I have wonderful news (as if you didn’t expect it, dah…). Despite my lack of time, my collection has grown, which resulted in my failure to curb my book-shopping habits. Not even daily shopping can keep me from growing my, already sizable, collection. Sainsbury or Tesco have their miniature second-hand book stalls now and, as if bewitched, I run to meet my potential treasures on every occasion. My bank brunch hasn’t spared me, eater, I snatched three copies with pride not long ago (Green Tea and Other Weird Stories; Whatever It Is, I Don’t Like It; The Good Liar). My P has been losing (amazing for some time) his angelic patience and hope that this will ever change. Despite a regular paper avalanche of new acquisitions raining down on our house, neither requests nor threats work. I read like possessed and never stop with the book I have just started. Currently, I’m in the middle of Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop; Flights; House of Leaves. I find it hard to resist when I see my potential TBR on my bookshelves. It’s quite problematic (isn’t it?).

Recently ‘Moved Me’ Are:

Less by Andrew Sean Greer. An uncharacteristic tale of a journey (Mexico, Italy, Germany, France, Morocco, India), or rather an escape, of the main character from a difficult loss around the world. Arthur Less, writer, and lover, as he discovers the customs of city after city, attempts to face his feelings and doubts with innate charm. An entertaining and affectionate story. I wasn’t sure whether the protagonist was running away from the love of his life or heading towards it. Judge for yourself.

Another is Breast and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami, a must-read (in my humble opinion) for every female. A wonderful story about women set in enchanting Tokyo. The main character, Natsuko, a writer, describes in the form of a diary her feelings towards the norms imposed on women by society. Outspoken and full of doubts, the heroine expresses her own beliefs on their role in their careers. Furthermore, touching on topics such as aging, motherhood (in-vitro), sexuality, and growing up, together with the title breasts and eggs… A wonderful tale and unique characters, what more could you want?

One more is The Book of Illusions by Paul Auster. Delighted with The New York Trilogy I reached for another book by this author. Struggling with tragedy, the main character, Professor David Zimmer, becomes acquainted with the works of silent comedian Hector Mann, who disappears one day and, despite various speculations, has never been found. The professor’s obsessive interest in the comedian’s work results in writing a book about his silent films. The consequence is a mysterious invitation to a meeting with the missing artist face-to-face. Tragedy, obsession, mystery… A brilliant tale that will possess you until the very end.

Yours L.