Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Book Hoarder

A friend who knows me well sent me this recently.


And how right she was.  I am a bookaholic and find it much, much easier to acquire books than I do to give them up.  However, before I launch into a discussion of some of the books I have reading, I am going to digress and express my heart felt sympathies to my friend - and everyone who lives in her city.

My friend has book hoarding tendencies herself, and is instilling the same habit in her boys.  She and her family live in Napa and have rather more on their plates than books at the moment.    On Sunday an earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter Scale hit their city, which must have been terrifying.  This first shot is inside their house.


And the next inside their garage.




It seems that whatever could fall down did.  Including some things that no-one expected to fall.  The clean-up and repair work ahead of them is huge - and daunting.  My heart goes out to them.  However the whole family, their dog and their cats are safe.  Which is what matters.

I hope that the clean-up, tidy-up and repairs for them, and for everyone affected, goes smoothly, and that life resumes an even (not rocking, lurching or crashing) keel soon.

Returning to my bookaholic ways.  I always have at least two (and often more) books on the go at once.  They can be fiction or non-fiction and I don't restrict myself to any particular genre either.  I have favourites, but few restrictions.  I read for education, comfort, beauty, escape, humour and delight.  And achieve it.  Often.

I read every day, no matter how busy I am (or should be) and regardless of how I am feeling.  These are some of the books which have been taking me away from domestic duties recently.

The first, The London Jungle Book by Bhajju Shyam was one that  Dinahmow flagged as one that I might like.  And how right she was.


Bhajju Shyam is an artist from the Gond tribe in Central India, and this book reflects his first encounter with a western metropolis, and with international travel.
He went to London to paint murals in an Indian Restaurant and the book is a visual travelogue - and a delight.  The Gond traditional way of thinking and painting says that reality is less important than how things are seen and perceived by the onlooker.  Accordingly, the things that were important to him were drawn much larger than other things.... so a train can be smaller than a human, and thoughts can be expressed as birds - carrying him in all sort of directions ever higher.
He saw, and drew the airport as a huge bird of prey.  An eagle which swallows the humans who line up to be let inside.  Not a perspective I had ever considered - but it made a heap of sense to me.

As did his discussion about 'becoming a foreigner'.  He had seen foreigners before but when he landed in London he discovered that his colour was different, and that his language had been taken away.  He had become a foreigner!!!

The cover to the book is taken from his illustration of Big Ben - the temple of time.  He has a watch - but his symbol of time is a rooster, which wakes you up at sunrise and allows the day to follow its course.
This slim book is a pictorial and philosophical delight.  I have read it several times - and get more from it each and every time.

The next is Kate Atkinson's Life after Life.



I think I have read most of her books - and am likely to continue.  She is a very varied author.  Varied subjects, and her 'voice' and style changes with each novel as well.

This one I had reservations about after reading the blurb.  'What if you had the chance to live your life again and again, until you finally got it right?'

And I was wrong to doubt her.  The books starts with a snowstorm in England in 1910.  A baby is born.  The baby dies before her first breath.
During that same snowstorm, a baby is born - and survives.
And we follow that baby and her family through to 1945.  Characters die, characters get second, third and further chances.  Some fundamental things change, and some retain a form of permanence.

That baby grows up, and develops/acquires a strong sense of deja vue.   Which causes difficulties.

As I said, I had reservations when I picked it up.  I wondered whether it would descend into confusion or mawkishness.  Which it didn't.  There was one time slip/life relived that I found unsatisying, but only one.  Ambitious, and gripping.

My next featured book is again courtesy of Dinahmow.  A gift.  The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.


The Night Circus arrives without fanfare or warning.  It simply appears.  Materialises.   Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. And is a circus like no other.

Behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians.  The rules are uncertain, the goal is uncertain.  And, for much of the book the magicians are not certain who they will be competing against.  Or what the prize will be.  Or the cost of losing.


It is a highly descriptive book.  Sometimes lyrical, sometimes foreboding.  Always complex.  

And I loved it.  And would go to that circus if ever I got the chance.  Again and again.

Thank you Di.  Very much.

And the final book to this post is different again. Heart Sick by Chelsea Cain.




