It was a couple of weeks ago, but I thought I’d share the books I got for my birthday – some from my wishlist, and others surprises. I might be missing some, but these are the ones in a pile… (not pictured: a great recipe book from some colleagues, following recipes through time)
Consolations of the Forest by Sylvain Tesson
From my friend Clare – this was on my wishlist, though I don’t remember why I added it. It’s non-fiction about Tesson spending six months alone in Siberia. I have a feeling I googled ‘books like…’ – but what could it have been like? May Sarton’s Journal of a Solitude, perhaps? I suspect it’s not especially Sartonesque, but it does look great.
Death and Mary Dazill by Mary Fitt
Another from Clare, and I probably put this on my wishlist from the title alone. This 1941 novella looks like it’s a murder mystery of sorts, with various other ingredients that make it exactly my cup of tea.
The Bloater by Rosemary Tonks
From my friend Malie, and no mystery why this is on my wishlist – the Backlisted crew and their enthusiasm for it made it a must.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
As one of the few readers who hasn’t read this, I’m glad my friend Mel got me a copy.
The Forward Book of Poetry 2024
Mel is rightfully sceptical of me reading the books that people buy me, so thought (wisely) that a collection of poetry might get to the top of my tbr more easily. I’m not very familiar with poetry from any era, but it’ll be fun to read some new verse and see what’s going on in contemporary poetry.
The Collected Works of Jo Ann Beard
Colin got me this, from my wishlist – someone wrote something glowing on a blog or social media, and I’m sorry that I can’t remember who. I thought Beard was an essayist, but maybe she’s an essayist and a short story writer and something in between? Col admitted to knowing nothing at all about her, but I will soon…
Reach For The Stars by Michael Cragg
From my parents: I’ve started this one and I was SO excited about getting it. I don’t expect all that many blog readers to get giddy about a book subtitled ‘1996-2006: Fame Fallout and Pop’s Final Party’ but this is very much my jam. I always complain about music being considered in decades, because my musical taste was formed from the mid-90s to the mid-00s. This book couldn’t fit me more perfectly.
Twinkind by William Viney
And finally, one from my friend Lorna – which would have been on my wishlist if I’d known it existed. Subtitled ‘the singular significance of twins’, it’s a beautifully designed book with essays and pictures looking through the cultural and historical notability of twins. Made for me!
What a lovely selection – any you’ve read?
I envy you… I’ve almost never got books for my birthday. Maybe only one time, an inspirational/self development book from a colleague (which I loved).
I remember getting a book from my secret santa, but that’s because it was on my list.
I have read The Thursday Murder Club, and liked it. I’ve wanted to read more, but I’m also afraid they might not be as lovely as the 1st. The more a writer gets famous, they tend to overdo in their next books. Hopefully it’s not the case with Osman!
Happy Birthday! Looks like a good haul! Enjoy.
Thursday Murder book is great – devourable. The series gets better in my opinion, but all very cute and funny (but then I am almost in the age group of the Murder Club).
Happy Birthday for weeks ago, fellow Libran!
What a lovely selection! Happy reading!
thanks!
Oh, I do love a book haul post! Happy birthday in retrospect. The Bloater is one I’d really like to get to, myself.
I’ve heard such good things!
What a lovely selection Simon! I’ve read one of Tesson’s books which I really enjoyed, and the one you received is on my wishlist. He’s a fascinating author. And I’m sure I’ve read at least one Mary Fitt, but this was pre-blog so I can’t recall much about it, though I do believe she’s highly thought of. Keen to read The Bloater too…
Thanks for this, Karen, sounds like my friends did really well!
Lucky you, Consolations of the Forest is fabulous.
And also several of his other books are available in English. I would recommend them ALL.
And happy belated birthday!
Oo good to know, thanks Emma!
Oh, I’m glad you found out about the Viney. I’ve reviewed that for Foreword Reviews in advance of its U.S. release. It’s so sumptuously illustrated!
It’s a beauty, isn’t it?
Great birthday haul!
I have not read any of these although my parents enjoyed the Thursday Murder club series (apart from the latest one). I was intrigued by the Jo Ann Beard and did some googling. I liked the sound of what I read so might try that one. Will be interested in your comments in due course.
Thanks Sarah! Yes, who knows when I’ll read them all – but lovely to have the options.
I’m a big fan of a music book and would certainly read Reach for the Stars! And I know you’ll love The Bloater because I just have …
Glad to hear a fellow pop fan!
What a haul!! Well done – and happy birthday ;) Thursday Murder Club is on my to-read list too, so you’re definitely not the only one who hasn’t got to it yet. It looks like it’ll be fun!