After an exhausting day of shopping, gift wrapping and packing for our family get-together, I’m in the mood for some fun.
With good timing, Pam at KeepingUpWithThePenguins reminded me of a post I did this time in 2019 where the idea is to answer a series of questions using only the titles of books read that year. Let’s give this a go….
In high school I was: The Vicious Vet
This is part of the Agatha Raisin series of amusing light crime fiction by by M. C Beaton. Here are my thoughts on this title.
People might be surprised by: The Memory Police
Surprised would be an under-statement for this sinister bunch as imagined by Yōko Ogawa . See my review here.
I will never be: The Beekeeper of Aleppo
This is in my backlog of books to review. It’s a beautifully haunting novel of a couple who become refugees when civil war makes it too dangerous to live in their beloved city.
My fantasy job is: The Bookshop (Owner)
It always used to be a fantasy but that’s when I sported a large pair of rose tinted glasses. Penelope Fitzgerald’s fictional bookshop owner does not, contrary to my imagination, spend all her days just reading books. My review is here.
At the end of a long day I need: The Wild Silence
Part two of Raynor Winn’s memoirs is a testament to the healing power of nature. Repeated lockdowns and restrictions have seen me explore the countryside around me more than ever this year.
I hate: Overkill
Especially when it involves over written prose or overly complex ideas. Vanda Symons has a different interpretation of the word in her crime novel set in New Zealand.
I wish I had: (A) China Room
Not the one that features in this novel by Sunjeev Sahot where it becomes a location of oppression experienced by a young Punjabi bride.
My family reunions are: Pot Luck
There’s an irony about my choice here because this year’s reunion is being planned as if its a military exercise. We even have a spreadsheet. See my review of Emile Zola’s novel here.
At a party, you’d find me with: Dangerous Women
Party? It’s so long ago since I went to one, I’ve forgotten how to behave as I suspect will the other guests. See my review of Hope Adams’ novel here.
I’ve never been to: The Mission House
My trips to India so far have taken me only to the cities. I’d love to go to one of the hill stations like Ooty, in which Carys Davies’ novel is set.
A happy day includes: Sunlight on a Broken Column
This is in my backlog of books to review. It’s a Virago Modern Classic set in India pre independence that I read for #20booksofsummer (yes my review backlog is that long!).
The motto I live by is: Lean Fall Stand
My favourite book of the year has a theme of resilience – a capacity that has helped get me through some personal health scares and the pandemic. See my review here.
On my bucket list is: The Great Passage
One of my first reads in 2021, this is an odd little book about people who are passionate about language and the multiple meaning of words. See my review here.
In my next life, I want to have: Still Life
I do not want to be reincarnated as a stone or any other inanimate object. See my review here.
I’ve no idea who should take the credit for originating this meme (if you know, do pop the blogger’s name in the comments section). Don’t forget to pop over to Pam’s blog – her answers are far more imaginative than mine.