I love writing posts about books; those I’ve read and raved about, those I’ve had on my reading list for ages and those that I just couldn’t get on with. I’ve just discovered the #theyearinbooks hashtag on Twitter, run by Laura who writes the Circle of Pine Trees blog; there are monthly blog posts and an accompanying Twitter chat, and last time I came away with a huuuuuge list of books to add to my (already heaving) collection. I’m trying to force myself to switch off from work in the evenings, and read at least two books a month (my current novel actually has dust on the cover, it’s been neglected for so long), and I’ve got a pretty varied list to get through.
1. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
I’ve not read many of Sarah Waters books, but I did get through The Little Friend at lightning speed, so I’m going to give another one a go; The Paying Guests is set in the twenties, one of my two favourite periods in history, which is pretty much how it made it on to the list!
2. The Taxidermists Daughter by Kate Mosse
Ali has read (and loved) Kate Mosse’s first books, but I just couldn’t get to grips with them. I did LOVE The Mistletoe Bride, though, so I’m going to have a go at this one as well.
3. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Because everyone I know who’s read it has absolutely raved about it, so I feel like I should at least give it a go!
4. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
This has been on my list forever, but it’s another one I’ve just not got round to – Hannah of Seeds and Stitches read it recently in a weekend, and she has excellent taste, so I’m determined to tick it off this year.
5. Second Hand Stories by Josh Spero
This isn’t actually released until later this month, but I saw it in The Simple Things magazine, and thought it sounded like something I’d love – author Josh Spero decides to track down the previous owners of some of his second-hand books, and the resulting stories are held in this book. Intriguing!
6. A Winter Book by Tove Jansson
I saw this one on the #theyearinbooks chat, and looked it up straight away (because there’s something really nice about reading seasonally, I think – I can’t read Christmas books in any month other than November or December!); it’s a collection of short stories, which is handy for dipping in and out of – the only thing I’ve ever read from Jansson is the Moomins, so I’m looking forward to seeing how she writes for adults.
7. The Shopkeeper’s Home by Caroline Rowland
Strictly not a novel, but it’s probably my most wanted book right now, so I had to add it!
8. Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada
Set in my other favourite period of history, the 1940s, Alone in Berlin is inspired by a true story, and tells the tale of a man who was determined to defy the fascist Nazi rule.
What’s on your reading list for this autumn and winter? Any recommendations?
I recently read "burial rites" for our book club and it was very good. It is a very atmospheric book, based in Iceland and well written. The story is based on real life events and feels powerful and heart breaking. Give it a go! It is a good winter read…. Now I have to read " the taxidermist's daughter" for my next bookclub so we'll see how it goes…. I have never read anything by Kate Mosse before but I saw her once talking in a local library event and she came across very well so I have high hopes for this book….Have a lovely week and thank you for the recommendations, Pati x
I've been meaning to buy The Taxidermists Daughter for a while now, I haven't read Mosse's novels before but I have heard great reviews! I love cosy afternoons curled up with a book, radio 4 and some scented candles – perfect!Katie xhttp://long-may-she-rain.blogspot.co.uk