The Books Piled Beside the Bed – Pt 2

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Has it really been two months since my last book review post?  Doesn’t time fly when life is interrupted by Christmas and New Year and fiddling about with beads and hot summer days, days of gale force winds, days of rain and days filled with everything at once …….

The pile of books is growing ever taller – as it appears my reading time is not generously allocated at the moment!

Here is a lovely shot courtesy our Official Photographer – you can see there is no room for anything else on that bedside cabinet!

Books1

Many of these books were received as Christmas gifts from the lovely Eldest Daughter who providentially works for a world renown publishing house.  How lucky am I?

Some of the titles, the eagle eyed among you may notice, were books recommended by your good selves in the comments section of previous post of the same title.  These were searched out by the aforementioned ED on her many forays around Book Shops and judiciously added into my pile of Christmas Books.

We do not slack around here when it comes to reading!

If you follow the blog [and if not, why not?] of the superbly well written author Geoff Le Pard over at  TanGental, you might also notice two of his titles in the pile as well. ‘Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle’  and ‘My Father and Other Liars’. Geoff sent me these books to read and review.  I’ve just launched myself into the first so look for something in the next ‘Books’ post  ……….

But let’s stay on track – life is more than just creating light catchers and lying about in the sunshine or battling the gale force winds, or avoiding the icy rain storm [whichever event is occurring in any given hour] you know.  I am trying to introduce myself to a new ‘healthy habit’.  [Please, do stop cringing!]   Preparing for a good nights sleep by undertaking a leisurely evening ritual that includes showering, pj-ing, hot tea-ing and read-ing.  I’m even about to redecorate my tiny bedroom to make this final hour of the day totally and utterly enjoyable, but that’s another post!

Since the last post this is what I’ve read, or started to read or just dallied with

the reader

The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent; Translation by Ros Schwartz

It’s a smallish book, immensely readable and quite, quite fascinating.  The back cover bears the inscription ‘Love is a journey’.  The story is original and quirky and the characters are oddly original and quirky too.  It’s about how a man copes with a life that it is less than ideal and how his method of coping affects, and is affected by, what he reads, out loud, on the train every day.  I loved it!

rush oh!

When Mary Davidson, the eldest daughter of a whaling family in Eden, New South Wales, sets out to chronicle the particularly difficult season of 1908, the story she tells is poignant and hilarious, filled with drama and misadventure.

I’m dallying with Rush Oh! written by Australian author, Shirley Barrett.  Based on real events that took place in 1908 and told in the first person by the daughter of the whaler.  It is the story of a unique relationship between the whalers and a pod of Orcas – known simply as the Killer’s who steer the whales into the vicinity of the harpoons.  The story is wryly amusing, laden with the romantic notions and shyness of the young motherless heroine and her day to day life, responsibilities and day dreams.  One of the things that has caught my attention is the no-nonsense, non-sentimental, factual approach to the job of killing whales.  Set in a time when life was harsher and simpler, in this small community whaling is their life and livelihood, nothing is wasted, everything is worth something.  Reading, I am aware that I have given no thought to my modern bias of abhorring the killing of whales – the author is that good!

I was reading this book up until Christmas Day, then it was put aside because I had opened and could not put down this next one.

the forgetting time

The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin

Noah is four and wants to go home.  The only trouble is, he’s already home.

Now, one of the really splendid things about having a daughter in the business is I sometimes receive copies of books prior to publication.  This one comes out in March and is a first novel and a superb read!  It deals with that tricky concept, reincarnation.  It deals with a mother’s love for her child through loss, through despair, through on-going behaviour that is so unusual that it sends her searching from specialist to specialist seeking an explanation.  It deals with concepts of reality and scientific mores.  It answers no questions, it raises many more.  It reads like a mystery story, a little bit of who-dunnit hidden in there, and the vagaries of getting to know, or missing out on understanding, the people in your life.

I really enjoyed this book, and had that slightly sad feeling as I arrived at the end and there was no more story.  Here is a new author who has made it to my ‘must read’ list.  I am already looking forward to her next book.

I’ve returned to ‘Rush Oh’ and am really enjoying it – but I also started ‘Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle’ and now I have a nightly conundrum of what to read………..

So, what have you been reading lately?  Do share – we need to keep those books piled up……

Thanks for coming by today, I love that you did!

