Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Sharlene from Real Life Reading that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.
A busy week here. I’m travelling for work (leaving behind warm, daffodil-filled Vancouver for a much colder clime), fighting a painful cough/cold, juggling lots of social commitments (tied in with the travelling), and trying to fit in time for reading in the midst of everything. And there are lots of books to tempt me when I do find the time:
A Mad Catastrophe by Geoffrey Wawro – I went to see 1917 over the weekend and, while I enjoyed it, it did make me think about how little we see/read about what that war was like for the soldiers of the Central Powers. I had great-grandfathers fighting on both sides but I know so, so much more about what my English-Canadian ancestor’s experience would have been like. I’m hoping this book helps fill in some of the gaps for me. (Book Depository)
Berezina by Sylvain Tesson – Four friends, two motorcycles (with sidecars!) and a journey in Napoleon’s footsteps from Moscow to Paris. History, travel, adventure – an ideal combo. (Book Depository)
Autumn Light by Pico Iyer – I always love hearing Pico Iyer talk about his books but I’ve yet to actually read one. This, his newest release, is about his life in Japan following his father-in-law’s death. It sounds quiet and meditative and possibly just what I need right now. (Book Depository)
Cuckoo in June by Jane Oliver and Ann Stafford – I loved Business as Usual by Oliver and Stafford (coming soon from Handheld Press) so looked to see if I could track down anything more by them. This was the only thing available in the interlibrary loan catalogue and I know nothing about it – always fun to have a surprise!
The Peppermint Tea Chronicles by Alexander McCall Smith – Let’s be clear: when you are feeling sick and pathetic, that is the perfect time for a new 44 Scotland Street book. (Book Depository)
The Shining Company by Rosemary Sutcliff – I’m on a Sutcliff reading kick right now and, having finished with the Roman Britain trilogy, am looking forward to this tale set in 8th century Britain. (Book Depository)
What did you pick up this week?
The Captive Reader 
The Scotland Street series is indeed a good place to turn if under the weather in any way. I somehow missed that a new installment had arrived. Poor Bertie, he seems to have been aged 7 for a very long time, with the prospect of escaping his mother and going to live in the promised land (Glasgow) never getting much closer.
Get well soon.
There is freedom for Bertie in this book! Glasgow is still always the bright future to be hoped for but Irene has left Edinburgh and the city is an altogether nicer place for him without her in it.
I love a great bookish coincidence like this! Hopefully Autumn Light is the right read that works for you. Take care and hope your travels go smoothly!
How was Cuckoo in June??
I really enjoyed it. It’s light and fun and features lots of dashing around Europe, so was ideal for me.
Excellent! I need more of them.