All I seem to talk about on here is books. Books. Books. Books.
When I was little I was an avid book worm. You'd find me on the spare bed, lying in the sunshine, devouring books. Whole novels over the weekend. I would barely move because I loved reading them all. Roald Dahl. Judy Blume. Robin Klein. John Marsden. Duncan Ball. I just really loved them.
And I still do.
So this year I set a goal for myself to read 16 books. That might not seem like a lot, but previously I would have probably been lucky to have read a book a year.
If you befriend me on Goodreads, then you can follow along with what I'm reading and loving (and FYI - you can set yourself a reading challenge and track it! I'm 38% through mine - huzzah!).
I also joined a real-life book club.
I was looking at ways to fill up my own buckets, I don't go out much - so I went to my local bookstore, found a book club and joined. And I flipping love it!
So anyway - book.
'The Red Notebook' is translated from French and is a real beauty.
When I was told I would knock it over in two sittings - I inwardly scoffed. But at 159 pages, this little novella is a quick read that will keep you flipping the pages.
Apparently the French love a handbag sized novel, and this is it.
Set in Paris, bookseller Laurent finds an abandoned handbag on a street and is compelled to return it to its owner. So starts the story of the small red notebook - which contains no defining details, but some insights and thoughts from the owner.
This is a charming book, full of whimsy. Fast-paced and quite lovely I really enjoyed it and would recommend as a light read.
By now you should know that there's no rhyme or reason why I pick up books. I just go for random books and read them. By no means is this Oprah's book club either. I don't have enough dress changes to warrant that.
But again (I know, I know) I saw the movie trailer for this film, and was drawn to reading the book.
So Still Alice was about a psychologist, and Hector and the Search for Happiness is about a psychiatrist. Maybe there's something going on with my sub conscious ? Never mind, I saw the trailer and thought it looked pretty darn funny. It made perfect sense to me to read the best selling book as translated from French to English by Lorenza Garcia.
I did wonder if some of the depth was lost because of the translation (Lost in Translation anyone), but then again - I really enjoyed this - delightful, simple and fun, this book has been read by over two million people. It delivers an easy-to-follow story, and some important lessons along the way.
About 18 months ago I read The Happiness Project. I am always on the hunt for happiness (who isn't!), and reading this book (it's a really swift and simple read) was a good - and different - kind of adventure.
It's the story of Hector. A psychiatrist who leaves his office in Paris to travel the world to find out what makes people happy. In over 20 neat lessons, Hector narrows his lessons down to succinct findings - and then tests them against a happiness researcher with happy results.
Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord $18.50
* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. In 2015 it's my goal to read at least one book per month - and share my lowdown on them with you. Maybe you'd like to read along? If so, let me know and we can virtually have a book club.
It's been a while between books. But I have been reading. But incredibly slowly. Slower than a snail.
My local bookstore recommended 'Mr Rosenblum's List' post 'Gone Girl' (totally unrelated reading matter) and it wasn't the same pace. But that was kind of nice coming off the adrenal high of that thriller.
It took me a little while to get into, but I am so happy I persevered with this book.
Set in mid-century London, it's the story of Jack and Sadie, a Jewish husband and wife, together with their daughter who leave Germany to start a new life.
Despite his thick accent and foreign sensibilities, Jack is determined to become an English gentleman. On arriving in England he is presented with notes on how to acclimatise to his new home - and sets about adding to this list with his own observations. A huge part of Jack's plan to become an English gentleman is to build a golf course.
He wants to blend in, but the best thing is - he doesn't. At five foot three and a half inches, wearing dowdy tailored suits, he stands out, which makes him all the more endearing.
This is a beautiful, delightful read. You will laugh, cry, be gobsmacked and be thoroughly enchanted by this couple, who despite all odds, find peace and a new place to call home.
Author Natasha Solomons struggled with dyslexia as a child, but her grandfather always believed she would be a writer, leaving his writing desk to her in her will. Isn't that the coolest? Seriously can't wait to read more of her beautiful writing.
You can buy Mr Rosenblum's List here.
* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. I've read seven books this year. This is seven more than I did last year.
