Even though four months (four very long hot summer months by the way) separate me from San Francisco I am finding it hard to concentrate on things (work things, home things, pretty much everything). It's just that first flush of getting used to the idea of a vacation and getting things organized so I can then sit back and think about the fun things I'll do when I am there. I'm sure I'll share more about it all later (especially the reading I hope to do in anticipation), but as I get those details worked out I think tonight's post will have to be bits and pieces of bookish things that have come my way of late (alas, no bullet points tonight).
I came across this great (short) video about Barbara Pym, so will start there. Did you know there is a Barbara Pym Society? Thomas attended their Spring Conference earlier this year and shared photos of it. It looks like it was great fun and I am contemplating joining the Society myself as I am enjoying reading her so much. I wish I had planned for the Reading Week better, but will hopefully finish reading and write about Crampton Hodnet properly later this week. Make sure you check in with Amanda and Thomas to follow all the festivities. It's pretty cool to see such a wide and varied group of readers all enjoying her work, don't you think? She was already one of my 'must read everything' by her authors, but now I am going to try and make a concerted effort to actually read more of her work this year.
It's not feeling much like summer yet, though I am not complaining as I prefer it a little cooler than hot. Temperate, mild, sunny and 70F/21C is my perfect weather. But the summer reading lists will soon begin pouring in. Here's one to start with, well, a ten books for June list anyway. I'm already reading one and have another on my radar. I may have to come up with my own summer reading list . . .
L.M. Montgomery is one of those 'I really should have read her by now' authors. I don't really know how I missed reading her growing up. Sourcebooks will be publishing her works here in the US, including issuing ebook editions beginning next year. I have a Modern Library edition of Anne of Green Gables and it is on my list of books to read (of course).
Convenient segue into a mention of Round 7 of John Mutford's Annual Canadian Book Challenge. Even as I am trying to tie up this year's challenge I am contemplating the next one that begins July 1. I have fallen short of my goal to read thirteen books, but even eight (though I hope to finish one more--Louise Penny's first Inspector Gamache mystery) is pretty good for me! Maybe I'll start with Anne of Green Gables!
Recently I mentioned a French crime novel that made its way into my mailbox. Alex by Pierre Lemaitre has made the shortlist for the CWA International Dagger Award. I always keep an eye on these awards and think I'll read the shortlists, but the problem with mysteries is the books are often one in a series and I always like reading them in order. Alex, however, is a standalone novel so is being bumped to the top of the pile. It may be the only one I read, and how cool if it was the one to win? In any case I'm looking forward to exploring the list in more detail.
Let's see, what else. I usually have a library book on the go all the time, but I never picked up a new one when I finished the most recent Maisie Dobbs novel (post to follow this week I hope), so I am in the market for a new library book to fill the slot. I've finished two of my Melville House novellas (Jacob's Room and Lady Susan) back to back so now must turn my attention to my NYRBs! I am quickly falling behind so will be spending some time with Transit this week.
Did I mention that I have started subscribing to TLS (The Times Literary Supplement)? It was such a great (meaning cheap) offer that I couldn't pass it up. They have great reviews but I am quickly falling behind in my reading (is this a surprise?). I usually take one or two with me to work thinking I am going to use some of my abundant (she says tongue in cheek) reading time reading them.
If nothing else I am always a wishful thinker!