Happy Friday! One of the most common questions I get as an English major (besides “What do you want to do with your life?” ) is what I’m currently reading or who my favorite author is. Word to the wise: you’ll get a much better answer if you ask the former, since most of the time, I know what I’m reading right now, but I have a difficult time deciding on one favorite (of anything, let alone books/authors).
I’m currently reading James Joyce’s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, The Short Stories of Katharine Mansfield and a volume of G.K. Chesterton’s short stories, fairy tales and mystery stories. My favorite of the three by far is Katharine Mansfield – I cracked open the volume and read two short stories. “She’s my spirit writer”, I commented to my mother, who I’m sure thought I was out of my head. But Mansfield’s short stories are little pieces of magic, early 20th century pieces where the reader and narrator are the observers of a larger world that they don’t belong in. In terms of writing style, Mansfield reminds me of Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day. Chesterton is excellent, as per usual, and Joyce is Joyce.
On another note, I wanted to show you a recent bookish find (you old book lovers will appreciate this). Last week, for a father-daughter date, my dad and I went to the local used book store. I found a number of other books, but this volume was my favorite. I love Agatha Christie, and this just so happens to be a US first edition of Partners in Crime (with Tommy and Tuppence as the detectives). Unfortunately, it seems to have had a run-in with a significant amount of water, but seems to be in decent condition otherwise.
Your turn – what are you reading? Let me know in the comments below!
p.s. Headed back to school over the weekend, so “see” you on Monday with an inspiration post!
Farmgirl Writes 