Sample Saturday is when I wade through the eleventy billion samples I have downloaded on my Kindle. I’m slowly chipping away and deciding whether it’s buy or bye.
Loner by Teddy Wayne
Why I have it: Rory made me want it.
Summary: Socially awkward boy meets glamorous girl at Harvard – compromises everything to win her over.
I’m thinking: Without a doubt, yes (reminds me of Penelope).
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Why I have it: That cover… A sprawling relationship story…
Summary: A party, someone kisses someone they shouldn’t. The fallout continues over five decades.
I’m thinking: Yes. How can I not read a book that begins with –
“The christening party took a turn when Albert Cousins arrived with gin.”
That Mad Ache by Françoise Sagan
Why I have it: No idea.
Summary: A Parisian socialite is caught between her love for an older, wealthy businessman and a young, impulsive guy.
I’m thinking: Oui, oui – a lovely little Parisian (sixties) drawing-room drama.
They all sound great! I really want to read Commonwealth, I’ve heard good things.
I’ve also read good reviews of Commonwealth – well, all except one from a blogging friend who rates Bel Canto as one of her favourites. She didn’t think Commonwealth measured up – but maybe her expectations were high??
Anne Patchett rarely disappoints this reader; I’m looking forward to spending some leisure time with Commonwealth.
The first few chapters were perfection – looking forward to the rest.
Yes to Patchett (always yes to Patchett) and oui, oui, oui to Sagan. Mainly because I love Bonjour Tristesse!
Excellent! Was it you that recommended the Sagan?? It’s often a mystery as to how I end up with these samples until someone comments on my post and then I remember where the recommendation came from! (clearly I need a system for recording such things!).
That happens to me too! I included Bonjour Tristesse in my Top 5 novellas last year. It’s an old favourite. I read it at 18 and want to read it now at 44 to see my reaction to it.
I do want to read Loner! I read Teddy Wayne’s previous book (The Love Song of Jonny Valentine) and thought it was pretty terrific.The Ann Patchett is getting great reviews. I’ll probably read it eventually. Good luck!
I enjoyed Jonny Valentine as well.
Brilliant opening line in The Commonwealth.
I’ve never heard of the Sagan and I’m eager to hear what you think of it.
I keep hearing good things about both Commonwealth and Loner. The third book is new to me but it sounds intriguing. Happy reading 🙂
I want all of these. ‘The Loner’ sounds like it’ll break my heart and put it back together; I’ve never read Patchett, but I’ve seen some good words about this one lately (is that January Jones on the cover?); and Paris – yes please.
Commonwealth is soooooo good. God, just thinking about it makes me want to get an orange and my bottle of gin.