Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, from Tuesday/First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by Should Be Reading.
Today’s featured book is an ARC from Amazon Vine from an author new to me: The Bookseller, by Cynthia Swanson.
Intro: This is not my bedroom.
Where am I? Gasping and pulling unfamiliar bedcovers up to my chin, I strain to collect my senses. But no explanation for my whereabouts comes to mind.
The last thing I remember, it was Wednesday evening and I was painting my bedroom a bright, saturated yellow. Frieda, who had offered to help, was appraising my color choice. “Too much sunniness for a bedroom,” she pronounced, in that Miss Know-It-All tone of hers. “How will you ever sleep in on gloomy days with a room like this?”
I dipped my brush into the paint can, carefully wiped off the excess, and climbed the stepladder. “That’s entirely the point,” I told Frieda. Leaning over, I began cutting along a tall, narrow window frame.
***
Teaser: I am almost eager to go to bed that night, curious what might happen and what I might dream. Laughing at myself, I pour a generous shot of whiskey just before bedtime, thinking it might put me to sleep sooner. (p. 52).
***
Blurb: A provocative and hauntingly powerful debut novel reminiscent of Sliding Doors, The Bookseller follows a woman in the 1960s who must reconcile her reality with the tantalizing alternate world of her dreams.
Nothing is as permanent as it appears . . .
Denver, 1962: Kitty Miller has come to terms with her unconventional single life. She loves the bookshop she runs with her best friend, Frieda, and enjoys complete control over her day-to-day existence. She can come and go as she pleases, answering to no one. There was a man once, a doctor named Kevin, but it didn’t quite work out the way Kitty had hoped.
Then the dreams begin.
Denver, 1963: Katharyn Andersson is married to Lars, the love of her life. They have beautiful children, an elegant home, and good friends. It’s everything Kitty Miller once believed she wanted—but it only exists when she sleeps.
Convinced that these dreams are simply due to her overactive imagination, Kitty enjoys her nighttime forays into this alternate world. But with each visit, the more irresistibly real Katharyn’s life becomes. Can she choose which life she wants? If so, what is the cost of staying Kitty, or becoming Katharyn?
As the lines between her worlds begin to blur, Kitty must figure out what is real and what is imagined. And how do we know where that boundary lies in our own lives?
***
What do you think? Are you as intrigued by the blurb and excerpts as I am? I hope you’ll stop in and share your thoughts.
***
That’s a great start. I do like books about books and bookstores, well, libraries too. Enjoy.
LikeLike
That is the concept that pulled me in, Margot…I am a sucker for bookstores and books and all the stories about them. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
This sounds good, I wondered why both the intro and teaser featured beds until I read the synopsis. I do like this type of book where you get to see what could have happened. Here is my TT for the week http://cleopatralovesbooks.wordpress.com/2014/10/07/teaser-tuesday-october-7/
LikeLike
Yes, I have definitely seen movies along these lines, and recently read another book that showed alternate versions of reality. This one has me curious, for sure. Thanks for stopping by, Cleopatra.
LikeLike
I like the sound of this book. The idea of the two worlds – her dreams and her real life – merging is intriguing.
LikeLike
I agree, Margaret…thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I also like the idea of two worlds. The writing seems as if the story is for a young person though. I am not sure if I would keep reading.
LikeLike
Hmm, it could be. I’ll have to read more to find out. Thanks for visiting, Pat.
LikeLike
Good opening and I like the premise. I’d read at least a little more.
LikeLike
Thanks, Beth, and I will need to read more as well. Glad you could stop by.
LikeLike
I like it Laurel and would definitely read more. Hope u r enjoying it.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Diane…and for hosting!
LikeLike
I like the Sliding Doors aspect of this one, but am not sure I’d be able to wrap my head around the whole dreams thing. I’d read more before I made a decision, though!
Here’s Mine: http://www.sarahsbookshelves.com/top-ten-tuesday/top-ten-character-driven-novels-tuesday-intro/
LikeLike
I do have difficulties with this idea at times, but in the end, I usually enjoy these stories. Thanks for visiting, Sarah.
LikeLike
I’ve been curious about this one. The blurb, excerpt, and opening have sold me.
