December 19, 2009

Birthday Books

As promised a run down of the books I received for my Birthday...

My wonderful partner took me out to lunch and then book shopping where I managed to be quite reserved for me and picked up these two:

A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth, I do actually already have a copy of this book but I just couldn't resist this absolutely gorgeous hard cover edition released by W&N publishers - the photo does not do this book justice. I thought that seeing as though this book is going to be my major reading project for 2010 I deserved a beautiful book to be reading!

A Fraction of the Whole - Steve Toltz, I have seen this book around for so long now but was never sure if it would be the book for me or not but then I read a column by one of my favourite Australian journalists, Leigh Sales, describing it as a book that reminded her of why she loved reading and I thought I should definitely give it a go. Has anyone read this one?


Another book I received was a gift from one of my best friends, Now is the Time by Patrick Lindsay - I just love the description of this one;
Now is the time... to stop the world ... to enjoy the rain ...to be curious ...to sing ...to find peace. It's a much-proven adage that it's never too late to do all those things for ourselves that we keep meaning to do, but put off because of other distractions or busy-ness. Patrick Lindsay shows us in inspirational and farreaching, yet practical, ways how it's never too late to make a change. Or learn something new. With a thought per page, coupled with inspirational quotes, NOW IS THE TIME will inspire you to look at your life anew, and help you to plan towards regaining balance, finding strength and taking that first step.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful books! I haven't read any of them, but I do plan to read A Suitable Boy and Fraction of the Whole in 2010 - my copies aren't as nice as yours!

Anonymous said...

I've dipped into A fraction of the whole and enjoyed it, but haven't read the whole thing yet. You might inspire me to pick it up!

A Suitable Boy is wonderful, well worth the time needed to read it.

And I'm glad to see Leigh Sales also reccomended Butterfly.

claire said...

Oh no! Now I want THAT copy of A Suitable Boy too! Mine isn't as nice. How big is it, Karen? Is it the same size in dimensions as a regular big hardcover or is it the same size as a paperback?

Anyway, it's wonderful, really hope you enjoy it! Thanks for sharing. :)

Frances said...

Lucky you! Such a lovely birthday. That copy of A Suitable Boy is stunning. I followed your link and checked out the other eight books in this set of anniversary releases. So tempting!

Anonymous said...

I love the cover of A Suitable Boy and Fraction of the Whole is a book that I have been really interested in for a whole so looking forwards to your thoughts on both of those.

Karen said...

Hi Jackie - They are beautiful - looking forward to hearing your thoughts on these ones in 2010.

Hi adevotedreader - I have been looking forward to reading ASB for so long now - I thought 2009 would be the year but I am now determined it will be 2010!

Hi Claire - it's just gorgeous isn't it? It's virtually the same size as the paperback copy I have - definitely not the size of a regular hardcover.

Hi Frances - they are all very tempting aren't they? I stopped at just the one - for now...

Hi savidgereads - I read the first page of AFOTW while I was in the bookshop and I didn't want to stop so I think that is a good sign for things to come!

claire said...

Oh wow that's great news.. maybe I'll get myself one next year haha. I just love smaller-sized hardcovers. :D

Karen said...

Hi Claire - I think this book would be perfect for you then!

Jodie said...

Thought I commented here yesterday but no! Just wanted to say that version of 'A Suitable Boy' is lush, a wonderful accompaniment to the amazing content inside (I really hope you're going to love it).

Serena said...

I love the covers...I haven't heard of any of these books, but they sound great. Happy Birthday and happy reading.

Karen said...

Hi Jodie - I am so eager to get into it - I want to start now but I am going to wait until next year.

Hi Serena - many thanks!!