Susanna here. I’m in a different time zone this weekend, on the west coast of Canada at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference—the highlight of my writing year.
This has been a busy day—I’ve moderated a panel session on world building, taught another on mining your own life for story ideas, coached some other writers through blue pencil sessions, and am now having a short break before tonight’s dinner and this evening’s “Shock Theatre” radio-play-style entertainment, in which I’ve been given a
speaking part.
This will, then, of necessity, be a shorter post.
But I’ve been thinking of something all day, and I thought it might be a good discussion topic here.
Last night, in his Master Class here on writing memorable fiction, agent Don Maass began by asking all of us which books we ranked as the ones that we’d never forget—the books that had touched us most deeply.
People raised their hands and started offering their choices, which at first were a fair sampling of titles…but within a few minutes, as though everyone had started to realize their choices were being judged by everyone else in the room, the titles being named began to change, and grow more weighty and more literary.
It reminded me of the time someone asked me what I was reading, years ago, and instead of telling them I was reading the Harlequin Presents novel I was actually reading, I told them I was reading Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, which I’d only made it two paragraphs into before giving up on it. But I thought The Name of the Rose sounded more impressive.
That was fresh in my mind when this morning, in the world building panel, Liza Palmer commented that when she’s constructing her characters, she likes to imagine what books they have on their coffee table versus what books they have in their bookshelves, because that tells her a lot about who they are.
So I’ve been thinking about that a lot, today.
Because now that I’m older, when somebody asks me what I’m reading, I just tell them what I’m reading. I no longer worry about whether they’re impressed with my choice—I read for my own pleasure and interest.
But for a long time, I let that unread copy of The Name of the Rose take up space in my bookshelf that could have gone to another book, thinking it made me look serious.
What were the books taking up space on your shelves that you never read?
And what books really were your most memorable reads?
Susanna – Thanks for this post! When someone asks me what I’m reading (I often am sitting there with book in hand), I’ll show them the cover. With me, it’s usually a romance and I’ll unashamedly tell the questioner what I’m reading, its sub-genre if relevant, etc. I’m not ashamed to be reading an historical or contemporary romance, single title or category.Pf course, there are books on my shelves that I’ve never read and will never read. I read and re-read Jane Eyre. I’ve never had the inclination to open Wuthering Heights. I also thought I’d never read War & Peace (hardcover, WWII edition). I don’t know who bought it or why it was there. But then, when I was in graduate school, the 7-hour Russian version of the movie came out. I was so captivated by Andre and Natasha and Pierre that I actually bought a paperback version at the FSU (Florida State) bookstore and read it cover to cover. I think it took me 4 days. I might have skipped meals and forgotten to sleep. I re-read the hardcover version when I returned home for good. So, I guess I will read anything if the story grabs me by the throat and drags me along. I’m currently reading Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra, which is a modern re-telling of Little Women, a seminal book in my life. And yes (not giving away spoilers) it will be followed by Beth and Amy.
Susanna – Thanks for this post! When someone asks me what I’m reading (I often am sitting there with book in hand), I’ll show them the cover. With me, it’s usually a romance and I’ll unashamedly tell the questioner what I’m reading, its sub-genre if relevant, etc. I’m not ashamed to be reading an historical or contemporary romance, single title or category.Pf course, there are books on my shelves that I’ve never read and will never read. I read and re-read Jane Eyre. I’ve never had the inclination to open Wuthering Heights. I also thought I’d never read War & Peace (hardcover, WWII edition). I don’t know who bought it or why it was there. But then, when I was in graduate school, the 7-hour Russian version of the movie came out. I was so captivated by Andre and Natasha and Pierre that I actually bought a paperback version at the FSU (Florida State) bookstore and read it cover to cover. I think it took me 4 days. I might have skipped meals and forgotten to sleep. I re-read the hardcover version when I returned home for good. So, I guess I will read anything if the story grabs me by the throat and drags me along. I’m currently reading Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra, which is a modern re-telling of Little Women, a seminal book in my life. And yes (not giving away spoilers) it will be followed by Beth and Amy.
Susanna – Thanks for this post! When someone asks me what I’m reading (I often am sitting there with book in hand), I’ll show them the cover. With me, it’s usually a romance and I’ll unashamedly tell the questioner what I’m reading, its sub-genre if relevant, etc. I’m not ashamed to be reading an historical or contemporary romance, single title or category.Pf course, there are books on my shelves that I’ve never read and will never read. I read and re-read Jane Eyre. I’ve never had the inclination to open Wuthering Heights. I also thought I’d never read War & Peace (hardcover, WWII edition). I don’t know who bought it or why it was there. But then, when I was in graduate school, the 7-hour Russian version of the movie came out. I was so captivated by Andre and Natasha and Pierre that I actually bought a paperback version at the FSU (Florida State) bookstore and read it cover to cover. I think it took me 4 days. I might have skipped meals and forgotten to sleep. I re-read the hardcover version when I returned home for good. So, I guess I will read anything if the story grabs me by the throat and drags me along. I’m currently reading Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra, which is a modern re-telling of Little Women, a seminal book in my life. And yes (not giving away spoilers) it will be followed by Beth and Amy.
Susanna – Thanks for this post! When someone asks me what I’m reading (I often am sitting there with book in hand), I’ll show them the cover. With me, it’s usually a romance and I’ll unashamedly tell the questioner what I’m reading, its sub-genre if relevant, etc. I’m not ashamed to be reading an historical or contemporary romance, single title or category.Pf course, there are books on my shelves that I’ve never read and will never read. I read and re-read Jane Eyre. I’ve never had the inclination to open Wuthering Heights. I also thought I’d never read War & Peace (hardcover, WWII edition). I don’t know who bought it or why it was there. But then, when I was in graduate school, the 7-hour Russian version of the movie came out. I was so captivated by Andre and Natasha and Pierre that I actually bought a paperback version at the FSU (Florida State) bookstore and read it cover to cover. I think it took me 4 days. I might have skipped meals and forgotten to sleep. I re-read the hardcover version when I returned home for good. So, I guess I will read anything if the story grabs me by the throat and drags me along. I’m currently reading Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra, which is a modern re-telling of Little Women, a seminal book in my life. And yes (not giving away spoilers) it will be followed by Beth and Amy.
Susanna – Thanks for this post! When someone asks me what I’m reading (I often am sitting there with book in hand), I’ll show them the cover. With me, it’s usually a romance and I’ll unashamedly tell the questioner what I’m reading, its sub-genre if relevant, etc. I’m not ashamed to be reading an historical or contemporary romance, single title or category.Pf course, there are books on my shelves that I’ve never read and will never read. I read and re-read Jane Eyre. I’ve never had the inclination to open Wuthering Heights. I also thought I’d never read War & Peace (hardcover, WWII edition). I don’t know who bought it or why it was there. But then, when I was in graduate school, the 7-hour Russian version of the movie came out. I was so captivated by Andre and Natasha and Pierre that I actually bought a paperback version at the FSU (Florida State) bookstore and read it cover to cover. I think it took me 4 days. I might have skipped meals and forgotten to sleep. I re-read the hardcover version when I returned home for good. So, I guess I will read anything if the story grabs me by the throat and drags me along. I’m currently reading Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra, which is a modern re-telling of Little Women, a seminal book in my life. And yes (not giving away spoilers) it will be followed by Beth and Amy.
I have never been able to read Gone With the Wind. In fact, I am not sure if I ever finished the first chapter. I absolutely HATED Scarlett with a vengeance! It is very rare for me not to finish a book: I can count on one hand the books I have not finished in my 60 plus years. Having said that, I read quite a varied type of book. Love Georgette Heyer and Pride and Prejudice, but I also loved Lord of the Rings when I first read it in 1977 and I still re-read all of these regularly. I just love books! Historical, paranormal, science fiction, contemporary, suspense; about the only thing I don’t read is horror. Many of our well known writers had their start with Mills & Boon; but, as Mark Twain said: “My books are water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) Everybody drinks water.”
I have never been able to read Gone With the Wind. In fact, I am not sure if I ever finished the first chapter. I absolutely HATED Scarlett with a vengeance! It is very rare for me not to finish a book: I can count on one hand the books I have not finished in my 60 plus years. Having said that, I read quite a varied type of book. Love Georgette Heyer and Pride and Prejudice, but I also loved Lord of the Rings when I first read it in 1977 and I still re-read all of these regularly. I just love books! Historical, paranormal, science fiction, contemporary, suspense; about the only thing I don’t read is horror. Many of our well known writers had their start with Mills & Boon; but, as Mark Twain said: “My books are water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) Everybody drinks water.”
I have never been able to read Gone With the Wind. In fact, I am not sure if I ever finished the first chapter. I absolutely HATED Scarlett with a vengeance! It is very rare for me not to finish a book: I can count on one hand the books I have not finished in my 60 plus years. Having said that, I read quite a varied type of book. Love Georgette Heyer and Pride and Prejudice, but I also loved Lord of the Rings when I first read it in 1977 and I still re-read all of these regularly. I just love books! Historical, paranormal, science fiction, contemporary, suspense; about the only thing I don’t read is horror. Many of our well known writers had their start with Mills & Boon; but, as Mark Twain said: “My books are water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) Everybody drinks water.”
