Last summer I attended a number of training sessions at work in order to learn more about our various databases and collections as our service/help desks were combined at the library. To be honest I thought they were mandatory and that I had to participate. Apparently not everyone was quite as conscientious as I was it turns out. Our Library Friends bought a number of presents to give to those who took part in the training. Only one other lady attended more sessions than I did, but that's okay. I was second on the list and got early dibs on the goodies and could pick one that appealed to me most. I now have a Barnes&Noble gift card to use at my leisure! I guess I shouldn't complain about so many work meetings!
In a very few weeks the university will close down for the holidays, which means I am looking at twelve full days away from work. Twelve wonderful days that I can practically spend doing whatever I like. I've already began contemplating which books I want to read (will of course work hard to incorporate them into my already existing current reads pile). So far I've mentally set aside Elizabeth George's Careless in Red, Sarah Waters' Affinity, Marina Fiorato's The Glassblower of Murano and something by Richmal Crompton.
I just discovered today that the Fiorato book has been longlisted for the 2008 Books to Talk About Award. I came across this site (Spread the Word) last year, but didn't bother to bookmark it, so it was lost in the shuffle. I've remedied that and will have to check out what people are saying about the other books on the longlist. I was already sold on the Fiorato book ages ago (just never got around to reading it). It's always good to have an excuse to start a new book.
I'm a little late coming to this, but did you know that Alexander McCall Smith is serializing a book, Corduroy Mansions, in the Telegraph newspaper online? You can read all the details here. You can either read it, or download the podcasts. If I can figure out how, I plan on loading the podcasts into my MP3 player as I've not found anything good to listen to. I've given up on several audio books in a row. Last night I actually loaded Christmas music onto it. It should be nice and seasonal as I clump home through the snow, which we are forecast to receive (as if it were a gift or something--Ha).
I finished reading this book for my postal reading group (ahead of time, thank you very much). I really enjoyed it and plan on reading more by this author. I'm also getting close to finishing Charlotte Bronte's Shirley. I've got mixed feelings about it. I suspect when I've finished, read the intro, and had a chance to let things sink in I will appreciate it more than I am at the moment. It just feels a bit uneven, but it's still very good. I think Jane Eyre will remain my favorite. As soon as I finish Shirley, it's on to Bleak House. As strange as it sounds, doesn't it sound like good holiday reading?