Contemplation – Week 11: Reading

Hello

I love reading! Do you?

A few other words I could use to describe myself as a reader are: avid, compulsive, dedicated, devoted, insatiable and voracious.

So it’s very timely that this week’s prompt for desleyjane’s Contemplation post is:

What’s the next book you’re going to read?

I am part of a book club which meets every month for a lively discussion on a set book, organised through the local library.  It is a fun time and yes I’ll admit that some evenings we talk more about ourselves than the book we’re supposed to have read. Sometimes the book resonates with everyone and there are other times when only a few get through it or enjoy it.  Those nights are best when the discussion is loud, noisy and opinionated.  We’re all good friends so we don’t have to worry about offending anyone! The last 2 books for book club haven’t appealed to me which is quite unusual as I try to finish a book once I start it.  I will read almost anything but sometimes I just can’t continue on and have to give up!

I do have a kindle app on my iPad which I like to use when travelling but I really enjoy reading a real book. The feel of it, the smell of it, the action of turning the pages, the sense of accomplishment and the way you can tell how far you are into the book by just glancing at the bookmark. The kindle just doesn’t cut it for some of these things.   I try to read at night before I go to sleep as I find the ritual of reading helps me to unwind.  If for some reason I can’t sleep the first thing I do is grab a book.

I have just finished our next book club book –  Room by Emma Donoghue. I read this back in September 2014 on the recommendation of my sister and here is my review from my reading list page from 2014:

This was a very moving novel about a kidnapped 19 year old girl who was kept prisoner in a small room for over 7 years and subjected to constant deprivations and rape. She had a baby boy while locked away and when he was 5 years old they managed to escape. The outside world was difficult for them both to adapt to. It was very compelling and very plausible. Thanks to my sister for the loan and recommendation.

It was good to re-read the book before our next get together and I enjoyed it just as much as the first time round.  I look forward to an interesting discussion.  I believe this has been made into a movie, so I am keen to see it.

I am currently reading a Jodi Picoult novel, Leaving Time, which I bought on a whim as part of a ‘3 for 2’ offer while on holidays recently.  It’s been a very interesting read, with a twist that I missed seeing. Once I’ve finished it I’m sending it onto my youngest daughter, she loves elephants and this book is all about them. I recently enjoyed a fantasy series that my daughters recommended and couldn’t put them down.  I’m not sure what I’ll read next but I have a few books in the pile next to the bed to choose from.

The choices of books to read next include:

Travels with Epicures by Daniel Klein – described as a journey to a Greek Island in search of a fulfilled life – a friend lent me this to read.

Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch – my husband bought this and described it as a ‘weird, different, interesting fantasy story’.  I don’t think it was what he was expecting it to be!

Gotta Love this Country by Peter Fitzsimons – my husband bought me this book for Christmas (I think he wanted to read it himself).  It’s a collection of Peter’s short stories and articles from all over Australia, mainly about sport at the grass-roots level.

So, if you have any suggestions of something to read or any recommendations, please let me know. If you love reading too let me know what you are reading!

You can find desleyjane’s post here: Contemplation – week 11, anyone is welcome to join in her blogging challenge by sharing your response and linking back to her post.  It’s fun!  I also like that it’s not photo based and it allows me to think, write and post as I see fit!

It’s nice to be back ‘contemplating’ with you.

(By the way…did you know I have a page on my blog where I list all the books I’ve read in 2014, 2015 and 2016 – I told you I like reading!)

Deb x