I have never been able to read Gone With the Wind. In fact, I am not sure if I ever finished the first chapter. I absolutely HATED Scarlett with a vengeance! It is very rare for me not to finish a book: I can count on one hand the books I have not finished in my 60 plus years. Having said that, I read quite a varied type of book. Love Georgette Heyer and Pride and Prejudice, but I also loved Lord of the Rings when I first read it in 1977 and I still re-read all of these regularly. I just love books! Historical, paranormal, science fiction, contemporary, suspense; about the only thing I don’t read is horror. Many of our well known writers had their start with Mills & Boon; but, as Mark Twain said: “My books are water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) Everybody drinks water.”
I have never been able to read Gone With the Wind. In fact, I am not sure if I ever finished the first chapter. I absolutely HATED Scarlett with a vengeance! It is very rare for me not to finish a book: I can count on one hand the books I have not finished in my 60 plus years. Having said that, I read quite a varied type of book. Love Georgette Heyer and Pride and Prejudice, but I also loved Lord of the Rings when I first read it in 1977 and I still re-read all of these regularly. I just love books! Historical, paranormal, science fiction, contemporary, suspense; about the only thing I don’t read is horror. Many of our well known writers had their start with Mills & Boon; but, as Mark Twain said: “My books are water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) Everybody drinks water.”
I distinctly remember the moment when I realized I would never live long enough to read all the books I wanted to read, and made the decision that, just because I’d opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it. I was 17 and on my third attempt to get through Jane Eyre. Memorable reads for me are those I go back to again and again, if only to read passages I cherish. There’s a wide range, from Little Women to The Hours to Checkmate (truthfully, any of Lymond Chronicles) to Persuasion to Gaudy Night to The Last Chance Christmas Ball. Each August, I reach for September by Rosamunde Pilcher. And I have a small, thin-paper edition of Pride and Prejudice that lives in my carryon — just in case. Meanwhile, my TBR pile, physical and electronic, keeps growing, with more memorables to be found, I am sure!
I distinctly remember the moment when I realized I would never live long enough to read all the books I wanted to read, and made the decision that, just because I’d opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it. I was 17 and on my third attempt to get through Jane Eyre. Memorable reads for me are those I go back to again and again, if only to read passages I cherish. There’s a wide range, from Little Women to The Hours to Checkmate (truthfully, any of Lymond Chronicles) to Persuasion to Gaudy Night to The Last Chance Christmas Ball. Each August, I reach for September by Rosamunde Pilcher. And I have a small, thin-paper edition of Pride and Prejudice that lives in my carryon — just in case. Meanwhile, my TBR pile, physical and electronic, keeps growing, with more memorables to be found, I am sure!
I distinctly remember the moment when I realized I would never live long enough to read all the books I wanted to read, and made the decision that, just because I’d opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it. I was 17 and on my third attempt to get through Jane Eyre. Memorable reads for me are those I go back to again and again, if only to read passages I cherish. There’s a wide range, from Little Women to The Hours to Checkmate (truthfully, any of Lymond Chronicles) to Persuasion to Gaudy Night to The Last Chance Christmas Ball. Each August, I reach for September by Rosamunde Pilcher. And I have a small, thin-paper edition of Pride and Prejudice that lives in my carryon — just in case. Meanwhile, my TBR pile, physical and electronic, keeps growing, with more memorables to be found, I am sure!
I distinctly remember the moment when I realized I would never live long enough to read all the books I wanted to read, and made the decision that, just because I’d opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it. I was 17 and on my third attempt to get through Jane Eyre. Memorable reads for me are those I go back to again and again, if only to read passages I cherish. There’s a wide range, from Little Women to The Hours to Checkmate (truthfully, any of Lymond Chronicles) to Persuasion to Gaudy Night to The Last Chance Christmas Ball. Each August, I reach for September by Rosamunde Pilcher. And I have a small, thin-paper edition of Pride and Prejudice that lives in my carryon — just in case. Meanwhile, my TBR pile, physical and electronic, keeps growing, with more memorables to be found, I am sure!
I distinctly remember the moment when I realized I would never live long enough to read all the books I wanted to read, and made the decision that, just because I’d opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it. I was 17 and on my third attempt to get through Jane Eyre. Memorable reads for me are those I go back to again and again, if only to read passages I cherish. There’s a wide range, from Little Women to The Hours to Checkmate (truthfully, any of Lymond Chronicles) to Persuasion to Gaudy Night to The Last Chance Christmas Ball. Each August, I reach for September by Rosamunde Pilcher. And I have a small, thin-paper edition of Pride and Prejudice that lives in my carryon — just in case. Meanwhile, my TBR pile, physical and electronic, keeps growing, with more memorables to be found, I am sure!
Mostly I read romances and mysteries, many of them historical, and really enjoy it when the two are intertwined. I’ve read and still reread Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but I was never able to get through The Hobbit, despite multiple attempts. My biggest problem is that there are so many books out there I want to read! And this blog is always a good source for adding to that list. I know I will never be bored.
Mostly I read romances and mysteries, many of them historical, and really enjoy it when the two are intertwined. I’ve read and still reread Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but I was never able to get through The Hobbit, despite multiple attempts. My biggest problem is that there are so many books out there I want to read! And this blog is always a good source for adding to that list. I know I will never be bored.
Mostly I read romances and mysteries, many of them historical, and really enjoy it when the two are intertwined. I’ve read and still reread Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but I was never able to get through The Hobbit, despite multiple attempts. My biggest problem is that there are so many books out there I want to read! And this blog is always a good source for adding to that list. I know I will never be bored.
Mostly I read romances and mysteries, many of them historical, and really enjoy it when the two are intertwined. I’ve read and still reread Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but I was never able to get through The Hobbit, despite multiple attempts. My biggest problem is that there are so many books out there I want to read! And this blog is always a good source for adding to that list. I know I will never be bored.
Mostly I read romances and mysteries, many of them historical, and really enjoy it when the two are intertwined. I’ve read and still reread Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, but I was never able to get through The Hobbit, despite multiple attempts. My biggest problem is that there are so many books out there I want to read! And this blog is always a good source for adding to that list. I know I will never be bored.
OK – I love Jane Austen. I have never liked Hemingway…I always got the impression he was very impressed with himself. ETC ETC ETC
The books which are in my heart are the last ones I would ever have imagined for myself.
I was one of those people who had no clue why anyone in their right mind would read a romance. Then, I had to start my life over…from scratch…in a new city…all alone.
I went to my local library and found Judith McNaught’s Until You by accident. I was gob smacked. I fell in love with her writing and then realized there were other authors who were just as good and I had found a new place to go.
Then, after a period of time, I found two authors who absolutely made me smile. And I also realized those are the books I really need, the books which make me smile.
Early Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of the early Amanda Quick are my go to books to reread. Each of those authors make me laugh out loud. They write conversations which make me realize I have never been that witty. And they remind me that although not for me, there are absolutely wonderful love stories out there in the wide world. Betcha there are some of those love stories in the real world too.
In the far distant past, I have read some of the “great” literature. Some of it made me think. Some of it was boring as heck. But, now, I read romance and mysteries. I enjoy them. They make me happy. Life is short, so I want to spend time with characters who make me smile, hold my interest and would be fun to share a meal or a glass of iced tea in their company.
Of course if it wre one of the villains from a mystery, I would have them taste everything before I did.
OK – I love Jane Austen. I have never liked Hemingway…I always got the impression he was very impressed with himself. ETC ETC ETC
The books which are in my heart are the last ones I would ever have imagined for myself.
I was one of those people who had no clue why anyone in their right mind would read a romance. Then, I had to start my life over…from scratch…in a new city…all alone.
I went to my local library and found Judith McNaught’s Until You by accident. I was gob smacked. I fell in love with her writing and then realized there were other authors who were just as good and I had found a new place to go.
Then, after a period of time, I found two authors who absolutely made me smile. And I also realized those are the books I really need, the books which make me smile.
Early Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of the early Amanda Quick are my go to books to reread. Each of those authors make me laugh out loud. They write conversations which make me realize I have never been that witty. And they remind me that although not for me, there are absolutely wonderful love stories out there in the wide world. Betcha there are some of those love stories in the real world too.
In the far distant past, I have read some of the “great” literature. Some of it made me think. Some of it was boring as heck. But, now, I read romance and mysteries. I enjoy them. They make me happy. Life is short, so I want to spend time with characters who make me smile, hold my interest and would be fun to share a meal or a glass of iced tea in their company.
Of course if it wre one of the villains from a mystery, I would have them taste everything before I did.
