Thursday, February 10, 2011

sweet lagoon

Last night, I walked into the Booksmith and was immediately greeted by this propped up on the front table. I literally gasped out loud. 
Karen Russell is my favorite author. My senior year of college, I devoured her first book, a book of short stories titled "St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves." 
I immediately grabbed Swamplandia! off the table and began reading the first page. I was instantly enthralled. Karen has a way of describing things with color - every book, every story, has a color palette, often times in beautiful, Louisiana-swamp type colors. This book is green (like a chartreuse), black, and navy blue. I fell in love instantly. 
I'm also so excited she's written a novel. Some writers are built for short stories, some for longer feats. I am certain from what I've read of her stories that she is one of those writers who is capable of effortlessly mixing with the two.
As soon as I got home, I ordered it on Amazon (they have some great deals). I know it's going to be one of my favorite books. I am debating whether or not I should save this for an upcoming plane ride or read it as soon as it comes. I guess it depends on what mood I'm in when it arrives!
Anyway, I had to share the good news of this novel. I highly recommend her as an author!!
xoxo
Amanda

4 comments:

ETCIllustration said...

Yay for small victories! Also, what a glorious cover illustration!

Amanda Laurel Atkins said...

I know, I LOVE the cover!

Unknown said...

I read the short story book last month and Swamplandia! was one of my favorite stories in it! So glad she's expanded it into a whole novel!

Amanda Laurel Atkins said...

I know! It is one of the best stories in the book, I completely forgot they shared a title!! I don't think I'm going to be able to wait till my plane ride to read it. haha