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.
We have almost made it to the end of 2020! That came up fast – so fast in fact that I didn’t realise how many library holds I had paused until the end of December until they suddenly arrived this week in an avalanche. But it’s the best and least lethal form of avalanche and I have every hope of being able to dig my way out while enjoying the process.
We Germans by Alexander Starritt – I’m very intrigued by this slim novel, which takes the form of a letter written by a German veteran of the Second World War to his British grandson.
Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman – I read the epic Stalingrad a few months ago and this companion is praised as even more engaging and the best of Grossman’s works.
How to be an Epicurean by Catherine Wilson – the stoics have had their recent revival and here philosopher Wilson does her part to reestablish the Epicureans’ recipe for happiness: “a philosophy that promoted reason, respect for the natural world, and reverence for our fellow humans”.
Sarah’s Cottage by D.E. Stevenson – the sequel to Sarah Morris Remembers, which I recently reread. I remember this being weak and unimpressive and yet I wasn’t ready to be done with Sarah after finishing the first book.
The Nymph and the Lamp by Thomas H. Raddall – During the 1956 Club back in October, Naomi at Consumed by Ink reviewed another book by Raddall, which intrigued me. She also mentioned that this was her favourite title by him so I made it the first one I tracked down.
From Here to There by Michael Bond – I find the navigating instinct fascinating and so it’s no surprise that this volume, subtitled “the art and science of finding and losing our way“, appeals.
Rain by Melissa Harrison – There are many joys to be had from walking in the rain, which is good is it’s the only possible type of walking available here for much of the year. Here Harrison takes the reader along on four walks taken in the rain throughout the year around England
A Promise of Ankles by Alexander McCall Smith – The most recent instalment in the 44 Scotland Street series.
All About Us by Tom Ellen – a light and fluffy filler.
Islamic Empires by Justin Marozzi – portraits of 15 different Islamic cities across history, focusing on each at the height of its powers. I love the premise of this, though it did get a brutal review in the Guardian.
Masha by Mary Kay – I recently saw a review of The Youngest Lady in Waiting over at Shiny New Books and immediately placed a hold on this earlier book.
Noble Savages by Sarah Watling – Finally! This was in every bookstore when I visited London last year but limited luggage space kept me from buying this biography of four fascinating sisters. I’m delighted that my patience has finally been rewarded.
What did you pick up this week?
The Captive Reader 
I love reading your Library Loot posts. You’re such an eclectic reader, as am I.
I simply can’t imagine any other way to read! So glad you enjoy reading the posts.
I enjoyed The Madwoman Upstairs as I continue my Brontefest.
I am on a Catherine Gaskin books binge. I highly recommend The Charmed Circle, which I just completed moments ago. I actually wept at the ending. Gaskin is an amazing storyteller and writer. Have any of you read her lately?
I’ve never heard of Gaskin but am intrigued by your recommendation. Sounds like she’s an author you really love.
Her first novel was published when she was 17 and she wrote throughout the mid 20th century (b. 1929, d. 2009). Some may call her a “romance” author but I would say that is in the classical sense of the genre. “Born in Ireland, grew up in Australia, spent 8 years in England, married an American and settled in New York for 10 years. She and her husband lived in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and the Wicklow Hills in Ireland before moving to the Isle of Man.”
I have almost completed her ouevre, but some bear re-reading, such as her novel Sara Dane.
I soooo need to read Life and Fate!
You do!
That’s a great list! I’m interested in what you think of Islamic Empires.
I’m so excited that you picked up The Nymph and the Lamp! Dare I ask what you thought of it?
I haven’t a chance to read it yet but I’ll let you know once I do! Thanks for bringing it to my attention.