 

 

129 thoughts on “The Books Piled Beside the Bed – Pt 2”

  2. Wow-that is a stack but yours looks neat compared to mine. I have to confess, I am a kindle reader now and do have a bookcase as a night stand. I keep falling asleep and books falling out of my hands to the floor too much these days. I decided to keep them on my kindle-I know I am one of those people. There is nothing like a worn book in your hands:-) I do have my garden books stacked all over my book shelves. You inspire me with your organized sleeping ritual….I need to plan better for I am such a poor sleeper these days. I am getting to bed at 9ish and that is so much better…so glad you posted all these books, I need to check them out…

    I have to admit your first sentence-“fiddling about with beads and hot summer days” HOT..what is that, I am freezing all the time these days…so much fun to stop by and see you in summer and us in winter…stay cool-LOL-notice, I was careful and did not say stay warm! BIG HUGS to you Pauline ( ) ( ) ( ) more than one:-) notice the wide space in between..that means BIG HUG not () little hug!!

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      • I am practising my new regime – sleep is still a random affair though……. I can only read for half an hour or so and then I just get too sleepy to focus on the words, it doesn’t matter how good the book is. I sleep for an hour or two and then can be awake on and off for the rest of the night. Gah!!

        I have to tell you that our ‘summer’ is decidedly indefinite. It can be hot, it can be cold. It is wet and cool at the moment and has been all week and is supposed to stay for another ten days. It can be windy, wet and hot all at the same time and windy, wet and cold the following hour. It is not a summer that can be relied upon!! I am very disappointed with this summer and tell it so quite often! I am full of hope that February and March – and even possibly April – may be kinder to us. I’ll let you know!

        Love the big hugs explanation – I shall adopt your wonderful gesture!! ( ) ( )
        🙂

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        • grrr…I have the same sleep issue. They tell us to get 7-8 hours a sleep a night. If I even get 6 and MAYBE 7 afew nights a week-if I am lucky. I never sleep all the way through for I wake up once or twice during the night. If I start thinking about “anything” I am up for the rest of the night. What happened to the days when you fall asleep and didn’t wake up all night??? LOL. My father has the same thing, so I wonder if I inherited my sleep issues. this part of being on the otherside of 50 is the pain in the you know what. On the bright side I have made some diet changes, so it seems to be helping. I only wake up once and there have been a few night I have slept 6 hours through!

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  3. What an exciting book pile! I let mine frighten me last year, so I hid most of it in a cupboard. Now I keep one book at a time next to the bed. I have just finished re-reading Anne of Green Gables, which I enjoyed possibly more than I did as a child. My current book is The Making of a Marchioness, a 1901 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It’s another book published by Persephone Books. I am a little addicted to Persephone because I love their book covers and endpapers and matching bookmarks….drool.

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    • It is nice to have a beautiful book in your hand isn’t it! I’d be there drooling along side you 🙂 I still love hard backs with lovely covers – but given that I rarely keep books after I’ve read them, paperbacks do just as well nowadays! I loved Anne of Green Gables but haven’t read it for nigh on thirty or more years. I think it is wonderful that you have revisited her!

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      • It would easily be 30 years or more since I had Anne of Green Gables. I was surprised to realise how ‘modern’ it is. Most of the women are still feisty, independent, role models.

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  4. Hi, just came by to make sure I hadn’t missed a post, Pauline. Sending you a hug for you and give the pets a little extra love.
    My friend, Jenny, and I went to a Grand Opening of a Cleveland quality craft store called, “Pat Catan’s.” We saw collections of three to four beads and a couple charms for $1 each set, which still would cost a lot to make your Light catchers and danglers. If you want me to take photos to see if they are worth it, I could mail you some, Pauline. ♡♡

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    • Hi Robin, Bless you for popping in to check up 🙂 But no, nothing missed yet – a new post due in a day or two though. Thank you for the very kind offer to send photos – but after quite a lot of experimentation I have some favourite suppliers now and am happy to stick with them as I do buy large amounts of beads and other bit and pieces. It is fun isn’t it to visit craft stores and see what is on offer………. who knows what you might have a go at and end up creating! ❤

