Monday, 8 October 2007

Being a better blogger - and books

Well I’m still a long way from it but was one of the things I said I would aim for in my last post. I must do better. Its irritating how life gets hectic. So apologies to the Cornish Dreamer who set a number of questions (a meme?? See still don’t know the blogging lingo!). I did start musing a while ago and even started writing something but did a Gordon Brown and dithered about and changed my mind several times so didn’t get anything finished.

The past couple of weeks have been a non stop whirl of wedding stuff – I normally love going to other peoples weddings but had been persuaded/ brow beaten into being a bridesmaid for a friend (at my age and cynicism!!). I’ve found out that when you are grown up being bridesmaid is not just a lot of fun of dressing up and going to a party as it is when you are 8 years old, but actually entails a lot of hassle, responsibilities, and expense. So I’m skint, knackered and relieved its over now as the wedding was last weekend. I am sure I will be tempted to come back to that subject another time, but for now, answers to the questions from Cornish Dreamer.

My reading

What do I like to read.
Absolutely anything and everything. My mother always said that I would sit at the dinner table and read the back of the bottles and boxes (stylish presentation of meals was never her thing). I may be a little more discerning now but I do like a mix. I love it when you pick a book and author you’ve never heard of but surprises you with how good or different it is.

Total number of books I have
Hundreds but wouldn’t like to really guess. As well as those I can see, there are boxes full in the garage. I tend to have a good clear out and send lots to charity shops every now and then – but do have a habit of visiting same shops and stocking up again!

Last book I bought
I’ve bought a few recently as am going on holiday soon but the very latest is The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards

Last book I read
Have just re-read Captain Corellis Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres as I'm going to Kefalonia where the book is set (the book is, as with so many, much better than the film)

5 meaningful books
Animal Farm by George Orwell – I read this when I was in my teens and was fascinated
Watership Down by Richard Adams – this was the first book that made me cry (when I was little, I must add)
The five people you meet in heaven by Mitch Albom – a brilliant read, really moving and thought provoking
The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood – the first book I read by Atwood, I’ve been a fan since, and think the issues are as relevant now
Two Caravans by Marina Lewycka – goes from really funny comical moments to really sad and shocking. Those people who think immigrants have an easy time in this country should be made to read this!

2 comments:

Cornish Dreamer said...

Some good answers to the meme. Watership Down is a fantastic book I still cry when I read it now...sometimes (Perhaps I shouldn't admit to that?).

Did you enjoy the wedding though?

RT

p.s. if you look meme up on the internet, various sources say that it's derived from a theory that "comprises a theoretical unit of cultural information that propogates from one mind to another". My feelings are that these memes are a little like the old fashioned chain letters, so generally I try to avoid them. It's just that some are irresistable.

Jez Bell said...

Bridesmaid thing was an 'interesting' experience, bit of a demanding Bride! overall day was enjoyable- but next time will just be there as a guest!

thanks for the meme explanation