 I have a weakness for murder mysteries.  My uncertain memory means that I am not certain who dies, let alone who the culprit is so I can read them again and again. 

Gretchen Lowell, a serial killer, captures her last victim.  The man who was in charge of hunting her down.  She tortures and maims him, just as she has her other victims.  And then, instead of killing him, calls for medical assistance - and hands herself in, and is sentenced to life imprisonment.

Two years later, he is back at work.  Searching for another serial killer.  And as he searches we learn more about his time in captivity.  And more about his captor.  

I understand that there are more novels in this series also featuring Gretchen.  It is a fascinating premise, but I am not certain whether I am strong enough to read them.  This was apparently Chelsea Cain's debut and it is clever.  And very, very nasty. 

It is crowded inside my head - and every thing I read feeds, nurtures, sustains that crowd.  And gives rise to further growth.  Which I think is a good thing. 

116 comments:

  1. I can't read books about torture and maiming, they make me feel ill. I'm wimpy that way. I like suspense but not grisly suspense. I'd rather wander in a scifi universe and fantasy worlds like Meilori's of Roland's writings. I also read to learn more about history, places and future things.

    I, too, am a book hoarder (and seldom loan them out, as some friends never return them). I used to daydream about being locked inside a library at night so I could read to my heart's content. Mom called me a bookworm.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D.G Hudson: Heart Sick was well outside my comfort zone as well. I too am a wimp. The violence wasn't (fortunately) graphic, but it still gave me difficulties.
      And I too have been called a bookworm. There are worse things.

      Delete
  2. I too feel for all those people in Napa. I saw pictures of some of the wineries that had barrels of perfectly good wine all broken and a sea of wine on the floor! I do hope everyone is able to recover from this event without too much trauma. Nobody died, which is good.

    I went immediately to my library to reserve that London Jungle Book, but they don't have it!. I've read Life After Life, and I enjoyed it, too, but I was able to reserve The Night Circus and look forward to it. I'm not much of a mystery reader, so I'll skip the last one. But thanks so much for all the new ideas for reading! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DJan: A sea of wine is an awful thought. And yes, no-one died which is surprising and wonderful.
      Let me know what you think of The Night Circus.

      Delete
    2. DJan, that book is published by http://www.tarabooks.com/ so you may have more luck via them.

      Delete
  3. I've seen good reviews for The Night Circus.
    Sorry for your friends! What a mess. Glad they are safe though.Things can be replaced. People can't.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex J. Cavanaugh: I rarely read reviews and even more rarely before I read a book. The Night Circus was a great fit for me - but I suspect that other people will have loathed it. Which is fine.

      Delete
  4. I feel for your friends and all the countless others who live in Napa. Earthquakes are so destructive. In so many ways.

    Thanks for the heads-up on the books you've read. It's always nice to hear about books other people have enjoyed. Saying that, if my to-be-read-list gets any bigger, one of my rooms is going to look much like the insides of your first photo. Not too far from the truth either. Pah! Too many books, not enough time ...

    I will, however, bookmark this page. Just in case :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wendy: My un-read pile was a tower. It is now several towers. Leaning towers.
      And I work hard and whittle it down (a bit) and then pile more on top of it.

      Delete
  5. Kate Atkinson? I wish she’d get on and write another one of her mesmerising books. As for the other writers you mention, I’ve not read nay. And I certainly won’t read the nasty thriller. My sensitive nerves wouldn’t stand it.

    It’s always good to have bloggers recommend books. I am getting to be more and more voracious about reading; blogging comes a poor second nowadays.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Friko: Kate Atkinson is good isn't she? Very good.
      Heart Sick is well outside my normal reading range - for good reason. I am a wimp.
      Bloggers (you included) have introduced me to many books. And seduced me.

      Delete
  6. So scary for Napa residents. I've visited that beautiful area and have family living there who are sending pics through viber. So, so scary...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Romance Book Haven: Seeing the photos coming out of Napa I am surprised that no-one was killed. Surprised and happy.

      Delete
  7. Reading I do less or it now there was a time when I was always reading but now I've lost interest, I miss it but are finding it hard to get into the stories but I still keep all my favourites.
    Earthquakes are frightening, glad your friends are ok.
    Merle..............

