Especially on the tube as we go out and about, finding What I'm reading right now:
- A bedtime story for O - Miss Happiness and Miss Flower by Rumer Godden. A firm favourite from my childhood which I had forgotten about until a friend reminded me of it last year. The sweet story of a child who builds a Japanese doll's house for some new dolls she is given. O is absolutely loving it.
- Two dip-in-and-out history books - Life in Victorian Britain by Michael Paterson and The Victorians by Jeremy Paxman. I loved the Paxman series on TV last year - it was over far too quickly and I think I only managed to catch about half the episodes.
- An old comfort re-read at bedtime - Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. I love all her books but this is the one I return to most often.
- A new book for my handbag and the tube journey to and from work - The Great Lover by Jill Dawson. Very good indeed so far.
- And in my 'to read' pile...The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. A friend has leant it to me, but I am apprehensive. Not sure why. Also, The Information Officer by Mark Mills - I've loved all his books so far.
What's in your reading pile at the moment?
I am reading Burnt Shadows, The Dud Avocado, and The Clothes on their Backs for various bookgroups. Eeeek.
ReplyDeleteMiss Happiness and Miss Flower is one of my very favourite books from childhood. I think Mrs M from the Magpie Files is a big fan too. I always wanted to have a Japanese tea party and have little paper flowers that uncurled in water, and make a wishing tree. Time to introduce Tall Small, I do believe.
I have several books on the go too-firstly, The Kitchen Encyclopedia by Nella Whitfield that I found in a second hand bookshop recently. No date of publication but ANCIENT. Secondly I have just started Engleby by Sebastian Faulks, loving it so far, thirdly, Homemade by Ros Badger and Elspeth Thompson-a beautiful book full of inspiration, and lastly, Yeah! I Made It Myself by Eithne Farry. I bought it because I read an article in the paper about her that was interesting. Rather good book too.
ReplyDeleteYou are right to be wary of the Boy in the striped pj's. Was it me that sent it to you??!!
I'm currently reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It is absolutely spellbinding and I'm off to bed to read some more!
ReplyDeleteThat Rumer Godden book looks good, I used to love The Doll's House. I've got The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher and Past Imperfect by Julian Fellowes on my pile, both excellent. As well as some lovely craft and cooking books from the library.
ReplyDeleteI have just finished Rough Music by patrick gale, love him!
ReplyDeleteHave just started How to be a better person by Seb Hunter, v. funny he has been volunteering in all manners over 2 years and his descriptions of the grumpy lady in the Oxfam shop, and the drunks at the night shelter are cheering me up no end! It's good for 'dipping' into!
I too have a copy of the boy in striped pyjamas sitting in my bedroom, beckoning me. My 15 yr old daughter read it first and said Mum you MUST read it! but the right mood has not yet arrived. I fear that it may be one of those books that hit harder once you become a parent, which is why I haven't devoured it ( which is what I do with most new books in the house). It's a bit like when I went to the Imperial War Museum with my daughter when she was studying GCSE History and she went 'upstairs' to the holocust exhibits and she foolish mother stayed downstairs on the premise of looking after the younger ones!
Coward or what. Happy Summer Reading to all! Luxury!
Jill Cambridge
Just finished the latest Maisie Dobbs novel - very good. Now on to a random assortment from friends: The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Of a Feather, and The Coronation (a Boris Akunin novel). I too have the Boy in the Striped Pajamas lingering on my shelf!
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