Happy New Year to you all!
It’s traditional to set out one’s stall with reading plans for the year ahead. I was aiming to keep them as fluid as possible, yet have managed to sign up for 5 blog tours in January, how did that happen? I am aiming to do fewer blog tours this year, because I have other plans too.
For January, I’m hosting a readalong of Umberto Eco’s Foucault’s Pendulum which I didn’t get at all on first reading when it was published back in the late 1980s. There is no set timetable to get through the 641 pages of my PIcador paperback edition – it may carry over into February, but the aim is to read a chunk a week in Jan. You’re welcome to join me if you want, and I know some of you have already said you will – thank you. I’m aiming to do a first post early next week. #EchoesofEcoII
In my post introducing Echoes of Eco II back in November, I expressed my quandary in whether I should ‘unshrinkwrap’ my prized Folio Society copy of the book – even if only to admire Nick Packer’s illustrations. It was bought for a three-figure sum and has doubled in value since. Well, I’ve done it! Life’s too short, (it only knocks a small amount off the value). The illustrations are lovely. But I shall probably read mostly from my paperback.
Then in February, I’m hosting a second Paul Auster Reading Week, beginning on his birth date: Monday Feb 3rd and running until the 10th. He died last April, so it’s a good time to celebrate his writing once again, and we’ll include his wife Siri Hustvedt too, who wrote so eloquently after his death.
Other than that I will take part in as many reading challenges and weeks as I can; prioritise books from my TBR; and try to acquire slightly fewer books.
Ooh I must read Auster’s Invention of Solitude so I can take part in the reading week! And how lovely to own a book that’s so valuable! I don’t think any of mine would be worth more than a quid in the charity shop, lol. I’ll bet the illustrations are gorgeous.
A good Auster choice that’ll fit in with your course too!
Happy New Year and good luck with your 2025 goals
Thanks Shelleyrae, and the same for you too.
Sensible resolutions I feel, and I am intending to join in with the Paul Auster week so thank you for hosting! As for blog tours, I admire how you manage to cope with so many. I flag if I do one or two!! 😆
Happy New Year to you as well! I am still hoping that the library’s copy of the latest Paul Auster will show up in time for “your week.” I just checked a few days ago and nothing has budged, but that makes sense because so many staff members are on holiday this time of year. Hopefully it’s waiting on somebody’s desk right now!
I’m glad you opened the posh copy of Foucault. I feel that was definitely the right decision. Happy New Year Annabel.
I can’t promise I’ll get through Foucault’s Pendulum in January, but I shall aim to get a review up by the end of February if that’s not too late. Oh, and again, Happy New Year!
No worries – will be glad to compare notes. I’m just about to start it – wish me luck.
Yes, those last two points for me. Unfortunately it’s 7 January and I appear to have acquired 14 books, although 8 of them haven’t entered the house yet …