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Merlesworld: I keep and reread my favourites too. And add to them as well.

      Delete
  8. I'm an anti-hoarder, I think! I can't stand to have books around after I've read them. That's why I LOVE my Kindle! SO sorry to see those pictures of her house. We went through the 2010 flood in Nashville and had to rebuild our house, so I know what a beast Mother Nature can be.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie Faris: I can understand why so many people love e-books, but I am not a fan. The reading experience includes the feel and smell of books for me. The feel of the paper, the weight of the book... And 'real' books are much easier to flip through looking for that passage you remember...

      Delete
  9. We are down-sizing. Giving books away is painful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Kane: Very painful I imagine. I do at least one book cull a year - and they hurt.

      Delete
  10. I have no issue with hoarding books, just cds and vinyl. And other crap. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LL Cool Joe: My cherished collections are someone else's crap. Which I think is true of all hoards - and hoarders.

      Delete
  11. Well, here's a surprise...I thought that today I might stoke the old blog boiler and see if there is anything tasty in the pot.I planned to mention a couple of books...
    I'm pleased Night Circus hit the spot.And when I return my library books I'll reserve a couple of these.Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dinahmow: The Night Circus DID hit the spot but so, in very different ways, did The London Jungle Book.

      Delete
  12. Book hoarding is a good kind of sickness, isn't it? Because we're travelling full time in an RV - I have had to reduce by leaps and bounds the amount of books I have - because weight is a serious consideration. So, how heavenly that tablets have come into being...so many books, so little weight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara: That is probably the only way I would warm to e-reading. And I would still regret the tactile sensation that only books can bring.

      Delete
  13. I have a book sickness. Yes, I read everyday as much as possible. Life After Life strikes my fancy the way you desribed it...I must add it to my LONG list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bookie: If you are anything like me that list is very long indeed - and growing all the time.

      Delete
  14. Earthquakes, how awful, I know how lucky we are to have at worst a lot of rain here. I feel for her. The Night Circus has been sat next to the bedside cabinet looking at me for over a year. I needed a recommendation I think and yours is a fine one. I MUST try and read. Must. I keep giving up and it's a poor show. I'll try again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All Consuming: When you are ready. I think that some books make their own time and trying to read them before you are ready is a mistake.

      Delete
  15. The Night Circus was one of those books that kept me up to about 4:00 a.m. A fabulous read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ditchingthedog: I thought so too. I cannot tell you how many 'important' tasks I neglected to finish it. And I will read it again too. Probably several times.

      Delete
  16. Always enjoy your book reviews EC. It reminds me what I am missing out on in the form of reading for pleasure. I think I will track the London Jungle Book down. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. P.S. Got so engrossed in your book review, I forgot to mention my sympathies for your friend in Napa. I hate the thought of earthquakes myself.

      Delete
    2. Carol in Cairns: I hope you like The London Jungle Book. I am currently reading (and enjoying) Salt Story which you waved in front of my weak-willed self.
      Earthquakes are scary beasts aren't they? As so much of nature is (or can be).

      Delete
  17. Heart Sick is my kinda book! The earthquake mess is NOT my kinda idea of California living. And right now, I'm working on a card for you, but it's not what you'd expect. Uh....not that I'd know what you'd expect. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lotta joy: A card? From you? Joy and bliss. Your cards are amazing.

      Delete
  18. I loved Life after Life!
    The other two books are on my 'to read' list. But 'A brief history of the dead' got in the way, and was wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kristin: Kate Atkinson is very, very clever isn't she. And 'A brief history of the dead' is on my to read list.
      Some time, would you be generous enough to let me know whether and where you blog? I would very much like to return your visits.

      Delete
  19. It would be so frightening to experience an earthquake. You'd have no idea what was coming next...how long it was going to last...scary. When I was a kid and watched movies with earthquakes in them I felt the same...I think that's where my fear began.

    Thanks for the book reviews, EC. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lee: And with after-shocks to look forward to as well. Very, very frightening.

      Delete
  20. Since my cataracts are so bad, I rarely read anything in print. I have been known to give some off-the-wall comment on blog because I totally misread what a blogger wrote. When I was an active reader, I often had three or four books going at the same time. No problem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Practical Parsimony: Fingers and toes crossed that next month's surgery gives you the ability to read print back.