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  5. Aloha dearest Pauline ❤ I Skyped with Alys the other day and she mentioned a Skype visit with you and I got to thinking, geez, how come I haven't seen a post in a bit. Well now, I see I missed it entirely. I miss you!
    Looks like you must read non-stop. Or you're a very quick reader. I love when a good book is hard to put down but could never read more than one at a time. I can barely stick thru one all the way without getting distracted by something else. I've read the beginning of a number of books. I think, "I'll get back to it when I'm not so busy". I'm always fascinated by the artwork on the covers, that'd be fun to be commissioned to design one. I love your stacked glass lamp shade next to all your books and your lovely art there too.
    Interesting about the Whalers story and how you've gained empathy for their deeds. Just yesterday, Jim and I went on a snorkel/whale watching boat tour. We saw a number of whales, quite close and you can also hear their haunting calls when your in the water. The ocean was very rough but when you're snorkelling, it's very quiet, calm and serene. You'd never guess the weather until you lift your head up to ensure you haven't drifted too far from the boat. In this way, I can't even comprehend the utter fright, horror and panic of a whales last moments if unlucky enough to be captured by man.
    Oh dear, I really must end on a positive note, so I will simply add that while on the islands here, we are only 9 hours apart by air from Honolulu…..thinking about future possibilities 😀 love and hugs K

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    • How lovely that you took time to come by out of your precious holiday hours K! I hope you are having a fabulous time! I have never been in the water with whales – I have been in with dolphins though – that was pretty amazing! Reading that book was quite an education for me really and at the beginning I did think it might be too hard to read. But I thought it was a sign of her integrity as a writer that the reader could so easily stay in the world of the folk whose lives were so totally involved in providing what was then a necessary consumable for society and not suffer pangs of today’s consciousness. [And that is a totally unwieldy sentence – but I’m sure you get what I am trying to say]

      I think your Hawaii idea is a wonderful one and we will keep on thinking about that as a possibility for sure! I just need to get the right numbers lined up!! 🙂

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      • I do know what you mean and it is a testament to fine writing to capture a time and keep you there. A little time machine in your hand I suppose. Geez, I wonder if I could have been a vegetarian back then? Probably would have been much harder given the social norms and what would or wouldn’t be available year round. I can assume I wouldn’t have been part of the upper crust, so at that, my choices would be far more narrowed than today. I’m rather spoilt these days and food comes from world-wide locations to our table without much care. Although in the warmer months, we do our best to eat more local. 150 years ago, I’d like to picture myself in a small garden by the sea, maybe in southern Italy, or somewhere’s on the Mediterranean, growing everything we need, year round. I’m an excellent bread maker and I have some hens roaming around who give me eggs. Oh, and there’s lots of kitties and I know how to crochet :D. So that sounds plausible xo WAIT ! I have a lab named Juno…ok, that’s about it for now xoxo k

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        • Ah yes – I see you there – I think I was probably just up the hill a bit – you might remember the wild gypsy woman cooking up her potions and wandering the countryside looking for herbs and wild flowers with her faithful round puppy at her side…….. 🙂

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  6. Pauline,
    Popped over to your blog from Norah’s to say hello and have a bit of a snoop. I smiled when I saw your book pile. It seems to be a common trait among the people I blog with . Although vowing to reduce the number of books here, we bought about 20 new ones from the op shop or charity shop last week so we’re doomed. That’s a word glorified by Australian author, Andy Griffiths by the way. https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2016/01/04/the-reading-pile/
    I also had to smile when you gave Geoff’s a mention. Of course, we all like to think of Geoff as our special friend but he crops up all over the place or perhaps I’m sub-consciously stalking the poor man?
    Geoff might not have mentioned that his books ran away from the UK to join me Down Under. I am still intending to review “Dead Flies and Sherry trifle” but I did capture his second book down under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and later, I caught my dog reading it. Geoff described it as “absolutely bonkers” but you don’t get publicity wearing a brown paper bag, do you? Here’s the review?

    An Unauthorised Book Tour…”My Father & Other Liars”: Geoff Le Pard.


    xx Rowena

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  8. Well, Pauline, since you asked . . . I returned to your post part one and have left a very long comment which I think applies to this post as well, so I won’t repeat myself here. It was great to think about my favourite books and to write a bit about a few of them. Thanks for sharing your list; at least two are now on my own ‘to read’ list. ~ Linne

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  9. How lovely that you are reading just for the joy of reading. You deserve every bit of happy, contented time, Pauline.
    My book group is preparing to start up again (I had to put it on hold during the campaign) and I’m looking forward to reading, even if it is just one book a month. I’ll never get to the bottom of the stacks around my house.
    Sigh …

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    • Perhaps half the joy of a ‘stack’ is knowing whenever you fancy a read, something might be found in there just waiting for the moment….. I’ve never belonged to a ‘Book Club’ [I’m not much of a joiner] but quite like the sound of them.

