Sweet Tooth Haven

Waiting for Part Two

Currently I'm awaiting the release of two books.  Both are the second in a trilogy.  If you like fantasy or crime/mystery novels, I recommend both of these books.  However, pick them up at your own peril, soon you'll be wanting more and left waiting like me.

Two years ago I read the wonderful fantasy novel, The Name of the Wind by first-time author Patrick Rothfuss.  I read it knowing it was the first in a trilogy and as soon as I was finished I found myself ready for the next part.  Last April I ordered The Wise Man's Fear (Part 2) for myself and my brother-in-law and reread Name of the Wind while I waited for it to arrive. It never did, and even though I checked Amazon everyday, it took me about a week to realized the release date was indeed April, but of 2010. Oh well, at least I've had something to look forward to for the past year. 

***UPDATE 4/9/2009***  I just read Patrick Rothfuss's blog and it doesn't look like Wise Man's Fear will be out anytime soon. 

Just last week I finished reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larson.  This was the first time I read a novel set entirely in Sweden and I was intrigued.  A disgraced financial reporter, Mikael Blomkvist, is hired by a wealthy octogenarian to look into the mysterious disappearance of a beloved family member.  The trouble is the disappearance happened decades ago and every lead seems to have already been followed to the end.  The narrative switches between Mikael's story and that of the title character until their paths cross.  All three novels are released in the author's native Sweden.  The translated version of the second book,The Girl Who Played With Fire, is already out in England, and while I could purchase it from amazon.co.uk, I'll wait until July.  It's always nice to have a good book to read during the summer.

         

Customer Service, Defined

I would like to thank the good folks at Anchor Hocking for renewing my faith in Customer Service.  Here's my story:

I have been using ramekins covered with plastic wrap as little individual fruit bowls for at least a year.  I knew there had to be a better way, and during a recent shopping trip I found a set of Anchor Hocking glass storage bowls with plastic lids.  No more plastic wrap, Horray! 

After about a week, I was frustrated that two of the lids would not remained shut, no matter what.  Before I tried returning the entire set without any packaging or receipt, I decided (with very little hope) to try and contact Anchor Hocking for a replacement.  I looked up their website and found the Customer Service - Consumer Affairs email link. 

Here's my email dated 2/17/09:

Hello,

I recently purchased a set of glass storage containers at Target.  It was an 8 piece set containing 4 glass bowls and 4 lids.  Are there replacement lids available?   Two of the lids fit perfectly and stay on, but 2 lids keep popping off.

Thank you,
M

And the reply dated 2/20/09

Dear M:

Thank you for taking the time to contact Anchor Hocking regarding the
problem you have experienced with your glassware product offering.

Anchor Hocking strives to maintain high quality standards to produce the
finest glassware available. Therefore it is important for us to hear of
any problems that you experience with our product.

If you will provide the capacity size of the bowls or the UPC code we
will send replacement covers with our compliments. Please include your
last name and address (NO PO BOX).

We look forwarding to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

ANCHOR HOCKING COMPANY

Amy (last name removed)
Consumer Affairs


Quite surprising, right.  After I sent my last name and address I got an immediate reply that the lids would be arriving in 4-6 weeks.

And so, the lesson is, there are still some American companies that provide good, old fashioned customer service.  Thank you.