      Delete
  21. Yes, that earthquake was scary. I'm still surprised that nothing broke in our house or fell off the shelf - our house was shaking so violent! Everybody here is thinking of the people in Napa - they're our neighbors! So lucky that no one was killed. Cleaning up the mess is daunting. I hope that your friends in Napa can keep their house - many houses have been red-taped. What a nightmare.

    I am a book hoarder as well, though not as much as I used to be. When I've read a book and think I won't read it again I usually give it away (we don't have that much space). Dito with books I didn't like. There are still more than enough books that I keep. Even though they need space, I can't live without them and turn to a Kindle instead - not happening here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carola Bartz: So far my friends (who are also family) have been able to stay in their home. Some of the lucky ones.
      I give away/recycle some books, but need to do better. I haven't joined the Kindle crowd yet either. There are a few of us left...

      Delete
  22. Garage pic shows a typical quake jumble but no flooding. Must have had their hot-water heater strapped properly. My sympathies to your Napa people. Price of wine will rise, I expect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Geo.: I am sure the price of wine will rise. My family/friends in Napa are among the lucky ones - but my heart goes out to them just the same.

      Delete
  23. You have great taste, better than most hoarders. These books all sound very compelling.

    I wonder if your friend lives in Sonoma County/Wine Country (Napa Valley and thereabouts). A friend of mine who lives there described the damage much like the photos. Thankfully, there was little damage to humans.

    Take care, EC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawknrobyn: Almost all books are compelling to a confirmed bookaholic.
      My friend lives in Napa itself. The photos of the city I have seen have made me aware of just how lucky people were. Lots of damage, but no deaths (that I am aware of).

      Delete
  24. Gosh! We're lucky you have time to post and visit blogs!


    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral
    =^..^= . <3 . >< } } (°>

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cloudia: I make time to visit blogs. And wouldn't miss it.

      Delete
  25. So glad to hear your friend and her family are alright. Earthquakes are scary enough just hearing about them, I wouldn't like to live through one. We've had a tremor or two here in Adelaide, but nothing that causes damage, more just a rumble along the earth, followed by a shaking that is gone before we realise it's happening.
    The Chelsea Cain novel looks interesting. I used to be able to read several different books at once, but find I can't do that anymore. I stick with one at a time now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: The Chelsea Cain novel was right outside my comfort zone. I am not sorry I read it, but it was confronting. I am a wuss.
      And yes, a big earthquake is right up there in my list of fears.

      Delete
  26. Nothing wrong with hoarding books! You go right on doing it - and telling us about the good ones :)

    So glad your friends are alright !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, and I already have The Night Circus on my loooong list - might have to move it up nearer the top after your review :)

      Delete
    2. Alexia: I hope that when you read The Night Circus you will let us know what you thought of it. I thought it was a gem, but can see why others wouldn't like it at all.
      I am very, very glad that one of the offshoots of my family have come out of this latest scare relatively untouched. They matter to me, and I worried.

      Delete
  27. Dear EC
    Another book hoarder here - I just don't seem to be able to help it! I have thought about The Night Circus and Life after Life, so will now go ahead. I think I read about The Golem and the Djinni on your blog and absolutely loved that as well as the Rivers of London series too. It's always good to hear other reviews/recommendations about books...
    I have found my kindle to be invaluable as it allows me to buy books without needing more space, although the craft and art books always have to be bought as a real book, because, in my opinion, the kindle/tablet just won't do them justice. I like my kindle, but it will never replace a real book.
    Sorry to hear about your friend's awful experience, but thank goodness everyone was safe.
    Best wishes
    Ellie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ellie Foster: How nice to hear that you are also a fan of The Golem and the Djinni and the Rivers of London books. They are wonderful aren't they.
      When you read The Night Circus and Life after Life, let us know how you like them please (or whether you like them).

      Delete
  28. The London Jungle Book looks fascinating, I'll have to see if I can get it here in NZ. My sympathies to your friends in Napa, earthquakes are very, very scary, and the clean-up takes ages, particularly if the water supply has been interrupted. My kitchen floor was a mess of broken glass and crockery, oil, honey, beans, etc. I hope they are doing OK and don't have a lot of aftershocks to put up with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. lynners: The London Jungle Book was fascinating. And beautiful too.
      So far it seems that the after shocks have been minor - which is great. The clean up? Not so minor. As you know.

