Kylie's Literary Adventures in 2011

[frankie]

I didn't think it was as funny as people made it out to be, either. Maybe it's a cultural thing. I think I would get more out of the book on a second reading. Might give it another go, since Jason liked it so well.

Hehe...anything for Jason!

I confess. I watched the latest FTBC episode. Jason is devine. Like Tilly. But more!

 

Hm, that's a rather unusual read.

The Birdsville Track is a bit of a legendary thing. Here's some info on it and the postie who travelled it (read the section on The Birdsville Track and The Back of Beyond). Next time you come to Australia we totally have to go driving in the outback. Then you'll start to get a sense of how big the country really is.

Okay, if you say so... I just don't want to die out in the desert We also have to do bushwalking, and visit the Blue Mountains again, we barely even saw them last year, and I take the fault for that!

 

Jesse was bitching about Ayn Rand again, when I was watching season 3...

Hehe...Did I tell you there was a documentary about Ayn Rand on TV recently? I recorded it for you.

No you didn't tell me, awww you recorded it for me! Bless you! I really want to read her books, but I just can't at the moment, because I know I have to really concentrate on the book in order to understand anything. After I've finished my thesis, then!

 

Too bad you don't have time to join the Rory reading group for this

Think again, my little chickadee!

Imma what now?!

I just caught the Girl, Interrupted quote on GG. If I remember correctly, it had to do with Sookie planning her wedding and she chose this really depressive song for the wedding and was all happy about it, while Rory and Lorelai were practically dying of depression. Rory suggested she and Lane would find Sookie some more suitable tunes. I think.

I love that song Sookie was playing, but yeah, it's not a great choice for a wedding. Speaking of catching culture references in GG...I picked up on a reference to Flowers for Algernon that I'm sure I've never noticed before! I love that the show still surprises me after all this time.

Yeah, one would think that you'd know it all by now, having seen the show so many times, but there's always something new to notice, it's brilliant <3

 

I looked for the book in the uni library when I was getting me some material for thesis, but they didn't have the Chrestomathy. But I got another book by him, it's about English language in America. There's even a short paragraph of Finnish English in America, more accurately coined 'Finglish'.

Now I'm really jealous! Mencken and the English language. What an awesome combination!

I should've realised how much you'd want this! Well the Chrestomathy must have something on languagues.

I just love the word 'chrestomathy'. Beautiful.

 

Oh Yuck! Never mind!! Should've remembered, some people read the book after reading TCPatW for the Rory challenge.

But you loved TCPatW! Is it because The Apple received some lacklustre reviews that you don't want to read it?

Who the hell gave you the idea that I loved TCPatW?! They're lying and don't you dare trust them. I didn't like it. No.

Would they take a 50e note from me as a downpayment?

Probably not. I had a go at the guy who owns that place once (stupid rich investor who think he can do whatever the heck he likes because he's rich), so I don't think he'll be doing favours for my friends any time soon!

Well I wouldn't want to add to their riches by renting or buying the place anyway!

 

You'd better indeed, I will think less of you if you don't enjoy it

Uh oh. Maybe I won't read Room for a while...

I swear you'll like it!

 

 

Ian McEwan: Solar

I could have sworn I already had this book, but I couldn't find it on any of my lists.

Why did you buy it? I mean is it on one of the reading lists? I just noticed another book reference when I was watching the second (?) ep from season 4 of GG. When Rory went to her first class, wayyyy before it started, she was trying to read a copy of a Ian McEwan book but was too excited to concentrate on it. Then Marty came in.

 

Herman Melville: Moby Dick

Gulp! But it's the lovely Vintage edition I've been wanting for years, and it was super cheap, so I couldn't resist.

Kind of jealous. I'm intimidated by the book, but I would love to read it someday, anyhow.

 

Salman Rushdie: Midnight's Children (Vintage edition)

Jealous!

 

Sandra Newman: Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read

This looks quite quirky and interesting; it's not just a straight-up list with little descriptions for each book. I think Frankie and Poppyshake would love it because there is a quote on the blurb that says it 'explores all the important issues like...whether anyone really likes Emma Bovary'.

Does it really say so?! Love it!! I'll have to keep my eyes open for this one.

 

Beth Revis: Across the Universe

Thanks to Weave's recommendation!

Sci-fi? Fantasy?

