Yesterday, in my post office box, I found one of those pink cards that says “Wait forever in a long line to pick something up because it’s too big to fit in your box.”
Frankly, I was annoyed. The line was loooooonnng because they’d just put out the P.O. box mail. And I wasn’t expecting anything, so I had no idea what it was. Even worse, I was mentally home already and deep into my fictional world. Still, a package is a package, right? I stood in line.
When the clerk brought it, the envelope was mangled — torn in two different places — and the flap was … ummm … flapping (sorry). The post office had bagged the whole mess just to keep it together.
I didn’t recognize the return address, so as soon as I got back to my car, I ripped it open.
And … oh, my swooning heart!! … I pulled out a book (thankfully and miraculously unscathed by whatever machine damaged the envelope).
But not just a book. An ARC*!
But not just an ARC. An ARC by one of favorite authors!
But not just an ARC by one … oh, scratch that construction, I can’t wait to tell you. Michelle Richmond sent me an ARC of No One You Know , her latest novel, due for release June 24!! <insert fangirl SQUEEEE!!!!>
You may remember Richmond’s novel A Year of Fog was one of my two favorite novels from 2007 (the other was Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson). I very nearly peeked at the end of A Year of Fog, even though I HATE spoilers, because I couldn’t stand the suspense (I managed to resist, and survived, but barely).
I was THRILLED. I had a very busy couple of days (back-to-back activities, and no free time at all), but I couldn’t resist opening the book and reading the first page. It was fascinating!
No One You Know pulls at me. I tried to dip my toes in the water, but I can almost hear the slurping sound of liquid going down the drain, and it’s drawing me under. I cannot resist the urge. I cannot help myse …
*glug, glug*
*ARC stands for Advanced Reader Copy. They are galley proofs printed and bounded and sent to reviewers and other early readers.
May 13, 2008 at 9:01 pm |
Wheee! What a nice surprise, although it took some time and heartache (seeing the package ruined!) to get it!!
May 14, 2008 at 1:22 pm |
Wow! This is awesome to hear. ARCs are great, and now I definitely want to seek out that author. Thanks!
May 14, 2008 at 7:13 pm |
Great surprise indeed! comes to those who wait, huh?
May 16, 2008 at 8:57 am |
You lucky woman! Can’t wait for the review!