So, on my travels to Suffolk, Mum and I had three things definitely factored into the itinerary - aside from seeing her sister, of course. Firstly was the spectacular (and spectacularly cheap) hot chocolate at the Essex Rose in Dedham - a three-mug jugful for £2! - second was meeting up with lovely Elaine of Random Jottings, more on that tomorrow, and last was... Castle Books in Colchester. Back in 2001 we had a family holiday in Felixstowe, and popped over to Colchester. Castle Books was where my AA Milne liking developed into an obsession, as they had quite a few of his books, quite cheaply. And I've had fond memories of it ever since.
It didn't disappoint - a wonderful stock, very reasonable prices, and enough temptation to tip me halfway through February on my Project 24 restrictions... that's right, I bought two. On any other day I'd have happily bought ten, so I do count it as *something* of a success... no?
First up is I. Compton-Burnett by Pamela Hansford Johnson, a little booklet about ICB's novels from 1951 - it looks like an interesting snapshot of response to ICB by another interesting novelist.
And second is a beautiful book called More Talk of Jane Austen by Shelia Kaye-Smith and GB Stern. I've flicked through Talking of Jane Austen once or twice, though I don't own it - the books look like a lovely mix - informal chat about Jane Austen from the mouths of those with know-how. Indulgent without being unscholarly - think this'll be one to curl up with soon.
So, there we have it! Numbers 2 and 3 in my Project 24. I also bought a little book about EF Benson in Castle Books, but that was a gift for Elaine - who, in turn, gave me a book - which you'll be hearing more about tomorrow...
Ooh I like the look of that Austen book. Please post a review.
ReplyDeleteIt was just a weekend for "misbehavin'." My husband took me to a local independent bookstore that I'd never been to and I found 3 Persephones! OVER HERE! All the big chain stores only have them "for order only." You could definitely see the influence of all of you Brit bloggers on my purchases - I also picked up one of Susan Hill's books (loved HEIOTL and have been wanting to try some of her fiction) and the first Rebus mystery by Ian Rankin. I did buy ONE American book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which my SIL insisted that I read with her.
ReplyDeleteMercifully, I haven't actually set a number for my year of buying less...it doesn't help that my beloved willingly goes along to "aid and abet." :)
Happy Reading,
Susan in TX
Hahaha brilliant, but still I don't think going one book over your monthly allowance is too bad... just maybe dont let this be the start of a trend hee hee, looking forward to seeing the book you got from Elaine.
ReplyDeleteVintage Reading - I will hopefully be able to read this before *too* long (though you know how it is) and will definitely write about it when I do.
ReplyDeleteSusan - glad you're joining me in misbehavin'! But I need to know details - which Persephones, which Susan Hill?!
Simon - you've made me feel a bit better :-) Let's hope I haven't opened the floodgates...
Here you go - the Persephones first:
ReplyDeleteSaplings by Noel Streatfeild (b/c I love her children's books and wanted to try her adult fiction), Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple (b/c much good has been written about Whipple), and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by W. Watson (b/c I was on a roll at this point! :) ) I would've grabbed Kitchen Essays but they didn't have it.
My dh is the one who spotted the Susan Hill title on the bargain shelf - it is The Pure in Heart. After spotting it, I did go back to the mystery section to see if they had more of her titles and was pleased that they did (something to go back for!). I blame/thank Margaret over at Books Please for the Rankin book. I love a good mystery/adventure and she's really sold me on these.
So there's my long-winded report. I *think* I'll be able to make it until February at this point without buying more. ;) Self-control is definitely a "life's-work" for me!
I, too, anxiously await your report on the book from Elaine.
Susan in TX
I have just started reading your blog and was quite encouraged by your Project 24 approach. I am in a bad spot right now ..coz I have just moved abroad and will be going back home in a year's time, so there is no way I can buy books and lug them back. It can get quite depressing and I had no idea how addicted I was to buying books till now. I do have a fantastic library nearby which keeps me sane:)
ReplyDeleteYou could all read the books you already own... and, if it all gets too much, buy books for each other!
ReplyDeleteHark! What is that sound I hear? Is it the gentle fluttering of book sellers leaping to their death as sales drop through the floor?
Good restraint, Simon! And some lovely choices.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually buy many books now as am not working (yet) so I get things from the library. I tend not to read things I buy! Or half read them and stack them up on a kitchen chair getting dusty. I also borrow from my sister and get a 'Book Crossing' book out of local cafe in Towcester. This is a system where you take the book (left in public place) and can register online where it now is, then put it back/'release' it somewhere else! Also village fete good. Proust for 20p though have not read him much either! I presume Project 24 is only buying 2 books a month? Jane
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of that book on Austen. (Okay, and definitely like the sound of a 2 pound jug of hot chocolate!) I'm looking forward to your review.
ReplyDeleteOOps is right. :)
ReplyDelete