Thursday, March 1, 2012

Over the Counter #100!

You might be saying to yourself - Hey - Luanne - didn't you already post this week's Over the Counter? Well, yes I did. But, I've been doing a lot of reading and not so much writing, so no review today. Instead  -  it's the 100th Over the Counter post! I myself am finding it hard to believe that I've been running this feature for over 2 years. I hope you're still enjoying it as much as I enjoy finding interesting books to showcase. Today? Well, it's Missed Connections by Sophie Blackall.

From the publisher Workman:

"In her first book for adults, the artist Sophie Blackall creates a deeply felt, poignant book about love—a book that captures the mystery, the yearning, at times the cosmic humor behind the “what if?” of a missed connection.

Like a message in a bottle, a “missed connection" classified (usually posted on a website) is an attempt however far-fetched, by one stranger to reach another on the strength of a remembered glance, smile, or blue hat. The anonymous messages are hopeful and hopeless, funny and sad. Ms. Blackall, award-winning illustrator of Ruby’s Wish and Big Red Lollipop, has turned some of the most evocative (or hilarious) of them into exquisite paintings.

Missed Connections is a collection of illustrated love stories. There’s “We Shared a Bear Suit.” “If Not for Your Noisy Tambourine.” “Hairy Bearded Swimmer.” Each is told in the shorthand of a “missed connection,” and then illustrated in Chinese ink and watercolor. The paintings are extraordinary: delicate yet full of feeling, each springing from one little detail of the post into a fully imagined world. Each brings the voyeuristic pleasure of watching love at first sight, and the pleasure of watching an artist discover a fresh new way to tell a story. And not all the connections are missed. Hidden in the book are three pieces that conjure up the magic of love found. "

(Over the Counter is a regular feature at A Bookworm's World. I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library. But... I can mention them and maybe one of them will catch your eye as well. See if your local library has them on their shelves!) On to the next one hundred!

4 comments:

cindysloveofbooks said...

Congrats on your 100th Over the counter post. I love this feature and see so many great books. Gee it must be hard working at a library and seeing all these great books pass your way.

Cynthia Morris said...

I love this concept and can't wait to check out the book. The Missed Connections section is one of hope and possibility and I'd love to know that some of those people actually re-met and it worked out!

Sigh. The romantic in me loves this book idea!

bermudaonion said...

This book looks like a lot of fun!

Luanne said...

Thanks Cindy - I'm so glad to hear you enjoy the feature!

Cynthia - the book actually says there were 3 'made'connections!

Kathy - I love this kind of book