OK – I love Jane Austen. I have never liked Hemingway…I always got the impression he was very impressed with himself. ETC ETC ETC
The books which are in my heart are the last ones I would ever have imagined for myself.
I was one of those people who had no clue why anyone in their right mind would read a romance. Then, I had to start my life over…from scratch…in a new city…all alone.
I went to my local library and found Judith McNaught’s Until You by accident. I was gob smacked. I fell in love with her writing and then realized there were other authors who were just as good and I had found a new place to go.
Then, after a period of time, I found two authors who absolutely made me smile. And I also realized those are the books I really need, the books which make me smile.
Early Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of the early Amanda Quick are my go to books to reread. Each of those authors make me laugh out loud. They write conversations which make me realize I have never been that witty. And they remind me that although not for me, there are absolutely wonderful love stories out there in the wide world. Betcha there are some of those love stories in the real world too.
In the far distant past, I have read some of the “great” literature. Some of it made me think. Some of it was boring as heck. But, now, I read romance and mysteries. I enjoy them. They make me happy. Life is short, so I want to spend time with characters who make me smile, hold my interest and would be fun to share a meal or a glass of iced tea in their company.
Of course if it wre one of the villains from a mystery, I would have them taste everything before I did.
OK – I love Jane Austen. I have never liked Hemingway…I always got the impression he was very impressed with himself. ETC ETC ETC
The books which are in my heart are the last ones I would ever have imagined for myself.
I was one of those people who had no clue why anyone in their right mind would read a romance. Then, I had to start my life over…from scratch…in a new city…all alone.
I went to my local library and found Judith McNaught’s Until You by accident. I was gob smacked. I fell in love with her writing and then realized there were other authors who were just as good and I had found a new place to go.
Then, after a period of time, I found two authors who absolutely made me smile. And I also realized those are the books I really need, the books which make me smile.
Early Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of the early Amanda Quick are my go to books to reread. Each of those authors make me laugh out loud. They write conversations which make me realize I have never been that witty. And they remind me that although not for me, there are absolutely wonderful love stories out there in the wide world. Betcha there are some of those love stories in the real world too.
In the far distant past, I have read some of the “great” literature. Some of it made me think. Some of it was boring as heck. But, now, I read romance and mysteries. I enjoy them. They make me happy. Life is short, so I want to spend time with characters who make me smile, hold my interest and would be fun to share a meal or a glass of iced tea in their company.
Of course if it wre one of the villains from a mystery, I would have them taste everything before I did.
OK – I love Jane Austen. I have never liked Hemingway…I always got the impression he was very impressed with himself. ETC ETC ETC
The books which are in my heart are the last ones I would ever have imagined for myself.
I was one of those people who had no clue why anyone in their right mind would read a romance. Then, I had to start my life over…from scratch…in a new city…all alone.
I went to my local library and found Judith McNaught’s Until You by accident. I was gob smacked. I fell in love with her writing and then realized there were other authors who were just as good and I had found a new place to go.
Then, after a period of time, I found two authors who absolutely made me smile. And I also realized those are the books I really need, the books which make me smile.
Early Julie Garwood, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and some of the early Amanda Quick are my go to books to reread. Each of those authors make me laugh out loud. They write conversations which make me realize I have never been that witty. And they remind me that although not for me, there are absolutely wonderful love stories out there in the wide world. Betcha there are some of those love stories in the real world too.
In the far distant past, I have read some of the “great” literature. Some of it made me think. Some of it was boring as heck. But, now, I read romance and mysteries. I enjoy them. They make me happy. Life is short, so I want to spend time with characters who make me smile, hold my interest and would be fun to share a meal or a glass of iced tea in their company.
Of course if it wre one of the villains from a mystery, I would have them taste everything before I did.
I’ve read books that I really REALLY enjoyed and many more that were a pleasant way to pass some time, but I don’t think I’d describe any as books that have touched me deeply. (Perhaps I’m just a shallow person!)
That said, I can identify with your The Name of the Rose versus the Harlequin Presents story. (And you’re in good company, Susanna, as I too began but did not finish the former.) Nowadays, I am usually honest about what I’m reading. One exception might be when my Mormon friend asks what I’m reading; I don’t share if it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve read books that I really REALLY enjoyed and many more that were a pleasant way to pass some time, but I don’t think I’d describe any as books that have touched me deeply. (Perhaps I’m just a shallow person!)
That said, I can identify with your The Name of the Rose versus the Harlequin Presents story. (And you’re in good company, Susanna, as I too began but did not finish the former.) Nowadays, I am usually honest about what I’m reading. One exception might be when my Mormon friend asks what I’m reading; I don’t share if it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve read books that I really REALLY enjoyed and many more that were a pleasant way to pass some time, but I don’t think I’d describe any as books that have touched me deeply. (Perhaps I’m just a shallow person!)
That said, I can identify with your The Name of the Rose versus the Harlequin Presents story. (And you’re in good company, Susanna, as I too began but did not finish the former.) Nowadays, I am usually honest about what I’m reading. One exception might be when my Mormon friend asks what I’m reading; I don’t share if it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve read books that I really REALLY enjoyed and many more that were a pleasant way to pass some time, but I don’t think I’d describe any as books that have touched me deeply. (Perhaps I’m just a shallow person!)
That said, I can identify with your The Name of the Rose versus the Harlequin Presents story. (And you’re in good company, Susanna, as I too began but did not finish the former.) Nowadays, I am usually honest about what I’m reading. One exception might be when my Mormon friend asks what I’m reading; I don’t share if it’s a male/male romance.
I’ve read books that I really REALLY enjoyed and many more that were a pleasant way to pass some time, but I don’t think I’d describe any as books that have touched me deeply. (Perhaps I’m just a shallow person!)
That said, I can identify with your The Name of the Rose versus the Harlequin Presents story. (And you’re in good company, Susanna, as I too began but did not finish the former.) Nowadays, I am usually honest about what I’m reading. One exception might be when my Mormon friend asks what I’m reading; I don’t share if it’s a male/male romance.
Most of my never have read them books are non-fiction. I’ve been steadily working my way through those by asking myself, realistically, are you ever going to read that/those books? Thus weeding out a few more. Or actually reading them!
There are so many, many classics that I’ve never read because I just couldn’t convince myself I should or wanted to. I did read 3/4ths of Anna Karenina before I finally gave up on 30 or 35 years ago. But I think that was the last classic I felt I should TRY reading. Gone with the Wind never spoke to me even though all my sisters love and adore it. Go figure.
Loved Annette N’s comments. A book that makes me smile and characters that I would enjoy eating with. I’ll have to remember that next time I have to explain why I don’t usually like reading books that book clubs pick. They don’t make me smile or have what I consider to be good endings.
My “Happy” selection comes from a wide range of authors/genres which have become my go to, lift me up, make me happy and comforted books. Sci Fi, Fantasy, romance in many different sub-categories….
Also like Constance’s comment about “Just because I opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it.” I’ve only in the past 10 years started getting to be like that. I really do have SO MANY in my TBR pile that I had to start becoming more ruthless. I have found that if I haven’t managed to get into it by about page 40, it isn’t going to happen.
Even if I set it down for 3 years and start over, I’ll still be argh by page 40 so why waste my time. I just went through a pile of books that I’d begun reading, stopped and resumed many years later. Such a waste of space on the shelf.
The books were by well known authors but they apparently didn’t speak to me at all!
Most of my never have read them books are non-fiction. I’ve been steadily working my way through those by asking myself, realistically, are you ever going to read that/those books? Thus weeding out a few more. Or actually reading them!
There are so many, many classics that I’ve never read because I just couldn’t convince myself I should or wanted to. I did read 3/4ths of Anna Karenina before I finally gave up on 30 or 35 years ago. But I think that was the last classic I felt I should TRY reading. Gone with the Wind never spoke to me even though all my sisters love and adore it. Go figure.
Loved Annette N’s comments. A book that makes me smile and characters that I would enjoy eating with. I’ll have to remember that next time I have to explain why I don’t usually like reading books that book clubs pick. They don’t make me smile or have what I consider to be good endings.
My “Happy” selection comes from a wide range of authors/genres which have become my go to, lift me up, make me happy and comforted books. Sci Fi, Fantasy, romance in many different sub-categories….
Also like Constance’s comment about “Just because I opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it.” I’ve only in the past 10 years started getting to be like that. I really do have SO MANY in my TBR pile that I had to start becoming more ruthless. I have found that if I haven’t managed to get into it by about page 40, it isn’t going to happen.
Even if I set it down for 3 years and start over, I’ll still be argh by page 40 so why waste my time. I just went through a pile of books that I’d begun reading, stopped and resumed many years later. Such a waste of space on the shelf.
The books were by well known authors but they apparently didn’t speak to me at all!
Most of my never have read them books are non-fiction. I’ve been steadily working my way through those by asking myself, realistically, are you ever going to read that/those books? Thus weeding out a few more. Or actually reading them!
