Unbookening went on a magical journey

Checked out 4 books from the library
Got 8 to review
Received 1 as a gift
Bought 1 (THE BLIND ASSASSIN, for Wrapped Up in Books -- since the last time I read it, it was with a library copy)
14 in

Donated 26
Gave away 8
Returned 3 to library
37 out

Technically, my moving effort to get rid of as many books as possible paid off: I was able to slightly downsize my collection to fit into a slightly smaller shelf. (Not perfectly, though -- there are some stacks and outliers.) In doing so, though, I was able to reorganize everything with a nerdy, nerdy glee. How do you have your books organized? Or do you let the pages fall where they may?

That was after the Internet called his house 20 times and hung up

Joshua Ferris (whose second novel THE UNNAMED came out last week) recently recommended some "on the road" books in a piece on Goodreads. But it's not clear why they decided to name the article in question "'In Bed' With Joshua Ferris."

Discussing Ferris' first novel THEN WE CAME TO THE END with The AV Club this week won't secure you a place in his affections, but we may have some elbow room in ours. The live chat is Thursday at 3:30 CST/4:30 EST.

Ferris is also on book tour right now, including stops in Philly, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles; check his website for details.

FTC cover-assery: I got a free copy of THE UNNAMED.

Get thee to a naggery!

Hey, so you know how I've been running bits and pieces about the AV Club's book club, Wrapped Up in Books, on which I am a panelist? I have good news and great news. The good news is that I will be posting about it less often on here, because -- and this is the great news -- Wrapped Up in Books now has its own Facebook group. Join now for regular reminders from me on book chats and upcoming picks, including the two-week book warning enabling you to never again miss a discussion.

Even if you haven't participated in Wrapped Up in Books before or aren't sure you have the time, we'd love to have you. Besides, the next book we pick could be your favorite, and you wouldn't want to miss our praise for it, would you? Please come over and invite all your friends. And hey, if you want to send me a message, feel free to do so. Except for whoever came to this blog yesterday from the DOJ -- for your purposes, I'm in Montenegro, forever.

Wrapped Up in Books: Live chat 5PM EDT today

We'll be talking about Cormac McCarthy's BLOOD MERIDIAN over at the AV Club this afternoon. Comment along if you're free; if you have to miss the chat, the transcript will be available on the same site afterwards. There will be spoilers aplenty as we try and figure out that final scene where John Wayne arrives to save the American West,* so you have been warned.

* Not really.

Wrapped Up In Books: The AV Club chooses its next selection.

Starting June 8 we'll be virtually discussing Cormac McCarthy's BLOOD MERIDIAN, OR THE EVENING REDNESS IN THE WEST. (The extended title is for badassery.)

Since I didn't get around to reading it after reading NO COUNTRY and watching the movie or naming THE ROAD one of my favorite page turners of last year, I am very excited to be forced to do so now.

cover: angusrobertson.com.au