"None of us has really fulfilled our early promise." Right to the point. I felt that in a novel of contrasts, the most distinct one was the divide between what the characters felt they would be in life and what they actually become. Such a great book.

Same with me about the Iyer's books. You have me curious. Off to check out that cover art for Where Tigers Are at Home.

Really excited about the Borges too but even more so for the Bolano as I have not read any of the poetry yet. And as I told Richard above, both straight from the New Directions catalog. Which is almost always more tempting than any popularly published new release list.

And I do appreciate that handsome guy photo, Richard. I'll consider that a wonderful gift given your love of the less than lovely in your header. And that Nick Lowe reference was a surprise from a way distant past. I seem to remember some Ramones connection there but it eludes me for the moment.... I'll download momentarily. :) The Bolano and Borges additions here had no place in any popularly published lists I saw by the way. Straight from the New Directions catalog to here. If that makes you feel any better about finding things you want to read in a list like this.

Oh, that double dog dare spreads more tbr guilt around the ranks each year. I have been more mindful of the poor unread around me, but have given up on trying to limit acquisitions. I have gotten better about giving more books away though. Glad to hear you will be reading the Gaiman too.

I try and avoid all the hype around the release of any Gaiman work. Just want the work. :) But now that you mention it I would be pretty upset to not be bale to get my hands on a copy right away. Happy reading right back at you!

I know! It seems unfair. Try The Matchmaker? One of Gibbons favorite authors was Austen, and she really channels those relationships resplendent with misconceptions here. I think you would like it. Really. As for the Hawthorne book, you are welcome to mine once I read it. A gift from the nice people at OUP and I am happy to pass along to a fellow Hawthorne geek. DM me your address again? Not sure I will be able to find. :)

Aren't they beautiful? Happy reading to you as well, and I do ope you enjoy the Gibbons. I can highly recommend Westwood and The Matchmaker too.

I have not read "The Fort of the Bear." Have not even heard of it. Hold on. Searching now. And it is out of print. Thank you for an additional temptation. Looks like locally the Library of Congress holds a copy but it is out in storage at Fort Meade. Hmmm.....

It is a bit expensive for such a whimsical purchase. But so tempting... Happy reading and New Year to you as well!