Back from England–lots of visiting, lots of books
japra | Aug 10, 2009 | Comments 12
In the air near Manchester on a bmiaby flight. One day I’d love to go for a nice hike in all that. But where are the trees?
It was a fabulous weekend! No crumpets, though. No time for the grocery store. Instead, I came back with a suitcase filled with books. I have no idea if they’re good–I nabbed them off of the 3 for 2 table during a dash into Waterstone’s and Hatchard’s.
BTW, I’ve decided to get an e-reader, namely Amazon’s Kindle. Yes, I know I won’t be able to use some of the functions here in Europe, but this is the one I want. The Sony reader looks good too. In case you’re interested, here’s a comparison: Showdown: Kindle 2 vs Sony Reader.
Here are the books I bought–post-summer reading, if you will. Have you read them?
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee (Finished it this morning. Sad it’s over.)
The Lost Book of Salem by Katherine Howe
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff
Restoration by Rose Tremain
The Children’s Book by A.S. Byatt (signed… Ooooo!)
More about our trip later this week. The weather is too lovely to stay in–about 66F and sunny :-)
PS It never rained in England. In fact, it was HOT and I got a tan. Just as well. I never did find my brolly!
About the Author: JaPRA is an expat Texan living in England with her husband (Mr. DJ), their 17-year old daughter (Roxi), and their dog Trudy.
Glad you had a good trip and the weather was kind to you.
Did you get charged for extra baggage with all those books? LOL
We just got back for a weekend jaunt in the Cotswolds. :)
JaPRA, I bet there is an English Speaking Union or whatever the British Council has in the Netherlands that has a book exchange/swap.
I was given a kindle and it is great especially on trip.
Loved your book list.
You’re going to love the Kindle; I’ve had mine since last December and don’t go anywhere without it.
welcome back. 66F sounds cool for summer. thanks for the e-book info…good to know.
I have Shantaram at home in my “to read” pile. I love sagas. I didn’t know that A.S. Byatt had a new book – so that must be added to my amazon list. And the book was signed too – what a treasure!!
I’ve got American Wife and The Children’s Book on my bedside table — one of them will be next up to bat after I finish a biography on Queen Victoria. Unless I decide to read one of the books that I got at Persephone today . . .
Very jealous that Byatt has signed your copy! (Was that from Hatchard’s? I love that it is still there on Picadilly — and always mentioned in 19th century novels.)
Love that photo! You are just like me – the suitcase full of books. Times like that I get Kindle envy too. Could you review the reader when you get one? I’ve heard such conflicting opinions.
Of your list, I read and enjoyed American Wife. I’d love to hear you opinion of that and the other books. Good to hear you had fine weather.
I’ve heard Shantaram is awesome!
The Kindle has to be shipped and registered to a US adddress. Then books can be downloaded from your computer. But they must be charged on a credit card with a US address. That was the problem with my daughter who just moved to London was going to have. So I gave her mine, which was registered here in Oklahoma. She loves it as I did. It is easy to use and definately easy to haul around. Check with Amazon before you do anything internationally.
I found your blog when I learned my daughter and son-in-law would be expats in London. She is there now and things are going smoothly. She did go with a relocation service from DowJones/NewsCorp. She works at the London bureau of the Wall Street Journal.
Your photo of Manchester from above is glorious! As for me, I’m still enjoying your Punch Bowl photo. xox
When I saw those hills from the air I was so sad I missed hiking around in the Peak District. One day…