Read more books! Educate! Educate!

[venta]

I spend a lot of time on trains, commuting. And a lot of that time I spend reading. I have, however, come to a rather sad realisation: I can't be trusted to choose my own books.

This became unusually obvious in late summer, when I was pondering my annual ponder of what to send spindlemere for his birthday. By tradition, I always send him a book. So... what was the best book I'd read all year? Er... The Lies of Locke Lamora[*] Which would be a fabulous present, if only it weren't what he'd sent me for my previous birthday. And, er, I couldn't think of a single other thing I'd read that I felt inclined to recommend.

Most of the books I've read this year that I've really enjoyed have been presents. This isn't really surprising, because my own method of choosing books is ridiculously capricious, and tends to be based around liking the covers or finding them at eye-level on a library shelf. For years that seemed to serve me remarkably well, and I found some real gems, but I've obviously lost my touch.

Accordingly, this year my new year's resolution is to read better books. Which is where you, ladies and gentlemen of LJ, come in. Please recommend me a book which you love, and which I should read. I'd like fiction, but beyond that I'm willing to try anything. It'd be useful if it weren't something which is very out of print, but if you really think it's worth it I'll try and track it down (or turn up on your doorstep demanding to borrow a copy).

[Poll #1887610]


[*] 75% a brilliant work of genius. Loses its way badly by the end, though. Still worth a read.

Comments

[beckyl.livejournal.com]

Hounds is a kids book I love, and conveniently in the 12 days of Kindle sale on Amazon for less than £1. Physical book wise, buy Rivers of London. If I have to only recommend one, then Rivers because if you like it, there's a decent chance you'll like the next two, so it's a sneaky 3-for-1 recommendation.

[venta.livejournal.com]

Looks like lanfykins has gone for Rivers of London, so I'll put you on the list as sponsoring Hounds of the Morrigan :)