 

Ransom Riggs: The Sherlock Holmes Handbook: The Methods and Mysteries of the World's Greatest Detective

Wow, I didn't even see the author's name when I bought it so I had no idea it was by the same person who wrote Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. This makes me more excited. I think I'm going to love Ransom Riggs.

Sounds very interesting!

 

Edit: Awww, rip postie

Edited August 29, 2011 by frankie

[chesilbeach]

Kylie, with regards to the book fair - why don't you go along and help your mum choose books? This way you don't go cold turkey by not attending, you can still look at the books and maybe pick up a few, but you can spend the time with your mum and guide her through the fair showing her what all the best books are.

[willoyd]

Herman Melville: Moby Dick

Gulp! But it's the lovely Vintage edition I've been wanting for years, and it was super cheap, so I couldn't resist.

Kind of jealous. I'm intimidated by the book, but I would love to read it someday, anyhow.

 

Don't be. There's a lot of myth surrounding Moby Dick. I read it a couple of years ago, and loved it, but whenever this comes up it seems that everybody looks at you as if you've just conquered Everest. However, if you give yourself time to concentrate, and make sure you're wide awake when reading (this is not bedtime reading), it's immensely rewarding. Just be prepared for some diversions! I read the book whilst doing a solo bike tour in Bavaria, and I will forever associate the book and the tour together - it was great, just me and Melville (and all those people I met!).

 

Sounds a bit like our conversations about Virginia Woolf, Frankie! I have to admit, I found Melville more challenging (not least the size of the book), but don't be put off!

[frankie]

Don't be. There's a lot of myth surrounding Moby Dick. I read it a couple of years ago, and loved it, but whenever this comes up it seems that everybody looks at you as if you've just conquered Everest. However, if you give yourself time to concentrate, and make sure you're wide awake when reading (this is not bedtime reading), it's immensely rewarding. Just be prepared for some diversions! I read the book whilst doing a solo bike tour in Bavaria, and I will forever associate the book and the tour together - it was great, just me and Melville (and all those people I met!).

 

Sounds a bit like our conversations about Virginia Woolf, Frankie! I have to admit, I found Melville more challenging (not least the size of the book), but don't be put off!

 

It does sound like our discussion on Woolf Moby Dick will definitely be one of those reads that will need a certain mindset, full concentration and many stress-free hours to devote to it. The length of it is not the problem as such, I'm more worried about the very detailed description and stories about all things sea. Poppyshake warned me about that. I know I will give it a try at some point in the future. Just don't hold your breath, it won't be anytime soon

 

Sandra Newman: Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read

This looks quite quirky and interesting; it's not just a straight-up list with little descriptions for each book. I think Frankie and Poppyshake would love it because there is a quote on the blurb that says it 'explores all the important issues like...whether anyone really likes Emma Bovary'.

 

I've been thinking about this and I have to ask. Does it say anything about Tess by Thomas Hardy? My most hated book ever

Edited August 30, 2011 by frankie

[Kylie]

But I read like 30 books while I was there!!! And I could take some books with me!

 

That's no excuse! I can also read 30 books and take the rest home.

 

I love your taxman. Give him a kissy for me

 

But he's only giving me back money I already paid him. It was my money anyway!

 

Of course, any Murakamis, Italo Calvino, Hunter S. Thompson and the likes do not have to be included in the 15/30.

 

Oh, so anything I like and want to read doesn't count? In that case, there will be no limits on what I can buy!

 

Think again, my little chickadee!

Imma what now?!

*shugs* I don't know. It just came to me so I thought I'd use it.

 

Now I'm really jealous! Mencken and the English language. What an awesome combination!

I should've realised how much you'd want this! Well the Chrestomathy must have something on languagues.

I just love the word 'chrestomathy'. Beautiful.

I love the word too; I had never heard of it before GG. And you're right: the Chrestomathy must have something in there. I looked through the contents when I got it, but I can't remember now.

Oh Yuck! Never mind!! Should've remembered, some people read the book after reading TCPatW for the Rory challenge.

But you loved TCPatW! Is it because The Apple received some lacklustre reviews that you don't want to read it?

Who the hell gave you the idea that I loved TCPatW?! They're lying and don't you dare trust them. I didn't like it. No.

Oh. But...but...it was wonderful!