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  10. “My Father and Other Liars,” man, with a title like that I would head for that one first! ha ha!! Your reviews are wonderful Pauline, and I sense I would like them all as much as you do. I totally get what you’re saying about being able to read about whale killing from the perspective of the people doing the work, in the mindset of the day. It’s great when an author can put us there and remove us from our present sensibilities which, in this case, could get in the way of the story.

    I’ve been reading less lately because I’ve been so busy, but my go-to is always audio books. I finally made peace with the fact that I simply do not make time to sit down and read, even though I prefer holding a book to any other format. But I went years without reading and only overcame it with audio books on my iPod, and now on my phone. I pop in the earbuds, then fold laundry, chop wood, mow the lawn, wash dishes or any of a variety of tasks that can be vastly improved by having a story read to me while I do it. I just finished one called Snow Crash, which was entertaining and highly Sci-Fi, which I don’t peg you for. Next in my audio queue is All Quiet on the Western Front, but I haven’t been in a mood for it, so I haven’t started it. I think right now I prefer a thriller from James Lee Burke, or some comedy from PG Wodehouse. I guess I’ll go download…

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  11. I’ve read “Proof of Heaven.” and Anita Moorjani’s book. Both were wonderful. Right now I’m reading one or two chapters a night of “Lunch with Buddha” by Roland Merullo. His Breakfast with Buddha was an all time favorite and then I’d have “Dinner with Buddha” All 3 are novels and well done. I also read one story a night of a “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book. I have a massive collection of them now. This one is “Dreams and Premonitions”. Received 3 more books on kindle for Christmas. I’ll let you know how I like them after they are read. You have a couple there that sound very interesting which is bad news for me. I’m afraid the books will soon overtake my time to read them. The “Forgetting Time” sounds fascinating and like another I have read. I’ll have to look up the title of it. About a boy who remembered his past life as a pilot during the last world war in Pear Harbor. They were able to document so much of the information.
    You are so fortunate to have one daughter in the publishing industry and one that takes extraordinary photos. Life has been good to you. 🙂 And then of course you have the handsome Orlando and Siddy. Well, Siddy is more just plain cute most of the time. My bedroom could use a bit of personality too real soon. It’s just there for now to house the books and bed. 😦 You are inspiring me to get busy. Hope you get a break in the weather. We are all getting odd weather. Makes us pay closer attention.

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    • You are right about the weather Marlene – we are all paying attention now I think – perhaps this is all part of Mother Earth’s plan 🙂 I count myself as most fortunate really – I am well aware of all the blessings that are heaped on me from moment to moment and always have been ……… just that once I couldn’t see them. My little furry fellows are just the icing on the cake really. A little boy put a note into my letterbox one day just before Christmas saying how much he liked my pretty cat that sits in the window and smiles at him. Isn’t that the sweetest thing!

      I’ll show you my bedroom when it is done – but first I have to teach my daughter how to preserve [can] and make jam [preserves] ……….

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      • I like the play on words with the preserves and jam. You are a good mom.
        What a sweet child to let you know how much seeing Orlando in the window meant to him. Looking forward to the redo of your room. Have a lovely week.

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  12. I have read the Alexandra McCall author but not this book. Very excited you have her on your pile. I have heard good things about Sally Hepworth and Allysa Polombo’s books. On major lists or in magazine book club lists.
    Sharon Guskin, The Forgetting Time, sounds amazing. I love books I want to have a second or third dose of, Pauline.
    Here is my pile, 1. “Proof of Heaven.” (serious book written by a neurosurgeon)
    2. Wacky antics and adventures of Stephanie Plum, detective and bail bondswoman, I am on #22 in her series, written by Janet Evanovich. 3. Second book from Emily Giffin, it is called “Something Blue.” First was called, “Something Borrowed.” Another Alex Cross book by James Patterson snd “The Bazaar of Bad Dreams” by Stephen King, I like his short stories and am always reminding people two great movies “Stand By Me,” “The Green Mile” and looking forward to the tv series on “22” about someone going back in time and trying to prevent JFK, Jr. death on (book title) “11/22/63.” I have another cat mystery book and sm on wait list at library for “the woman on the train” book. 🙂 I have read one story from the medical book, two chapters in the Plum detective book and several short stories from S. King. He and the singer, Alicia Keyes, live in the Massachusetts area near my 2nd cousins Gloucester/Rockport, Cape Ann. Not together, ‘tho! 🙂
    what I do is dilly dally, read blogs, eat snacks and watch TV then read one or two chapters. I long for not blogging but then fear losing those who I care about! 🙂

