Book surprises from NEIBA 2012

I often tell people that the best part of the annual conference of the New England Independent Bookseller's Association is discovering new authors (and that the worst part is that I still can't spell "independent" without 2 or 3 tries).  But that's a bit of a fib.  I love finding out about books I wouldn't have come across otherwise.  But even better is finding a new book from an author I already love and getting to read it (and blog about it) early.

The #1 "Squee!" moment came when I saw Randy Susan Meyer's new novel, THE COMFORT OF LIES.  I gasped out loud when I saw the advance reader copy. I can't rave enough about her debut, THE MURDERER'S DAUGHTERS, and I've been looking forward to her follow-up ever since she announced the deal.  Randy is a Boston author (yes, that makes me adore her a bit extra) and someone I love to run into at events here in town. I'm excited to have her latest to tuck into my purse and devour in all those extra moments when I can squeeze in a bit of reading.  (Out in hardcover in February 2013.)

I was also psyched to grab a copy of Pulitzer winner (I include that because if I ever won the Pulitzer...or even the award for best former baton twirler from my hometown...I'd want to be introduced that way forever) Richard Russo's memoir, ELSEWHERE.  He is one of the funniest authors I've heard speak, so I'm excited to see how his "in person" voice translates to the page as he tells his story.  (Due out next month.)

And finally...Jen Lancaster has a new novel!!!  I've been offline for most of the summer, so I had no idea this was coming.  And any new publication from Jen is a party for me.  She's hilarious, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she's cooked up in HERE I GO AGAIN.  (January 2013)

Hope this inspires you to catch up on your reading so there's room on your TBR pile.  All the links here are from Porter Square Books, our local indie bookstore here in Cambridge.  Order from them...they rock.

More soon :)