New books and first world problems
I popped into Cardigan’s Oxfam last week and took a chance on a clutch of novels I have mixed feelings about. I immediately hear alarm bells when I spot rave reviews from The Daily Mail and The Daily Express emblazoned across a book’s cover. Add to this cover stickers – pretend or otherwise – and I’ve already walked on by. However, maybe I’ve been too quick to judge Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by its cover, as it won the Costa prize 2017, and was recently long-listed for the Women’s prize.
Similarly, I’ve read so many positive reviews about Joanna Cannon’s The Trouble with Goats and Sheep I’m beginning to wonder if I’m missing out. As for Arthur Golden’s memoirs of a Geisha I’m not really sure what to expect but with all three at 99p each I thought it was worth the risk. Will I be wowed by any of these titles? Watch this space.
With the spring sunshine making an appearance at last, I’m making my millionth attempt to get back into running. This time, I’m feeling quite hopeful of sticking with it as I’ve managed to rope in a friend to come with me – running’s always more fun with a buddy. To help keep my mojo well stoked I ordered a few more running books to browse post-run.
Lastly, I’m really excited because I finally have a shiny new laptop – yay!
My last laptop died about a year ago and since then I’ve had to manage by cadging the odd hour here and there on my husband’s computer which has become increasingly difficult as he’s currently in his final year of his Social Work degree. This has made writing posts and keeping up with other people’s blogs both challenging and frustrating at times and I don’t feel like I’ve been able to engage in the mighty blogosphere as much as I’ve wanted to. I’m aware how spoilt I sound, when it’s a privilege to have had computer and internet access available to me at all, but a year without a laptop has certainly made me appreciate having one to myself. Oh, the joys of being able to write when the inspiration takes me, to read emails a few at a time rather than a week’s worth in one go, with one eye on the clock and a blog post due first thing in the morning. Happy days!
Lucy
Sarah
Yay running! I highly recommend Murakami’s “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” and Lisa Jackson’s “Your Pace or Mine”, too. “Memoirs of a Geisha” is great, I have avoided the other two, to be honest, although I’ve just read a book that was all hyped and it was great, so who knows!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the Murakami – it’s a book I’ve returned to again and again, and I’m currently reading ‘Your Pace or Mine’ on your recommendation (actually, you should be on commission – I frequently end up ordering running books after reading your posts!) It must be doing some good though – I’ve just signed up to run the Cardiff half in October – eek!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, quotes from certain papers are totally off-putting. I hold out hope for Elinor Oliphant though, I’ve heard good things!
My laptop died last year and the 4 weeks it took me to scrabble around finding things to sell on ebay to fund my new one were bleak indeed, Enjoy your new toy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly will – all the screen time will now be mine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
woo hoo on the laptop front – you are not going to know yourself! Like Liz D, I can vouch for Murakami on running (and, well, life really!). Eleanor Oliphant is a super read – I hope you enjoy it. And I will be interested to learn your views about the other two in due course. It’s so hard to know whether to pick up books that are mega-hyped, isn’t it. I resisted The Girl on the Train for ages, then gave in, thinking that the millions of good reviews must count for something. I was wrong lol!
LikeLiked by 2 people
the Murakami is wonderful isn’t it? You did make me laugh about ‘The Girl on the Train’ – I wonder if I’ll have the same experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
fingers crossed that you don’t! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m the same – certain names or papers on the cover just put me off.The more a book is hyped the more I’m against it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too! It doesn’t help when you go against your better judgment on occasion and read the latest hotly tipped novel only to discover that your suspicions were correct! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s funny how quickly things move from “luxury” to “essential”. I can’t imagine life without my laptop now, and get extremely grumpy if my internet connection goes down for even an hour or two. Have lots of fun with your new toy! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is, isn’t it? I’ve really struggled without a laptop as I like to blog when the mood takes me rather than when it is convenient. And don’t get me started on the internet – at the first sign of unsettled weather, my internet runs scared. It is infuriating!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memoirs of a Geisha was great, and I enjoyed The Trouble with Goats and Sheep. Hooray for a new laptop.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooo, that makes me more hopeful that I haven’t just picked up a couple of duds, thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
Ah,the joys of choosing to blog in the middle of the night, one’s own laptop is indeed a wondrous thing. At least you had lots to read whilst waiting for your husband’s laptop. I haven’t read any of these, I miss Oxfam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen to that! Late night – or, indeed, anytime blogging is an utter joy.
As for Oxfam, I can only commiserate. How about I occasionally post up scenic views of the abundant bookshelves of Britain’s finest charity emporiums in exchange for your stunning Philippine pics? Oh, and send us some weather!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that sounds like a fine swap!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on the laptop! It really does make such a difference. I remember when we all shared a computer and it was dismal. Rather like cars, when you have one you can use when you want, you feel so free! I’ve not read Memoirs of a Geisha, but Eleanor has and she really liked it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Having my own laptop has been a life-changer and great timing – Simon’s now entered 3rd year full-on study madness and is super-glued to his keyboard.
The more I hear about Memoirs of a Geisha, the more I think I’ve struck on a bit of a gem!
LikeLiked by 1 person