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    • That’s quite a list Robin! I’ve read ‘Proof of Heaven’ I read all those kinds of books, the subject fascinates me. You might enjoy to read Anita Moorjani’s book ‘Dying To Be Me’. She tells of her life, illness, near death experience and what her life has become since. I haven’t read Janet Evanovich, but so many people have mentioned her I am beginning to think I should give her a try. Thank you for coming by Robin – I know what you mean about blogging- it can be demanding on your time, but I could not bear to lose contact with my friends in the blogging world!

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      • The Janet Evanovich books are like candy or comedy movies. 🙂 “Beach reads,” they sometimes call them. . . ♡♡♡ a heart for each member of your household: you, Siddy and Orlando.

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  13. I have one book on the go. I started it…I have been wading through the mire of it ever since. It’s a HUGE book. I found it at the tip shop and decided to liberate it. It promised to be an excellent read by both the “BEST SELLER!” medallion on the cover and the tick of approval from none other than Queen Oprah herself. BUT. And that “but” is most important here. You can’t assume that something is going to grab hold of your innards and wring you out or entice you to dance along some forgotten memory or hold onto it and cherish it and mourn it when it’s all gone from a shiny badge on the cover or an esteemed readers tick. I love the sound of “The Forgetting Time”. I also love the unmentioned Oliver Sachs “On the Move”. I love, most of all, that you are reading, and designing, and mentally changing prior to physically doing so and forging ahead and building new habits. What an excellent start to 2016! Now if we can just stop you from complaining about the absolutely DELICIOUS weather you are having everything will be hunky dory. I miss David Bowie 😦

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    • Oliver Sachs was unmentioned as I am saving him for the long winter months when his passing will not sit so sadly in my memory. He had a great influence on my thinking from the time when I first read ‘The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat’ back in the early 80’s I think it was. I am SO excited about new bedroom 🙂

      You are correct, I should stop complaining! At least we are having weather – what is the alternative? As Danella has just said ‘I imagine David Bowie and Alan Rickman wouldn’t mind a bit of bad weather right now!’ [Too soon?]

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  15. I’m a library reader so I don’t have stacks of fiction around–I mow through the books and return them. My resolution is read more in the stacks of non-fiction that are piling up. I love a book that teaches me about a craft or history but I don’t set aside the time I need to really get through those books. I need to add 30 minutes of reading to my to-do list!

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    • I used to read primarily non-fiction, now I glory in being able to read so much fiction – reading just because I can! I think I have segued to the internet for my instructional improvements – where I once had shelves full of ‘how to’s’ and inspirations, now I use You Tube, Pinterest and blogs. It’s all changing isn’t it!

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  16. I love reading but your enthusiasm makes it sound like I’m missing something vital. Maybe it’s the books I read. Thanks Pauline for such an enjoyable post.
    xxx Massive Hugs xxx

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  17. You certainly do have a stack of reading material before you. Excellent recommendations. How fun to have an inside connection to some of the newest and hottest novels. I may seek out one or two passing on the last choice as I don’t feel like anything too sad right now. I agree making your bedroom a haven that is comfortable, cozy, and peaceful is such a nice idea. No better place than to wrap up the end of the day with your cup of tea and a good book. I love it! I did not know that you were getting rains. They must certainly be welcome. Haven’t you also been experiencing some drought in your area? The winds we could all do without but all the better to cozy up in your own private sanctuary. ♡

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    • This has been a most unusual summer in that the weather varies wildly and temps can have a >10 degree difference in any day. We have had hot wild winds that are drying out the hills and farm lands even while we are having a fair amount of rain. There have been hill fires. Some rivers are running low – which is always a drought alarm here. Today is dark and cold and the rain has poured down all day. Yesterday was hot and we went walking for over an hour in the early morning to beat the worst of the heat. So yes, there is a drought alarm being sounded even while the rains pour down. Crazy huh!

