From the Library

Picked up two new ones from the heavy hitters today - Grisham and Patterson. I try to keep the Patterson purchases down to just the Cross books, otherwise it's difficult to know where to stop, given that he (and his co-authors) pump them out at an alarming rate. Turns out I am a couple of years behind with the goings on Alex, Bree, Nana Mama et al, so I have just picked up Triple Cross to keep me in the loop. As to the Grisham, possibly an alarming sign of a co-author here as well, but hopefully nothing to get too worried about - I'd be surprised if he started sharing out his fiction. This looks in the mould of The Innocent Man, and if the tales in Framed are anything like as good, then definitely worth a look. As to the others, the Richard Coles was a bit a pre Christmas fun, and a decent signature rather than a scribble, and The Long Earth was an excellent charity first edition spot. Only one left in that series (Cosmos) to complete the collection.

Back from three and a half weeks in Indonesia - some work, some holiday. Lots of travel, and plenty of opportunity to get on with some reading. As always with the work section, reading was iPad and library based, but I was able to enjoy a couple of physical books during the holiday section. Books read were: Francis Bourgeois' Trainspotter's Notebook - brimmed full of joy in conveying his passion for what he does, whilst acknowledging the challenge of how his approach has ruffled some feathers within the community. Henry Marsh - And Finally - the doctor becomes the patient. Some honest and moving reflections about the latter stages of life. Maybe I've left it too late to ever clear out the loft? What other burdens might I be leaving to the next generation? Ian McEwan - The Child in Time - the worst nightmare and the havoc it causes. Sara Pascoe - Weirdo - weird book, but strangely compelling. Richard Osman - The Last Devil to Die - and so we will have to manage without them ...