It’s Saturday night and I’ve had a long and busy weekend full of life admin and sorting stuff out around the house. I’m extremely tired and looking forward to finally retiring to bed, ready for the upcoming week. Especially as I have a week full of driving lessons after work, and bearing in mind work is very busy at the moment. But I wanted to write something, so I thought I’d write something a little lighthearted and talk a bit about books and reading. I’ve decided to answer some standard book questions to let you know a little bit more about me and my reading habits.
Favourite book?
Aside from the Harry Potter series, my favourite book would have to be Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. Controversial and raw, it explores the disturbing subject of pedophilia. It’s so beautifully written from Humbert’s point of view, and we delve into the mind of a disturbed but totally love-struck man. I recommended we read it in my book club once, and boy did it spark some heated debate! Say what you will about Lolita, it will always be my favourite read.
Fiction or non-fiction?
If I was writing this a year ago, I would have said fiction hands down. However, I’ve recently started reading a number of non-fiction books and am really enjoying it, as I feel like I’m learning so much. I’ve read a handful of books by Irvin Yalom after a friend recommended to him and have a new found love for him as a psychologist and a writer. He explores a lot of existential issues and writes about death anxiety which completely fascinates me. I’ve also just picked up Jordan B. Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life” which I am so looking forward to reading, being a huge fan of his and recently spending every available minute watching his lectures and debates. I am now a fan of both fiction and non-fiction, and love exploring new subject matters and topics through both of these genres.
Favourite book character?
Aside from Molly Weasley? It would have to be Eleanor Oliphant. I fell in love with Eleanor; I laughed with her, I cried with her, and I sobbed when I finished Gail Honeyman’s wonderful story about her, because I so wanted to keep reading everything about her. The book in which she lives, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, changed the way I perceive people and treat people, and I owe that all to Eleanor (and Gail Honeyman).
Favourite poet?
John Keats. There isn’t really much more to say on this, because he’s just a beautiful writer and I thoroughly enjoy reading his work, particularly his love letters to Fanny Brawne.
What’s next on the book list?
I actually just bought a load of new books and it’s always an internal battle with myself trying to decide what to read first. I’ve started Reni Eddo’s “Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race” this weekend, and can’t wait to really get stuck into it. Up next I’ve also got Jordan Peterson’s book; Sally Rooney’s “Conversations with Friends”; Irvin Yalom’s “Staring at the Sun”; and Jodi Picoult’s “A Spark of Light”.
Well now sleep is truly calling me. After half an hour of reading first, of course…
An Open Book 