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      • You are having some crazy weather! Keeps things interesting you could say but maybe hard to make plans for outdoor activities. 😄You can always stay in and work on your stack of books!

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  18. So excited to see your new pile. I’ve just preordered The Reader and Forgetting Time as I had book money for Christmas and am determined to use it as was the intention! I’m indulging in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads monologues at present – often read and used as inspiration but they never fail to make me laugh while I always find something new to be amazed at.
    You have inspired me to get my act together and post soon as to what’s on my pile.
    Happy new reading year xxx

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  19. What a feast you’ve given us, Pauline. I love that you read multiple things at once. I never used to, but started a few years ago and it works quite well. I’m going to add some of these to my reading list!

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    • I read A Spool of Blue Thread over the Christmas break and absolutely loved it. Thanks for the recommendation, Lisa. I’ve now passed it to my Mum who is also enjoying it. I love this virtual book club we have going on here.

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      • And I read Ishamael’s Oranges, which I also liked, but found wrenching. It was so perfect the way she showed the intransigence of memory and persistence of hate. I’m loving this virtual book club as well. It’s a bit like subscribing to a dependable review!

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    • Excellent Lisa – will you link in another post to carry on reviewing? I don’t really like reading more than one book at a time, but I seem to have become quite sanguine in my reading habits of late. It surprises me I can keep the story line and characters in my head seeing as how I forget my kids names half the time these days! 🙂

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  20. I am such a terrible reader… Your posting has inspired me to try and read a bit more this year. Bedtime reading is out, as 15 seconds into bed and I’m asleep! I need a regular time! My proposed reading list includes mainly hitherto unread classics, such as Twain that I’ve never managed to get into.

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  21. Oooh that’s a lot of books! I enjoyed reading your reviews and will keep an eye out for The Forgetting Time when it released, that sounds like something I would enjoy. I am ashamed to say that I haven’t been reading much lately, I need to find a good book to get me back into it!

    I see you have the Judy Blume book in your pile there too, I would be interested to hear what you think of it as it’s one I was considering x

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    • The Judy Blume was started and then put aside. I found it a bit repetitive but I don’t know if that was just me being impatient or not. I would like to return to it in the winter and see if she can hold my attention then. Somehow I feel it is a winter book – isn’t that odd!

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  23. Looking forward to your reviews of Geoff’s books Pauline. I have ‘Sherry Trifle’ but haven’t read it yet. I’m so slow at reading books while writing, but I do enjoy my evening wind down and getting out the Kindle or actual real book (which I prefer, but the Paperwhite is great to read in bed with the back light and not disturbing hubby). The trouble is if I get engrossed, it makes for a late night 🙂

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    • I’ve started Geoff’s book, it’s very readable so that might have been a mistake…..
      I have set my Up24 to 9 pm and when it buzzes it’s time to start preparing for bed – tidying up, clearing away and taking a shower. This way by 10.30 I’m ready for sleep having showered, tucked in, read my book and drunk my sleepy drink 🙂 It’s all theory still, but I’m hopeful!

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  24. I used to be a voracious reader (mostly murder mysteries and medical thrillers – what does that say about me?? – though I did delight in Harry Potter, and the Twilight (yup, I admit it), Divergent, and Mockingjay series.) Any reading time now spent seems mostly to find me sporadically perusing photography or design books, though the most recent novel I’ve read is one penned (but not published) by a friend we have in common! I read it right before Christmas (or perhaps Thanksgiving) and couldn’t put it down!!

    I love the idea of your nightly ritual and redoing your bedroom to help with that! Perhaps if I put one of your recommended reads on my nightstand, I may get back into the habit of reading before bed too. Thanks for the suggestions – and I’ll keep an eye out in March!

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  25. I love how your presented each of the books, Pauline. You’ve got style my friend! The Forgetting Time sounds very intriguing. My TBR pile will out live me, I’m afraid…it’s massive. Hugs to Siddy! I loved the picture you posted for me on FB!

