I have always imagined paradise to be a kind of library.
Jorge Luis Borges
(1899-1986)
I'm with Borges on this.
I think it's fair to say that I couldn't (or don't want to) imagine my life without books. Reading is like air to me. Or friends and family. Or, at the very least, like clothing. I suppose if we want to be literal, clothes might be something I could manage without - 'specially if I lived on a warm, desert island or in a house with underfloor heating... but really, how practical or pleasant or indeed, possible, would it be to try to lead the life I love, without clothes? Not very. Same with books. I feel I need them like I need shelter and clothing and chocolate.
I know I'm not alone in this and I love that there are people out there (and lots and lots of them apparently inhabit this lovely blogosphere) who get it. Truly get it.
I read every day, no matter how briefly, and luxury equates to hours and hours of uninterrupted reading time. I can never have too much time for reading. I know that for many Summer's when they especially indulge their love of reading but for me, it's when the days draw in and the chill increasingly invites me to snuggle up under a blanket with a warm spicy chai and a selection of snacks, that I start to get excited about spending more time with a book in hand.
The picture above is one I snapped this morning of the pile that's on my bedside table right now. I'd love to be able to show that I'm reading highbrow classic literature (or at least one example thereof) but clearly, I'm not. Eclectic is definitely my style and, at the moment, there's not a single classic (or even a literary prize-winner, as far as I'm aware) amongst them. I do love a good classic because, let's face it, it's often in that category 'cause it's well written stuff that's stood the test of time. And there are probably enough classics to last a lifetime. But I love to read new authors too and how can one resist a title like 'The elegance of the hedgehog' or 'A case of exploding mangoes'? I haven't started either of these yet but can't wait to do so. I've already dipped into a few of the creative titles here and started reading 'City of Thieves' on a train journey earlier this week. Liking it so far.
There's also a novel for young adults in this selection - one I'm planning to read this weekend and am very much looking forward to. Written by luscious Laini Taylor, one of the first bloggers I ever read regularly, her first book, Blackbringer, was an absolute delight from first word to last - great writing, consummate storytelling and brilliant characterisation. No boundaries of age there. And I anticipate no less from her new title, Silksinger. Roll on Saturday, when I have a few hours set aside to enjoy it.
Something I know some people find weird about my reading habits (and even infuriating if they have to share a space with me and my multiple piles of bookmarked books) is that I find it impossible to read only one book at a time (yes, yes, trouble narrowing things down... it's a recurring theme. Deeply ingrained, this need for variety, even here). In general, I'll have at least one novel, a non-fiction read (often but not always work-related), several dip-in-and-out-ables (creative books usually fall into this category for me) and a few magazines... all on the go at the same time.
The thing about reading like this is that I'm constantly looking for new things to add to the pile. New inspiration. And much as I love them, I do sometimes find bookshops a little overwhelming - so many books, never enough time to read (or even browse) them all. So I like reading what others have recommended. Whether they be reviewers I've come to trust, friends, family, or kindred spirits briefly encountered, I love to hear what other people are reading and enjoying. This way I'm often introduced to new authors or individual gems that I might not have discovered otherwise.
So, here's the situation: Autumn and Winter stretch ahead, with plenty of long dark evenings and chilly days for snuggling up with a book to look forward to. But, I could really use some juicy reads to add to my pile. Some inspiration. And it's also time for me to do my seasonal giveaway (another thing that makes me very happy and something I've been looking forward to), so I'm going to combine the two.
The giveaway gift will be a little parcel of treats for a book (or magazine) lover, designed 'specially for the winner. It will include a favourite book from my own library (I love the idea of books being passed along, circulating book bliss and good karma around the world); some beautiful bookplates; a personalised bookmark; a delicious treat to be enjoyed before, during or after reading, and a little book made by me for you, with love...
In return, and this why I think this is probably more of a swap than a giveaway, I ask that you leave me the gift of your ideas in a comment: a glimpse into your reading happy place:
- Where, when, how do you most enjoy your reading time?
- What do you love to read - your favourite genre(s), or favourite author(s)?
- And also, very importantly, one or more reads that you'd highly recommend?