 

Ian McEwan: Solar

Why did you buy it? I mean is it on one of the reading lists? I just noticed another book reference when I was watching the second (?) ep from season 4 of GG. When Rory went to her first class, wayyyy before it started, she was trying to read a copy of a Ian McEwan book but was too excited to concentrate on it. Then Marty came in.

I've liked the other McEwans I've read, and Solar was featured on the First Tuesday Book Club. They made it sound really interesting, so I've been wanting to read it for a while. I don't think it's on any of the lists because I believe it's his most recently published book. Yep, Rory was reading Atonement.

Beth Revis: Across the Universe

Sci-fi? Fantasy?

I think it's sci-fi.

Edited August 30, 2011 by Kylie

[Kylie]

Kylie, with regards to the book fair - why don't you go along and help your mum choose books? This way you don't go cold turkey by not attending, you can still look at the books and maybe pick up a few, but you can spend the time with your mum and guide her through the fair showing her what all the best books are.

 

I think you underestimate how strong (or not) my willpower is when it comes to buying books.

 

Don't be. There's a lot of myth surrounding Moby Dick. I read it a couple of years ago, and loved it, but whenever this comes up it seems that everybody looks at you as if you've just conquered Everest. However, if you give yourself time to concentrate, and make sure you're wide awake when reading (this is not bedtime reading), it's immensely rewarding. Just be prepared for some diversions! I read the book whilst doing a solo bike tour in Bavaria, and I will forever associate the book and the tour together - it was great, just me and Melville (and all those people I met!).

 

Heh. I chatted to the guy at the counter about Moby Dick and he also said not to be too intimidated. I still am, though.

 

Moby Dick will definitely be one of those reads that will need a certain mindset, full concentration and many stress-free hours to devote to it. The length of it is not the problem as such, I'm more worried about the very detailed description and stories about all things sea. Poppyshake warned me about that. I know I will give it a try at some point in the future. Just don't hold your breath, it won't be anytime soon

 

I completely agree with everything you said, Frankie.

 

I've been thinking about this and I have to ask. Does it say anything about Tess by Thomas Hardy? My most hated book ever

 

I'll have to look it up; I think I may have seen it there when I quickly browsed through the table of contents. I was happy to see loads of interesting-looking books that I've already read/bought/thought about buying. Remember, if Madame Bovary and Tess are in the book, it's because the authors are ultimately recommending that you read them!

 

Speaking of Tess, when I went to the bookshop yesterday, there were loads of cheap Vintage editions of various classics. I really wanted to buy them all (I have quite a large collection of Vintage books now) but I managed to resist. After all, I already own most of the ones they had, only in different editions. Anyway, Tess was there, and I don't think I have that book (or if I do, it's an old, dodgy copy) but I still resisted, despite the pretty cover.

[frankie]

That's no excuse! I can also read 30 books and take the rest home.

In the 1-2 weeks you'll be staying with me? And when do you think we'll have time to go snow boarding, ice-skating, skiing? Or will you read a book while doing those things? Besides, you shouldn't be so cocky when we both know that you're already looking at books on play.com and will order about 200 of them when you get here

 

But he's only giving me back money I already paid him. It was my money anyway!

Yes, but he could've just kept it to himself, right? And who knows, if you kiss him, you might get more than you were due

 

Oh, so anything I like and want to read doesn't count? In that case, there will be no limits on what I can buy!

 

You know that's not what I meant you wicked woman I was only referring to the most essential authors. Ones whose books you'd buy anyways. And I'll limit you to five of these authors. You can figure out for yourself which ones you'll choose.

 

Think again, my little chickadee!

Imma what now?!

*shugs* I don't know. It just came to me so I thought I'd use it.

Okay, fair enough!

I love the word too; I had never heard of it before GG. And you're right: the Chrestomathy must have something in there. I looked through the contents when I got it, but I can't remember now.

You should've brought the book with you to work so you could check.

 

Oh Yuck! Never mind!! Should've remembered, some people read the book after reading TCPatW for the Rory challenge.

But you loved TCPatW! Is it because The Apple received some lacklustre reviews that you don't want to read it?

Who the hell gave you the idea that I loved TCPatW?! They're lying and don't you dare trust them. I didn't like it. No.

Oh. But...but...it was wonderful!

No, it wasn't, you're mistaken.

 

Ian McEwan: Solar

Why did you buy it? I mean is it on one of the reading lists? I just noticed another book reference when I was watching the second (?) ep from season 4 of GG. When Rory went to her first class, wayyyy before it started, she was trying to read a copy of a Ian McEwan book but was too excited to concentrate on it. Then Marty came in.

