Reading temptations

My temptations of the moment around books and reading.

It has been a busy time but I am getting back into my reading routine. I have an enormously long pile to read because I have been extremely lucky to receive advance review copies from my favourite authors.

In particular, I have some really exciting books on my list like the new Harlan Coben, Nobody’s Fool. And the new Dinah Jefferies, the Greek House. And the new Karen Swan, The Midnight Secret. And many more. Insomnia is almost OK with such a choice of reads, and I am almost looking forward to getting up at insanely early times, just for the joy of a quiet place, a mug of coffee and one of those great novels.

I will also read my first Kristin Harmel, an author I have heard about but not read. I have a review copy of her upcoming book All The Diamonds in Paris, and I am looking forward to get into it.

I am also reading more in French. I was lucky enough to pass my second level translation exam and so I am now in my third and last level, translating a real novel for a publisher. I am really excited about it. I need to read much more in French though, to try and balance languages. Otherwise, I suffer from language attrition and I have to scratch my head every time to find the right turn of phrase in French.

You could almost think that I am on a reading challenge! But no, I am not. I love reading and I definitely do not want to turn it into a chore, with targets and competition. I personally do not understand the point of reading challenges but I am quite happy if someone can show me the benefit of it. Anyone wants to convince me? Anyone feels like me? Please drop me a line and let’s talk about it.

For now, enjoy your reading and I am going to be back soon with some really great books. And because it is Valentine’s day, I share a beautiful picture I took last week in Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy the sun!