Happy New Year everybody! I’m a little late with this but better late
than never. Since the new year is a time
for looking forward but also taking stock of the past year I thought I’d share
with you my year of reading. This has
nothing to do with food but since this is a food blog I put some gluten free
banana millet muffins in the picture to make us all feel comfortable. Recipe here.
(They are really good by the way). Regulars
may know I have a big commute to my day job.
I honestly don’t think I would keep my sanity half so well on this
commute if it wasn’t for the joy of reading a good book on the train. Reading transports you away from the train
delays, the dubious smelling person you are sitting next to, the man coughing
up phlegm behind, the tall woman resting her newspaper on your head (I’m short
and this actually happened). I don’t
keep track of what I’ve read but I wish I had.
I know I average about one book a week. I’m guessing maybe 45 in a year. The reason for this review is purely self
indulgent. In about a month my job
relocates (even further away) and I will have to drive to work instead of getting
the train. No more stories to transport
me into another world as I sit staring at the bumper of the car in front of
me. Books will have to become my
occasional friends rather than my constant companions. Books, I will miss you...unless anyone
fancies sitting in my car and reading to me...
If I had to choose a top five:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott:
If you read one book on writing this should be it. I’ve seen it recommended on quite a few
different blogs. It is instantly
readable and it tells the truth about writing, warts and all. I devoured it in
one sitting and found it so inspiring.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt: Beautifully written, a chilling mystery set in an elite New England
college. So good I made my husband read
it too so we could discuss. He devoured
it as speedily as I did.
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain: The story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest
Hemmingway’s first wife. Set in the
glamour of Jazz age Paris among artists and writers. I love everything about this era.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield: A chilling and twisted tale
of twin sisters and a mysterious house. This prompted an American lady sitting next to
me on the train to start up a discussion about how great this book is.
The Pursuit of Happiness by Douglas Kennedy: I’ve read quite a few
Kennedy books this year. His writing is
always instantly gripping and this is probably the most well known and best of
his novels. Set in post war Manhattan
during the time of McCarthyism this is a thrilling tale of love and betrayal. If you are reading this Mr Kennedy, please
get your book covers re-designed. They
look like Mills and Boon.
I used to be such a bookworm. I woudl go to the library, borrow up to the max limit, plonk on the couch, read for 24 hours-sleeping hours, then return and repeat. I haven't read a fiction book in ages though, ever since I got busier in uni. That's one of my resolutions in the enw year, to pick up reading again(: sounds like a great list to start there, happy new year caz!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shu Han, yes it can be hard to find time to read. Good new years resolution to try. I hope you manage to get some time this year. :)
Deletecaz: bird by bird is a bible to me! and...you can always do books on tape! still transports you to another world. not the same as the physical experience of reading, but a different kind of enjoyable. lastly, goodreads is a great way of keeping track of how many books you've read, marking books you want to read, etc etc. happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ariyele, happy new year to you too! Yes I've been meaning to get on Good Reads for a while. I must get around to it. Thanks for the tip.
DeleteI've been wanting to read The Paris Wife. I need to read more!
ReplyDeleteAnd, happy new year to you as well!!
Happy New Year to you Elizabeth. The Paris Wife is a great book, I hope you enjoy it. :)
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