I've liked the other McEwans I've read, and Solar was featured on the First Tuesday Book Club. They made it sound really interesting, so I've been wanting to read it for a while. I don't think it's on any of the lists because I believe it's his most recently published book. Yep, Rory was reading Atonement.

Ah yes, I remember seing Solar on the list. Which reminds me that I haven't updated my FTBC reading challenge list on my reading blog. Must do that soon! So it was poppyshake and not you who was also intimidated by McEwan, seeing as you've already read books by him and like him well enough to buy more.

 

I'll have to look it up; I think I may have seen it there when I quickly browsed through the table of contents. I was happy to see loads of interesting-looking books that I've already read/bought/thought about buying. Remember, if Madame Bovary and Tess are in the book, it's because the authors are ultimately recommending that you read them!

 

You should've brought this book along as well so you could check now. How am I supposed to be able to wait til you get home?! I mean c'mon, it's 9.11 AM here, so it's, what... 16.11 PM there, so ... I have to wait for over an hour!! And you'll probably go straight back to your editing, and won't even check BCF before that

 

Speaking of Tess, when I went to the bookshop yesterday, there were loads of cheap Vintage editions of various classics. I really wanted to buy them all (I have quite a large collection of Vintage books now) but I managed to resist. After all, I already own most of the ones they had, only in different editions. Anyway, Tess was there, and I don't think I have that book (or if I do, it's an old, dodgy copy) but I still resisted, despite the pretty cover.

 

I'm glad you resisted, the book is horrid I've been dissing it for so many years now, I think I should read it again just to make sure it's as bad as I remember it to be.

[Kylie]

There there Frankie *pats Frankie on head* I will check the books as soon as I get home. I'm sorry I didn't have the foresight to take them to work with me.

 

Speaking of books, I heard Jasper thumping around upstairs a lot last night, and when I went to check on him, I found that he had pulled nearly all the books off two shelves and left them all in messy piles on the floor (including nearly all my Discworld novels, which took forever to sort into the right order again). On top of that, he had pushed loads more books further back in the shelves and generally made a big mess. I was not happy.

[frankie]

There there Frankie *pats Frankie on head* I will check the books as soon as I get home. I'm sorry I didn't have the foresight to take them to work with me.

 

Fine, I'll forgive you, eventhough I sense a condescending tone in your reply!

 

Speaking of books, I heard Jasper thumping around upstairs a lot last night, and when I went to check on him, I found that he had pulled nearly all the books off two shelves and left them all in messy piles on the floor (including nearly all my Discworld novels, which took forever to sort into the right order again). On top of that, he had pushed loads more books further back in the shelves and generally made a big mess. I was not happy.

 

Oh boy, Jasper's in biiiig trouble! I wish he would molest the Silverstein book, and target just that one book and leave the others well alone. I know how you hate it when your books are not lined up straight according to the shelf, but it's still easier to sort that out than to pick books up from the floor and arrange them in the right order. I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer to get my Tess and Chrestomathy info, I know you can't just ignore the mess in your library.

 

I don't know why, but this reminds me of a nice little story about a dog! Valtteri's friend has a dog, and a week ago he told Valtteri about something the dog had done, on IRC. This is basically how the conversation went:

 

- I warn you guys, don't ever get a dog.

- My dog was asleep, then woke up and walked over to me and farted.

- And then he went back to sleep

- And the whole apartment stinks!

Edited August 30, 2011 by frankie

[Kylie]

Quick note: I checked A Mencken Chrestomathy - it's divided into lots of different sections but there doesn't seem to be anything specifically on the English language.

 

Luckily for you, there's only one reference to Tess in Read This Next, and it's just a passing reference, not an actual recommendation. Far from the Madding Crowd is recommend, though.

 

Oh, and I was Googling AMC to see if I could find a list of the contents to send you, and I found that Project Gutenberg has some of his works available for free download! I don't think you're really into ebooks, but if you get desperate, here they are (no Chrestomathys, unfortunately).

Edited August 30, 2011 by Kylie

[Weave]

Happy reading Kylie

[frankie]

Quick note: I checked A Mencken Chrestomathy - it's divided into lots of different sections but there doesn't seem to be anything specifically on the English language.

 

Booo!

