My reading list for 2023

I like to have a stack of books on the shelves of the spare room (which is actually my dog’s apartment – another story) which constitutes about six months’ worth of reading.  I will also read books randomly or those that are one of our monthly reading club titles – the first being Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (we all enjoyed his All The Light We Cannot See last year). Book groups are great for obliging you to read titles you might not otherwise choose and as an author it’s great to hear what readers like or dislike about a book.

January started with non-fiction – Ben McIntyre’s Colditz. I’ve read several of Ben’s books before and the detail he brings in is both fascinating and engaging – he’s the king of research!  Other titles on the shelf include A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham, Act Of Oblivion by Robert Harris (another favourite) and a recommendation, Virginia Wolfe’s Orlando.  On the pile there is also a charity shop purchase – Requiem For A Wren by Neville Shute, a first edition from 1955, only cost me £6.50.

I also have some brain-testing books including The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book – and I thought I knew about maps! I was given Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s latest book River Cottage Good Comfort, some great advice on food and cooking.

Please feel free to send a note through the Contact page on my website with the titles you have in mind or recommend for the coming year – I look forward to seeing your list.