I don't mind if the recommendations are all-time favourites, recently discovered delights, or something that's still on your to-read list because it's been recommended by someone you trust. And I also don't mind which genre they fall into. Honestly, the only thing I've found I really don't much get along with is horror. Otherwise, anything goes.
I will be delighted to learn what you love, and so happy to have an inspired and newly-grown list. So happy. There'll be happyheartdancing going on.
I'll do the draw next Friday (the 9th) and the parcel will go out to you before the end of October.
I'm still not sure whether it's a giveaway or a swap, but either way, I do hope you'll play...
And for today, I wish you a very happy Friday!
♥
.jpg)
.jpg)
25 comments:
I love reading too, the problem is that I'm not getting anything concrete done, and I hate being non-productive. I always read in bed before going to sleep, when I'm sitting in the car waiting for one of my kids, at the doc's office, at Tim Horton's with a coffee & doughnut, when my hands or arms are sore from knitting or cross-stitching. My sons & husband don't have the gift. None of them would ever pick up a book for enjoyment, or for self-educating. It drives me crazy how they just don't understand what they are missing. When the boys were little we read to them all the time, but it didn't work. Yesterday I noticed my son had a book in his bag, he said it was because in English class they have to do silent reading three times an week, and that way he has something to have in front of him to pretend to read. I said, if you have to sit there, and you have to have a book in front of you, and you have to turn the pages to make it look like your reading, why don't you actually read?
My favourites, gosh, it totally depends on my mood. I like Elizabethian history, local history, medical books, suspense novels, Sue Grafton & Lillian Jackson Braun are great, Janet Evanovich & Patricia Cornwall, I have the entire old yellow Nancy Drew series, I could go on & on. I wold love to win your prize though!
(Sorry, that was a bit of a ramble!)
well this just clinches it: separated at birth.
and this happens to be the most fantastic giveaway ever!
graciel recommended 'olive kitteridge' to me and I'm loving it. I also enjoyed 'the story sisters' this summer. I'm like you, I tend to read and enjoy across genres and have a mix going at any given time. my faves are isabel allende and joanne harris (but that mutates too and currently I'm in a total jack kerouac phase). I also read every day, every night to be exact. cracking open a book, even if only for 10 minutes, is as engrained in my bedtime routine as brushing my teeth.
will be searching for exploding mangoes tomorrow.
This is a lovely idea Kenda! I will be back tomorrow to enter when I have had a little think. I can hardly get into my side of the bed most of the time because of the ever growing propped up piles of books and magazines. I think my love of blogs is just a natural extension of my reading habits over the years-and my blogroll is my virtual pile! Back tomorrow!
I hope you won't be scandalized by my offering here.
Some years ago my job called for an hour long commute and our library was just starting to bring in books on tape and CDs. I know it's not the same as holding a book in one's hands and experiencing the act of reading but it was the best I could manage.
I had been "away" from reading as will happen to adults sometimes. So I decided to NOT look at the descriptions of the books but only made sure that they were unabridged. As a result, I began reading genres that I had never touched on. What wonders awaited me! Among them James Lee Burkes' detective series including "In the Electric Mist With Confederate Dead" and "Burning Angel". "Cold Mountain" by Charles Frazier was revelatory. "More Than You Know" by Beth Gutcheon" will take you to another time and place so completely. I am now looking for a copy of "Sunnyside" by GD Gold. I hear it's good for a thousand miles....
Books have been my biggest passion since the moment I could read my own name .... probably beating my passion for art by a hair's breadth. At this moment in time (it could change tomorrow) the 2 books that jump out in my mind are Portofino by Frank Schaeffer (funny, light reading about the son of embarrassingly over-zealous American missionaries on holiday with his family in Portofino) and the second book is The 12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women by Gail McMeekin (very inspiring and filled with stories, wisdom and wit). Both books are highly readible.
Love the sound of your giveaway, Kenda. Holding thumbs and toes and doing the lucky dance on a sparkly spring saturday morning aflutter with flying ants.
Wonderful. I'll be back next week. My english is not so good so I must think a little bit. I will not miss the chance to read an english book, it was long time ago.
Thank you for your lovely comment.