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    • Oh, thank you Jill, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. The trouble with being a writer is you spend so much time ….. writing!! Maybe you will find time to squeeze The Forgetting Time in somewhere along the way ……….. I am happy to send you a Siddy smile whenever you need it! xo

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  26. What an appealing bedside table stacked high with books and beautifully lit with a delightful girl keeping watch. How lucky you are to have ED involved in the book industry.
    I love the sound of The Reader on the 6.27. I might have to add it to my list. Also the Forgetting Time sounds intriguing, particularly in light of similar discussions on my blog. I have read Geoff’s Sherry Trifle and found it hilarious. I am part the way through His Father and Other Liars. I have so many books on the go at the moment. I wish I had more time for reading. I am really enjoying listening to Sissy Spacek read To Kill a Mockingbird, am reading Ugly by Robert Hoge and am dipping in and out of a few educational books as time permits. Sadly i don’t make as much time for reading as I’d like. Thanks for your recommendations. I’ve read many books suggested by other bloggers and have rarely, if ever, been disappointed. It’s always great to get suggestions for the next read.:)

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    • Hi Norah – yes my theory is that if I have a connection in some way with someone through our blogs it is quite likely that we might like to read similar books – it’s great to get thoughts and recommendations from others. I listened to lots of audio books when I was painting every day – I’m hoping to get back into that before too much longer. I know – having a daughter in the book industry is such a blessing for me – she is very generous and I am spoiled for choice!!

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      • I agree with your theory. I finally finished To Kill a Mockingbird this morning. It was wonderful I’ve already started Ugly. It’s an amazing story too. At least I know it has a happy ending, though there will be many more years before it really ends. 🙂

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        • I love To Kill a Mockingbird and have read it maybe ten times – and seen the movie as many times too! I googled ‘Ugly’ as I had not heard of it and it sounds to be the story of an amazing young man [and family]. I shall keep an eye open for it. Do you know the family personally Norah?

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          • I’m interested to hear you have seen the movie of To Kill a Mockingbird as many times as you have read the book. I watched Atticus’s summing up to the court on YouTube and was very disappointed with what had been omitted . I was hoping to quote the section about diversity and equality in a post and thought it would be good to have the visual. I also didn’t like Peck’s portrayal of Atticus, as his character was quite different from what I had imagined. I thought him to be a genteel person and considered Gregory Peck’s portrayal to be more aggressive, though I had always enjoyed Peck’s movies when I was growing up. Perhaps my interpretation of his character was influenced by Sissy Spacek’s reading and I would not feel the same had I read it myself first, or seen the movie first. Maybe I should have a look at the movie afterall. I had decided against it, thinking they couldn’t possibly do justice to the book.
            Robert Hoge is an amazing young man. I don’t know the family, nor him, personally, though I have attended three seminars at which he spoke. He is very intelligent and eloquent young man. I bought a copy of his book (and had him sign it – so I have met him) at a writers’ festival. I lent it to Mum. She said it was the best book she’d ever read. Not a bad compliment from a 90-year old avid reader. (She’s passed now.) I hadn’t read his book but a recent interview on Australian Story reminded me I hadn’t, and I was particularly intrigued to see he had written a version for children (8 – 12). I bought the ebook version of that, and am reading it. At the same time I bought the audiobook of the original memoir, read by Robert, and am currently listening to that. It is a story I find fascinating. I guess I think it could have been me and my family and wonder how I would cope. Robert is only 2 years older than my Robert. It is an amazing story – all versions! 🙂

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            • Interesting thoughts Norah. I enjoyed the movie very much – despite the differences. I’m racking my brain to try and remember which came first for me the book or the movie and I really can’t remember – they both go back that far in my life. The book was a manageable weekend read and I used to pick it up maybe once a year along with a couple or three others that are firm favourites [Austen, Dickens] in the school holidays – just to turn the world off and let go. Maybe I am not as discerning as you – I also really enjoy most of the TV productions and movies based on works of the aforementioned authors 🙂

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              • Thanks Pauline. Now I’m determined to watch the movie to see what I think. Maybe the story will be strong enough for me to enjoy it regardless of the telling. I don’t read fiction or watch movies or television nearly as much as I used to. I looking forward to allowing myself to return to these pleasures in the future. 🙂

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  28. Currently I am enjoying “Dictator” the final book in a trilogy by Robert Harris (the earlier two are “Imperium” and “Lustrum”). They tell the story of Cicero and the last years of the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar. Brilliantly written and highly recommended.