There are so many, many classics that I’ve never read because I just couldn’t convince myself I should or wanted to. I did read 3/4ths of Anna Karenina before I finally gave up on 30 or 35 years ago. But I think that was the last classic I felt I should TRY reading. Gone with the Wind never spoke to me even though all my sisters love and adore it. Go figure.
Loved Annette N’s comments. A book that makes me smile and characters that I would enjoy eating with. I’ll have to remember that next time I have to explain why I don’t usually like reading books that book clubs pick. They don’t make me smile or have what I consider to be good endings.
My “Happy” selection comes from a wide range of authors/genres which have become my go to, lift me up, make me happy and comforted books. Sci Fi, Fantasy, romance in many different sub-categories….
Also like Constance’s comment about “Just because I opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it.” I’ve only in the past 10 years started getting to be like that. I really do have SO MANY in my TBR pile that I had to start becoming more ruthless. I have found that if I haven’t managed to get into it by about page 40, it isn’t going to happen.
Even if I set it down for 3 years and start over, I’ll still be argh by page 40 so why waste my time. I just went through a pile of books that I’d begun reading, stopped and resumed many years later. Such a waste of space on the shelf.
The books were by well known authors but they apparently didn’t speak to me at all!
Most of my never have read them books are non-fiction. I’ve been steadily working my way through those by asking myself, realistically, are you ever going to read that/those books? Thus weeding out a few more. Or actually reading them!
There are so many, many classics that I’ve never read because I just couldn’t convince myself I should or wanted to. I did read 3/4ths of Anna Karenina before I finally gave up on 30 or 35 years ago. But I think that was the last classic I felt I should TRY reading. Gone with the Wind never spoke to me even though all my sisters love and adore it. Go figure.
Loved Annette N’s comments. A book that makes me smile and characters that I would enjoy eating with. I’ll have to remember that next time I have to explain why I don’t usually like reading books that book clubs pick. They don’t make me smile or have what I consider to be good endings.
My “Happy” selection comes from a wide range of authors/genres which have become my go to, lift me up, make me happy and comforted books. Sci Fi, Fantasy, romance in many different sub-categories….
Also like Constance’s comment about “Just because I opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it.” I’ve only in the past 10 years started getting to be like that. I really do have SO MANY in my TBR pile that I had to start becoming more ruthless. I have found that if I haven’t managed to get into it by about page 40, it isn’t going to happen.
Even if I set it down for 3 years and start over, I’ll still be argh by page 40 so why waste my time. I just went through a pile of books that I’d begun reading, stopped and resumed many years later. Such a waste of space on the shelf.
The books were by well known authors but they apparently didn’t speak to me at all!
Most of my never have read them books are non-fiction. I’ve been steadily working my way through those by asking myself, realistically, are you ever going to read that/those books? Thus weeding out a few more. Or actually reading them!
There are so many, many classics that I’ve never read because I just couldn’t convince myself I should or wanted to. I did read 3/4ths of Anna Karenina before I finally gave up on 30 or 35 years ago. But I think that was the last classic I felt I should TRY reading. Gone with the Wind never spoke to me even though all my sisters love and adore it. Go figure.
Loved Annette N’s comments. A book that makes me smile and characters that I would enjoy eating with. I’ll have to remember that next time I have to explain why I don’t usually like reading books that book clubs pick. They don’t make me smile or have what I consider to be good endings.
My “Happy” selection comes from a wide range of authors/genres which have become my go to, lift me up, make me happy and comforted books. Sci Fi, Fantasy, romance in many different sub-categories….
Also like Constance’s comment about “Just because I opened it, didn’t mean I had to finish it.” I’ve only in the past 10 years started getting to be like that. I really do have SO MANY in my TBR pile that I had to start becoming more ruthless. I have found that if I haven’t managed to get into it by about page 40, it isn’t going to happen.
Even if I set it down for 3 years and start over, I’ll still be argh by page 40 so why waste my time. I just went through a pile of books that I’d begun reading, stopped and resumed many years later. Such a waste of space on the shelf.
The books were by well known authors but they apparently didn’t speak to me at all!
I remember an experimentalist colleague who always had a really impressive set of books on theoretical physics displayed in his office book case: Quantum Field Theory, String Theory, Topological Groups etc. But on his desk I sometimes noticed ‘Groups for Dummies’ or some-such …… Draw your own conclusions!
I have many mp3 audio books on the TBR in many genres which I dip into as my mood dictates. Of very many memorable reads I would pick out The William Morris fantasy romances which introduced me to romantic fiction. Herman Hesse’s novels especially The Glass Bead Game and Siddhartha. Ann McCaffrey’s SciFi/fantasy. Julia Quinn for romance that made me laugh. Mary Jo for Romance and adventure …. heavens I could continue all day!!!
I remember an experimentalist colleague who always had a really impressive set of books on theoretical physics displayed in his office book case: Quantum Field Theory, String Theory, Topological Groups etc. But on his desk I sometimes noticed ‘Groups for Dummies’ or some-such …… Draw your own conclusions!
I have many mp3 audio books on the TBR in many genres which I dip into as my mood dictates. Of very many memorable reads I would pick out The William Morris fantasy romances which introduced me to romantic fiction. Herman Hesse’s novels especially The Glass Bead Game and Siddhartha. Ann McCaffrey’s SciFi/fantasy. Julia Quinn for romance that made me laugh. Mary Jo for Romance and adventure …. heavens I could continue all day!!!
I remember an experimentalist colleague who always had a really impressive set of books on theoretical physics displayed in his office book case: Quantum Field Theory, String Theory, Topological Groups etc. But on his desk I sometimes noticed ‘Groups for Dummies’ or some-such …… Draw your own conclusions!
I have many mp3 audio books on the TBR in many genres which I dip into as my mood dictates. Of very many memorable reads I would pick out The William Morris fantasy romances which introduced me to romantic fiction. Herman Hesse’s novels especially The Glass Bead Game and Siddhartha. Ann McCaffrey’s SciFi/fantasy. Julia Quinn for romance that made me laugh. Mary Jo for Romance and adventure …. heavens I could continue all day!!!
I remember an experimentalist colleague who always had a really impressive set of books on theoretical physics displayed in his office book case: Quantum Field Theory, String Theory, Topological Groups etc. But on his desk I sometimes noticed ‘Groups for Dummies’ or some-such …… Draw your own conclusions!
I have many mp3 audio books on the TBR in many genres which I dip into as my mood dictates. Of very many memorable reads I would pick out The William Morris fantasy romances which introduced me to romantic fiction. Herman Hesse’s novels especially The Glass Bead Game and Siddhartha. Ann McCaffrey’s SciFi/fantasy. Julia Quinn for romance that made me laugh. Mary Jo for Romance and adventure …. heavens I could continue all day!!!
I remember an experimentalist colleague who always had a really impressive set of books on theoretical physics displayed in his office book case: Quantum Field Theory, String Theory, Topological Groups etc. But on his desk I sometimes noticed ‘Groups for Dummies’ or some-such …… Draw your own conclusions!
I have many mp3 audio books on the TBR in many genres which I dip into as my mood dictates. Of very many memorable reads I would pick out The William Morris fantasy romances which introduced me to romantic fiction. Herman Hesse’s novels especially The Glass Bead Game and Siddhartha. Ann McCaffrey’s SciFi/fantasy. Julia Quinn for romance that made me laugh. Mary Jo for Romance and adventure …. heavens I could continue all day!!!
I read a lot of classic and literary fiction when I was in college and in my early 20’s. The truth is, I was a late comer to romance; I was pretty much unaware that there was such a genre! Nowadays I don’t have the attention span for it. Bleak House and Don Quixote are two of the classics that are sitting in my Kindle library or bookshelf unread.
There are a few authors of literary fiction I still truly love and recommend to people, like Muriel Spark and Penelope Fitzgerald, but their books are short and witty, not at all a chore to get through. I have read “A Far Cry From Kensington” at least 3 or 4 times.
I read a lot of classic and literary fiction when I was in college and in my early 20’s. The truth is, I was a late comer to romance; I was pretty much unaware that there was such a genre! Nowadays I don’t have the attention span for it. Bleak House and Don Quixote are two of the classics that are sitting in my Kindle library or bookshelf unread.
There are a few authors of literary fiction I still truly love and recommend to people, like Muriel Spark and Penelope Fitzgerald, but their books are short and witty, not at all a chore to get through. I have read “A Far Cry From Kensington” at least 3 or 4 times.
I read a lot of classic and literary fiction when I was in college and in my early 20’s. The truth is, I was a late comer to romance; I was pretty much unaware that there was such a genre! Nowadays I don’t have the attention span for it. Bleak House and Don Quixote are two of the classics that are sitting in my Kindle library or bookshelf unread.
There are a few authors of literary fiction I still truly love and recommend to people, like Muriel Spark and Penelope Fitzgerald, but their books are short and witty, not at all a chore to get through. I have read “A Far Cry From Kensington” at least 3 or 4 times.
