she signed it.
Cool post, Les!
ReplyDeleteI may have to try this Thursday thing, one day, but I'm not sure I can handle 13. My brain seems to shut down at 5 of anything. I love your lists, though. They've all been utterly fascinating.
Really enjoyed this post, Les! I am most impressed with the number of authors you have met and the signed books you own. Thanks for including the inscriptions, it made for very enjoyable reading. I would love to have met Maria Doria Russel!
ReplyDeleteI don't have too many autographed books, just "The Kite Runner" given to me by my bookseller friend when he met Khaled Hooseini in California and I managed to get Asne Seirstad to sign my copy of "The Book Seller of Kabul" when I attended a reading here in Toronto a couple of years ago.
A really nice post, thanks!
Bellezza, have you read Haruf's follow-up to Plainsong, Eventide? It's wonderful!! Even better than Plainsong, imho. Of all these signed books, Dear Zoe, The Sparrrow and Your Oasis on Flame Lake are high on my list to recommend. I need to get a copy of The Love Letters by L'Engle. I absolutely adored Two-Part Invention and need to read more from her series of journals.
ReplyDeleteNancy - I'm not sure I can keep up with the 13 list either! I may have to limit it to a once-a-month feature, especially if I want to keep it book-related. Glad you've been enjoying them thus far.
Lotus - Glad you enjoyed the post. I just happened to luck out with enough signed books for this list! BTW, I have The Bookseller of Kabul on my tbr list. Thanks for the reminder. I need to get a copy and give it a read, as I've heard great things about it.