I would have to say that becoming hooked on books has given me such pleasure in my life. For me its been about more than just reading them, its also about acquiring them and sliding them onto the shelf. When I was a teenager I took to the used bookstores like other guys brought fly and rod to the river in search of trout.
I love reading novels, great ones wrap truth in a made up story, they teach so well. When I think back on characters in the books I have read I remember walking with them, breathing the same air, thats a kind of magic.
This is a great idea, your book giveaway. When I see a great idea I have no problem stealing it. I think I give away a book myself.
1.I like to read early in the morning when there is just me and the dog awake.
2.I'll read anything from prize winning Lit. to the comic books on my sons shelf.
3.I would recommend Joan Didion.
Like you I read everyday and always have, seriously ever since I can remember I had my nose in a book.
I do not like reading multiple books at a time, I have however, but do not prefer too.
I have no favourite genre, but I must admit I do not like romance. Anything to mushy is totally mushy and I will be bored with it in minutes.
I read a really good book recently 'The History of Love.' Sorry I can't remember the author.
I must confess I have to hold paper in my hands at least once a day, any paper. I could not read books on a computer. I need the paper.
Love you.
Renee xoxoxo
oooh, I love this post!:) ok, here I go. My favorite reading times are on morning exactly like this morning. It is rainy, dark, a little cool, and the house is very, very still.
my favorite reads.....well, I like anything that sheds light on the psychology of human beings, our relationships, what makes us all alike in fundamental ways. I also like anything that is smart and artfully conveyed. The smartest book I've ever read is The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison or maybe The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. The best book I have read in recent years is The God of Small Things. I think Arundhati Roy is a BEAUTIFUL writer. But....I know you have already read this!
So I will recommend Fire in the Blood by Irene Nemirovsky, it's a gem, and in a very calm and collected way tells the tale of reckless passion.
Thanks for the booky bliss post and the swap/giveaway, I love it!
Kendalee- what a perfect post especially as the weather changes, the furnace roars and I have a stack to read or re-read. When I begin a book I give it until the middle to decide if I will finish it or not , if not- I go to the back and read the last couple of chapters- there are SO many books SO little time that I do not feel compelled to read through a book that does not turn my crank. I read primarily for sentences, words, poetry , language, complexities. I read about three books at one time along with periodicals on the side- like appetizers...Reading takes me completely away- I begin in the morning and by dinner time have devoured a book, as long as no body gets in my way...lately my eyes have been troublesome so I have had to change habits a bit. Everytime I finish a book it becomes "my favorite"...but the ones that stand the test of time- the memorable ones are few- anything by Tolstoy is memorable- every word given thought- White Oleander is memorable - same reason- the author challenged herself to write sentences that had never been writen before, the language is lovely,Solice of Empty Spaces, beautifully written , true and harkens to my home on the high plains,sentimental, I guess - story is secondary to the language and the feelings instilled by it, I find. While reading ,if a particular phrase or sentence jolts me , sends me to the dictionary,or sparks some dormant fluffle within me- I may linger there for a while, savouring, with no need to gobble up more...as a fast reader I like to read language that slows me down - to ponder, to connect dendrites left dangling by less nourishing works. Reading can consume me - I get little else done- timing is important because I know that when I start reading voraciously - all suffer...For a good time I have always gone to bookstores rather than "out" ...Our little town has more Indie book stores than any other, I take them for granted. Comfy chairs and beverages are provided, as well!Recently my favorite Indie book store of all time, just down the street from where I live, installed a "publish your own" machine. Seems everyone up here in the long dark winter writes and deserves to be published but not in a huge commercial blockbuster way. This is a most literate community, not uncommon to see people reading and writing everywhere -on the street, in cafes and on the busses.The most common question at any gathering is "What are you reading and why?"
I am looking forward to winter ONLY for curling up with Dexter and reading...the art show will be over and I can get lost in delicious words! YIPEE! A reason to live....
