Every year I always say something like, “I’m going to read the books on my shelf and not buy any for a while.”
Once again I failed, epically failed, if I’m honest. I’ve bought several books already, e and real, but I feel I’m helping the economy and authors in my own way so I’m letting myself off the hook on the buying aspect. The good news is that I have accomplished part of what I stated — I’ve been reading the books of my shelf. Out of the seven books I’ve read, six were books I bought in 2011 or books that I’ve owned for years. It’s not much right now, but I’m excited by those numbers, as small as they are. Of course, this morning after finishing Frankenstein, I decided to read a book I bought the other night, American Gods, so it’s pretty much blown to hell all over again.
Quick reading re-cap:
Lady Susan by Jane Austen — I don’t know what to say about this other than how much I enjoyed it. It was really funny, witty, and in some respects mean, but oh so good.
Unfamiliar Fishes by Sarah Vowell — It did make me want to go to Hawaii to see everything she points out and it’s quite interesting on the history front as well. For all that Hawaii is a state, I know very little about its history.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley — This was a re-read and I was surprised by how much I didn’t remember. It was good and creepy and also very sad.
Today I’m starting American Gods by Neil Gaiman. Why it has taken me this long to get to this book I’ll never know.
This afternoon I’m attending a bridal expo with a friend and then at some point I need to find time to write 1,000 words for the class I’m taking and all before Downton Abbey starts tonight so that’s it for today. Happy Sunday.
Just Book Reading 
Hah, I like how you have arranged your day around Downton Abbey. I wish I was watching it again! it seems like so long ago already…
I have been in a bit of a reading blah lately and finished only one book so far in 2012! Doesn’t bode well for my reading challenges. I’m sure I’ll pick it up eventually. Reading a brickish classic probably hasn’t helped much.
As for reading those on your shelf – I read loads of books from my own shelves but er, like you I keep adding to them so not sure if that really counts for much? This year I do want to read those that have been on my shelf for uhm… ten years or more. I don’t think I’ll ever stop acquiring books. I know I should, if only to prevent my rather overstuffed bookcase from falling through the ceiling (it’s very deep and I have about 500 books stuffed in it, it must weigh an absolute tonne) but uhm… nah. If the house collapses at least I’d still have my books.
I fail at telling myself I won’t buy books for a while. If anything, I buy books more when I tell myself I shouldn’t. It’s a vicious cycle!
Enjoy Downton Abbey! I loved season one but sadly wasn’t a fan of the second one. Also, I completely agree with you about Frankenstein being incredibly sad.
I’m hoping series 3 will be a return to its former glory. I think Fellowes got a bit too big for his boots or they just had too big a budget to spend on the second. I really enjoyed the Christmas episode.
Frankenstein story had everything horror and sadness maybe the best story i have ever read ,And Mary Shelley wrote it marvellous the mary shelly story was on BBC last year.
ED