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!
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