Hi Everyone
check out the list and make your 1st and 2nd choices in the 'comments' box below. Once I've collated the votes I'll announce the Spring Read on the Purple Coo main site.
‘A Fine Balance’ by Rohinton Mistry's.
Recommended by both Clare balding and Hardeep Sing Kohl this is set in Mumbai between 1947 and 1977, during the turmoil of the emergency. It is about four very diverse characters who come together and develop a bond.
‘Life’ by Keith Richards
Forget the sex and drugs – only rock’n’roll can still get Keith Richards up in the morning apparently. Come on now. I guess a fair few of us have committed indiscretions to a soundtrack of The Stones. I know we’d enjoy reading this book about the old survivor.
‘Prodigal Summer’ by Barbara Kingsolver
With an overall theme of ecology and survival, this book s about folk living in the Appalachian Mountains and finding out there are no easy answers when it comes to events in their lives.
‘The Crock of Gold’ by James Stephens
Written in 1921 (Don’t worry I’ve checked and it is still in print) this is part novel part fairy tale, part comedy, part tragedy, profound and shallow in equal measure. If you like Irish writing and a story where policemen meet leprechauns and where a philosopher goes in search of the god Angus Og, then this is the book for you. (Apparently you don’t HAVE to believe in fairies but it helps)
‘The Fat of the Land’ by John Seymour
A classic by one of the most influential figures in the self sufficiency movement. A true and thoroughly inspirational explanation of how a completely penniless family managed to find a rich and satisfying life in the English countryside.
Don’t be put off by thinking it is just a technical manual, it’s a writer’s book as well.
‘The Post Birthday World’ by Lionel Shriver
Apparently this book will lead us down two paths. Does Irina lean into kiss a specific pair of lips in London or not? The answer determines whether she stays with her disciplined intellectual partner or runs off with a hard living snooker player – Sounds fascinating...
‘Tick Bite Fever’ by David Bennun
Witty and well written tales from a chaotic African Childhood. Part anecdote, part travelogue, part survival manual and wholly unlikely. But it’s all true, to the best of the author’s recollections.
‘Trespass’ by Rose Tremain
Menace in the air of rural France. A dark and cautionary tale. Recommended as a very good read, if a little melancholy.
link(The picture is Auchenhew, Isle of Arran by James Nairn - one of my favourites by The Glasgow Boys)
13 comments:
I'd demand that any of you who haven't read A Fine Balance go and read it now. It's a superb book. Cruel though, so be strong.
I'd go for the Rose and the Lionel - but if we've done Rose before then I'd shunt Lionel up and insert Babs.
As recommended by Milla, then I would vote also for 'A Fine Balance'.
Second choice 'The Fat of the Land’ by John Seymour.
A Fine Balance, then Trespass.
1.A Fine Balance
2.Prodigal Summer
I have read A Fine Balance and agree with Milla but I will happily read it again. It is an excellent. Also Family Matters by the same author.
First - Prodigal Summer
Second - A Fine Balance
I have just finished Trespass - a very good read, but dark.
My first choice is Lionel Shriver
& Second is Keith Richards
My first choice would be:
The Crock of Gold’ by James Stephens.
Second choice:
‘Tick Bite Fever’ by David Bennun
1st Life
2nd A Fine Balance
Well, I have read Trespass, and also welcome your other recommendations.
Funny thing is that I was going to recommend Keith's Life. I was also thinking of putting forth Patti Smith's Just Kids, not just because she gave me a copy.
I am of the generation of KR and PS and very much liked reading their reminiscenses, comparing their passages through certain years with my own travels.
And so, let me vote for Life. Love typing that sentence.
xo
Fine Balance
Prodigal Summer
If we can't vote for the books we ourselves recommended then I should go for Tick Bite Fever, none of the others appeal very much. Nobody could ever regret reading 'The Crock of Gold,' though.
Who said that we can't vote for the books we recommended. I haven't but I did last time, I think.
‘The Crock of Gold’ by James Stephens
I don't really fancy any of the others ( sorry)
Blossom
p.s Even if its not voted for do read Tick Bite Fever you won't regret it xx
Post a Comment