My Tuesday post: http://www.bookclublibrarian.com/2014/10/first-chapter-first-paragraph-78-and.html
LikeLike
Yes, I was captured by the idea of a bookstore…thanks for stopping by, Catherine, and I hope you enjoy it.
LikeLike
It’s sounding good to me. I would keep going, having to know more.
sherry @ fundinmental My TT – Who’s Afraid of a Little Kitty Kat
LikeLike
Yes, I was drawn to many aspects of the book….thanks for stopping by, Sherry, and enjoy your book.
LikeLike
I’m wanting to know what she chooses. I know she can’t have both worlds.
Here is my TT – http://fuonlyknew.com/2014/10/07/teaser-tuesdays-84-the-death-of-death/
LikeLike
Sigh, yes, that is the annoying fact of life, isn’t it? Choice can definitely be challenging. Thanks for stopping by, Laura.
LikeLike
i like the cover! and the teaser sounds great too. hope you’ll enjoy this one, Laurel.
LikeLike
Me, too, and I didn’t even clearly SEE the cover until the book arrived. Thanks for stopping by, Deasy.
LikeLike
I am intrigued! It sounds like a good one. Hope you enjoy it.
LikeLike
Thanks, jkb…I’m glad you are intrigued…and that you could stop by.
LikeLike
I loved Sliding Doors, so I would definitely be interested in this one. I’ll look for your review
LikeLike
Me, too, Paulita…thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
That opening draws me right in! Having a bookseller/bookshop involved is another huge plus. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
LikeLike
I am hooked by stories about bookshops, too…thanks for visiting, JoAnn.
LikeLike
That’s an ambitious concept for a story. I hope it works. My book this week is Don’t Let Go
LikeLike
I agree…and it can either work or not, but I’m hoping. Thanks for visiting, Suzie.
LikeLike
Hmm, what’s going on with those dreams? Sounds interesting!
LikeLike
Yes, those dreams would freak me out…I’d rather READ about them. Thanks for visiting, Greg.
LikeLike
I’m definitely curious about this book and would enjoy discovering how both worlds unfold. I’m wondering how each “reality” affects the other one too. Sounds like a good story.
Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sandra, and I am eager to find out, too. Glad you could stop by.
LikeLike
It sounds intriguing. Thanks for stopping by Girl Who Reads
LikeLike
You are welcome, and I’m glad you could return the visit, Donna. I am intrigued by this book, too.
LikeLike
I like the sound of this one! The combination of a real and imagined world and the blurring of lines sounds like a fascinating read. Plus, I want to know more about the person who would paint her bedroom yellow.
LikeLike
Definitely a page turner, IMO. Thanks for visiting, Wendy. And a yellow bedroom is unusual, but I remember having one in the 70s….LOL.
LikeLike
Ooh…that sounds really interesting! I loved Sliding Doors and I can see the comparison. Great blurb and teaser. I’m adding this one to the TBR pile. Here’s my TT. Happy reading!
LikeLike
Thanks, Kim…glad you liked the excerpts and the concept. I am eager to plunge into this one.
LikeLike
it does sound intriguing! Mine: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
LikeLike
Definitely! Thanks for stopping by, Heather, and enjoy your read.
LikeLike
Seems really interesting to me. In a way she has self control. control to build a fantasy world every night at the same time. On the other hand, she has no self control because she’s going to become an alcoholic. Plus, she can’t face her real world. I would love to read it.
LikeLike
Yes, I think it sounds good, too, Tea…thanks for visiting.
LikeLike
The cover is interesting and this sounds intriguing.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Mary Ann.
LikeLike
This one sounds like a fun read!
LikeLike
I am definitely looking forward to it, Kim. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I liked the opening paragraph, it definitely made me want to keep reading. I hope you enjoy it!
Here’s My Teaser.
LikeLike
Me, too, Kerry…thanks for visiting today.
LikeLike
I’m intrigued…not only by the teaser but the cover too. Good choice!
LikeLike
I thought the cover was clever…and tells us interesting things. Thanks for stopping by, Yvonne.
LikeLike
I am intrigued and look forward to your thoughts about the book.
LikeLike
Thanks, Nise…can’t wait to start reading it.
LikeLike
I think this book sounds really good. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a nice week! kelley—the road goes ever ever on
LikeLike
Thanks, Kelley…this book could have gone either way for me, but so far I’m enjoying it.
LikeLike