Musings of a South African Bookworm

I really enjoy Scarlett Thomas’s writing. In Our Tragic Universe, she doesn’t fail to capture the imagination and pull you along the tide of her words.

Though saying that, I didn’t think that this was her best book. I far enjoyed ‘The End of Mr Y’ more aswell as Popco. If you haven’t read either of these, find yourself a copy,they are extremely good.

Basically, the story is about Meg and her life, philosophy, the age of self help books and how we tend to want the ‘perfect’ life which is just fictionalised anyway. More than that of course, but that would give it all away…

I found it unputdownable and enjoyed it. I love her writing and I always find that I am left thinking about the world and people after I have finished one of her books. That to me, is a sign of a very good book.

Mushy Peas on Toast by Laurian Clemence is not only a book but a blog too. So, if you haven’t read this book, and you think you might, you can head over there to see if you like her style of writing.

I have to say, that I didn’t particularly enjoy this book. I finished it, with some skim reading – I found large parts of it just carried on and on saying the same thing, and to me, that is a lot like boredom.

The idea was great, and maybe it is even based on a real life story, I don’t know, but it was too wishy washy for me.

In a nutshell, the main character, Peas, has broken up with her long term boyfriend and finds herself alone for the first time in years. It is the journey she takes of re finding  herself and learning to love herself as is, without the need for a man in her life to take care of her. The premise for this sounds great, how many of us have found ourselves in that situation and had the wind knocked out of us? But I didn’t enjoy her writing account of it.

For me, it was slightly too self indulgent and sameish.

I have heard from others who have read this book and loved it, saying its the best chick lit book in ages. Hence the reason why I picked it up to read.

Sadly, it did disappoint me.

Have you read it and if so, what did you think?

The Cape Town Book Fair is the place to be this weekend, only ending tomorrow so if you haven’t managed to get yourself there yet, you still have time!

I went along today, unfortunately not as alone as I would have liked. Bean came along with me, but I have to admit that she was a delight. In fact, I think she had as much fun as I did. Apart from finding children’s mags for a mere R10 and getting free popcorn, which she proceeded to perch on any available book shelf to eat (and read whatever book was available for her to read) she trotted along next to me, no complaining what soever and didn’t mind me saying ‘ lets have a look here, babs’. I think she will grow up to be an avid reader-have I mentioned that she is beginning to recognise letters? Ah, I can’t wait until she can read! Anyhoo, I am going slightly off track…

The Book Fair was delicious. There were thousands of books, and if anyone had gone in without a budget and decided to shop, they may have ended up broke:-)

This is what I came home with and is waiting patiently for ‘me time’ to get stuck into the bag of goodies.

Our Tragic Universe – Scarlett Thomas.

I have been an avid fan of hers ever since I discovered her years ago with Popco. Brilliant writer, expect a review soon!

Comfort by Tina Bester. My fingers are itching to use these recipes. They look delectable. I unfortunately did not get to see her yesterday at the Book Fair due to baking orders but I did get a glance at Jodie Piccoult and heard some of her interview.

More Milly Molly Mandy by Joyce Lankester Drisley. Anotherof my childhood favourites which I just could not resist.

How to catch a star by Oliver Jeffers. This is one of Bean’s favourites and so I had to purchase it for her, of course.

They had thousands more, which honestly I could have stocked at least a whole book shelf but I held back, it is only the beginning of the month…

There were also magazines on sale for R10 so I managed to find a couple of foodie mags and am rather tempted to go back again for more. But I will reign myself in and stick to my budget, no matter how hard it may be. Will power!

Have you found anything good to read lately?