A World of Books

It's all starting to get very busy what with dissertation and placement, and from next week I am working four days instead of  just two. I am sorry for not updating my blog as often as I should, but finding time is an issue, as is finding things to blog about. Unfortunately there's not much other than dissertation and work going on at the moment, and I don't want to bore those brave souls amongst you who venture here to read my blog. You may be thinking, well, then, update us on your book project and on Publishers Inc. Alas, there is nothing to report. They are both currently being proofed for the millionth time, but hopefully one day soon I will be able to bring you news on them.

So, in the midst of all this, you would think that I would not be adding yet more books to my reading list. I honestly don't have as much time for reading as I would like right now. Whenever I can, I snatch some hours, but I am not getting through my books as quickly as I would like. A sensible person would realise that adding to the list right now would be rather stupid. A sensible person would focus on completing the books in the 'To Read' pile before adding more. I, however, am not a sensible person.

My current reading pile

This is my current 'To Read' pile. That doesn't include the books I still want to buy. In the last few weeks so many good books have been published, many of them additions to series I've already started. It pains me that I have yet to buy Neil Gaiman's Ocean at the End of the Lane, but as soon as I actually have money again I'm rushing out to get it. Since reading the first two pages of The Humans and being told how brilliant it is by my friend Lauren (who does have an eye for a good book), I now want to get a copy of that. I also discovered that the same author wrote a children's book called To Be a Cat. I cannot resist stories about cats. Moreover, I've been promising myself to read Looking for Alaska and the rest of the Game of Throne books (which will likely take a whole year), and as if that was not enough to make your head spin, I have been enjoying Daniela Sacerdoti's Dreams so much that I am definitely going to read Watch Over Me.

I'm a (not-so) Secret Fangirl

Are you ever too old to be a fangirl?

I ask because of something I read today while researching for my dissertation. A group of people were asked for their responses to Harry Potter and this particular person said they would never read the books because there is too much hype around them. That, however, was not what irked me most, it was a comment they made about a twenty-something girl they saw wearing a Harry Potter shirt. "What is wrong with these people?" they exclaimed.

My favourite books in the entire universe plus matching bookmarks

No, HP hater, what is wrong with you? Okay, so I might be a tad (fine, a lot) biased, being a certified fangirl myself, but what is wrong in an adult being a fan of something? Sure, Harry Potter began life as a book for children, but adults soon discovered they loved it every bit as much. There are many other books and even films that have a cross-generational appeal. How many adults enjoy Disney films?

I am in my twenties and I still read young adult books. In fact, I read them more than 'adult' books. They might not be aimed at me, but I find more to identify with in them than I do in other books. The self-doubt, worries about the future and relationships that the characters go through are all things I can relate to. My opinion is, if you enjoy something you should read/watch it, regardless of your age.

Which brings me back to merchandise. Admittedly, I am a marketer's dream. I love buying merchandise. It's a way to show you're passionate about something, and I firmly believe a life without passion is not a life at all. So, yes, I will buy t-shirts, and posters and all manner of other things. I don't care if I'm 'too old'. It makes me happy. To suggest there is something wrong with people who are openly showing their affection for a book/film/band is narrow minded. How is it any different from football fans spending a fortune on strips and season tickets and crying their eyes out when their team loses the match?

So, I will continue to be a fangirl, despite my advanced years. And I say to you all, find something you're passionate about and don't be ashamed of it because the joy of life is in pursuing the things we love.

Keep Calm and Read On

Happy World Book Night!

I love the whole idea of this event. What can be better than encouraging people to read? There is nothing quite as wonderful as opening a book and stepping into its world. For many it is the only chance to travel that they will ever get. A book allows us to escape the mundane world around us, to be part of an adventure, to experience a love we can only dream of, and encounter creatures and places far more exciting than anything in the real world. Everyone should be able to experience the happiness a good book can bring, and World Book Night is a brilliant way of promoting reading.

I meant to sign up to be a giver this year, but, me being me, I missed the deadline. My friend, Lauren, however, gave away copies of Jojo Moyes' Me Before You (remember, you can follow her blog, co-run with fellow amazing publishing gal, Clare, here: http://wakeupyourluck.wordpress.com/). So, to honour the event, I've decided to make this blog post on the five books I think everyone should read.

Picture courtesy World Book Night

5. A Room With a View, E.M. Forster

This was the first Forster book I read, and I fell in love with it instantly. The Italian parts of the novel made me want to go there and the characters are an interesting mix. Lucy is a bit of a silly heroine, but you can't help but warm to her. I did love how her relationship with George unfolded too. A must for anyone wanting to read about Edwardian society.

4. Wide Sargasso Sea, Jean Rhys

A 'prequel' to Jane Eyre, this is one of the most evocative books I have ever read. It tells the story of how Mr Rochester's first wife went mad. Paranoia infuses the whole novel, from the British character's racist attitude to Antoinette's fear of becoming like her mother, and the atmosphere is both stifling and intoxicating. I was mesmerised by this tale and enjoyed it more than Jane Eyre. Postcolonial literature at its finest.

3. The Jewel of St Petersburg, Kate Furnivall

Set in Russia on the cusp of the fall of the Romanov empire, this is a heart-pounding page turner! From the first chapter the action comes thick and fast as Valentina tries to make her own way in the world to the backdrop of the impending Bolkshevik revolution. There is something for everyone in this novel: romance, history, action and a fearless heroine. It will leave you holding your breath right up to the final sentence.

2. The Mortal Instruments/The Infernal Devices series, Cassandra Clare

I'm including both because they are equally amazing and also because they link together. The former are set in the present day, the latter in Victorian London. There are vampires and werewolves, angels and demons, but don't go thinking they are just another run-of-the-mill YA series. These books are witty and action-packed. Clary is a likeable heroine, and, indeed, a lot of the female characters stand on their own two feet. They will make you laugh and they will make you cry, which is what a good book should do, right?

1. The Cassandra Palmer series, Karen Chance

If you do not read these books then you are missing out on the best series that was ever created. Blending mythology with the supernatural, combining action and romance and laced with humour, these books are everything a good story should be. Cassie is hapless to begin with, but with each book she grows in strength and confidence and, yes, she can take care of herself, thank you very much (well, most of the time). Add to the mix a whole cast of characters that will steal into your heart and I defy you not to fall in love with this series. If you like urban fantasy then you have to read them. And once you've done that, make sure you read the Dorina Basrab series and Lia de Croissets shorts; they're equally as awesome.

London Book Fair

What a week!

I'm back in Scotland after a whirlwind trip to London to the annual Book Fair. It was my first time visiting both the Fair and the city, so I had no idea what to expect. I will admit to being terrified of using the tube and a bit daunted at the prospect of meeting so many people, but I set out determined to face my fears.