Friday 25 February 2011

Reading treat

Bank balance: checked.

Pay day: end of this week.

Wanties level: through the roof.

Do you see where I'm getting at? Yep, I'd seen something I wanted and I desperately wanted to get my little grubby mitts on it. Last Friday provided the perfect opportunity to indulge. And indulge I did.


I left work at a reasonable hour, and enjoyed walking to this lovely little bookshop not too far away. The sun was low in the sky, the air was cold but invigorating. I was feeling happy and inspired. I thought I could go there and treat myself to one book. The second I walked in, I knew this would not do. Bookshelves explored and tiny snippets of information about each book read, I walked out with three. I don't know what came over me but I can tell you one thing: I felt happy. Content. Satisfied. And a little bit guilty too.


I've just finished reading Dickens' Great Expectations, and feel like I need a little break, something a little lighter (and shorter) before embarking on Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. So I shall be reading Reuben Sachs by Amy Levy first. Practically, this book seems nice and manageable in size. More importantly, I know it will be fascinating: the author has been described as the Jewish Jane Austen, and she is a feminist.


Now, as soon as I've finished flicking through last month's Good Food and Olive magazines, and my latest Making mag too, I'll make a start on it. My brain needs a little distraction after spending one on one time with Dickens. I'm sure you know what I mean.

10 comments:

mooncalf said...

"Wanties level" - I love this!

Give us a review of the book when you've finished. It sounds intriguing.

I love internet shopping for many many reasons but there's something extra special about going to the shops and picking up wanties and coming home with a big back of new thrilling acquisitions.

The Girl said...

I definitely know what you mean - my head was ready to explode after my bout with Salman Rushdie.

Absolutely beautiful books, must try and remember to visit next time I'm in London town.

(Winifrid Holtby's totally from my neck of the woods you know!)

Lucy in the Clouds said...

I can rarely limit myself to just the one book treat either - it's like opening the floodgates!

The Curious Cat said...

Was hoping pay day would be today but it would seem it is actually Monday...oh well! Lucky you! I have always wanted to go to that bookshop...yet to but I shall soon! xxx

Diane said...

I restrict myself to charity shop book binges these days but Persephone does look V seductive. x

PinkCatJo said...

They just look so pretty - too nice too open.

I hope you enjoy the Winifred Holtby. I have really enjoyed her books. Are you watching South Riding at the moment? x

Petit Filoux said...

No I'm not, off to check on Google what it is!
Guess Winifred will have to get in line after Tolstoi...!

The Curious Cat said...

PS Sweet chilli and philadephia...I nabbed it off this australian lady I worked for this summer - it is an aussi idea it would seem - good with spicy nachos....

Unknown said...

I get the Persephone magazine and I'm always tempted by all many titles.
I've just picked up Black Heels to Tractor Wheels as a light read.
Happy reading.
x

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful books, Persephone? The only Winifred Holtby I have read is Mandoa Mandoa, which is, I think one of her least well known but I was going through an anything from Virago stage in my late teens and it brought up some interesting reading!