Second post re the above as the last one was getting a bit long. Not all the books I am reading are necessarily new, some I have bought second hand and some found in charity shops, always a great source to explore.
Chocolate Wars - Deborah Cadbury. I recently read Princes at War by this author (the princes in question being the sons of George V), and Queen Victoria's Matchmaking (she was an inveterate matchmaker and loved to organise dynastic marriages) and this is an earlier book which was a charity shop find. As indicated by her name and the title of the book it is a history of Cadbury's the chocolate people and this is going to be fun.
Once Upon a River - Diane Setterfield. This arrived before Christmas and I have heard nothing but good about it. I have saved it up and am looking forward to reading it. Over the holidays I watched the dramatisation of The Thirteenth Tale which was her first book and which I read many years ago. I enjoyed it because Olivia Colman, one of my favourite actresses was in it. This was offset by the fact that it also starred Vanessa Redgrave who is not. Will report back on her latest in due course.
The Cold Summer - Gianrico Carofiglio. An Italian crime writer, his stores are usually set in the court and are full of court procedures which I love. I read an earlier one of his An Involuntary Witness, reviewed here, which was so elegantly written so was pleased when I spotted this.
The Skylarks at War - Hilary McKay. I have read nothig but raves about this children's book and have already started it. Looks promising.
So the books are piling up again which is lovely. I have also decided this year that I am going to revisit some of my "old" books on my shelves. I fancy balancing out the new with the old. Just before Christmas I read Pickwick Papers by Dickens. I love Dickens. I had not read this title for many years and had forgotten just how funny it is. Mr Pickwick is one of Dicken's most endearing creations. I rather fancy David Copperfield again. I am also looking at my Trollope shelf and thinking there are some there I have yet to tackle.
Lots to look forward to.
I have just had a mammoth sort out of my bookshelves. I was ruthless and weeded out books that I know I will not read again and also those that I have kept 'just in case I ever get round to them'. After a few years it is clear I never will so out they go. I have bags full to go to the charity shop and reckon I have culled about 100. My shelves look pristine and neat and tidy and I am pleased to note that I have space left for double stacking....
Pictures will be posted. Be warned.
