October 2023

I don’t have the words or mental capacity to describe everything that happened to me in October. It was a whirlwind, a rollercoaster, but the headline is that I’m back at work, feeling much more comfortable and settled in myself and with a yoga habit I’m keen to keep up. I’m writing this at the tail end of my first week back, and I am bone tired, but grateful for the love and support I’ve received. I went to Oslo in October, and was so impressed by its incredible public library. It looks modern, yet cosy, with lots of gorgeous little nooks to read in, while looking out over the opera house and water.

My busy October is reflected in the number and types of books I read. November is bringing a trip to Hay on Wye, followed swiftly by New York, so expect reflections next month, as well as a round up of the book shopping I’m planning.

The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes

When I was in college, I spent months scouring eBay and other resale sites to collect the Penguin Celebrations series. I recently rescued them from a dusty box in my mum’s house, so decide to start reading them with a classic Marian Keyes. She is a true comfort, like a warm blanket I return to when I need a literary hug. The series spans fiction and non-fiction and I’m looking forward to reading more.

Neighbours by Danielle Steel

Speaking of comforts, I cannot visit Liverpool Central Library without taking a Danielle Steel with me. I have always said (ripped off from Tina Brown), that true intellectuals value so-called low and highbrow culture equally. I love Danielle Steel’s books because they’re familiar and of a world I have no knowledge of. This one is about a hermit movie star who takes in her neighbours when there’s an earthquake in San Francisco, but all is not what it seems…!

A Family Reunion by Patricia Scanlan

Patricia Scanlan is my Irish Danielle Steel. I always end up picking her up at the library. This was a little different from my previous experiences of her, telling stories of Irish women through the lens of abortion and religion. I really enjoyed it!

Chewing the Fat by Jay Rayner

I love Jay Rayner, and was devastated when he stepped down from the Out to Lunch podcast. His writing is witty, wry and familiar, and I love how he lives his live in unashamed pursuit of pleasure in an increasingly restrictive world. The way he writes about food is how I think about it, as one would describe a lover. He is sensual, passionate and intense in his adoration, and I sped through this collection of his columns. Jay, thank you for being a voice in favour of tasting and experiencing it all. I love you.

Daddy’s Girls by Danielle Steel

Another classic from my pal Danielle. This one is about three sisters who were raised on a Californian ranch, who come together when their dad dies. Again, all is not what it seems….!

Tennis Lessons by Susannah Dickey

Sadly, my interview with Susannah Dickey was cancelled, but I really enjoyed reading her first novel. It’s a book where nothing and everything happens, tracking the life of an unnamed protagonist from childhood to adulthood. It is visceral, corporeal and so vivid in its descriptions of the horror of bodies, as well as the discomfort of intimate relationships. I’m looking forward to reading her second novel and her poetry collection.