Prize winner

I've been so busy the last few weeks that I completely forgot to announce who had won the two books I had put into the draw.

Only two people actually entered, so it was very easy to make the award.

I have pleasure in announcing that Stacey won The Flight of the Falcon, so if she'd email me, I can have it out to her by the end of the week.

Simon won the other one ... er, what was it, I can't remember. I've already given it to him anyway, so it doesn't matter!

More talk of books read recently coming up ... I have read 58 books out of 100, and have currently got at least three on the go. Onwards my friends!

Not drowning but waving...

I am starting to think that there should be a help group for those with a book fixation. Like the AA. It could be called BA. 'Hello, my name is Rebecca, I'm a bookaholic and I've not bought a book in three days'

It's never going to happen is it? Even if we swear off buying books in a proper bookshop, there are still charity shops, second hand shops, flea markets. You name it, you can probably buy a book there. Even the weekly food shop isn't a safe activity for a bookaholic.

Take today, for instance. On my way home from work I had to go past a restaurant to check the times for cheap eating, and since I was down that way anyway, thought I'd pop in to the best charity shop on this side of town. It's like a grotto - not all nice clean lines, and bright lighting like most Oxfam's - this is all over the place. You could get lost if you tried.
There I found eight books for £9, and in buying them brought my total of books up to 755. And I've not read 432 of them. This isn't a comprehensive list - I only started compiling it late last year when I was getting bored of writing job application forms. All those books that I read because I was told to by University reading lists, and then decided that I hated them. They're not on there, because I sold them.

So, I'm fast running out of shelf space, and bank balance, but do I care? Do I heck! This is the best addiction that I could possibly be afflicted with. When I'm really old (because this is an addiction that doesn't kill you, except when trying to lug an armful of books home) people will come for miles to see the woman who lives in the biggest house they've ever seen, yet has very little furniture apart from bookshelves!

In honour of my books, I am offering a prize draw ... because, yes, I do sometimes buy a book I already have. So, if anyone wants a copy Stella Tillyard's Aristocrats or Daphne du Maurier's The Flight of the Falcon leave a message telling me your book history, or just say 'me, me, me, ME!', and I will enter you for the draw, which will be drawn next Friday evening. Open to everyone, wherever in the world you live!

Oh, and much thanks to Stuckinabook for letting me use his sketch - it really does sum up my relationship with books!

P.S. Kiera Knightley is continuing to ruin my childhood memories. Cameron Macintosh is remaking 'My Fair Lady' and guess who has been cast as Eliza? Yes, HER!
However, I am totally conflicted by the news that Emma Thompson will be doing the screenplay, and that Daniel Day Lewis will be Professor Higgins. I HAVE to see it now!

Buy a friend a book week

I'm so glad that I've joined in time to celebrate this best of customs ... it's great to share the love!

Consequently, if you would like to enter the Buy a Friend a Book draw, please comment down below before Friday.

I am hoping to get hold of one of the Virago Modern Classic birthday editions (although they seem to have disappeared without a trace ...), but if anyone has a burning desire for something, then please include it in the comments. My limit is £15.

Because I'm feeling generous, there will be a second prize too ... ooh!


In other news I had a dream last night where Daphne du Maurier was sitting on my sofa. I made a reference to Oriel Malet, at which Daphne gave me a piercing look and I blushingly confessed I'd been reading 'Letters from Menabilly'. Then I woke up. Anyone like to tell me what my subconscious is trying to tell me?