My Reading List
Page Last Updated 20241112
Originated 20240625
Growing up in the UK the son of a librarian I always had a library card for my local library. At first in the seventies and eighties these were small paper pockets with my name and address on that I’d hand to the librarian and they’d slide the books listing card into the pocket and store it in a calendar catalog so they knew when it would be overdue.
As library systems were computerized the paper pocket became a plastic card with at first a magnetic stripe, and now a barcode on it. Whether I’ve been living in the UK, the USA, or Germany I’ve always gone and got my card from the local library because it is a great way to keep reading new, and different things.
For each book I've noted if it was L library borrowed, E e-book, or P physical/personal collection
The List
This list is in reverse chronological sequence. The most recent book is at the top. It is bound to be infrequently updated, and was started in mid 2024
The Wisdom of Sheep & Other Animals (P)
By Rosamund Young
A magical book of country life and country lore. Made even better by me recognising many of the places names having grown up nearby.
The Three Musketeers (E)
By Alexander Dumas (translated by William Robinson)
An English translation of this French classic because I have been aware of the story and seen so many film versions but decided I needed to finally read it. A gripping, swash buckling adventure, and in the current climate perfect escape material.
Armageddon (E)
By Max Hastings
Looking at the impact of events from immediately after the Normandy breakout to the end of the war in Europe. Instead of listing battles Max HAstings delves into the social impact and the failings of leadership which prolonged the campaign and left Europe on the brink of the Cold War.
Library (E)
By Ben Brown
A short and inspiring read for any hacker or cyberpunk. A wonderful, positive tale of hacking, community building, and sharing resources. At only 50 pages it is over too fast.
or get the eBook via Ben's online store
A Prickly Affair (P)
By Hugh Warwick
An enjoyable non-fiction romp through the world of hedgehogs, because who doesn't love seeing the world from a different perspective. It's a fascinating read, especially as we had noisy hedgehogs in our garden when I was a child.
The First And The Last (P)
By Adolf Galland
Tidying the bookcase I found a pair of books from the "Bantam War Book" series describing WW2 from the perspective of leading fighter pilots in the RAF and Luftwaffe. They'd been given to me by my father-in-law who, due to a distinguished military career of his own, had managed to get both copies signed by their respective author's with a small dedication to him. THey've sat on the shelf a while so I thought I'd give them both a read, although the small type is a challenge at times.
Stolen (E)
By Ann-Helen Laestadius
A crime novel that provides a window into the lives and experiences of the indiginous Sámi people, and the ostracization and harrassement they face. This isn't an easy read as the harassment and tragedy builds but the writing makes it all enveloping, wrapping the reader deeply into Elsa's life.
New York Times interview with the author from 2023 when the book was first translated into English
Under The Snow (L)
By Kerstin Eckman
A Scandinavian crime novel or Nordic Noir. Originally in Swedish, translated into English by Joan Tate in 1996.
This book took me less than a week to read, the tale leaping along with vivid but sparse descriptions really bringing the feeling of isolation and the starkness of endless night and endless day to the reader's mind. I'm really glad I read it and would definitely recommend.
The Tenth Man (L)
By Graham Greene
A psychological drama set immediately after World War 2, delving into what a man will do for guilt, greed, and lies.
Fahrenheit 451 (L)
By Ray Bradbury
A dystopian USA where firefighters burn books. The protagonist, a firefighter, loses faith in the system and his world rapidly collapses around him.
MaddAddam (L)
By Margaret Atwood
Book three of the MaddAddam trilogy
The Year of the Flood (L)
By Margaret Atwood
Book two of the MaddAddam trilogy