I never was a member of the local library since I moved away from my hometown to go to university. But, on occasion of the Orange Prize longlist announcement, and my wish to read as many books from the list as possible, I became a member. It turned out to be a pretty good move. They actually own quite a few English books, though often when I search for a particular title they don’t own it. When I randomly browse, however, I find so many books I still want to read. This is not good for my plan to read the books I own. But it is enjoyable to think of all the books within my reach now that I can no longer afford to buy any. And so, I have decided to participate in the Library Loot feature from time to time. I probably won’t be posting every week, but occasionally, once a month, maybe?
[Also, I wanted to record a vlog, since I enjoy Eva's vlogs so much. But my microphone does not cooperate. And really, I'm too video shy at the moment.]
There But For The – Ali Smith
Longlisted for the Orange Prize. I haven’t read Ali Smith before, but I know many blogger love her work. I actually started reading this yesterday. I am only 50 pages in, and it feels funny and experimental, but enjoyable. I am not sure if it’s the kind of book that becomes better as you read on, or if I will grow tired of Smith’s seeming resistance to paragraphs and straightforward storytelling.
Gillespie and I – Jane Harris
This one is also longlisted for the Orange Prize. I have not had the chance to start reading it yet, and so I doubt I will finish it in time for the shortlist announcement on Tuesday 17 April. BUt, I think I might be reading a few more of the longlisted books after the shortlist has been announced anyway. And I know how much many a blogger loved this one when it was published last year. I particularly remember Simon of Savidge Reads talking about it when we met in Manchester (or maybe I’m confusing this one with another book?)
Oranges are not the only fruit – Jeanette Winterson [not pictured]
I knew I was sold on the library when I came across six of Winterson’s novels on the English literature shelves. I have never read Winterson. She’s one of those authors that I always feel I should try, who has been on my wish list for forever, but always forgot to actually buy a book of. So now I get to try her most famous work. And I hope I’ll love her, since there are so many of her books waiting for me on those library shelves.
The Game – Diana Wynne Jones
Kristin‘s Diana Wynne Jones month in March inspired me to pick up Fire and Hemlock. And after finished it, I felt I needed to get my hands on more DWJ. I had no clue that there is a small shelf of English children’s lit at the library, but it is there that I discovered this book. I have read it already, and enjoyed it, though I do not think it is her strongest work.
One Dog and His Boy – Eva Ibbotson
On that same English children’s lit shelf I found two books by Eva Ibbotson. I have heard many great things about this author, from Ana in particular, so I couldn’t resist but bring one of her books home with me.
The Finishing School – Muriel Spark
I picked this up for the Muriel Spark Reading week hosted at the end of April (April 23-29) by Simon of Stuck in a Book. I own her A Far Cry from Kensington, but I thought it would be nice to have some choice in order to try to actually finish a book by Spark by the end of the week.
The Foxes Come at Night – Cees Nooteboom
I came across this one by accident, but I was very happy to see it on the shelves. Last year, during Dutch Lit Month, I read a short story collection of Nooteboom and enjoyed it. During that June, I eyed many a UK blogger jealously who had received a copy of The Foxes Come at Night for review from MacLehose Press. Now, I get to read it for this year’s Dutch Lit Month. It’s another short story collection, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Library Loot is a weekly meme co-hosted by Claire (The Captive Reader) and Marg (The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader) that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library.
Hey Iris: Congrats on your loot! I went through the same process, blog about reading my own books, trying to save money and work through my large library, not having an active library card, but I realized the library could help me find new authors I wanted to read and to scratch the “buy” itch for free. I am still reading LOTS of my own books- it is all good, Ruby
Nice list! It looks like your library has some great English books. Mine does, but most I have to order from other libraries. Mine has mainly the very popular English books (crime, romance, etc.), but I have found several great books.
I’m especially interested in There But For The, so I hope you’ll read it soon.
I took Gillespie and and I out of the library about a month ago, but never got the chance to read it and had to return it unread. I also got a copy of the Ali Smith book on audio, and luckily, I downloaded that one to listen to at a future date. Lots of great books here today. I hope that you get a chance to enjoy them all!
My library doesn’t have that many English books. Still I am lucky sometimes to find some dystopian English book that I want to read. I do love being able to borrow lots and lots of books though because I can’t really buy every book that I want to read.
That’s exciting. Whenever I move somewhere new, the first thing that I want to do, once it’s even slightly excusable (i.e. most boxes unpacked), is check out the local library (branch, or otherwise). And what a fantastic selection you’ve found! I’ve decided to take my time with this year’s Oranges as well; I want to sprinkle them amongst other reads this year, which is more enjoyable for me.
The Game! That’s a DWJ book I have yet to read, although I’ve actually got two copies of it.
(Love that cover!)
How exciting that they stock English-language books, Iris! And how exciting to have you participating in Library Loot – welcome! I adore Eva Ibbotson but my library still doesn’t have their copy of One Dog and His Boy in circulation yet. I am watching closely for when they do. And how great to see a Muriel Spark here in preparation for the reading week. There will be a couple in my loot next week. The Finishing School is one of the few I have actually read. Enjoy all your loot!
I think that The Game might be DWJ’s weakest book actually. It almost feels like the outline of a good book. Does your library have any other DWJ books? (fingers crossed!)
Enjoy Gillespie & I! It’s a great book.
I’m glad to know you were able to track down more Orange titles at the library! I thoroughly enjoyed Gillespie and I. I’ll be curious to hear your thoughts on There but for the. It is a fascinating novel! Happy reading!
I really enjoy Eva Ibbotson, A Company of Swans being my favourite so far. Considering I’m obsessed with all things canine, I really want to read One Dog and His Boy. What a cute title. I hope you enjoy your loot.