I read a lot of classic and literary fiction when I was in college and in my early 20’s. The truth is, I was a late comer to romance; I was pretty much unaware that there was such a genre! Nowadays I don’t have the attention span for it. Bleak House and Don Quixote are two of the classics that are sitting in my Kindle library or bookshelf unread.
There are a few authors of literary fiction I still truly love and recommend to people, like Muriel Spark and Penelope Fitzgerald, but their books are short and witty, not at all a chore to get through. I have read “A Far Cry From Kensington” at least 3 or 4 times.
I read a lot of classic and literary fiction when I was in college and in my early 20’s. The truth is, I was a late comer to romance; I was pretty much unaware that there was such a genre! Nowadays I don’t have the attention span for it. Bleak House and Don Quixote are two of the classics that are sitting in my Kindle library or bookshelf unread.
There are a few authors of literary fiction I still truly love and recommend to people, like Muriel Spark and Penelope Fitzgerald, but their books are short and witty, not at all a chore to get through. I have read “A Far Cry From Kensington” at least 3 or 4 times.
I read almost everything, from romance to mysteries to non-fiction to literary fiction but exclude horror and true crime as too scary, sad, and gory. There’s an informal bookclub in my neighborhood called “Books You Should Have Read in HS” that I’ve joined and discovered some gems, e.g., Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God. However, I can’t always explain why some books speak to me and others do not. I couldn’t finish Where the Crawdads Sing despite some of the beautiful descriptions of nature because I thought Kya was such an unrealistic manic pixie dream girl, but I loved A Gentleman in Moscow even though its fairy tale qualities were probably equally unrealistic. I don’t care for the mid-20th C male novelists known for their “muscular” prose precisely for that reason, as the women tend to be only cardboard deep or caricatures. Maybe I love romance (or at least certain romance authors) because it features women who are allowed to be fully human.
P.S. One of the most powerful and poignant books I’ve read in the past few years is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Do not see the movie; read the book.
I read almost everything, from romance to mysteries to non-fiction to literary fiction but exclude horror and true crime as too scary, sad, and gory. There’s an informal bookclub in my neighborhood called “Books You Should Have Read in HS” that I’ve joined and discovered some gems, e.g., Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God. However, I can’t always explain why some books speak to me and others do not. I couldn’t finish Where the Crawdads Sing despite some of the beautiful descriptions of nature because I thought Kya was such an unrealistic manic pixie dream girl, but I loved A Gentleman in Moscow even though its fairy tale qualities were probably equally unrealistic. I don’t care for the mid-20th C male novelists known for their “muscular” prose precisely for that reason, as the women tend to be only cardboard deep or caricatures. Maybe I love romance (or at least certain romance authors) because it features women who are allowed to be fully human.
P.S. One of the most powerful and poignant books I’ve read in the past few years is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Do not see the movie; read the book.
I read almost everything, from romance to mysteries to non-fiction to literary fiction but exclude horror and true crime as too scary, sad, and gory. There’s an informal bookclub in my neighborhood called “Books You Should Have Read in HS” that I’ve joined and discovered some gems, e.g., Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God. However, I can’t always explain why some books speak to me and others do not. I couldn’t finish Where the Crawdads Sing despite some of the beautiful descriptions of nature because I thought Kya was such an unrealistic manic pixie dream girl, but I loved A Gentleman in Moscow even though its fairy tale qualities were probably equally unrealistic. I don’t care for the mid-20th C male novelists known for their “muscular” prose precisely for that reason, as the women tend to be only cardboard deep or caricatures. Maybe I love romance (or at least certain romance authors) because it features women who are allowed to be fully human.
P.S. One of the most powerful and poignant books I’ve read in the past few years is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Do not see the movie; read the book.
I read almost everything, from romance to mysteries to non-fiction to literary fiction but exclude horror and true crime as too scary, sad, and gory. There’s an informal bookclub in my neighborhood called “Books You Should Have Read in HS” that I’ve joined and discovered some gems, e.g., Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God. However, I can’t always explain why some books speak to me and others do not. I couldn’t finish Where the Crawdads Sing despite some of the beautiful descriptions of nature because I thought Kya was such an unrealistic manic pixie dream girl, but I loved A Gentleman in Moscow even though its fairy tale qualities were probably equally unrealistic. I don’t care for the mid-20th C male novelists known for their “muscular” prose precisely for that reason, as the women tend to be only cardboard deep or caricatures. Maybe I love romance (or at least certain romance authors) because it features women who are allowed to be fully human.
P.S. One of the most powerful and poignant books I’ve read in the past few years is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Do not see the movie; read the book.
I read almost everything, from romance to mysteries to non-fiction to literary fiction but exclude horror and true crime as too scary, sad, and gory. There’s an informal bookclub in my neighborhood called “Books You Should Have Read in HS” that I’ve joined and discovered some gems, e.g., Fahrenheit 451, Their Eyes Were Watching God. However, I can’t always explain why some books speak to me and others do not. I couldn’t finish Where the Crawdads Sing despite some of the beautiful descriptions of nature because I thought Kya was such an unrealistic manic pixie dream girl, but I loved A Gentleman in Moscow even though its fairy tale qualities were probably equally unrealistic. I don’t care for the mid-20th C male novelists known for their “muscular” prose precisely for that reason, as the women tend to be only cardboard deep or caricatures. Maybe I love romance (or at least certain romance authors) because it features women who are allowed to be fully human.
P.S. One of the most powerful and poignant books I’ve read in the past few years is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Do not see the movie; read the book.
I have quite a few history books, mostly English history and literature, on my shelves which I’ve never actually read all the way through. I think of them as reference books and I dip into them when I want to know something specific. But it’s been a long time since I read a history book as well written as Ancient Egyptian Civilization by John A. Wilson, which I devoured in college and still reread once in a while even if some of it is outdated because I like his prose style.
When I was younger I did claim to have read books all the way through that I hadn’t really. I’d read enough of it to think well, I’ll read this some day, it’s kind of interesting but right now it’s not what I’m interested in, and I would put it aside and forget about it until someone brought it up and I would be caught flat footed. I don’t do that anymore. If someone asks me what I’m reading, I tell them what I’m reading and if they don’t like it that’s their problem. If someone mentions a book I tried and asks me have I read it, I tell them I couldn’t get into it and why, if I can articulate it.
I have a larger number of books on my shelves that I have tried to read and cannot get into but hang on to because people keep telling me that I ought to read this author he or she is terrific. Usually what puts me off is a writing style that I don’t care for for whatever reason.
Somebody once told me that it’s very sensible to have a large number of books around you that you haven’t Read because that way you’ll never run out of things to read. I once knew someone who could not buy another book until she had finished the book that she was reading. I have always wondered why she felt that way.
I have quite a few history books, mostly English history and literature, on my shelves which I’ve never actually read all the way through. I think of them as reference books and I dip into them when I want to know something specific. But it’s been a long time since I read a history book as well written as Ancient Egyptian Civilization by John A. Wilson, which I devoured in college and still reread once in a while even if some of it is outdated because I like his prose style.
When I was younger I did claim to have read books all the way through that I hadn’t really. I’d read enough of it to think well, I’ll read this some day, it’s kind of interesting but right now it’s not what I’m interested in, and I would put it aside and forget about it until someone brought it up and I would be caught flat footed. I don’t do that anymore. If someone asks me what I’m reading, I tell them what I’m reading and if they don’t like it that’s their problem. If someone mentions a book I tried and asks me have I read it, I tell them I couldn’t get into it and why, if I can articulate it.
I have a larger number of books on my shelves that I have tried to read and cannot get into but hang on to because people keep telling me that I ought to read this author he or she is terrific. Usually what puts me off is a writing style that I don’t care for for whatever reason.
Somebody once told me that it’s very sensible to have a large number of books around you that you haven’t Read because that way you’ll never run out of things to read. I once knew someone who could not buy another book until she had finished the book that she was reading. I have always wondered why she felt that way.
I have quite a few history books, mostly English history and literature, on my shelves which I’ve never actually read all the way through. I think of them as reference books and I dip into them when I want to know something specific. But it’s been a long time since I read a history book as well written as Ancient Egyptian Civilization by John A. Wilson, which I devoured in college and still reread once in a while even if some of it is outdated because I like his prose style.
When I was younger I did claim to have read books all the way through that I hadn’t really. I’d read enough of it to think well, I’ll read this some day, it’s kind of interesting but right now it’s not what I’m interested in, and I would put it aside and forget about it until someone brought it up and I would be caught flat footed. I don’t do that anymore. If someone asks me what I’m reading, I tell them what I’m reading and if they don’t like it that’s their problem. If someone mentions a book I tried and asks me have I read it, I tell them I couldn’t get into it and why, if I can articulate it.
I have a larger number of books on my shelves that I have tried to read and cannot get into but hang on to because people keep telling me that I ought to read this author he or she is terrific. Usually what puts me off is a writing style that I don’t care for for whatever reason.
