Library Loot

Posted on | March 15, 2010 | 12 Comments

It’s been a few weeks since my last Library Loot post as I am attempting to catch up on the loot I have already acquired. Some books have been returned unread recently as I attempt to conquer an overwhelming immediate to-be-read pile; I did consider a blank slate but there are a few of the borrowed books that I am still anxious to read regardless of the deadline pressure. A restriction of twelve books a month may seem so little to hardened library borrowers and fast readers but when I sometimes read less than twelve books -owned, borrowed and reviewed- in a slow month, those outstanding library books on the TBR begin to overwhelm me and begin to feel like a chore to read.

Anyway, my latest loot is rather conservative and even includes one audio-book, which is rare for me.

After reading July’s People by Nadine Gordimer for book group earlier this month I was keen to read more of Gordimer’s work. I picked up a couple of secondhand Virago Modern Classic editions of her earlier novels and The Pickup came recommended in the comments to Kimbofo’s post on the book; I opted for the audio format as I have some upcoming travel and thought it would make interesting listening. The premise of The Pickup sounds compelling and its theme of racial issues in South Africa -extending in this novel to Africa as a whole- is what I found so richly communicated in July’s People.

My reading of Memento Mori by Muriel Spark fueled my desire to read more Spark; the only unread one of her novels that I had on my shelves is The Comforters, which doesn’t sound as edgy so I requested The Girls of Slender Means from the library instead, as it had been recommended as similarly cruel and vindictive as Memento Mori.

The book of plays by Ntozake Shange I borrowed to read one specific play in the collection: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The title in itself was tantalising and I thought that the poetic, feminist text would make perfect reading for the Women Unbound challenge.

My request for Mad, Bad and Sad: A History of Women and the Mind Doctors from 1800 by Lisa Appignanesi -a book that had been on my wish-list since its publication- followed reading an article on The Guardian a few weeks ago concerning fictional portrayal of madness in women characters. I have long been interested in the subject of mental illness in literature, real or imagined, ever since reading Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft (I highly recommend it), a gothic novel about a woman imprisoned in an insane asylum by her husband; the subject fascinates me and Appignanesi’s non-fiction study has long appealed.

Have you read any of these books or interested in any?

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Eva and Marg encouraging library use and its promotion.

Comments

12 Responses to “Library Loot”

Verity
March 15th, 2010 @ 9:54 am

Interesting collection Claire! I think you’ll enjoy that Spark, and the Mad, Bad and Sad sounds fascinating – I’ve seen quite a lot about it in the media since it came out. Look forward to hearing about it.
Rachel
March 15th, 2010 @ 12:30 pm

I’ve wanted to read Mad Bad and Sad for ages – I was disappointed not to get it for Christmas. I look forward to reading your review! I am jealous of all this Muriel Spark reading – I MUST go to the library soon.
Stujallen
March 15th, 2010 @ 1:01 pm

some great loot there strange i m just back from library my self and have done a post too lol .not read any sparks so will look at your review
Simon (Savidge Reads)
March 15th, 2010 @ 1:38 pm

I really liked The Girls of Slender Means I thought it was a delightful (with a slight dark twist) Spark, so I hope you enjoy that one. I also want to read a lot more Gordimer too, I am thinking of trying her Booker winner at some point if it appears in the library.
Paperback Reader
March 15th, 2010 @ 1:57 pm

Verity, the Spark novel was the book that jumped out at me to read first and I think Mad, Bad and Sad is one I will need to take slowly.

Rachel, it’s a pity that you didn’t receive it for Christmas; I had forgotten about it until the inadvertent reminder. I have thoroughly enjoyed the recent Spark reading.

Stu, very coincidental! Great that we’re using our libraries. Have a look at my review of Memento Mori by Spark that I’ve linked to; I’m still reeling from how good it was.

Simon, I should be sharing my thoughts on The Girls of Slender Means soon. For some reason I didn’t immediately opt for The Conservationists and think I’ll build up to that one.
Stefanie
March 15th, 2010 @ 2:35 pm

I love Shange’s For colored girls! Wonderful play that I think doesn’t get enough attention. I hope you enjoy it!
Eva
March 15th, 2010 @ 2:43 pm

Your LL pictures are always so pretty! I’d like to do that w/ mine, but I’m not sure how to artfully arrange 25 books. LOL

I’m most curious about Mad, Bad, and Sad, so I hope you review that one!
Nymeth
March 15th, 2010 @ 7:43 pm

Mad, Bad and Sad has been on my wishlist for ages – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Jenny
March 15th, 2010 @ 8:04 pm

Mad, Bad and Sad looks so fascinating! I’ve been wanting to read it for a while, but I’m waiting until the summer. I have this obscure feeling that it will upset me less if the weather is nice.
Jodie
March 15th, 2010 @ 10:31 pm

I enjoyed ‘The Girls of Slender Means’ although I think I found the ending a bit more sinister than a lot of other people. Really want to know how you find ‘Mad, Bad and Sad’, it seems like the critical text for women to read and came up all the time when I was in uni.
Mystica
March 16th, 2010 @ 9:57 am

I’ve read so much on Muriel Spark that I must try to get my hands on them. Not heard of the others but waiting to see what you say about them.
Paperback Reader
March 16th, 2010 @ 3:17 pm

Stefanie, so happy to hear a positive recommendation! I saw Precious the movie recently and there was a poster for the play in Miss Rain’s apartment, which was cool.

Thanks, Eva. Your comment made me laugh – yours would be far more difficult to artistically display!

Ana, the size is daunting me but I really want to read it!

Jenny, that does make sense to me … anything in the sun/during summer holidays seems cheerier.

Jodie, Memento Mori is far more sinister, I think. Good to know that Mad, Bad and Sad is being recommended as a critical text at uni.

Mustica, Muriel Spark is a very interesting writer and I highly recommend her work, especially Memento Mori and Loitering with Intent.