These are all books that I hope one day to borrow and read or buy and keep. I've heard about them from friends, come across reviews (usually in The Guardian Weekly), or I've read other books by the same author. It is my intention that others will be inspired to read some of these books too - that referring to this list will give you ideas about what to read when you're wondering "what shall I read next week?".
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Saturday, December 19, 2009

"Have You Seen...?": a Personal Introduction to 1,000 Films Including Masterpieces, Oddities and Guilty Pleasures (with Just a Few Disasters) - David Thomson 
I'm always worried that I've missed seeing some really important film (I've never seen Citizen Kane, for example), so a book like this will help me catch up and fill in those gaps. It would make a great gift for movie buffs!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

"Good Housekeeping" Step by Step Vegetarian Cookbook - Good Housekeeping Institute
Over 500 recipes; fabulous photographs; step by step instructions. I've actually owned a copy of this previously but had to leave it behind when I moved. Wish I could carry it everywhere, but it's a heavy book - all those glossy photos! A quick look at Amazon shows that it's apparently out of print - unforgivable. If you own a copy - hold on to it! Second hand price is already much higher than the original price. 

Monday, December 14, 2009

The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers - John Gardner
I'm forever imagining that I'm going to write fiction one day. This book was either recommended to me or I had a look at it somewhere. It has many good reviews on Amazon.com in the US. 

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba - Tom Gjelten
Reviewed in the Guardian Weekly and also getting good reviews on Amazon.com. I enjoy reading this type of social history. This is the history of the Bacardi rum company - a family business - and its involvement in Cuban politics.