 

Luckily for you, there's only one reference to Tess in Read This Next, and it's just a passing reference, not an actual recommendation. Far from the Madding Crowd is recommend, though.

 

Haha, I knew it couldn't be recommended! Eventhough I really despise the book, and Hardy for having written it, I don't have any qualms about trying some of his other books. Which is really surprising.

 

Oh, and I was Googling AMC to see if I could find a list of the contents to send you, and I found that Project Gutenberg has some of his works available for free download! I don't think you're really into ebooks, but if you get desperate, here they are (no Chrestomathys, unfortunately).

 

Thanks for the link! I took a quick look, and found some funny stuff:

 

"How little it takes to make life unbearable!... A pebble in the shoe, a cockroach in the spaghetti, a woman’s laugh!"

[poppyshake]

Jasper Fforde: The Fourth Bear (a paperback to replace my hardback)

When I found my matching edition of The Fourth Bear, I excitedly showed my friend but she just thought I was weird for buying a second edition. I think she's a bit weird! Clearly she's not as much of a book-lover as I am.

She is, if you don't mind me saying. I'm glad she's no competition!

She's a friend but she's not a 'bookfriend' .. a bookfriend would have understood immediately, you won't find anyone here telling you you're weird for buying second/third/fourth or fifth editions of the same book (though anymore than that and a restraining order might be advisable ) There's a million reasons to buy multiple copies of books, different format, better size, nicer cover (oh how that one has added to my bookpile!) nicer condition, signed by author etc etc. No .. she's the weirdo .. she doesn't love her books enough.

Another huge book fair is rapidly approaching... Now, 6 months ago I went and bought over 100 books, and I've since bought another ton of books (figuratively speaking). This means that I really should not be going to the book fair. For the past 6 months, I've been absolutely adamant that I wouldn't go. Until now.

 

I swear, these book fairs are like an addiction. I can't imagine not going and getting my fix. If I don't go, I'm quite sure I'll end up sitting on my bed all weekend, hugging my knees, rocking back and forth, and shaking and whimpering.

 

To make matters worse, my Mum (who only started reading this year) is going...without me! I can't let that happen! Now that I have a new job, I have an awesome excuse to go and buy reference books, and I would only go for a few (or several) hours. But that is plenty of time for me to buy dozens of books, which I don't have time to read any more.

 

I Should Not Be Buying Books.

*wrings hands anxiously* What to do? What to do???

 

Am I crazy coming to fellow bookaholics for advice?

Yes I feel bad for saying it but I think you'll regret it if you don't go especially as your Mum is going, she'll tell you all about it and as happy as you'll be for her you'll be miserable too (and wouldn't it be great to see your Mum enjoying all the books?) If you go with the attitude that you don't want to buy lots of books then you might be surprised at how restrained you can be (not half as surprised as we will be ) What's the worst that can happen? .. another Billy bookcase? As long as you can afford the expense then don't worry about having time to read the books .. you have the rest of your life. When you're sitting like a pokey old woman in front of the fire with a blanket on your knees and a house full of cats, you'll be glad you bought all those books .. to quote Alan Bennett ... 'the best way to avoid a broken hip is to have a flexible mind'

 

Sandra Newman: Read This Next: 500 of the Best Books You'll Ever Read

This looks quite quirky and interesting; it's not just a straight-up list with little descriptions for each book. I think Frankie and Poppyshake would love it because there is a quote on the blurb that says it 'explores all the important issues like...whether anyone really likes Emma Bovary'.

 

What sensible questions I approve. Seems as if this particular booklist was written with a sense of humour so that'll probably make it more entertaining than the normal booklist books. I'm adding it to my wishlist, thanks Kylie

 

Kylie, with regards to the book fair - why don't you go along and help your mum choose books? This way you don't go cold turkey by not attending, you can still look at the books and maybe pick up a few, but you can spend the time with your mum and guide her through the fair showing her what all the best books are.

This is a great idea Claire .. but I fear the books will call out to her. She will catch a glimpse of a Vintage/Bloomsbury cover or spot a Calvino that she hasn't already got and all will be lost (I am however basing this on my shocking lack of willpower ... and also on the number of times on this bookblog that Kylie has popped into a bookshop to browse (what does that mean? .. I've yet to find out) and come home with at least ten books

[Kylie]

Penguin have released 25 new Popular Penguins over here, so I went to Dymocks today to buy one and came back with five (three Popular Penguins and two Penguin Great Ideas).

