Following a trip to Hay Literary Festival in May and visits to lots of book shops I have accumulated an ever growing collection of unread books. I have given myself a stiff talking to and vowed that I will not buy any more (ha!) until I have considerably downsized the current pile. These are the first 5 that will be getting my immediate attention during the next weeks.
1. We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler
This was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2014 so as ever I’m a bit behind the curve. However, I’ve enjoyed Karen Joy Fowler before and having read so many positive reviews of this, her latest novel, I can’t wait t dive in.
2. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
I’m a little nervous about this because I fear I may not like it, and I really want to. I picked it up by mistake from our second hand book stall at work. I haven’t read any Donna Tartt before and had intended to start with The Goldfinch. However as is the way when faced with books and especially bargain ones, I become over excited, and reasoning and good sense goes out of the window. So it was only when I took this out of my bag at home I realised I had picked up the wrong book. (if there is such a thing of course). However, I am taking courage from Alice at Of Books and her words on The Secret History.
3. The Village by Marghanita Laski
I’ve had a couple of lovely visits to Persephone Books this year and been unable to resist their selection of mainly female fiction. One of my favourite reads this year has been ‘The Home Maker’, now a Persephone Classic, so I am looking forward to some more vintage joy with this.
4. Someone by Alice McDermott
I picked this up earlier in the year in Barnes and Noble the huge New York Book Store. I knew nothing about it except it was by an American writer and was set in America. This was my only criteria when book shop shopping in NY.
5. The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
I love, love loved The Rosie Project and can’t wait to lose my self in the sequel. I’m told by those in the know it’s just as good.
My only dilemma now is which to read first Decisions, decisions…..
I really enjoyed The Home Maker. Love Persephone books. Just been re reading Good Evening, Mrs Craven.
Author
They are such gorgeous books aren’t they. Perhaps I should seek out Good Evening Mrs Craven. If you are re reading it, i’m guessing it must be very good.
I like a short story at bedtime 🙂 they are an interesting look at wartime Britain.
Author
I haven’t read a huge amount of short stories but I can see what you say about them being good for bedtime.
I read The Secret History last September and really enjoyed it, quite enexpectedly. For a weighty tome it’s a surprisingly fast-flowing read. Give it a go. Was planning on the Goldfinch first too but still haven’t got there!! Enjoy your summer reading xx
Author
Yes, I think I remember you reading it Karen. Look forward to letting you know how I get on x
You may have got to it already, but I cannot recommend We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves enough.
Oh, I just noticed The Secret History! It’s one of my all time favourite books, I am confident you will enjoy it.
Author
Yes, I had seen from your blog that its one of our favourites. I shall be buoyed on by your confidence!
Author
Yes i’ve bought it. I’ve heard so many good things and can’t wait to start it.