      Delete
  29. seems the earth has become very active lately, my father in law used to live near Napa and I know that area well, what a mess that earthquake has made for so many but being safe is important that's for sure.

    somehow I knew you were book hoarder. Ha.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda Starr: You mean I didn't surprise you with my book hoarding admission?
      Sad and bad as it was, Napa was lucky. It could have been a lot worse.

      Delete
  30. A great collection of books here. Was sad to see the damage done in Napa. I have a good friend who lived there for many years and still has a lot of friends in the area. Years later we drove through Napa and I recognized many of the buildings that were damaged. I cannot remember hearing about an earthquake here before. I will have to ask my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeniseinVA: I am amazed at the random nature of the damage. Some buildings look mostly fine, and others are positively unsafe. And there doesn't seem to be any rhyme nor reason to it.

      Delete
  31. LIFE AFTER LIFE is next on my reading list. I believe it will be the story of me. So many close calls in my 68 years and so many chances to try again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Granny Annie: Would you consider writing your version of Life after Life? I would love to read it. Really, really love to read it.

      Delete
  32. I saw on your sidebar that you read Cop Town - my friend Karin's latest book. I've been holding out to buy that one until I could get to a book signing. Is it as good as her others?

    I have a weakness for murder mysteries, too - right now I am on a Lee Child kick (the Jack Reacher series.)

    And I'm looking for a memoir to read for my book group's memoir of choice reading - The London Jungle Book might just be the one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lynn: Thank you for introducing me to Karin's work. I liked Cop Town - but didn't love it. Just the same, if she continues the series I will be there.
      I think that The London Jungle Book would be a wonderful book for group discussion. In some ways it is a picture book, but there is soooo much more to it.
      I suspect the author is largely illiterate (and certainly in English) but his story is universal.

      Delete
  33. I am so very sorry to read about your friend's home. It must have been absolutely frightening. Very glad that no one was hurt, and that her furkids are safe and sound.
    I hope the clean up doesn't take too long, and all is restored soon after the devastation.

    This is definitely a selection that appeals to me.
    I totally love the idea that thoughts are represented by birds.
    And, I'm endlessly fascinated by reincarnation, deja vue, time slips and parallel universes.
    Imagine living in a magical world where one wakes to find the circus has arrived - silently.
    Surreal.

    I have so much respect for great writers that compel their readers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vicki: The clean-up continues, and will for some time. She was going down to her children's school to help there too. And sent me pictures of the devastation in the library.
      I hope you do get the time in your busy life to explore some of these books.

      Delete
  34. World needs more readers.

    I love you...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: And this author is very, very grateful to all the writers out there - including you.

      Delete
  35. Each of these are fascinating books, capturing my imagination. I don't think I could read the last one though. *raises wimpy hand*
    I'm glad your friend came through the earthquake with mostly only cleanup damage. Anytime you can say that is a mark in the win column.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River Fairchild: I am a wimp too. Fortunately the gruesomeness is stated rather than dwelled on, but it was still confronting. The others were much closer to my comfort zone.

      Delete
  36. My thoughts have been with the people of Napa. I hope they're able to rebuild soon.

    I can think of much worse things to hoard than books :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Optimistic Existentialist: There is something fundamentally frightening about earthquakes. We rely on the ground remaining under our feet and solid. Knowing all the while that sometimes it doesn't.

      Delete
  37. I get hand me down books, and books at garage sales, and the habitat store and library sales. Some are murder mysteries. Just read one that wasn't bad, Daddy's Little Girl, by Mary Higgins Clark, and before that another that was kind of flimsy and a bit too much--Lethal, by Sandra Brown. Love to hear recommendations from others, so thank you!

    I briefly went to college near Napa, up in Angwin, a religious school about 25 miles north and a bit east of Napa. I didn't have money for a car then, and rode an old used motorcycle, so I didn't get around to see the sights as much as I wish I could have when I lived just north of the bay. I only went into the city a couple of times, and sure wish I had done so more. I love S.F. I remember the sight of the city, however, and the Golden Gate Bridge, rising above the fog of the bay. It was glorious.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I recall riding BART, the subway that runs under the bay to San Francisco, and thinking what is the protocol if an earthquake hits if you are on BART and underwater! I still wonder that.

