Company’s coming, and I’m trying to clean up the stacks. Here are four, oddly assorted books I’m putting in my “going, going, gone” box. It’s time they called somewhere else home:
Angel, city of, (Pocket Pulse), a paperback novelization of the series premiere by Nancy Holder: I remain an ardent Buffy/Angel/Joss Whedon fan, but my loyalty does not extend to books based on teleplays. I don’t know where this came from, but it appears to have never been read. I’ll keep my DVD.
Final Payments (Random House), a book club hardcover edition of Mary Gordon’s fine 1978 debut novel. Gordon has moved on, and so have I.
Henry and Cato (Viking), a used hardcover of Iris Murdoch’s 1976 novel about two boyhood friends whose lives intersect as grown-ups in complex ways. At least that’s what I remember. For those who like Murdoch.
Prayers for Rain (Harper Torch), a beat-up paperback copy of Dennis Lehane’s fifth crime novel in the wonderful Patick Kenzie-Angie Gennaro series. This edition also includes the first chapters of the previous four books, including Gone, Baby, Gone and my favorite, Darkness, Take My Hand. I think this must have been a traveling copy — I always have at least one book in my pocketbook — because of its condition. My pristine hardcover Lehanes remain in my care.
On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever 
After The Given Day and Shutter Island, I’ve decided I like LeHane! I will put my name in for that one. I don’t usually like popping into the middle of a series, but I figure if I like it, I can go back and start at the beginning! Thank you!!!
Sandy and everyone reading the Lehane series — do try to read them in order as there is progression. First is A Drink Before the War, then Darkness, Take My Hand, followed by Sacred, Gone Baby Gone and then Prayers for Rain.
Also, the “out” box and its contents go to charity. I can’t honor individual requests. The logistics and postage are beyond me. Sorry for any miscommunication.
Nancy
Thanks for your mention of Lehane. I met him (and you!) at his book signing for his last book at the Barnes and Noble. Such a wonderful evening! I treasure his books and that evening was so special!!
Susan
I’ve read all of the Lehane’s thrillers, and while I’ve liked every single one, “Darkness Take My Hand” remains one of my favorites. It was truly creepy and stuck with me long past the point where I feel comfortable admitting it!