By the time you read this, I will be… well, possibly at home in Somerset, but also possibly heading off in a car with Colin to the wild unknowns of Yorkshire and the Peak District. We’ll be waving cheerily to the Bronte sisters, popping in for a cuppa with Debo Mitford, and playing plenty of Lameball. Lest non-UK readers are thinking this is a game unique to this Sceptred Isle, do not be fooled. It is unique to the Thomas twins. And probably lots of other people who have independently added a very minor twist to throw-and-catch.
So, I couldn’t leave you without letting you know the books which are accompanying me on hols, could I? Always the trickiest decision, and as always I’ve madly overestimated the amount of reading I’ll get done – but as I’m sure most of you will agree, the idea of running out of books is a nightmare of epic proportions.
The Little Stranger – Sarah WatersI borrowed this from a friend so very, very long ago…
Remember, Remember – Hazel McHaffie
Wish Her Safe At Home – Stephen Benatar
Andrina and other stories – George Mackay Brown
Three books I’ve previously mentioned in Weekend Miscellanies: last weekend, here, and here.
26a – Diana Evans
It was in my list to read back here; second time lucky! By a twin, about twins.
And I’m sure there was another one… but it’s deep down inside my bag, so will come as a nice surprise when I unpack… I’ll let you know how I got on with any or (perhaps) all of them, upon my return!
Have a really wonderful holiday–it sounds like fun, and you definitely don't want to run out of reading material! I loved The Little Stranger and am curious about 26a, but hope you enjoy whichever you pick up.
Have a wonderful holiday. Nothing like a Sarah Waters to accompany one and you have chosen an eerie one at that!
Have a fab time! I loved The Little Stranger so hope you enjoy it too :)
I'll be curious to hear what you think of the 26a book, if you get to it, that is. Sun and fun is so necessary this time of year between books — I'm a big believer in getting my "dose" of Vitamin D from the sun each day. :) Have a wonderful time!
Thanks for the great selection! I have to admit though, that Sarah Waters 'Fingersmith' gave me nightmares when reading it on holiday, so I've been avoiding her ghost story – she's just such an evocative writer. So I'll probably be cheering myself up this time around with Janet Evanovich's latest Stephanie Plum novel!
I LOVE Wish Her Safe at Home! It was my favorite read of last year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I gush about it non-stop :-)
Nothing the least bit odd about all those literary visits along the way. Just ask the 14 Dessies (aficionados of DE Stevenson) who have just returned from their gathering in Edinburgh. We visited many many sites in and around Edinburgh that figured either in her books (e.g., "Oh, here's the Dean Bridge which Tonia crossed to visit Robert…")or in her life.
And about selecting books to read on a holiday, I always go through this dilemma, balancing weight and potential entertainment value and possible loss, among other factors. But what I somehow always forget is that unless I'm going to be in the middle of Algonquin Park in a canoe, or the middle of a non-English-speaking country, I can (and do) always find something to read.
And then I never get past the third chapter of the first book, because there are so many interesting things to see and do. And trip diaries to write up.
(But for Scotland I did take, and actually start, The Silent Traveller in Oxford, recommended at Stuck in a Book. Now that I'm home in Toronto, I just might sit down and read it.)
Have fun.
Have fun on your holiday! I was just going to point out that Aarti was gushing about Wish Her Safe at Home, but it looks like she got here first! Hope you enjoy The Little Stranger.
I too pack books first–and last–and think the worst fate is to be stuck with nothing to read–even on holiday!
I appreciate these comments. From http://www.rosesandgifts.com
Have fun! I've always wanted to go to Yorkshire to see the Pharisees.
Lovely selection. I am rather late in wishing you a wonderful holiday but I have not long come back from my own. Hope you are having a jolly time!?
Have a fun holiday and what a good selection! Packing holiday reading is the hardest thing especially if you are restricted on weight…
happy holidays,
Hannah
Have a wonderful holiday!! The books you are taking with you sound awesome!!
Hope to hear from you on your return- I am becoming a keen follower of your blog!!
Sounds like a wonderful trip.
Ann
Cozy In Texas
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