Books I've read from:
Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life by Sandra Beasley
Pages read today:
185
Books finished today:
0
Running total:
443 pages, 2 books
Today #insixwords:
Book buying madness = a chipper Hanna
And now, a break from you regularly scheduled angry programming...
Why yes, this is actually going to be a cheerful post. I know, I know, I'm as shocked as you. If you are desperate for my whining though (or just find my depressive gifs amusing), you can find my previous Bout of Books updates here and here.
So this morning, I woke up and decided to be happy. Possibly temporarily, but I'll take what I can get. I got up, put make-up on and wore an outfit containing my three favourite fashion points - stripes, pencil skirt and heels. Then I pranced off into the sunrise and had myself a good ol' day.
It's amazing how good you can feel despite running around Leeds in six-inch stiletto heels...
It may also have something to do with the fact that I allowed myself a book splurge today. A very special kind of splurge... the kind with no limits. A very dangerous beast. I haven't spent a lot of money lately or had a whole lot of time so I figured I'd treat myself.
I went into Waterstones and let myself buy whatever books I wanted. I did not check the price, I did not count them and I did not even particularly think twice. Honestly, I don't think I've ever enjoyed buying books so much. It was guilt-free and I'm now sat looking at my book pile and smiling.
Hell, I spent all afternoon in the Court office pulling them out of their bags one by one, stroking them (literally), reading a paragraph from each and then putting them back. And repeat. It was so liberating. It's not something I would do often because a) it would lose its appeal and b) I can't afford it, but... argh. So good.
I don't think six books all that unreasonable really. Not considering I imposed literally no limits on myself.
But apparently this is a read-a-thon, not a buy-lots-of-books-a-thon. So what have I actually read? Quite a bit actually.
Well. Kind of. I had a class this morning and then I was working at the Court this afternoon (again), so I haven't had a whole lot of time. Thankfully I didn't have any work to do for tomorrow though, so I was able to curl up and relax without feeling that guilty pressure that I should be studying.
I've been reading Don't Kill the Birthday Girl: Tales from an Allergic Life by Sandra Beasley. It's actually very good and quite different from what I was expecting. It's not a memoir as such; it's more a look at the implications of food allergies from several perspectives, including the individual, society, restaurants, farmers, etc. It's accessible and not at all self-pitying.
Speaking of... I did have a bit of a cry, but it was during a rational conversation. You know, where you're crying a bit but you're still capable of talking around it? And it helped that I could see my Waterstones bags on the sofa and they cheered me up. True story.
SCARLETT THOMAS! :-) And now we are truly book twins, I love that she featured in your splurge. I also love that you gave yourself a totally unlimited buying session. I've found that's a really helpful way to cheer yourself up in difficult situations :-) Because books are awesome, and new book smell and then the deciding what to read and yay. I haven't bought books for myself since DECEMBER. LAST YEAR.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the caps, apparently it's only just hitting me that I've been nearly 6 months without buying myself a single book. I envy you :-p
She did! I actually went looking for her as well. Was torn between PopCo and Bright Young Things, but I chose this one based on... well, nothing, actually! It just kind of seemed right. I didn't even read the blurbs - just went with what I could remember hearing about them both, which wasn't much.
DeleteHonestly, I'm still riding my high. I've NEVER done an unlimited book splurge before and I'm pretty good.
Go you! That's A GOOD THING. It means you have more money and more space (and probably more willpower), and I'm positive you have plenty to read regardless. Be proud!
Oh my gosh - The Universe Versus Alex Woods!! I read that last week (or maybe the week before...) and *loved* it. It's just so wonderful and lovely and uplifting and...GREAT and you must read it very soon. It'll take me forever to get round to reviewing it (because that's just how I apparently roll at the moment) so this is you getting a preview: it's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to pick up more Gillian Flynn too after the wonderfulness that was Gone Girl. It was either this one or...another one that I now can't remember the title of. You know, that could be why I haven't ACTUALLY bought one yet.
And yey for you getting to chill out with a book! Books, pencil skirts and heels really are all a girl needs :)
When Hanna came to Bakewell for the first time I actually HEARD HER COMING and knew it was her even before she walked in through the door, because of the heels. I have deep and heartfelt admiration for anyone who can tackle a small country town in anything more adventurous than kitten heels. :D
DeleteNot 'adventurous,' Ellie. More like 'ill-advised!' Don't encourage me, I'll only get worse :p
DeleteCharlotte - Oh good! I somehow haven't stumbled across a review of it yet, so it's good to hear I made a wise whim-choice-thing. I can't even remember what it's about to be honest, so it'll be a surprise when I eventually pick it up :s
DeleteI think there are two, other than Gone Girl. There's Dark Places... and another one. I read the blurbs of both, but this seemed like the better option. I can't see either of them being as good, but hey ho. One has to try these things!
I'm so happy that YOU had a happy book splurge. You're so right. I had that happy book splurge in Sheffield on Monday, and it felt SO BLOODY GOOD bunging stuff on that desk and thinking "You know what, sod it." Then I came home and got them all out the bags one by one and stroked them and smiled and was cheerful for a whole two days. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll be eagerly awaiting your thoughts on Alex Woods (which sounds right up my street) and Moby Duck, and I'm hoping I'm not going to kick myself for not buying more Gillian Flynn when I had the chance. I haven't even READ Gone Girl yet, but right near the end of our Sheffield jaunt I spotted two more of her books in a charity shop for £1 each and DIDN'T BUY THEM because my arms were already aching and my feet hurt and I didn't want to carry any more. So... don't tell me if it's amazing. ;)
I AM, however, glad to hear that your current read is interesting, because it's been on my wishlist for aaaaaages and I'd totally have thought it was a memoir too. I'll shut up and go read my own book now. Wishing you a happy and tear-free Thursday, my darling. *cuddles*
Oh Ellie, you are SO completely my Good Luck Fairy, because I actually DID have a happy and tear-free Thursday. Bless you and your cuddles, because they clearly work for me!
DeleteI REALLY want to read Moby Duck! I've never been so excited about a book about ocean currents before :s Do you own Gone Girl already? Because I can forgive you for not buying her other two, but not if you passed up that one!
I'm so glad I'm not the only one cheered up by books. True story, I was feeling that crappy last week I begged my dad for some book money.. when he gave me more than I asked for I splurged something crazy. I HAVE NO REGRETS.
ReplyDeleteGonna beg my library to get Alex Woods and PopCo. I've written them a list of shame, both are on it.
I haven't had a book splurge for a long, long time, for money reasons and trying to keep my to-read pile on one shelf reasons. I usually decide a long time before I actually buy a book - but book splurges are wonderful and very comforting. Glad you've had a happier day.
ReplyDeleteYayyyy I'm so glad that you just woke up and decided to have a good day :-) Even if it's just for a day, that's how you start and get on a happy, sunny roll!
ReplyDeleteAnd DOUBLE-YAY for the unlimited book buying! That would cheer me up as well :-) *high fives*