IndieBound has released their Spring/Summer 2009 Indie Next List for Reading Groups, and it includes Molly Gloss’ The Hearts of Horses (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), and Ben Parzybok’s Couch (Small Beer Press). The list showcases “strong paperback titles” that are selected from nominations sent in by the ABA’s member booksellers.
Dan Cullen, ABA’s senior director for editorial content, remarked that “the reading group list has established itself as one of the most popular lists with consumers and passionate readers, and we hope that the Spring/Summer ’09 list continues the tradition.” According to the release “IndieBound receives the most requests for additional copies of the Reading Group list from booksellers, who use the list in a number of ways — from handouts at author events and special reading group nights to making it a part of in-store displays.” So Couch and The Hearts of Horses being on this list, could potentially move a significant number of copies off the shelves.
Both books represent equally well the amazing quality of writers we have here in Portland, and having read both, I can assure you that you’re missing out if you haven’t buried your nose in either one. Parzybok was gracious enough to attend a previous Reading Local Book Club, and Ms. Gloss was so kind as to respond to a few questions I had via email when this blog was just starting.
Have you read either of these books? What was your opinion upon finishing them?
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I have read both and I am so excited that they have been chosen by the Indie Next List. I especially liked Ben Parzybok’s ‘Couch’. It was so ‘out there’. It reminded me just a little of Gogol’s ‘The Nose’ or books by some contemporary Mexican writers where you’re not quite sure what parts to believe or if the the writer is just playing with your head. It’s magical. I recommend both.
Helen,
I was thoroughly entertained by Couch. Being a history lover, I was especially entertained during the part with the old man in the basement, where he was making the case for ancient civilizations. It got me thinking, in fact I picked up my copy of "1491" that I hadn't read yet, just to try and quench the thirst a little bit.
What contemporary Mexican writers would you be referring to?
The writers I was reminded of by 'Couch' are two Mexican-Americans, so I probably should not have said 'Mexican writers'. The first is Kathleen Alcala who lives in the Seattle area. Many of her works deal with 19th century Mexico. The one I read is her collection of short stories called 'Mrs. Vargas and the Dead Naturalist' . The second is the classic and controversial 'Bless Me, Ultima' by Rudolfo Anaya.
Helen,
They both sound very intriguing, and with such high recommendations I think I will have to add them to the "must read" list. Having enjoyed "Couch" so much, I look forward to anything that shares similar qualities to that story.
Thank you for the heads up!