Chapter
Feb 13 2018
1. Be warm.
2. Read books.
Cheeky
While reading her second book, Why Not Me, Mindy Kaling became one of my favourite writers ever.
After searching in the UK to no avail, I picked it up at Wellesley Books when I was home for Thanksgiving.
This was my airplane book. The kind of book I can flip open at the gate in the queue while we board, and not have trouble getting into it.
It’s a quick and engaging read, perfect for when you don’t have a lot of time, or just bursts of time. Definitely read if you’re nostalgic for The Office.
I don’t own Why Not Me, but that’s the one I think I want in my permanent collection. This one I’ll give to Sister when I visit her in L.A.
Fascinating
I saw it on a table at Blackwells in Oxford. I think he was doing an author event and I was intrigued by the cover and concept.
I finally picked it up at Lighthouse Books in Edinburgh.
This book is fascinating. I was surprised to find that there is no answer key. The choices are like a conversation between author and reader, and I think it would be fun to share this book with friends and invite everyone to circle their answers in different colours.
This wasn’t a great holiday read since it’s not the type of book you breeze straight through. It reads like poetry and (very) short stories, and you don’t have to read it all at once. I read half of it, and am saving the rest for later, perhaps on my quick trip to Dublin, which will be more on the go.
Finishing my ‘test’, then passing it on to a friend to add a new set of answers!
Transcendent
So many people told me to read this book. Stephanie finally persuaded me to pick it up!
I think Foyles in London?
Any time, anywhere, all at once or just flip through. Especially when in need of gentle, glittering creative inspiration.
Keeping in my library, and occasionally carrying around in my work bag for emergency purposes.
Bookish
It’s been sitting on my shelf for years, waiting for the right time.
A gift from Isa
In a foreign country. It’s a travel memoir in which the author reads Jane Austen novels in 6 Spanish-speaking South American countries.
It was the perfect book to read on my Spanish island holiday, providing the perfect balance of familiar and exploration of the unfamiliar. I could relate to the tiring but rewarding practice of mastering of a new language, and the ways we communicate culturally, beyond words.
Circulating among many friends it made me think of
Majestic
It was on the syllabus for the Literature and the Fantastic course I took in Oxford when I was 16. I’m rereading the series in preparation for the newly released Book of Dust. Steve and I brought 4 books each, and brought this one to share.
Quite possibly Borders books, RIP. I have the paperback box set.
It’s the kind of immersive adventure you will want to dwell in for long periods of time. Lyra’s world wraps you up in a snowstorm around wooly knitted clothing. Give it the space to work its magic.
This set stays in our library, as one of our mutual favourites, along with Lord of the Rings (Floreat Exon!). I would part with my box set in order to get a new one, perhaps with my preferred original title, Northern Lights.
P.S. What do you think of this book ‘survey’ format? I’d love to see you try it out in the comments to hear about the latest book you’ve enjoyed!