 

Popular Penguins

Jorge Luis Borges: Labyrinths

EL Doctorow: Ragtime

Evelyn Waugh: Vile Bodies

Great Ideas

George Orwell: Books v. Cigarettes

Arthur Schopenhauer: The Horrors and Absurdities of Religion

[frankie]

Ragtime, wohoo! I can't wait for you to read it! Such a unique, quirky, beautiful read. Though it was years ago when I read it. I've been meaning to re-read it for ages I can't wait to see what you make of it!

[Kylie]

I didn't know you had read Ragtime, Frankie! Very cool. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Ragtime and Vile Bodies both sound awesome; they're both set in time periods I'm really interested in: the early 1900s and the 1920s.

 

I want to copy some info here about the books I bought because they all sound so interesting. All synopses are from Penguin.

 

Jorge Luis Borges: Labyrinths

Enter Borges' timeless worlds, where the ideal and the abstract challenge reality; where philosophical paradoxes and endless possibilities abound, and wisps of dream and magic are layered in eternal reoccurrence. To readLabyrinths is to glide through time, space, mythology and philosophy, as Borges' characters struggle towards devastating discovery. His essays and brief tantalizing parables explore the enigmas of time, identity and imagination. Playful and disturbing, scholarly and seductive, his is a haunting and utterly distinctive voice.

EL Doctorow: Ragtime

In America at the turn of the twentieth century, when society abounds with movers and shakers such as Houdini, J.P Morgan, Henry Ford and Emma Goldman, and the sultry rhythms of ragtime permeate the city, ex-chorus girl Evelyn Nesbitt inspires a mad millionaire to murder architect Stanford White. In this stunning kaleidoscopic chronicle of an age, Doctorow juxtaposes patriotism with fading grandeur, to create a dazzling literary mosaic that depicts an era of dire poverty, fabulous wealth and incredible change.

George Orwell: Books v. Cigarettes

Beginning with a dilemma about whether he spends more money on reading or smoking, George Orwell's entertaining and uncompromising essays go on to explore everything from the perils of second-hand bookshops to the dubious profession of being a critic, from freedom of the press to what patriotism really means.

Arthur Schopenhauer: The Horrors and Absurdities of Religion

A fascinating examination of ethics, religion and psychology, this selection of Schopenhauer's works contains scathing attack on the nature and logic of religion, and an essay on ethics that ranges from the American slavery debate to the vices of Buddhism.

Evelyn Waugh: Vile Bodies

In the years following the First World War a new generation emerges, wistful and vulnerable beneath the glitter. The Bright Young Things of twenties Mayfair, with their paradoxical mix of innocence and sophistication, exercise their hedonistic whims and vile bodies in every kind of capricious escapade. In a quest for treasure, a favourite party occupation, a vivid assortment of characters hunt fast and furiously for ever greater sensations and the fulfilment of unconscious desires.

[Kidsmum]

I like the sound of The Horrors & Absurdities of Religion, Kylie, I would be interested to know what he thinks the vices of Buddhism are.

[Kylie]

I like the sound of The Horrors & Absurdities of Religion, Kylie, I would be interested to know what he thinks the vices of Buddhism are.

 

Me too, Kidsmum! I'll let you know when I read it.

[Kylie]

I went to the book fair today and came home with a pretty good haul. For the first time I bought more non-fiction books than fiction and, in particular, I found a lot of great collections of letters, essays and journals.

 

I also bought around 19 editions of books I already own. Some of them are replacements, and some are to join my shelves in addition to the others I already own.

 

 

Fiction (24)

Brian Aldiss: Non-Stop

John Banville: The Newton Letter

Alan Bennett: The Uncommon Reader

Jorge Luis Burges: The Aleph and Other Stories 1933-1969

Italo Calvino: Under the Jaguar Sun

Stephen Fry: The Hippopotamus

Amitav Ghosh: The Glass Palace

Christopher Isherwood: Goodbye to Berlin

Henry James: The Ambassadors

Henry James: Daisy Miller and Other Stories

Henry James: The Europeans

Henry James: Washington Square

Jack London: The Call of the Wild and Other Stories

Richard Matheson: The Shrinking Man

Anthony Powell: Books Do Furnish a Room

Dan Rhodes: Don't Tell Me the Truth About Love

Rafael Sabatini: Captain Blood

JD Salinger: Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters & Seymour: An Introduction

