Whenever I go to the UK, I come back with books. This time it was Christmas and I got a number as presents from my lovely family. But even when it's not Xmas, I still seem to return with a pile. The main factor is free delivery to UK addresses from Amazon.co.uk when you spend over fifteen quid - before I travel I order anything I want and have them sent to my Mum and Dad's then pick them up when over. Secondly, Tesco and Asda book price slashing - "The Golden Compass" in the pile cost something like £3.40, so it seemed worth the money to see if the book is as good as many say it is even if it's not the sort of thing I'd normally read. The CDs and DVDs are also ridiculously cheap, "Hot Fuzz" was a fiver which is only a bit more than it would cost to rent it for an evening here, or the same as seeing it in the cinema which I never got a chance to do. Thirdly, airport bookshops. I hate feeling stressed or rushed when flying so tend to leave more time than I really need at the airport. This I can happily while away in the bookshops, and the "Dunkirk" and "Generation Kill" are the results of doing that at Manchester yesterday afternoon.
So lots to read over the next few months! I will try to write some reviews here for anyone who is interested. Having a pile of unread books makes me feel a bit bad, like being greedy. But books never seem to really feel like unnecessary or conspicuous consumption. I read them all eventually. And as Oscar Wilde almost said; if there is anything worse than having a pile of unread books, it is not having a pile of unread books. Happy New Year to all.
Be sure to let us know what you think of the Golden compass. I first read it when I was about 11, and I would say out of the trilogy it is the most childish, maybe view it as a valid introduction to The Subtle Knife, and the Amber Spyglass which are far more adult in nature.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the Golden Compass (although it was the Northern Lights)when I read it. We also have the second book in Helsinki, so if you get through your pile of books and want to borrow it feel welcome.
ReplyDeleteTony
Looks like the makings of an excellent year! I've only read Generation Kill (interesting and entertaining... if that adjective is really appropriate for a war book) and the Jeff Chang book (brilliant).
ReplyDeleteKeep up the posts with book reviews if you can manage the time, as I think at least the first part of my year won't leave much time for reading.
Also, would be great to hear how you like the D40. I'm hoping to go DSLR by the end of the year, and would love to hear how you get on with it.
Take care and good luck in the New Year!
---KIMO---