In My Bag (21) Special Edition

In My Bag is my version of the weekly meme, In My Mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren, and it explores the contents of my mailbox or shopping bag on a weekly basis.

There is a story behind this week's post: Several months ago I finally managed to stop by a new independent book store near my home. I had heard of its opening, and while it's technically located in another city, I was thrilled to have a local indie seller I could support. From the local artwork placed throughout the store to the beautiful murals in the children's section, Cavalier House Books had me from the ding of the door chimes. John and Michelle's store is a book lover's dream; it's really no wonder people tell Michelle she reminds them of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail.

Since my first visit, I've followed CHB on Facebook and Twitter, and I have been looking forward to several of their upcoming events. One such event was a Banned Book Swap in honor of Banned Books Week. I was already thinking of attending when John emailed me regarding my blog. You see, there's this new thing out there where independent bookstores are partnering with local book bloggers to promote their common interest and reach out to new audiences. Can I tell you I was STOKED when John and Michelle ran this by me?

I officially met them at the Banned Books Swap, which was fantastic. There was a good turnout with books including Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan being discussed. I came home with a few of my own swapped books, but what really made my night was the amazing gift John and Michelle had waiting. While attending the SIBA Trade Show, they picked up a few review copies for me including... wait for it... Where She Went by Gayle Forman. SQUEE! To tell you I screamed in the car on the way home is not an exaggeration.


For review:

Where She Went by Gayle Forman

The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Matched by Allie Condie

+ a Vlad Tod tote bag

Swapped:

 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

So that was my exciting news! What'd you guys get this week?