      Delete
    2. Strayer: An earthquake while you were already under ground/water is a terrifying concept. One that I suspect could only have a nasty ending.
      I am also a collector of other people's discards - and have found some gems that way.

      Delete
  38. I really feel for you, it must great to be a bookaholic. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob Bushell: Welcome back. I am a bookaholic and you are a beauty collector - and share it rather than hoarding it. Thank you.

      Delete
  39. Love mysteries but not too grisly although I have a few series I read....glad your friend is OK. My family is too far South to have been affected although they have been in a few earthquakes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Donna@LivingFromHappiness: There are mystery series I read too. I don't think this one, clever as it is, will join them. Glad your family was safe in the latest earthquake - and hope it continues.

      Delete
  40. I hoard books, too.
    If I could, I'd eat them all until the ink got stuck inside my throat!
    Excellent reviews, Sue!
    I'd like to read Life after Life.
    & the scary one sounds well, SCARY.
    And the Circus one....and...and xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My Inner Chick: Sometimes I think that I have other people's words/ideas/lives running through my veins. And am grateful.

      Delete
  41. I'm adding The Night Circus and Kate Atkinson to my list based on your reviews, but could you arrange for me to get an extension on my life so I'll have time to read everything on that list?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Molly: I hear you. I cannot see any way that I will be able to complete my to-read pile, let alone the list. I am going to go out trying though.
      Let me know what you think of The Night Circus and Life after Life.

      Delete
  42. Well I think I might be one of the only ones who did not enjoy Life. Can't put my finger on it but there was just something about it that annoyed me. Things would come to a climax, you'd turn the page and the scene was repeated but with a different ending then things would move on. Have previously enjoyed her Brodie mysteries - maybe I'll give it another try in the new year
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy: I at least half-expected to feel as you do about Life after Life. But didn't.
      And if you didn't like it, let it be and wait for her next.

      Delete
  43. I enjoyed the Atkinson book!

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm sorry to hear about your friend, but very glad no one was hurt. You're right that is the important thing.

    I'm a book reader too, always have been. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mail4rosey: The clean up continues, for my friend and for the city. I am so glad that the grieving that people are undoubtedly doing is for things rather than people though.
      And yay for books. Lots of books. Lots and lots of books.

      Delete
  45. I've been thinking of getting books for my mother's birthday, she too is a book hoarder. (I don't lend books). We all are. I want the London Jungle Book for me though.

    How are is your friend faring now after the earthquake? It's frightening, I've been through some, the building swayed, shook, fortunately, nothing happened.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Guyana-Gyal: The London Jungle Book was an amazing find - and I am so grateful to Di for pointing me towards it.
      Lending books is always risky. I would on the whole rather not - particularly if it is a book I care about.
      My friend is doing ok at the moment. And I hope their sons are too.

      Delete
  46. Your book reviews are always helpful, EC. I think I will look for Life After Life; sounds like my kind of read.

    It must be disheartening for all those in the earthquake to see how much work has to be done to get back to normal, but thank goodness your people are safe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: Disheartening is soooo much better than tragic.
      Kate Atkinson is a very varied (and talented) author, and I find her always worth picking up.

      Delete
  47. Murder mysteries that are true puzzles are a very therapeutic thing for me.

    Glad your friend is OK! My parents were two hours away and everything shook pretty violently.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Riot Kitty: It is amazing (and frightening) how far away they can be felt isn't it?
      And yes, a good murder mystery is a wonderful thing. Sick as it sounds, they are one of my 'comfort' reads.

      Delete
  48. Thank you for the good book recommendations! I especially think I will like "Life After Life." Last fiction book I read was "The Goldfinch." I know everyone loved it, but I was kind of disappointed in it. I did finish it, though, which is saying something. I give up on books pretty easily if I'm not entranced right away.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dawn@Lighten Up!: I thought that The Goldfinch needed some rigorous editing. I finished it, just, but won't be rereading it.