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #10: The Slippery Slope

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #11: The Grim Grotto

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #12: The Penultimate Peril

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #13: The End

Christina Stead: The Man Who Loved Children

Evelyn Waugh: The Loved One

 

Non-Fiction (40)

Anonymous: Go Ask Alice

Quentin Bell: Bloomsbury

Quentin Bell: Virginia Woolf 1912-1941

Jackson Bryer & Cathy Barks: Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

Alastair Cooke: The Vintage Mencken

David Crystal: By Hook or By Crook

David Crystal: The Stories of English

Simone de Beauvoir: Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter

Thomas de Quincey: Confessions of an English Opium Eater

Gerald Durrell: The Overloaded Ark

Rachel Fergusson (ed): Dictionary of Proverbs

Michael J Fox: Lucky Man

Germaine Greer: Daddy, We Hardly Knew You

Pierre Grimal (ed): Dictionary of Classical Mythology

Jonathan Guinness: The House of Mitford

JB Heaton: Prepositions and Adverbial Particles

Ernest Hemingway: Green Hills of Africa

Ted Hughes: Selected Poems

Anita Kermode (ed): The Oxford Books of Letters

Primo Levi: If This is a Man & The Truce

Katherine Mansfield: Letters and Journals

Robert McCrum et al: The Story of English

Marion Meade: Dorothy Parker

HL Mencken: In Defence of Women

Nancy Mitford (ed): Noblesse Oblige

Jessica Mitford: A Fine Old Conflict

Charlotte Mosley (ed): The Letters of Nancy Mitford

Anais Nin: The Journals of Anais Nin, Volume 3

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 1

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 2

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 3

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 4

Nancy Pearl: More Book Lust

Shirley Purchase (ed): The Australian Writers' and Editors' Guide

John Saumarez Smith (ed): The Bookshop at 10 Curzon Street: Letters between Nancy Mitford and Heywood Hill 1952-73

Mark Twain: A Tramp Abroad

Jeannette Walls: The Glass Castle

Rebecca West: The Essential Rebecca West

Virginia Woolf: A Writer's Diary

Virginia Woolf: Moments of Being

 

[chaliepud]

I went to the book fair today and came home with a pretty good haul. For the first time I bought more non-fiction books than fiction and, in particular, I found a lot of great collections of letters, essays and journals.

 

Is that because you're running out of fiction books to buy Kylie?

 

Great haul!!!!!

[frankie]

I went to the book fair today and came home with a pretty good haul. For the first time I bought more non-fiction books than fiction and, in particular, I found a lot of great collections of letters, essays and journals.

 

Do you mean you drove there in the morning and came back on the same day?! You didn't stay over? Wow, what's that like... But I'm sure whatever the reason for it, it must've been a good one, and besides, you found some excellent books! When you write to me about the trip in more detail, maybe you could write about the spring fair too, and compare and contrast

 

 

Alan Bennett: The Uncommon Reader

Is this the one about the Queen? I remember it was fairly enjoyable, it was ages ago when I read it though.

 

Italo Calvino: Under the Jaguar Sun

I'm happy for you for finding more Calvino!

 

Stephen Fry: The Hippopotamus

Wohoo for Fry!

 

Christopher Isherwood: Goodbye to Berlin

What's this about? A friend of mine talked to me about Isherwood a couple of weeks ago, apparently he wrote A Single Man (of which there's the movie with Colin Firth).

 

Henry James: The Ambassadors

Henry James: Daisy Miller and Other Stories

Henry James: The Europeans

Henry James: Washington Square

I see someone's been adding books to their wishlist while reading Lolita in Tehran I'm happy you found Daisy Miller, I remember you commenting on it when I found my copy just recently.

 

Dan Rhodes: Don't Tell Me the Truth About Love

Isn't this some sort of anthology?

 

JD Salinger: Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters & Seymour: An Introduction

What's this? I thought Salinger only wrote CitR. And yes, the other book, whatsitsname.

 

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #10: The Slippery Slope

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #11: The Grim Grotto

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #12: The Penultimate Peril

Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events #13: The End

Awesome!

 

Christina Stead: The Man Who Loved Children

Haha, FTBC Jealous!

 

Evelyn Waugh: The Loved One

I believe you like Waugh very much, so great job!

