A Look at Some Unbridled Books

Are you familiar with Unbridled Books?  I wasn't, until Safe From the Sea won the ndie Lit Award for Fiction last year.  In fact, that is what really opened my eyes to small publishers in general.  Are there any small publishers that have caught your attention or earned your loyalty?  Often, though the books they publish aren't all the same, there is a noticeable quality or characteristic they share--making each read a new, and yet familiar, experience.

"Unbridled Books is a premier publisher of works of rich literary quality that appeal to a broad audience. We want to be able to continue our longtime discussion about what allows a novel to touch our hearts and our minds at once. And we want our readers, booksellers, and reviewers to trust that when they pick up an Unbridled book, we’re inviting them to enjoy that rarest of pleasures, a good read." (from Unbridled's site)

My experience with Unbridled Books isn't as broad as I'd like--I've only known them for a year--but I have plenty of their books loaded on my Nook, and plenty more I'm interested in.  This year, I've read a handful of their books that I'd like to mention.

First, as I mentioned, was Safe From the Sea by Peter Geye.  (see my review here)  It's a little father/son estrangement/reconciliation, a little bit of history and life on the water, a little bit family/marriage and infertility, all mixed into spare, vivid writing, realistic characters, and a plot that keeps you reading.  I was impressed out how balanced the book was, in the writing, characters, and plot.  It really would appeal to wide audience & is one that I plan on re-reading soon.

The next book I read of theirs was After Hours at the Almost Home by Tara Yellen, a title from their backlist (2008).  It interested me partly because it sounded like an interesting combination of humor, quick-paced plot, and introspective character study.  It was indeed a quick read, taking place in a few hours at a bar.  We peek into the lives of all the employees--scattered pieces that add up to a full and complete story, reminding us that there is more to each of us than may initially meet the eye.  If you appreciate some depth to a story, but are in the mood for a quick read, this is a perfect pick.  As with Safe From the Sea, this is deceptively simple, quick to read, full of good writing and realistic, flawed characters.

After my second success with Unbridled Books, I was thrilled to receive Miss Entropia and the Adam Bomb by George Rabasa from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. (see my review here)  This is one of those incredibly unique books that tells a serious, heavy, story in a lighthearted, humorous way, and manage to balance the two perfectly.  Again, the writing is easy to read yet unique and beautiful, the characters have a depth that has made them occasionally pop into my memory as real people (takes me a minute or two to remember they were characters.)  He explores how we define mental illness, family, and our part in society.  Highly, highly recommended.



The only book I've read from my Nook books so far is Small Acts of Sex and Electricity by Lise Haines.  This was the first time in a long time that I've dipped into a book so relational.  I was a little nervous, to be honest, to read about a girl who steps into her best friend's life (husband and kids included) after the flaky lady skips town.  It was a little more romantic and drama-oriented than what I prefer, and yet the level of writing elevated above the common fare I expected.

I have many other books of theirs that I'm looking forward to reading, and they seem to be coming out with new must-reads all the time.  They seem to pick books that bridge the gap between simple and complex--they are like guilty pleasures, and yet they make you think and feel--making them a perfect choice for someone who isn't used to literary fiction, as well as those who are used to it.  Perfect vacation reading for me--treat yourself to an Unbridled Book today! (and no, I'm not affliated. just a fan!)

I'd love to know what small publishers (or imprints of larger publishers) that you love and trust--or maybe just keep your eye on...what has impressed you about them?  Who should I look into?

Three Cheers for Cheap Indie E-books!

Unbridled Books has teamed up with American Booksellers Association to offer 25 e-books for 25 cents each from June 9-11.

Unbridled Books is one of my new favorites, so I'm excited about this opportunity.  If any of these titles come close to Safe From the Sea or Miss Entropia and the Adam Bomb (I haven't written a review for this one yet, but it was great,) then we're all in for a treat.

The titles are all Google eBooks, and will be available for 25 cents via IndieCommerce websites...which you can find at this IndieBound page.

Here's a list of the 25 books, including blurbs and cover photos.  Spread the word, and get in on the fun!  

Bigger Isn't Always Better

Apart from the fear of toppling over, like Borders, the idea of size is something interesting to consider to consider in the grand scheme of literature, publishing and reading: bigger isn't always better.  I like independently owned books stores, small publishing houses and the authors they work with for the same reason I like the book blogging community: they are easier to get to know (more personal), and the chances are higher that you'll come away with a really great book.

Recently, the winners of the first annual Independent Literary Awards were announced, and the winner for Literary Fiction was Safe From the Sea by Peter Geye, published by Unbridled Books (see my review).  The author's and publisher's appreciation and respect for the awards (and book bloggers and readers in general)  has made the awards process so much more fulfilling than it might have been, although I didn't really consider that aspect while reading the shortlist.

Lyndsey at Amused, Bemused and Confused, one of the judges for the Indie Lit Awards in Literary Fiction, interviewed Peter, and his replies are such a delight to read (see the full interview here).  Whether you typically enjoy author interviews or not, this is one you should check out.  It doesn't happen very often that I enjoy an interview.  (No offense meant toward anyone--it is a personal defect, I am certain.  My mind drifts and I start to wonder if I have some odd form of ADD that inhibits me from concentrating on single paragraph responses.)  This interview, however, was an exception.

I'm looking forward to more writing from Peter Geye, and will definitely be getting my hands on more fiction from Unbridled Books.  If you want to know more, check out these links:

• A brief article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about Peter Geye winning the Indie Lit Awards.
• The Lit Witch had a Small Press Spotlight on Unbridled Books--a great intro to who they are
• Subscribe to Unbridled Books--a good deal for those who love their books
• She is Too Fond of Books interview with Unbridled about Cover Art
• Conversational Reading interview with Unbridled about publishing in a recession