Since last week was an incredibly slow week in terms of books arriving miraculously in my mailbox, I’m going to cheat a little and list the two books that just arrived. Yes, right this very moment. (OK, maybe not right this moment, but still….)
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
I broke down and nabbed this book when I saw it mentioned at almost every site I’ve visited (and because of it’s mysterious ending that, I’ll note, many people refuse to discuss in detail).
I picked up the illustrated edition since it was about $4 cheaper and is illustrated.
It made absolutely no sense to me that a hardcover illustrated version should cost less than a mass market reproduction sans pretty pictures. But OK.
When Wanderers Cease to Roam by Vivian Swift
This one I first learned about from Ms. Bookish and immediately I knew I needed to have it.
This is a time in my life when I don’t much feel like venturing out into the world; I’d rather curl up in the security of my bed and hide from the world.
While I hide, this book looks as though it could keep me company, reminding me to find the beauty all around me. It may also spark some creativity. I have been meaning to get back into sketching and painting.
Now, when I’ve found the time to read both, I’ll surely offer up my reviews.
# Sheri wrote on December 15, 2008 at 10:28 pm:
I bought this one, too! Still haven’t started it yet.
# Jace wrote on December 16, 2008 at 3:40 am:
I’ll be waiting for your take on these books.
Meanwhile, ENJOY! 
# tanabata wrote on December 17, 2008 at 11:31 am:
Oh I’d love to see the illustrations in Life of Pi. How are they? That’s bizarre that it was cheaper but worked out well for you.
# Ann-Kat wrote on December 17, 2008 at 11:53 am:
@Sheri – better move it to the top of your TBR pile.
@Jace – Thanks, I do believe I will. I’m anxious to get to them, but then I’m reminded of my TBR pile…but I’m keeping hope alive. LOL I’ve actually made it a good way through When Wanders Cease to Roam since it’s more of a picture-book memoir than traditional book.
@tanabata – That’s a great idea. I’ll try to take some pictures of the book–both books–and post them up with my reviews.
The illustrations are actually quite lovely (the first few that I’ve seen) and I absolutely love the tiger on the cover, which wraps around the spine and back cover. Even if I don’t like the story, I will still think the purchase was worth it if only for the illustrations. In fact, I’m giddy over the find.
# Sheri wrote on January 19, 2009 at 2:53 am:
I finally read it and wished wished wished that I had the illustrated version. I posted my review today.
# BTT: This or That - Today, I Read… wrote on March 5, 2009 at 10:08 pm:
[...] I don’t much care for illustrations unless they’re done in a flavor I enjoy. There are a multitude of artistic styles and if one doesn’t speak to me, I don’t want to look at the pictures taking up precious space in my book. In that vein, I’ll have a look at the illustrated versus plain text edition before making my decision. (Sometimes, however, price can factor into the equation.) [...]