How and when do I read? Everywhere: in chairs, in bed, in cars. Noticing the weight and quality of the paper, the heft of the book itself, the smell of ink and paper. In big gobbling chunks of time. In short little guilty dribs of stolen time while I'm waiting for someone. I read poetry, a lot of non-fiction of diverse varieties -- philosophy, "New Age," history, psychology, memoirs (I'm loving memoirs), lots of novels. Margaret Atwood and Richard Russo always delight. Am reading Russo's new novel right now. Have about 25 things stacked up to read, stacks on shelves, on tables, on the floor. Big recommendation: Tender Graces, a recent novel by blogger Kathryn Magendie. I love Virginia Kate, the main character. And if you choose it as a book club selection, Kathryn will arrange to be available for contact during the meeting. Cool, huh? My book club is going to make it the selection for November or December, when I'm back from my wander.
Hi Kenda!
I came to you through Sarah at Circles of Rain and share your love of books. I'll come back tomorrow or on Monday with a proper answer. I already have a couple of books I think you'd like in my mind.
'See' you!
Reading is like living another life for me. When I read a good book it seems as if I live together with the caracters of the book. I read on the train or in my bed and we have alltimes a book with short stories in our bathroom. I read everything that catches my eye (and I know the language - a limitation sometimes).
For good books: I like most books written by Isabel Allende (I loved "Paula"). The last books I read and really enjoyed were: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows, The Soloist by Steve Lopez and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Hi Kenda,
I am back again, having had a think. I love reading at any time but particularly at night, at lunchtime and during any travelling(with the obvious exception of car journeys-though on long ones I like to listen to audio books. This year it was an Alexander McCall Smith one-about Scotland Street, and on last years holiday it was A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson which I love)
I like such a variety of books it is hard to pick a particular genre or author. Some authors I have read a lot of would be Margaret Atwood, Dickens and Stephen King(sorry-horror!) Miss Read is another favourite. I love art books, photography books and magazines-esp World of Interiors and lately some of the Stampington ones-Artful blogging(!) Art Doll Quarterly and Where Women Create.
Here are a few recommendations-
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak,
The Satanic Verses-Salman Rushdie(I read it years ago and it is one of those books that I can't forget-though the details are gone the cleverness of the story and the feeling it gave me remain)
A book of short stories by Michel Faber-The Fahrenheit Twins. My favourite out of these is Tabitha Warren. Watelog by Roger Deakin.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov is another book I loved-it is so strange.
Have a lovely weekend too!
Waterlog.
I loved reading all your commenter's comments!
kendalee firstly i have missed you, really missed you.
i too have a myriad piles all about the house and i tend to read no less than 8 books at any given point in time.
a favourite tradition that i started when i was 16 was to have a guest book in my loo. it is a blank journal with a note asking my guests to simply leave a thought or musing. this book has become a favourite read. it surprises me every time. it takes me to the heart of those i love and who inhabit my space. it reminds me that i am loved.
i definitely do not have a favourite genre or author as i am always in a different space and needing something that matches that place.
as for actual books. i am loving phillip yancey's 'i was just wondering' and sigve tonstad's 'scandals of the bible at present'. i recently read jodi picoult's 'change of heart' and seth godin's meatball sundae.all really really good and thought provoking reads.
What a great post and a great idea. This is certainly a popular topic.
I feel as though something is missing if I don't have a book on the go. I usually read in bed before I go to sleep. Although like today I've been reading everytime I've sat down with a cuppa.
I'm currently re reading the Gormanghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake. I don't usually re-read books, there's so many new ones to read, but it has been years since I've read them. But the main reason being I had to make sure that I had something that would see us through our move until I could be sure I would have some kind of access to books. In Sweden I was fortunate as they had a very good section of novels written in English in the library. I don't expect I'll find that here. I will have to start ordering books on-line.
I will always choose books written by Jodi Picoult, Anne Tyler, Joanne Harris. I also enjoy Ian McEwan and Alexander McCall Smith. I love his No 1 Detective Agency series. Books I've particularly enjoyed in the last couple of years are The Kite Runner by Kahled Hosseini and The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. Just before leaving Sweden I enjoyed the book Home by Manju Kapur.
I just love books and could carry on writing about them. I'm glad to say that my grandson has a love of books and already has his own extensive library. His mother is a book lover. I'm pleased that my son also now enjoys reading for enjoyment having not enjoyed it at school. My husband loves the classics. He loves them so much he re-reads them. He recommended I read Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent earlier this year. Which I enjoyed in part. The idea being that as we enjoy such different books, that we should recommend each other a book to read. Unfortunately I would have recommended The Time Travellers Wife by Audrey Niffennegger to him, but I have already passed it on to my daughter. It's the only one I could think of that he might actually like. I think he would enjoy The Book Thief too but I borrowed that one.