 

Quentin Bell: Bloomsbury

Quentin Bell: Virginia Woolf 1912-1941

Jealous!! I'm pretty happy I didn't go with you this year, we would've had to wrestle for these books and a couple of others

 

Jackson Bryer & Cathy Barks: Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald

Wrestle time!

 

Alastair Cooke: The Vintage Mencken

Vintage Mencken?! What? How? What's it like? Wrestle!

 

Simone de Beauvoir: Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter

Wrestle! I think this is the first volume in her long line of memoirs. You so lucky. I have many of the later ones but of course not the first one!

 

Thomas de Quincey: Confessions of an English Opium Eater

I once owned this book but then gave it away and I'm regretting it a bit nowadays. I hope it's good, let me know how you like it.

 

Michael J Fox: Lucky Man

I remember this was one of the nominations for the (auto)biography RC. I'd like to read it some day too, I hope you like it.

 

Germaine Greer: Daddy, We Hardly Knew You

I'm curious about Greer, and the title fascinates me.

 

Ernest Hemingway: Green Hills of Africa

Wohoo, Hemingway <3

 

Ted Hughes: Selected Poems

Jealous!

 

Anita Kermode (ed): The Oxford Books of Letters

Oh bloody hell, this one must be good!

 

Primo Levi: If This is a Man & The Truce

Wohoo for the first title. Now read it, and tell me if it's any good

 

Katherine Mansfield: Letters and Journals

Wrestle time!!!

 

Marion Meade: Dorothy Parker

Wrestle!

 

HL Mencken: In Defence of Women

Wrestle!

 

Anais Nin: The Journals of Anais Nin, Volume 3

Hehe, someone's caught the Nin bug

 

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 1

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 2

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 3

George Orwell: Collected Essays, Journals and Letters 4

Excellent find!

 

John Saumarez Smith (ed): The Bookshop at 10 Curzon Street: Letters between Nancy Mitford and Heywood Hill 1952-73

Want!

 

Rebecca West: The Essential Rebecca West

Wrestle!

 

Virginia Woolf: A Writer's Diary

Virginia Woolf: Moments of Being

Wrestle wrestle!

 

Oh the bruises you and I would've ended up with...

[Kidsmum]

Wow Kylie I'm mighty impressed with your haul

 

I love Alan Bennett & have The Uncommon Reader on my IPod so I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I don't read much non fiction myself as I seem to have so many fiction books to get through but I'd like to try branching out a bit more in that direction. The Dorothy Parker book would definitely of caught my eye as well

[lauraloves]

Wow what an impressive haul Kyle Happy Reading

[Kylie]

I forgot to mention that I went book shopping the day before the book fair (to get in some practice, you know ).

 

Frances Hodgson Burnett: Little Lord Fauntleroy (I already have this, but this is a Puffin edition)

GK Chesterton: The Strange Crime of John Boulnois*

Louis de Bernieres: Captain Corelli's Mandolin

Margaret Drabble: The Gifts of War*

Dave Eggers: Zeitoun

Gregory Maguire: Matchless

Frank O'Connor: The Cornet-Player Who Betrayed Ireland*

Ayn Rand: The Early Ayn Rand

Eudora Welty: Moon Lake*

 

The books with * after them are short stories that Penguin have published.

[Kylie]

I had a date last night with a fellow book lover so, needless to say, I came home with books!

 

Fiction

Italo Calvino: Numbers in the Dark and Other Stories

Italo Calvino: T Zero

Georges Perec: A Void

Natasha Solomons: A Novel in the Viola

 

Non-Fiction

Nicholas A Basbanes: Every Book Its Reader

Gerald Clarke (ed): Too Brief a Treat: The Letters of Truman Capote

Robert McCrum: Wodehouse

Hunter S Thompson: Better than Sex

 

When we were a-wanderin' around, we came across some boxes of books that had been dumped outside a shop. They were mostly rubbish, but I found a few to come home with me (all non-fiction):

 

HE Bates: Country Life

Henry James: Selected Literary Criticism

Charles Rembar: The End of Obscenity (about the trials of Lady Chatterley's Lover, Tropic of Cancer and Fanny Hill)

CH Rolph (ed): The Trial of Lady Chatterley

Bernard Shaw: The Intelligent Woman's Guide to Socialism, Capitalism, Sovietism & Facism

John Whittow: The Penguin Dictionary of Physical Geography