Somebody once told me that it’s very sensible to have a large number of books around you that you haven’t Read because that way you’ll never run out of things to read. I once knew someone who could not buy another book until she had finished the book that she was reading. I have always wondered why she felt that way.
I have quite a few history books, mostly English history and literature, on my shelves which I’ve never actually read all the way through. I think of them as reference books and I dip into them when I want to know something specific. But it’s been a long time since I read a history book as well written as Ancient Egyptian Civilization by John A. Wilson, which I devoured in college and still reread once in a while even if some of it is outdated because I like his prose style.
When I was younger I did claim to have read books all the way through that I hadn’t really. I’d read enough of it to think well, I’ll read this some day, it’s kind of interesting but right now it’s not what I’m interested in, and I would put it aside and forget about it until someone brought it up and I would be caught flat footed. I don’t do that anymore. If someone asks me what I’m reading, I tell them what I’m reading and if they don’t like it that’s their problem. If someone mentions a book I tried and asks me have I read it, I tell them I couldn’t get into it and why, if I can articulate it.
I have a larger number of books on my shelves that I have tried to read and cannot get into but hang on to because people keep telling me that I ought to read this author he or she is terrific. Usually what puts me off is a writing style that I don’t care for for whatever reason.
Somebody once told me that it’s very sensible to have a large number of books around you that you haven’t Read because that way you’ll never run out of things to read. I once knew someone who could not buy another book until she had finished the book that she was reading. I have always wondered why she felt that way.
I have quite a few history books, mostly English history and literature, on my shelves which I’ve never actually read all the way through. I think of them as reference books and I dip into them when I want to know something specific. But it’s been a long time since I read a history book as well written as Ancient Egyptian Civilization by John A. Wilson, which I devoured in college and still reread once in a while even if some of it is outdated because I like his prose style.
When I was younger I did claim to have read books all the way through that I hadn’t really. I’d read enough of it to think well, I’ll read this some day, it’s kind of interesting but right now it’s not what I’m interested in, and I would put it aside and forget about it until someone brought it up and I would be caught flat footed. I don’t do that anymore. If someone asks me what I’m reading, I tell them what I’m reading and if they don’t like it that’s their problem. If someone mentions a book I tried and asks me have I read it, I tell them I couldn’t get into it and why, if I can articulate it.
I have a larger number of books on my shelves that I have tried to read and cannot get into but hang on to because people keep telling me that I ought to read this author he or she is terrific. Usually what puts me off is a writing style that I don’t care for for whatever reason.
Somebody once told me that it’s very sensible to have a large number of books around you that you haven’t Read because that way you’ll never run out of things to read. I once knew someone who could not buy another book until she had finished the book that she was reading. I have always wondered why she felt that way.
I’ve been going through the book hoard in my house. It has books from my Mom, Aunt Mary, and me. Mom and Aunt Mary passed and now I have to purge. We all love mysteries, Anything from cat inspired cozies through historical to modern thrillers. Mom and I also loved romance. When she put Georgette Heyer’s “Sprig Muslin” in my hands, I was hooked. We shared Gothic, Regency, Victorian books. Our Library piles often got intermingled and they’d be returned to the wrong library! So now I have the bittersweet job of dismantling our combined library. Bitter for the loss of my life long reading companions, sweet because of the memories unburied.
Which books did I have on my shelves that were there to impress people? John James, Ayn Rand, and the like. My fun books were in the bedroom, the swap pile, the mysteries, and lovely romances lined the floor boards. Now the shelves that used to be Mom’s are lined with Word Wenches, Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, etc.
I’ve been going through the book hoard in my house. It has books from my Mom, Aunt Mary, and me. Mom and Aunt Mary passed and now I have to purge. We all love mysteries, Anything from cat inspired cozies through historical to modern thrillers. Mom and I also loved romance. When she put Georgette Heyer’s “Sprig Muslin” in my hands, I was hooked. We shared Gothic, Regency, Victorian books. Our Library piles often got intermingled and they’d be returned to the wrong library! So now I have the bittersweet job of dismantling our combined library. Bitter for the loss of my life long reading companions, sweet because of the memories unburied.
Which books did I have on my shelves that were there to impress people? John James, Ayn Rand, and the like. My fun books were in the bedroom, the swap pile, the mysteries, and lovely romances lined the floor boards. Now the shelves that used to be Mom’s are lined with Word Wenches, Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, etc.
I’ve been going through the book hoard in my house. It has books from my Mom, Aunt Mary, and me. Mom and Aunt Mary passed and now I have to purge. We all love mysteries, Anything from cat inspired cozies through historical to modern thrillers. Mom and I also loved romance. When she put Georgette Heyer’s “Sprig Muslin” in my hands, I was hooked. We shared Gothic, Regency, Victorian books. Our Library piles often got intermingled and they’d be returned to the wrong library! So now I have the bittersweet job of dismantling our combined library. Bitter for the loss of my life long reading companions, sweet because of the memories unburied.
Which books did I have on my shelves that were there to impress people? John James, Ayn Rand, and the like. My fun books were in the bedroom, the swap pile, the mysteries, and lovely romances lined the floor boards. Now the shelves that used to be Mom’s are lined with Word Wenches, Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, etc.
I’ve been going through the book hoard in my house. It has books from my Mom, Aunt Mary, and me. Mom and Aunt Mary passed and now I have to purge. We all love mysteries, Anything from cat inspired cozies through historical to modern thrillers. Mom and I also loved romance. When she put Georgette Heyer’s “Sprig Muslin” in my hands, I was hooked. We shared Gothic, Regency, Victorian books. Our Library piles often got intermingled and they’d be returned to the wrong library! So now I have the bittersweet job of dismantling our combined library. Bitter for the loss of my life long reading companions, sweet because of the memories unburied.
Which books did I have on my shelves that were there to impress people? John James, Ayn Rand, and the like. My fun books were in the bedroom, the swap pile, the mysteries, and lovely romances lined the floor boards. Now the shelves that used to be Mom’s are lined with Word Wenches, Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, etc.
I’ve been going through the book hoard in my house. It has books from my Mom, Aunt Mary, and me. Mom and Aunt Mary passed and now I have to purge. We all love mysteries, Anything from cat inspired cozies through historical to modern thrillers. Mom and I also loved romance. When she put Georgette Heyer’s “Sprig Muslin” in my hands, I was hooked. We shared Gothic, Regency, Victorian books. Our Library piles often got intermingled and they’d be returned to the wrong library! So now I have the bittersweet job of dismantling our combined library. Bitter for the loss of my life long reading companions, sweet because of the memories unburied.
Which books did I have on my shelves that were there to impress people? John James, Ayn Rand, and the like. My fun books were in the bedroom, the swap pile, the mysteries, and lovely romances lined the floor boards. Now the shelves that used to be Mom’s are lined with Word Wenches, Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, etc.
Your message so resonated with me, Pamela! I have all my mother’s Elswyth Thanes, all my Aunt Genevieve’s Mary Stewarts, and all my Uncle Hal’s Margery Allinghams, in addition to all my own read and unread. And because I love so many series, especially mysteries (Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie, Catrional MacPherson, Jacqueline Winspear, etc, etc) and Wench romances, the end is not in sight. My husband and I have extremely different tastes but are equally book-addicted, and we really need to begin to purge, but somehow keep putting it off!
Your message so resonated with me, Pamela! I have all my mother’s Elswyth Thanes, all my Aunt Genevieve’s Mary Stewarts, and all my Uncle Hal’s Margery Allinghams, in addition to all my own read and unread. And because I love so many series, especially mysteries (Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie, Catrional MacPherson, Jacqueline Winspear, etc, etc) and Wench romances, the end is not in sight. My husband and I have extremely different tastes but are equally book-addicted, and we really need to begin to purge, but somehow keep putting it off!
Your message so resonated with me, Pamela! I have all my mother’s Elswyth Thanes, all my Aunt Genevieve’s Mary Stewarts, and all my Uncle Hal’s Margery Allinghams, in addition to all my own read and unread. And because I love so many series, especially mysteries (Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie, Catrional MacPherson, Jacqueline Winspear, etc, etc) and Wench romances, the end is not in sight. My husband and I have extremely different tastes but are equally book-addicted, and we really need to begin to purge, but somehow keep putting it off!
Your message so resonated with me, Pamela! I have all my mother’s Elswyth Thanes, all my Aunt Genevieve’s Mary Stewarts, and all my Uncle Hal’s Margery Allinghams, in addition to all my own read and unread. And because I love so many series, especially mysteries (Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie, Catrional MacPherson, Jacqueline Winspear, etc, etc) and Wench romances, the end is not in sight. My husband and I have extremely different tastes but are equally book-addicted, and we really need to begin to purge, but somehow keep putting it off!
