It’s been so long since I came in here to the (blog)house library to let you know what I’m reading. And the reason is that I am in the midst of writing my second book. I can’t read and write at the same time.
But! I love to read. So how to get around this? Well, I found a way. I have found that I can read French comics or childhood classics – I’ve noticed that if the books are written in old English or in another language altogether, then I can manage to get my reading fix without it interfering with my work. So lately I’ve been carrying around these penguin classics which I’ve been buying at WhSmith in Paris. I’ve just finished The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett which I hadn’t read for 20 years or more. What a fabulous, fabulous book. If you have not read this book then please, please do. It is incredibly inspiring. I forgot how great it is.
And now I am reading Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson. I have never read this one, and so far, I’m loving it.
This little series of classics is great – perfect for traveling or carrying around in your handbag, cheap (only 3.40euro), and made from 100% recycled paper. I’m inspired by the books themselves, and I’m thinking I might make something from their pages once I’m finished. When I do, Ill be sure to show + tell my creation(s) here in the (blog)house.
I remember reading The Secret Garden when I was young… I have fond memories of that book. And I, too, have a horrible time trying to keep up with both writing and reading at the same time. Maybe I’ll try your technique 🙂
August 14th, 2009 | #
If you love the Secret Garden, you should try A Little Princess, or even Little Lord Fauntleroy – I was thinking the other day that they might help to explain my obsession with the “below stairs” stories of the big houses 🙂 A Little Princess, particularly, made a bigger impact on me than the Secret Garden, despite the gardening aspect!
August 14th, 2009 | #
I loved these books as a child! I will see if my parents still have the copies they read to me every night.
It is definitely difficult to read and write at the same time. Too many words for our brain to process!
August 15th, 2009 | #
The Secret Garden is my all time favorite children’s book, having grown up in the UK, and just loving gardens regardless. Thank you Pia for sharing this. I am working on a special project for the centennial celebration of its original publication. Seeing your ‘library’ has inspired me to keep going with it. Kudos and blessings to you, dear Pia!
August 18th, 2009 | #
I cherish my Penguins Classics that I purchase in France every time I’m there. I love the feel of them and the color too. In fact, I actually painted my dining room table to match a couple weeks ago. Divine!
August 29th, 2009 | #
I *loved* this book and had a great leather bound copy that somehow got lost in a move across the country. I’ve looked high and low for another one like it and will keep looking.
August 6th, 2010 | #