Sunday, October 12, 2008

This is ... my current reading list

This is ... my current reading list

I used to be an avid novel reader, but late last year I noticed that all the novels I was reading were really depressing me, were very self-indulgent. Where do these self-indulgent characters come from? And why do authors think that such a character would appeal to people? I'm all for character flaws (after all, no one is perfect, even in literature) but novel after novel had these same selfish characters, so I stopped reading novels for a while.

That's a very long-winded way of explaining the lack of fiction on my bedside table.

I'm not fussy with what I read in bed (and bed is the only time I read these days), and yes, I do read cook books. So from top to bottom:

'In Defence of Food' by Michael Pollan. I read the first and last sections of this book. The last section on foods we should be eating is brilliant, and the whole reason I bought the book. The rest wasn't an easy read, but I've kept it on the reading list as I want to go back and read the middle section.

'Affluenza' by Oliver James. I read a lot about this book in other books and articles on sustainability, and thought I should go back to the source. I haven't started it yet but will be tonight.

Mixtapezine. The first issue. I keep going back to Mixtapezine and read them time and time again. The stories never get old. Brilliant. If you're not currently subscribing, why not? You're missing out!

More Softies. I love these softies books. I have the first one in this series (which I seem to have misplaced - I'll have to search for it) and the Therese Laskey one as well. I haven't made anything from any of them! Hopeless. But they are a lovely read, and I go to sleep dreaming of stuffed sausage dogs and robots.

Burda World of Fashion. I can't afford these magazines at $15 a pop, and I'd rather get the twice -yearly plus-size editions. But this one was on special at the newsagents for $8 so I just had to grab it. It's a lovely magazine.

'Jamie at Home' by Jamie Oliver. Probably my favourite Jamie book, combining my love of gardening with my love of cooking. With all the fresh spring and early-summer produce coming up in our garden and at the markets, this book is proving it's worth when I'm doing my weekly menu plan.

Pyrex: The Unauthorized Collectors' Guide by Barbara Mauzy. Really only interesting for vintage Pyrex nerds like me. For more online information, you should go to Pyrex Love run by my friend Linda and her lovely husband Bryan (I take solace in the fact they have much more vintage Pyrex than I do).

Thanks to My Champagne Dreams for the theme this week, and welcome back to Three Buttons!

20 comments:

  1. Now your collection is right up my alley. I've heard great things about 'In defence of food' and 'Affluenza'.
    I'm sick to death of 'woe is me' self indulgent life stories...tell 'em to go and live in the real world! I think I'd rather read some funny fictional fluff at the moment.
    And of course I want to buy More Softies too..not that I'm going to make any of them, but I still want it!

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  2. Excellent selection! I like it. I can't do fiction lately, it's all knitting and gardening books. I think I lack the ability to focus on a whole narrative these days.

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  3. Oooh, More Softies! Goody!

    I don't really read anything any more - too busy knitting!

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  4. Love the look of that pyrex book! The pics would be wonderful I am sure.

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  5. What a great mix of reading material.

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  6. Oh, you've three there that are on my 'really want but can't quite justify yet' list. Lovely.

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  7. MMmm, good list - I was looking at 'In Defense of Food' the other day at the library. Must read it! I also balk at Burda, I generally hunt online now, and that Jamie book is the first of his that I have truly wanted for ages...
    (Love that cabinet!)

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  8. love the collection - and always enjoy a Jamie book. I have been trying to read the same fiction book for weeks - I think I am about 60 pages in so I can relate.

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  9. I've been looking for some new reading material, thanks!

    I've also tagged you in a meme over on my blog, if you want to join in! :)

    ~Holly
    Two Cheese Please

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  10. I feel the same way about several novels I have started lately. I have found myself reading a lot of non-fiction also. I love your reading picks.

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  11. Affluenza is on my to-read list. Look forward to hearing what you think.

    And, um, that ofther Softies book? Its beside *my* bed....I borrowed it yonks ago and keep meaning to return it, but then look through it again want to keep it again!! Sorry!

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  12. What a great assortment! I'm especially intrigued by the softies books. I've never heard about them, but you've sent me off to do some more research. They sound great. Happy "this is" week to you!

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  13. I noticed last year I was reading more non fiction so have now gone back to the classics.

    I read The Erhics of What We Eat and that was interesting as well.

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  14. I've been known to abandon novels halfway through because I just couldn't stand the characters. I have a very low tolerance for poor writing, too. And since I compulsively read (like Georgie!) it's got to be pretty bad for me to give up on it halfway through. Right now I'm reading Fault Lines. Strange book. I get most of my fiction from the library, so whatever looks interesting on the shelf comes home with me.

    My personal "tired of" category: young women with jobs in New York who can't find a man to marry. Sigh. Haven't we published enough of those by now? Can we move on?

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  15. I've really enjoyed Michael Pollan's books...even though they aren't a 'light' read. I need to check out Affluenza-it sounds like something I'd enjoy reading. As of now, I'm reading little novels late at night...right now its "The Secret Life of Bees"

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  16. Great collection Michelle. Looking forward to hearing what you think of "Affluenza"!

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  17. My book piles teeter in every corner of my house. My bedside table and the chair next to me groan

    Aaah books. Love 'em - must go and investigate further

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  18. I didn't realise there was a follow up to the Softies book! Will definitely have to follow that up sometime.
    Great selection of bedtime reading!

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  19. Yes yes, doesn't self indulgent poorly written fiction drive you to ... non-fiction. When I'm at this point I often go back to the classics. If you want great characters and a ripper plot, try Dickens (A Tale of Two Cities has knitting too). If you want witty dialogue try Trollope or Austen. If you want magic, try Gabriel Garcia Marquez, for romance try the Brontes.

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  20. ohhhh love to hear what you think about affluenza, have been interested in reading it!

    Corrie:)

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