Your message so resonated with me, Pamela! I have all my mother’s Elswyth Thanes, all my Aunt Genevieve’s Mary Stewarts, and all my Uncle Hal’s Margery Allinghams, in addition to all my own read and unread. And because I love so many series, especially mysteries (Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie, Catrional MacPherson, Jacqueline Winspear, etc, etc) and Wench romances, the end is not in sight. My husband and I have extremely different tastes but are equally book-addicted, and we really need to begin to purge, but somehow keep putting it off!
I’ve often felt guilty for not reading any of the classics. I think I got turned off of them in high school as the only thing I really enjoyed in school was Edgar Allan Poe. I guess I feel like they’re going to be boring so I don’t even try but one day maybe I’ll give it a shot. I do enjoy a variety of genres with romance being top of the list. When I find an author I love I tend to go a little crazy reading all their books until I find another author I love and go crazy again. I don’t usually care what others think about what I’m reading unless it’s a more risque erotica book that I don’t want all peering eyes to see. Lol
I love this post for helping me not feel so guilty about not reading all those classics yet.
I’ve often felt guilty for not reading any of the classics. I think I got turned off of them in high school as the only thing I really enjoyed in school was Edgar Allan Poe. I guess I feel like they’re going to be boring so I don’t even try but one day maybe I’ll give it a shot. I do enjoy a variety of genres with romance being top of the list. When I find an author I love I tend to go a little crazy reading all their books until I find another author I love and go crazy again. I don’t usually care what others think about what I’m reading unless it’s a more risque erotica book that I don’t want all peering eyes to see. Lol
I love this post for helping me not feel so guilty about not reading all those classics yet.
I’ve often felt guilty for not reading any of the classics. I think I got turned off of them in high school as the only thing I really enjoyed in school was Edgar Allan Poe. I guess I feel like they’re going to be boring so I don’t even try but one day maybe I’ll give it a shot. I do enjoy a variety of genres with romance being top of the list. When I find an author I love I tend to go a little crazy reading all their books until I find another author I love and go crazy again. I don’t usually care what others think about what I’m reading unless it’s a more risque erotica book that I don’t want all peering eyes to see. Lol
I love this post for helping me not feel so guilty about not reading all those classics yet.
I’ve often felt guilty for not reading any of the classics. I think I got turned off of them in high school as the only thing I really enjoyed in school was Edgar Allan Poe. I guess I feel like they’re going to be boring so I don’t even try but one day maybe I’ll give it a shot. I do enjoy a variety of genres with romance being top of the list. When I find an author I love I tend to go a little crazy reading all their books until I find another author I love and go crazy again. I don’t usually care what others think about what I’m reading unless it’s a more risque erotica book that I don’t want all peering eyes to see. Lol
I love this post for helping me not feel so guilty about not reading all those classics yet.
I’ve often felt guilty for not reading any of the classics. I think I got turned off of them in high school as the only thing I really enjoyed in school was Edgar Allan Poe. I guess I feel like they’re going to be boring so I don’t even try but one day maybe I’ll give it a shot. I do enjoy a variety of genres with romance being top of the list. When I find an author I love I tend to go a little crazy reading all their books until I find another author I love and go crazy again. I don’t usually care what others think about what I’m reading unless it’s a more risque erotica book that I don’t want all peering eyes to see. Lol
I love this post for helping me not feel so guilty about not reading all those classics yet.
Binnie, like you, I’m not a Wuthering Heights person. I think perhaps there are Jane Eyre people and Wuthering Heights people, because while I empathize with Jane and would place Mr. Rochester neatly into my category of “Heroes Who Need A Hug”, I’m afraid I don’t like either of the main characters of Wuthering Heights at all, and have never found Heathcliff romantic. (He’s in my category of “Heroes Who Need To Be Served A Restraining Order”…) Still, I know there are those who feel differently, and that’s fine. Horses for courses 🙂
Binnie, like you, I’m not a Wuthering Heights person. I think perhaps there are Jane Eyre people and Wuthering Heights people, because while I empathize with Jane and would place Mr. Rochester neatly into my category of “Heroes Who Need A Hug”, I’m afraid I don’t like either of the main characters of Wuthering Heights at all, and have never found Heathcliff romantic. (He’s in my category of “Heroes Who Need To Be Served A Restraining Order”…) Still, I know there are those who feel differently, and that’s fine. Horses for courses 🙂
Binnie, like you, I’m not a Wuthering Heights person. I think perhaps there are Jane Eyre people and Wuthering Heights people, because while I empathize with Jane and would place Mr. Rochester neatly into my category of “Heroes Who Need A Hug”, I’m afraid I don’t like either of the main characters of Wuthering Heights at all, and have never found Heathcliff romantic. (He’s in my category of “Heroes Who Need To Be Served A Restraining Order”…) Still, I know there are those who feel differently, and that’s fine. Horses for courses 🙂
Binnie, like you, I’m not a Wuthering Heights person. I think perhaps there are Jane Eyre people and Wuthering Heights people, because while I empathize with Jane and would place Mr. Rochester neatly into my category of “Heroes Who Need A Hug”, I’m afraid I don’t like either of the main characters of Wuthering Heights at all, and have never found Heathcliff romantic. (He’s in my category of “Heroes Who Need To Be Served A Restraining Order”…) Still, I know there are those who feel differently, and that’s fine. Horses for courses 🙂
Binnie, like you, I’m not a Wuthering Heights person. I think perhaps there are Jane Eyre people and Wuthering Heights people, because while I empathize with Jane and would place Mr. Rochester neatly into my category of “Heroes Who Need A Hug”, I’m afraid I don’t like either of the main characters of Wuthering Heights at all, and have never found Heathcliff romantic. (He’s in my category of “Heroes Who Need To Be Served A Restraining Order”…) Still, I know there are those who feel differently, and that’s fine. Horses for courses 🙂
(I don’t like Scarlett, either)
(I don’t like Scarlett, either)
(I don’t like Scarlett, either)
(I don’t like Scarlett, either)
(I don’t like Scarlett, either)
Constance, isn’t it liberating when you finally allow yourself to NOT finish a book without guilt? I mean, I used to not finish books, but I always felt guilty about it. And then at last I realized that was silly, and I’ve been happily reading what I please ever since!
Constance, isn’t it liberating when you finally allow yourself to NOT finish a book without guilt? I mean, I used to not finish books, but I always felt guilty about it. And then at last I realized that was silly, and I’ve been happily reading what I please ever since!
Constance, isn’t it liberating when you finally allow yourself to NOT finish a book without guilt? I mean, I used to not finish books, but I always felt guilty about it. And then at last I realized that was silly, and I’ve been happily reading what I please ever since!
Constance, isn’t it liberating when you finally allow yourself to NOT finish a book without guilt? I mean, I used to not finish books, but I always felt guilty about it. And then at last I realized that was silly, and I’ve been happily reading what I please ever since!
Constance, isn’t it liberating when you finally allow yourself to NOT finish a book without guilt? I mean, I used to not finish books, but I always felt guilty about it. And then at last I realized that was silly, and I’ve been happily reading what I please ever since!
