It's been a rather busy few days. I've got piles of books to read as research for forthcoming commitments. I've been trying to meet a deadline with a particularly challenging piece of writing, and there have been the ticket sales and book orders to manage for the event with Rachel Parris on Tuesday.
My head has been in a bit of a whirl and it's felt there hasn't been any opportunity to 'switch off'. So I've been glad this weekend to regroup, and prepare for what the next week has in store.
Because it's been such an intense period, I haven't had any opportunity to read 'for fun'! For me that means books which aren't research but which I turn to for no other purpose than to enjoy the story. So I might pick up a children's book, a crime novel, a memoir or even occasionally a forgotten classic (usually early 20th century). Something not taxing, but which will easily transport me away from my everyday concerns, to another world.
And this weekend I've been renewed and refreshed through a gripping crime novel set on the Norfolk Broads ('Forbidden Waters' by Rob Parker - more of that in the next week or two), and the incredible memoir by Chloe Dalton 'Raising Hare' (scroll down for details).
When life is a bit too busy and demanding, it's wonderful to find books which take us out of ourselves.
Tonight I have another treat in store when I will be revisiting Rachel Parris's novel 'Introducing Mrs Collins'. My first reading of the book was a joyful experience, so I'm looking forward to turning to it again ahead of my conversation with Rachel on Tuesday when we'll find out more about how she came to take us back to the world of 'Pride and Prejudice'. It'll be a real tonic! I hope I'll see you there.
Thank you for reading!