When the new book by Jonathen Franzen goes on sale on Tuesday, it will mark the conclusion of some of the biggest pre-publication fanfare the book world has seen in some time. (Harry Potter, perhaps?)

Franzen, the former Webster Groves resident, appeared on the cover of Time magazine. President Obama picked up an advance copy of Franzen's book, "Freedom," and it's already climbing the best-seller lists.

The book is another up-close examination of a Midwestern family, which was the same general idea of his previous monster book, "The Corrections."

The author admits he's enjoying the buzz around the release of the book, which some critics have already dubbed a masterpiece.

Of course, the final word will come from regular readers who will love, hate or be somewhat indifferent to this book.

I'm a big reader. I could easily spend four or five hours and too much money in any area bookstore. Same goes for libraries, yard sales and book sales.

Has there ever been a particular book you were dying to read before it was released? Or are there old classics you return to time and time again? Do you hurry to get your hands on a book -- in print, via the library or e-version -- based on what you are hearing? Or has there been a book with great buzz that was a big disappointment to you?