Jane, there are, indeed, SO many books out there! You’ll probably have noticed that I rarely add anything to the “What We’re Reading” posts myself, because I usually don’t read much fiction while I’m working on my own novels, and right now I’m nose-to-the-grindstone on a new book–but I always pay attention to what my fellow Wenches are reading, and I can assure you my own TBR pile grows by leaps and bounds each month with their suggestions…
Jane, there are, indeed, SO many books out there! You’ll probably have noticed that I rarely add anything to the “What We’re Reading” posts myself, because I usually don’t read much fiction while I’m working on my own novels, and right now I’m nose-to-the-grindstone on a new book–but I always pay attention to what my fellow Wenches are reading, and I can assure you my own TBR pile grows by leaps and bounds each month with their suggestions…
Jane, there are, indeed, SO many books out there! You’ll probably have noticed that I rarely add anything to the “What We’re Reading” posts myself, because I usually don’t read much fiction while I’m working on my own novels, and right now I’m nose-to-the-grindstone on a new book–but I always pay attention to what my fellow Wenches are reading, and I can assure you my own TBR pile grows by leaps and bounds each month with their suggestions…
Jane, there are, indeed, SO many books out there! You’ll probably have noticed that I rarely add anything to the “What We’re Reading” posts myself, because I usually don’t read much fiction while I’m working on my own novels, and right now I’m nose-to-the-grindstone on a new book–but I always pay attention to what my fellow Wenches are reading, and I can assure you my own TBR pile grows by leaps and bounds each month with their suggestions…
Jane, there are, indeed, SO many books out there! You’ll probably have noticed that I rarely add anything to the “What We’re Reading” posts myself, because I usually don’t read much fiction while I’m working on my own novels, and right now I’m nose-to-the-grindstone on a new book–but I always pay attention to what my fellow Wenches are reading, and I can assure you my own TBR pile grows by leaps and bounds each month with their suggestions…
Annette, I’m so glad you discovered romance and mystery. They’re two of my own greatest pleasures in life. They make me happy, too. And you’re right–there ARE many of those love stories out there in the real world. My parents are living proof of that 🙂
Annette, I’m so glad you discovered romance and mystery. They’re two of my own greatest pleasures in life. They make me happy, too. And you’re right–there ARE many of those love stories out there in the real world. My parents are living proof of that 🙂
Annette, I’m so glad you discovered romance and mystery. They’re two of my own greatest pleasures in life. They make me happy, too. And you’re right–there ARE many of those love stories out there in the real world. My parents are living proof of that 🙂
Annette, I’m so glad you discovered romance and mystery. They’re two of my own greatest pleasures in life. They make me happy, too. And you’re right–there ARE many of those love stories out there in the real world. My parents are living proof of that 🙂
Annette, I’m so glad you discovered romance and mystery. They’re two of my own greatest pleasures in life. They make me happy, too. And you’re right–there ARE many of those love stories out there in the real world. My parents are living proof of that 🙂
Kareni, I’m glad someone else couldn’t get through The Name of the Rose. For a long while it seemed everyone LOVED that book and I was the only one who’d given up on it (although I still suspect a lot of people only knew the story from the movie, because the book IS a slog to get through!) And yes, I suppose there are still some situations in which we have to hedge a bit when sharing what we’re reading 🙂
Kareni, I’m glad someone else couldn’t get through The Name of the Rose. For a long while it seemed everyone LOVED that book and I was the only one who’d given up on it (although I still suspect a lot of people only knew the story from the movie, because the book IS a slog to get through!) And yes, I suppose there are still some situations in which we have to hedge a bit when sharing what we’re reading 🙂
Kareni, I’m glad someone else couldn’t get through The Name of the Rose. For a long while it seemed everyone LOVED that book and I was the only one who’d given up on it (although I still suspect a lot of people only knew the story from the movie, because the book IS a slog to get through!) And yes, I suppose there are still some situations in which we have to hedge a bit when sharing what we’re reading 🙂
Kareni, I’m glad someone else couldn’t get through The Name of the Rose. For a long while it seemed everyone LOVED that book and I was the only one who’d given up on it (although I still suspect a lot of people only knew the story from the movie, because the book IS a slog to get through!) And yes, I suppose there are still some situations in which we have to hedge a bit when sharing what we’re reading 🙂
Kareni, I’m glad someone else couldn’t get through The Name of the Rose. For a long while it seemed everyone LOVED that book and I was the only one who’d given up on it (although I still suspect a lot of people only knew the story from the movie, because the book IS a slog to get through!) And yes, I suppose there are still some situations in which we have to hedge a bit when sharing what we’re reading 🙂
Vicki, I have a hard time culling my bookshelves. I know I should be more ruthless, too, but I still keep telling myself, “Maybe one day I’ll actually read that one…”, even though I know I probably never will. And then, like you, I keep returning to my “Happy” selections, or–more and more these days–books written by the writers that I meet and get chatting with at conferences, because I know if I like the person, I’ll almost always like the story they have to tell, and I’ve discovered some wonderful new writers that way.
Vicki, I have a hard time culling my bookshelves. I know I should be more ruthless, too, but I still keep telling myself, “Maybe one day I’ll actually read that one…”, even though I know I probably never will. And then, like you, I keep returning to my “Happy” selections, or–more and more these days–books written by the writers that I meet and get chatting with at conferences, because I know if I like the person, I’ll almost always like the story they have to tell, and I’ve discovered some wonderful new writers that way.
Vicki, I have a hard time culling my bookshelves. I know I should be more ruthless, too, but I still keep telling myself, “Maybe one day I’ll actually read that one…”, even though I know I probably never will. And then, like you, I keep returning to my “Happy” selections, or–more and more these days–books written by the writers that I meet and get chatting with at conferences, because I know if I like the person, I’ll almost always like the story they have to tell, and I’ve discovered some wonderful new writers that way.
Vicki, I have a hard time culling my bookshelves. I know I should be more ruthless, too, but I still keep telling myself, “Maybe one day I’ll actually read that one…”, even though I know I probably never will. And then, like you, I keep returning to my “Happy” selections, or–more and more these days–books written by the writers that I meet and get chatting with at conferences, because I know if I like the person, I’ll almost always like the story they have to tell, and I’ve discovered some wonderful new writers that way.
Vicki, I have a hard time culling my bookshelves. I know I should be more ruthless, too, but I still keep telling myself, “Maybe one day I’ll actually read that one…”, even though I know I probably never will. And then, like you, I keep returning to my “Happy” selections, or–more and more these days–books written by the writers that I meet and get chatting with at conferences, because I know if I like the person, I’ll almost always like the story they have to tell, and I’ve discovered some wonderful new writers that way.
Oh, William Morris! Which one is your favourite?
Oh, William Morris! Which one is your favourite?
Oh, William Morris! Which one is your favourite?
Oh, William Morris! Which one is your favourite?
Oh, William Morris! Which one is your favourite?
I’ve always wanted to read Don Quixote, because it’s such an old novel and because, when I was very young, one of the first musicals my parents took us to see on stage was The Man of La Mancha, and I still remember it so vividly. It’s a treasured memory, with that story woven into it. Perhaps one day I’ll tackle the novel itself…
I’ve always wanted to read Don Quixote, because it’s such an old novel and because, when I was very young, one of the first musicals my parents took us to see on stage was The Man of La Mancha, and I still remember it so vividly. It’s a treasured memory, with that story woven into it. Perhaps one day I’ll tackle the novel itself…
I’ve always wanted to read Don Quixote, because it’s such an old novel and because, when I was very young, one of the first musicals my parents took us to see on stage was The Man of La Mancha, and I still remember it so vividly. It’s a treasured memory, with that story woven into it. Perhaps one day I’ll tackle the novel itself…
I’ve always wanted to read Don Quixote, because it’s such an old novel and because, when I was very young, one of the first musicals my parents took us to see on stage was The Man of La Mancha, and I still remember it so vividly. It’s a treasured memory, with that story woven into it. Perhaps one day I’ll tackle the novel itself…
I’ve always wanted to read Don Quixote, because it’s such an old novel and because, when I was very young, one of the first musicals my parents took us to see on stage was The Man of La Mancha, and I still remember it so vividly. It’s a treasured memory, with that story woven into it. Perhaps one day I’ll tackle the novel itself…
Noted. Thank you for the recommendation.
Noted. Thank you for the recommendation.
Noted. Thank you for the recommendation.
Noted. Thank you for the recommendation.
Noted. Thank you for the recommendation.
Janice, fortunately I don’t have that same quirk–I can happily buy several books before finishing the one I’m reading (which is why I have heaps of books stacked around my house in nearly every room…)
Janice, fortunately I don’t have that same quirk–I can happily buy several books before finishing the one I’m reading (which is why I have heaps of books stacked around my house in nearly every room…)
Janice, fortunately I don’t have that same quirk–I can happily buy several books before finishing the one I’m reading (which is why I have heaps of books stacked around my house in nearly every room…)
Janice, fortunately I don’t have that same quirk–I can happily buy several books before finishing the one I’m reading (which is why I have heaps of books stacked around my house in nearly every room…)
Janice, fortunately I don’t have that same quirk–I can happily buy several books before finishing the one I’m reading (which is why I have heaps of books stacked around my house in nearly every room…)
Aw. We’re honoured to be on your bookshelves, Pamela (and keeping good company with Mary and Grace!) Thank you.
Aw. We’re honoured to be on your bookshelves, Pamela (and keeping good company with Mary and Grace!) Thank you.
Aw. We’re honoured to be on your bookshelves, Pamela (and keeping good company with Mary and Grace!) Thank you.
Aw. We’re honoured to be on your bookshelves, Pamela (and keeping good company with Mary and Grace!) Thank you.
Aw. We’re honoured to be on your bookshelves, Pamela (and keeping good company with Mary and Grace!) Thank you.
I liked Edgar Allan Poe, too, when I was in school. He scared me silly but in a good way, and his poetry was so deliciously melancholy. And I’m glad you enjoyed the post–you should NEVER feel guilty for reading what you enjoy!
I liked Edgar Allan Poe, too, when I was in school. He scared me silly but in a good way, and his poetry was so deliciously melancholy. And I’m glad you enjoyed the post–you should NEVER feel guilty for reading what you enjoy!
I liked Edgar Allan Poe, too, when I was in school. He scared me silly but in a good way, and his poetry was so deliciously melancholy. And I’m glad you enjoyed the post–you should NEVER feel guilty for reading what you enjoy!
I liked Edgar Allan Poe, too, when I was in school. He scared me silly but in a good way, and his poetry was so deliciously melancholy. And I’m glad you enjoyed the post–you should NEVER feel guilty for reading what you enjoy!
I liked Edgar Allan Poe, too, when I was in school. He scared me silly but in a good way, and his poetry was so deliciously melancholy. And I’m glad you enjoyed the post–you should NEVER feel guilty for reading what you enjoy!