Read - reading - to read

Having finished with the various book prizes, and then read some Victorian books for Victober, I am now finding books that have been loitering on my shelves and feeling a little ignored - books I have bought in bookshops because they had been recommended, or ones I liked the sound of. 

As you know, Gliff did no ‘loitering’ - it arrived, slipped into my bag, and I read it on the train, the plane and finished it at the hotel. I loved it but, as far as I’m concerned, Ali Smith can do no wrong anyway. I’m currently enjoying The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and will then read  Kala, which I have been told is not to be missed - well it’s Irish and they can do no wrong at the moment. 

A book blip because I have spent the day sorting, washing, catching up, whilst getting used to the low temperatures and the dull skies. 

It is so funny - we have got into conversation with quite a few local people whilst in Athens. When they ask where we are from they have no idea . . . until we mention that we are not that far (!) from Newcastle - then they know. And then Gordon can talk to them about football - he even knows Greek teams and players and how well they are doing - they are impressed, but why would anyone know all that? Crazy. When we ask them if they have been to the UK, the answer is always - oh yes, but the weather . . . it is so cold and always raining!!