The Duchess of Cambridge is in (the) hospital due to severe morning sickness. I know I speak for all the Debutantes here when I say we wish her a short stay and a very healthy pregnancy. One time, when I was leaning out of my car yakking in front of the public library, a helpful onlooker told me that the more severe the morning sickness, the more intelligent the child. My son used his toothbrush to clean his bestockinged feet the other night, so Kate, manage your expectations.
Here are some other things I love about England besides a the fact that against all odds the country still has a fertile monarchy:
1. My sister-in-law is from there. She’s delightful and is always saying “tosser” and “nappies” and “snog” with a totally straight face, as though they are actual words, which she insists they are.
2. Winston Churchill. Love that guy. “If you’re going through hell, keep going,” and all that.
3. The fact that they scooped us Americans on Dana Bate’s new release. I have no idea how this happened; Deb Dana is too much a lady to explain it and I’m too absent-minded to remember to ask when we talk. But somehow her British edition is coming out before her US one, a happening most rare indeed for American authors. What’s not rare is for the books to have wildly different covers, which is certainly the case here.
I love comparing international covers and sometimes find I prefer them to the American editions, or at least find them equally beautiful. I loved the UK edition of Elegance, for example:
And of Garden Spells, (though it was hard to top the US version):
There are times when I wish I could have both editions on my shelf, and I long for the day when every ebook download comes with a compendium of covers from across the globe where applicable, so you could pick your favorite, the way I can with my Martha Stewart Living iPad edition.
Since that day is not here, why not buy a copy of the British edition of The Secret Supper Club to tide you over until the US edition comes along? You can keep it for yourself–the international shipping is less painful than you’d think–or–just consider it–send it directly to St. James Palace. I for one think it would make an excellent read for that long third trimester when you don’t want to do anything–not snog, not think about all the nappies coming your way, and certainly not go out and risk being photographed by those paparazzi tossers–but sit on your royal duff and read a good book. Something fun, with lots of yummy food (you’re eating for two, after all) and perhaps a sizzling romance.
Happy reading, your ladyship!
No fair! Though I expect the Brits are quite happy to get THE SECRET SUPPER CLUB before us. *grin*
I add my best wishes (and sympathy for the raging morning sickness) to Kate. I do feel for her, having to go through her pregnancy in a fishbowl.
YOU ARE HILARIOUS.
That is all.
Thanks!
What Dana said. I’m laughing and I’m only half way through my first cup of coffee. Also – yes, poor Kate. The morning sickness thing was an all day sickness for me and it was misery. Can’t imagine having the whole world talk about it while you suffer. I’m sure it will make her feel better if everybody were to buy Dana’s book.
Right? Someday I am going to find the person who named it morning sickness and give him a big slap.
p.s. I love this “choose your cover” idea. Let’s make this happen!!!
This post is hilarious! Let’s not forget the ever favorite bollocks and going to the loo.
It’s fun to see the differences in the international covers and titles. It always amazes me how the same book can be seen so differently to folks abroad.
What I find amazing is that cover trends don’t always translate across countries, even in this global economy we’re living in. Taste is, it turns out, just as much about nationality as it is about personality…at least in book covers.
Thanks for commenting, Heather! Glad to have you here.
I think you’ve got the next big thing, Kelly! I love the idea of being privy to all the versions of a book cover. What a wonderful way to make the world of reading a little smaller, still!
Oh agree, absolutely, I love so many things about the UK! Their use of the word “brilliant” for example. And “shag”. Right?
I always wondered what the Brits thought about shag rugs. Must have been a little like when we Americans started walking around with pouches that we called “Fanny packs.” Shocking!