Since I don’t really have time to post anything much today, I thought I’d open the blog up to anyone’s opinions on what gets you to pick up/buy/read a book. I mentioned in yesterday’s post that I totally read the author quotes. I don’t have much time to read the blurbs at the store–I’m always toting one or more children. I find my mind wandering if I try to read them, and besides, I sort of want to be surprised.

Anyway, Catherine Avril-Morris was surprised by this admission, commented on this blog, and posted about it herself. I not only replied to her comment on my blog, but commented on hers as well. So I won’t rehash any of that here.

What I would like to know is…what gets to you?

The blurb? The cover? The quotes? The hype? The reviews? The recommendations?
This is good marketing info.

Kid Humor:
My little one has a favorite pair of navy blue underwear. It was actually in the first pack I ever bought him when he was two and starting to potty-train. They’re still a little large (he has a tiny hiney), but he wants them as soon as I do a wash. He got them out last night and pulled them on to wear for a school day. So this morning, I’m blow-drying my hair, and he comes in and peeks over the counter, hopping up and down, admiring himself front and back in his undies. It was adorable.

I’ve been slowly sifting through email since I got back (most of it Yahoo digests) and in reading the Publisher’s Lunch emails found a book I’m now very eager to read. It’s called The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. The author quotes are awesome and any book that’s billed as laugh-out-loud funny, I feel the need to look into. The last book I think I laughed out loud at was Going Coastal by Wendy French. Although I could be overlooking something. Since it’s hardback, I immediately surfed over to my library’s website and placed a hold on it. I think I’m number 6. But I also checked it out on Amazon…six reviews, all five stars. We shall see…

While on our trip, we purchased an in-room movie: The Night at the Museum for $12.99 plus tax, figuring it would be cheaper than all of us going to the movie, but still entertain the boys (i.e. keep them hotel-quiet). It was cute. I love Ben Stiller. Even my husband (who had pre-conceived notions that it would be all fluff) liked it. So, two thumbs up.

Oh, and I’m still catching up on everyone else’s blog…

Well, we’re back! One week (minus the gazillion hours of driving time) to take in San Diego, and I’d say we did pretty well. We hit the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park, Legoland, the aquarium and the beach. We went on a whale-watching expedition (3 1/2 hours!) and hit a couple of museums too. And now we’re back. And I see hours and hours of unpacking and laundry ahead of me. I am looking forward to downloading all our pictures though…I think I got some good ones. I, however, am a rare sight on this vacation (that’s pretty typical since I take all the picures). I definitely recommend San Diego as a prime tourist spot though–it’s beautiful there, with so much to do!

I did greatly appreciate all those words of encouragement from everyone on my editing doldrums. After a week of barely thinking about my WIP, now I’m anxious to get back to it. I just wish I were one of those writers who churned out fabulous stuff the first time instead of ‘it’s getting there’ stuff the twelfth time.