I always have a pile of books beside my bed (how could you not?) but my current pile tells a rather disappointing and sorry tale of books begun and abandoned, novels-not-finished and a couple of occasional-dip-into books on creativity. My most recent acquisition is a really rotten 'chick-lit' book that I really need to just let go (it's this, supposedly one of the better examples of the genre but it is tosh). Leafing through the Times magazine this evening I came across a special offer for the entire Booker Prize shortlist, and a quick read of the summaries convinced me that for once it might be a good year to dive in. So, in an attempt to raise the bar and remind my poor brain that I did actually get a degree in English Lit in the not-so-distant-past, I hereby announce the Booker challenge. Yes, I am planning to read the shortlist, one novel a week, for the next thirteen weeks. Yikes. I've ordered the first three from Amazon. Some of them are still only in hardback, which I can't get along with at all, so I am planning to start with How to Paint A Dead Man by Sarah Hall, The Wilderness by Samantha Harvey, and Me Cheeta by James Lever. I'll check back in and let you all know how I'm getting on. And do let me know what your summer reads are...
7 comments:
Oh do say which ones are worth reading - it would probably take me a year to get through 13 books, but Booker Prize shortlisted ones are usually really good.
I just can't get into these challenges, because I never agree with the List! lol
Me Cheeta sounds awful (from a fellow book blogger's review), but I haven't looked at the other two... will do.
Good luck!
I'm being rather ambitious, I know, lol! There was a good review of the William Trevor novel in the Times on Saturday, and although the shortlist is usually terribly off-putting I can't wait to get started with this one. I'm looking forward to the JM Coetzee and Hillary Mantel novels most. I do hope Me Cheeta isn't awful, I think that's going to be my starting book as it has been dispatched from Amazon.
Nice idea - I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on these...
I have such a loooong reading list at the moment. I may get around to the 2009 Booker list in about 5 years time...hehe.
That's a massive reading challenge you've set yourself there missy! I admire your cahones. I too have a HUGE pile of books at my bedside but they are more of a testament to my deep desire to read (and of course become a better person in the process) than any real sign of progress! i do love books though. Oh yes. Sordid book sluttery R US! Enjoy and pass on the good titles.
I'd love to know how you get on with the Sarah Hall - I'm really looking forward to that one.
Hi there Coffee Lady, I just started the Sarah Hall yesterday and it looks promising, beautiful writing. Thanks for stopping by :-)
Post a Comment