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  29. What can I saw for what, a pre plug!? Thank you. This is where I become nervous! You do have a heap. Currently I’m going retro with books I feel I missed – Slaughter House Five by Vonnegut just now.

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    • Don’t be nervous – I’ve started Dead Flies and it is hard to stop reading it to carry on with the other book I’ve promised myself to finish…… I loved Vonnegut’s Catch22 – but that was so long ago now…..

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  32. Books are always a wonderful gift, aren’t they? I am gifted lots of books but I need the gift of spare time to read them statue rare I once did. I’m going to add ‘Rush Oh!’ to my list. I’m a fan of ‘Moby Dick’ and have whaling ancestry so I always find such books interesting – despite having campaigned against whaling.
    PS I love your beaded lamp. Very glam.

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    • I’m so intrigued by the life style around the whaling……….. what an exotic ancestry! I really do put it down to the authors ability to weave her tale that I can read this and not get hung up on my personal values re whaling – that’ s quite a feat in my book! I’m not surprised to hear you don’t have much time for reading – it amazes me you have time for any!
      I made the beaded fringe for my lamp about ten years ago – it is standing up quite well. I’m glad you like it 🙂

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      • I’m not sure my whaling ancestry was that exotic. One of my branches hails from the Shetland islands and one ancestor worked at the whaling station at Olnafirth Voe. I believe he was employed as a flenser. He was, therefore, based at the station more likely than he was following whales around the world’s oceans.

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  34. There is something enormously appealing about a good stack of books on the nightstand. I currently have more books than I have time for, even though I read three books while recuperating and have two more partially read. I didn’t know you had a daughter in the publishing business. What fun to get early copies of new books. I’m glad you’re finding joy in reading, along with your other activities, even though

    That is a beautiful photo. My compliments to the photographer. I *love* your beaded lamp and the artistic image of you.

    Pauline, what a wonderful new ritual. It sounds perfectly pleasing to me. I can’t wait to see how you re-decorate your room. Those “reveals” are so much fun. xo

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    • There’s an intriguing break in your thought here Alys – I wonder what you were going to say……

      I made that beaded fringe for the lamp several years back – it is wearing extremely well! OP says ‘Oh, thankyouverymuch:-)’ 🙂

      A colour for the bedroom was chosen today. Hopefully over the next couple of weeks I shall get everything organised and then the painting can begin!

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      • Oh how funny that I would stop mid-sentence like that. I’ll bet I was back at the top of the post to refer to something and got distracted. OR Slinky walked across the keyboard and deleted it. That’s happened to me a time or too. She loves my warm laptop.

        Wow! You beaded that lamp. Why am I surprised? It’s a stunner. I bet it catches the light nicely too. I’m also impressed that Orlando leaves it alone.

        So enjoyable chatting with you today. xo

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  35. Seeing your nice pile of books there, waiting for you, reminds me of the inviting treasure trove I always used to consider my little stack of books just taken home from the public library when I was a child…all the promise of pleasure in it. It was better than candy, and I could never wait to get into them and read. I guess I’ve told you before that I don’t read much recent fiction these days, though I do have a really eclectic mix in my own stack of “to read”. I dip in and out of several, depending on my mood, and always turn to old favorites whenI am so moved. My latest are Sam Kean’s “The Disappearing Spoon” which is a compendium of crazy but true tales around the formation of chemistry’s periodic table of elements, and R.H. Blyth’s “Zen In English Literature.” I like your idea of a bedtime ritual, too. Ritual is a good way to wind down and let the cares of the day roll away for a peaceful sleep. Good reading to you, Pauline, and pleasant dreams!

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    • There was a time in my life when I read only as part of my all-consuming work. It was all research, grist for the mill, information, self education, child development, history, literature, etc etc. Having the freedom today to indulge in novels is such a treat – I still read other stuff, but this is what I blog about. And I’m loving your poetry – I indulge in a little of that here and there also. I don’t sleep well, so I’m determined to try and change that – we’ll see over the coming month how well that goes 🙂

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  37. Wow Pauline, you have one big stack of books! That last book sounds very interesting! I am not much into reading but I think that one would be very different! Thanks for the reviews! xo

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