I also enjoy non fiction books too, especially on Patchwork and quilts. I've been referring to some of my recipe books this last week and Alan Titchmarshes book on vegetable gardening. I usually have a pile of books that I will move around from room to room depending on where I am. It won't be long before I end up with a mountain of books beside my bed, though I'm trying not to let that happen!
Back again.
I love to read in the afternoons, curled up in the couch with a cup of coffee; at night before I go to bed even if it's half a page.(I've passed that to my son as well); on the bus; years ago when I travelled by train I loved to read there.
I mostly read novels, but I also love my museum books and my travel guides; magazines of course as well.
I'm currently reading a Malaysian author, Shih-Li Kow; her collection of short stories 'Ripples' was shortlisted for the 2009 Frank O'Connor Short Story Award. She's very good. Other than that, I love Jane Austen and have read Pride and Prejudice a hundred times.
What a great idea! I'm glad I can FINALLY get to the computer for a visit with my blogging friends. Let's see...I love to read, and can think of no better way to spend a winter day than curled up in my favorite chair, by the fireplace, slippers and comfy blanket close by. I do most of my reading during the summer...either luxuriating in the morning, or a half hour or so before bed, in bed. I just finished a wonderful book, The Thirteenth Tale, by Setterfield, I think. (I'm not home, so I can't check). Right up there with Jane Eyre, Dragonwyck, Rebecca and other gothic mysteries, but set in a more modern era. Suspense/mystery is my current favorite genre, but I waffle in between that and crime (Grisham; Dan Brown) and chick lit (Evonovich). I can't wait to pick up the new Dan Brown book, but I also have an interesting pile of books waiting. If I don't get to read for a while, I can get a bit "testy":) I'm VERY excited at participating in your fun!
Your love of reading shows in the way you write so beautifully!
I wish I could participate, but I am just not a reader! I always considered myself one, but I came to terms with the fact that the basketful of books next to my bed never diminished.
What a lovely idea and I look forward to following it!
What a lovely idea - this book giveaway! I had better not enter though, as the towers of books are reaching worrisome heights in my house. All I will say is that at the moment I am re-reading Kaas (by Willem Elschot) - a wonderful book - it is in Dutch though. I am coming back later to read all the comments - what a great way to find new books to read!
Give away or swap -- great idea.
I am most definitely a book person. The only rooms in my house without books are the bathrooms.
I am now reading Life with Picasso by Francoise Gilot. I rarely read that type of book, but the book itself is beautiful. I picked it up at a local used book sale. The dust jacket is missing and the book is covered in cream covered burlap. It is a joy to hold. The 40+ year old pages feel wonderful to my fingers and the book smells fantastic. I hate a mean, smelly little paperback! I know that's kind of weird.
I love fiction by women and non-fiction by men. I have read and reread all of Bill Bryson's travel writing. I have alread read and reread most Anne Tyler books. I saw in your stack you have a book by Elizabeth Berg -- another favorite.
I read cookbooks even though I don't (can't) cook. I love atlases and dictionaries. My favorite book is a thesaurus. I have a collection of decorating books.
I usually read "word" books before bed and "picture" books when I get up (before my brain is awake).
Fave fiction - Water for Elephants, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Time Traveler's Wife, The Accidental Tourist.
Great post!
Hi Lady!
I'm back. As I said before I don't read english books. Just swedish books. So I unfortunately can't recommend any english book. But I really want to win your giveaway. So I try to answer your questions.
* I usually read in bed before I go to sleep.
* I like detective novels, we have many swedish authors who are really good at this genre like Stig Larsson, Henning MankelI and Camilla Läckberg.
I like art books too.
Wait a minute, I can recommend a great book " A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. I read this lovely book right now.
Love
Sarah
well I will admit to books in all the rooms including the bathroom - stacks, piles, old and new - I stayed up all night recently to read Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay...
xox - eb.
Post a Comment