As promised in the title there will be no talk of Blair, Balls or Coulson in this post.
A far more interesting subject is books. Books have always held a fascination for me from the pre-school days when my granny used to allow me to read from her range of Encyclopedia Britannicas which she purchased in the 30s from a door to door salesman, in the hope that they would interest my mother. Never once in my life did I see my mother read a book other than those related to music in some way; so my fondness for the written word doesn't come from her. I still possess these encylopedias - with rice paper protecting the illustrations - and enjoy an hour or so with them now and again.
This isn't to advertise the Encyclopedia Britannica though, but to let you know about a day/night, the 5 March, when I intend to give away 48 copies of a book. No, I haven't come into money, I'm being given the book.
All I did was register at World Book Night, chose my book and have been told I'm 'highly likely to be selected' as they are choosing on a first come first served basis. There is a choice of books, two of which I've read and some which didn't interest me, but because of the Scottish connection I've chosen One Day by David Nicholl.
It may seem as if giving away 48 books in one day will be hard going, but I intend to spend a couple of hours outside the library plus I've organised several to go to the local reading circle and more to go to friends and acquaintances. One of my favourite bloggers has his first novel, Jessica's Trap, published in April, so this will be a great opportunity to spread the word about that too and distribute some of his superbly designed promotional material.
If you're interested, do have a look at the website. It sounds fun (as long as it isn't raining). There are worse ways to spend a few hours. The closing date is this Monday 24 January so be quick. They have a number of events happening around the country on 5 March, but I'm rather distant from them all. Anyway, I should think by the time I'm finished distributing my allotted amount a glass or two of Tio Pepe will be my celebration.
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13 comments:
"All I did was register at World Book Night, chose my book and have been told I'm 'highly likely to be selected' "
A bit like the annual 'Readers Digest' good news advising you'd 'won' in their prize draw?
No I don't think so Joe. I've already organised the drop for the books so it's all authentic. The email wasn't a spam one.
The Readers Digest good news is another ball game altogether.
But SR, you never, ever, talk the middle one!
I've always loved reading aswell. Nothing very heavy though.Lee Child, Stuart Macbride, Ian Rankine etc.
I'm looking forward to reading Leg Irons book although Dr Hillman doesn't quite fit with the picture I'd imagined of Leggy. Far too normal ;)
I see the Daily Telegraph have excelled themselves again. This interactive guide to council spending is interesting..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/8103471/Council-spending-interactive-map-of-perks-and-redundancy-payments-for-council-staff.html
Hi RMcG
"I see the Daily Telegraph have excelled themselves again. This interactive guide to council spending is interesting.."
It is interesting - particularly the relocation of Renfrewshire.
[Click any council on the map; then top right select the drop-down list by that council's name & scroll down to Renfrewshire to discover it's now part of Lancashire!]
Should have added - first select the 'Payoffs & Redundancies' on the left-hand side
It has been known on occasion WfW. Honestly. :)
I think that's a library picture he has on that site RM, don't you? Maybe it's his friendly neighbour. Doubt if the unfriendly one would pose with such ease. :)
Unbelievable Joe.
Joe..
Ha ha. I expect there are quite a few mistakes in their database.
SR.
Maybe the pic is one of leggies friends from a 'smokeydrinky' evening ;)
"A far more interesting subject is books. Books have always held a fascination for me from the pre-school days..."
Oh, me too! The idea that I wouldn't be able to read BEFORE I went to school was anathema in my family. Consequently, I found myself ahead of everyone else in my class, and so was given the run of the school library while the others were learning to read.
And oh, the wonderful day when I got my adult library card, a full five years before everyone else (your parents had to sign for you).
In fact, I just bought three Jim Corbett books on eBay just because they were the editions (with the covers and internal illustrations by the wonderful Raymond Sheppard) that I fondly remember checking out of the adult library and staying up long past bedtime reading... :)
It could well be RM but I'd plumb for the pleasant neighbour. Who took the photo I ask myself. ;)
Ah Julia, happy days right enough and to get your own card when still a 'junior' (when parents had to sign books out for you) was indeed a great privilege. Good for you.
I loved my local library. In fact I passed it the other day and the building is still superb although I believe the inside hasn't been well kept. Unfortunately I can't find a photo of it but I'll take my camera next time I visit Dundee.
It's a small but most elegant building.
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