      Delete
  49. I adored The Night Circus; it's one of my most favorite books ever and oh boy would I love to go to that circus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. mshatch: It was wonderful wasn't it? And yes to the circus as well. And I am not usually a circus fan.

      Delete
  50. The one good thing about moving twice a year or so is I'm forced to evaluate my books, easily the most cumbersome collection we own. Every time we pack, I keep the ones I love, the ones I want to read again, the ones I'm still learning from... the other "meh" books are donated. It's something I want to continue even when we find out forever home. Thanks for the recommendations... all added to my ever growing list ;D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Raquel Somatra: I undertake book culls at least once a year. And find it very, very hard. The keepers are easy, and some of the move out books are also easy. The middle ground? Sigh. They usually become keepers - at least until the next cull.

      Delete
  51. I can't imagine books not being a huge part of my world. Hoarder? Nah. We're acquirers... connoisseurs of the written word. I had a teacher many years ago who told me, "Life is short. Perpetuate yourself in knowledge." I can't think of a better way to do that than by reading. (Besides, I LIKE to read... beats the heck out of watching television.)

    All the books you mentioned sound terrific, except for maybe the last one. If it dwells too much on the torturing stuff, that may not be my cuppa tea.

    Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan: Books are a huge part of my world too. And I will admit to hoarding them - as a connoisseur naturally.
      I don't like television and do like learning. And reading.
      The last one was an experiment. And I doubt I will be back. Not sorry I visited (not very sorry) but doubt I will explore further.

      Delete
  52. Dear Sue, I read the Kate Atkinson book last year and was mesmerized by it. By its premise and its folding back on itself again and again. Truly an excellent novel. I took down the name of two others of the four, but the final one sounds a little too gruesome for me.

    I tend to read mysteries and in the past 20 years I've discovered so many fine writers who have series: William Kent Krueger (he has a series and one stand along novel--"Ordinary Grace"--which I gave 5 stars last year; Louise Penny whom I consider the best mystery writer of today. Her main character is so well drawn that I would recognize his voice if I heard it on the phone. Jacqueline Winspear, Charles Todd, Deborah Crombie, Martin Walker, Stella Rimington, Linda Fairstein, Giles Blunt, Julia Spencer-Fleming, P. J. Tracy. Well, that's a start from a long list I have of writers whom I've begun to read in the past 20 years. Finally, J. K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame is now writing a mystery series--2 books thus far--and I gave both of them 5 stars. They were truly magnificent. The first is "Cuckoo Calling." The second is "Silkworm." Masterful. Peace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dee: So many books, so little time. And thank you for some further recommendations for me. I really like the P.J. Tracy series, and can't believe that they are collaborations.
      And yes, I have Cuckoo Calling and Silkworm. And will get the next one she writes too.

      Delete
  53. One thing we have never denied our children or ourselves of, is the purchase of a desired book. Library loans are undeniably wonderful, but sometimes you just have to own the book!
    I am a little afraid to wonder how many lives I would have to live, in order to get it right! Life after Life sounds like a must-read - thanks for reviews of such a variety of books! Hope you find lots of time to read this weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan F.: Books were one of the very best presents my parents gave to me. Books and a lifelong love of reading.
      I will make time to read this weekend. As I do every weekend.

      Delete
  54. This post has brought back lovely memories of my mum cycling home from the library every Saturday with the basket hooked to her handlebars overflowing with books.

    The earthquake story made the news here briefly but I had no idea it had had such an impact, my thoughts are with your friend and her family and all the others similarly affected.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim: The library was a big part of my life too. And still is.
      Our news is very selective I find. Does it impact on us seems to be the main rule.

      Delete
  55. You seemed to imply that you buy all these books and then, it being easer to get than to get rid of, you keep them. Wow! You're going to need a bigger house soon, no?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Snowbrush: I don't buy all of them - but quite a lot of them. And any I borrow and particularly like I will buy. I don't need (or want) a bigger house. I do need more resolution (and bookcases). And room to put the bookcases.

      Delete
  56. cats get comfortable in the strangest places and they always amaze me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda Starr: The top layer in that basket had just come out of the dryer. Warm and soft. What's not to love in that for a cat?

      Delete