So, it’s a new year. Have to say, I’m not a New Year’s resolution person. I believe that any day of any month is a dandy time for anyone to turn over a new leaf. Though I’m not trying to diminish New Year’s resolutions in any way — they’ve prompted many people to change their lives for the better so more power to them. I’ve just never hopped on board. Until now.
I had a look at my two-(and in some instances three-)deep bookshelves and realized that I hardly have any space left to contain all the books I’ve never read. So, I decided that this year, instead of adding to them, I’ll begin reading them. Some of these books have never been read, while others I’d like to revisit. I’m addicted to books, but I won’t buy any new ones (except cookbooks), with the exception of keeping the tradition of making purchases at Shakespeare & Company each time I visit Paris, and Hatchards, each time I visit London – should I be lucky enough to visit these città del cuore this year. (I just can’t go to these cities without visiting these shops. And I just can’t go to these shops without buying something!)
Frederick Forsyth came up in conversation on Christmas Day, so I started with The Day of the Jackal, which I tore through in hours. If you know me, you know I love an unputdownable thriller (especially at the beach!) and I love Paris. The book offers a glimpse of the city through the lens of the titular assassin tasked with taking out Charles de Gaulle and the detective on his tail. Plus, London played a supporting role and my dear Milan made a cameo along with one of my favorite routes in the world: the drive from Milan to the French Riviera.
Before I even finished, I found myself contemplating which of Forsyth’s books I should read next — but that won’t be until at least next year. Unless I’m able to get to Hatchards.
Anyhoo, I’m now on The Gathering by Anne Enright.
Photo by Tom Hermans on Unsplash
