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There are so many books I want to own, although right now the question of what to get for Christmas is purely theoretical, because I haven't really got room for any more books. Still, here's the shortlist:
1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (Everyman's Library edition): I read AK two years ago, and I think it's time for a reread. Everyman's Library editions are particularly lovely.
2. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim: This is such a delightful book about four women who rent a castle in Italy. It technically falls under the "woman goes to Europe and finds herself" genre that I despise, but The Enchanted April isn't particularly dopey.
3 & 4. Persuasion and Sanditon and Other Stories by Jane Austen (Everyman's Library editions): These will complete my collection of the works of Jane Austen, all in Everyman's Library editions.
5, 6, & 7. Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis: I love these books so much (okay, so I haven't finished That Hideous Strength, but I love what I've read so far), and the set I borrowed from my parents has such tiny print and cheap paper.
8. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman: I got this from my library right when it came out and loved it, but I never can afford brand new cookbooks, because they're so expensive.
9. Kenilworth by Walter Scott: Just such a great book, and now I've got some Kenilworth Gardens tea to drink while I read it.
10. The OED: One of my life's ambitions is not only to own a complete OED, but to read the thing as well. I've already read several one-volume dictionaries, but I'm not getting any younger, so I probably need to get started on this soon.
Awesome list. I am in awe of anyone who reads a dictionary, but especially the esteemed Oxford.
ReplyDeleteI just had to go look up the Everyman's Library. Also, I just spent fifteen minutes trying to determine whether you're Thalia from the Egotist's Club. (Final answer... only you can say. :))
Anna Karenina, every last work of Austen's, and Lewis' Space Trilogy are all such fantastic books that now I'm tempted to look up The Enchanted April and Kenilworth. So, thanks in advance.
Alas, I am not Thalia from The Egotist's Club. A friend nicknamed me after the Greek Muse Thalia because I have a quick wit, with a specialization in sarcasm, puns, and dark humor.
DeleteIf you're looking for a copy of The Enchanted April, it's available free for Kindle at Amazon, if you read e-books. (You don't need a Kindle to use Kindle e-books--you can read them on the computer.)
No need for an 'alas' to figure! It just looked like you and the Egotist's Club girls had an uncanny number of things in common. Cheers, anyway. :)
DeleteThe Enchanted April is free on Kindle? I'll head straight over to Amazon, then. Thanks!