Friday, September 7, 2018

I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel


I am going to recommend a book — it was just published days ago — based on three things:

1. I met the author last night at an event at my neighborhood            bookstore    

2. The cover illustration couldn't be more perfect

3. It is a book about books

I'd Rather Be Reading: The delights and dilemmas of the reading life by Anne Bogel just came into my hands in the past 24 hours. I have not had a chance to read more than the introduction and the first entry, "Confess Your Literary Sins." 

(My literary sins? I will confess a few: I am not a fan of Jane Austen and barely made it through Pride and Prejudice. I hated Wuthering Heights. I have never read any of The Great Russian Novelists.)

Anne Bogel is the writer behind the Modern Mrs. Darcy blog. She is also the voice behind the podcast What Should I Read Next? on which she gives book recommendations to callers based on three books they love, one book they hate, and what they are reading now.

She has quite a loyal following.

All of this was new to me until last week when I read the email newsletter from Carmichael's Bookstore and caught a glimpse of the cover of IRBR. Based on that alone, I put the author event on my calendar. It was only later I discovered that Anne grew up here in Louisville and lives less than two miles from me. 

How have I missed her?

The event — I am so glad I went early — was standing room only. The woman sitting next to me (on the front row, of course) had come from Lexington, 90 miles away, and said she was a long-time fan of both Anne's blog and podcasts. 

The book is not a compilation of blog posts, but contains original content. There are 21 essays within its 150 pages. There are even illustrations — always a plus.

Anne didn't spend too much time with opening remarks but went right to Q&A. She was funny and engaging. She loves libraries. She loves books. She loves reading. 

Here's a paragraph from the introduction:

We are readers. Books are an essential part of our lives and of our life stories. For us, reading isn't just a hobby or a pastime; it's a lifestyle. We're the kind of people who understand the heartbreak of not having your library reserves come in before you leave town for vacation and the exhilaration of stumbling upon the new Louise Penny at your local independent bookstore three whole days before the official publication date. We know the pain of investing hours of reading time in a book we enjoyed right up until the final chapter's truly terrible resolution, and we know the pleasure of stumbling upon exactly the right book at exactly the right time.

Sound familiar? 

I know what I'll be reading this weekend. 

Anne Bogel signing books at Carmichael's Bookstore
I'd Rather Be Reading

10 comments:

  1. I've heard her name, but I didn't know about the podcast, which I've just subscribed to, or the book, which I've just put on my wish list. Thanks!

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    1. Hello, Joan. I am not in the podcast world, but I may have to drop in to one or two of hers just to see what recommendations she comes up with!

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  2. I love books about books. And this one looks especially good. And my literary sin? I don't like Jane Eyre.

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    1. Hi, Lark. I love your literary sin! I read 'Jane Eyre' but actually got paid to proofread a galley of a new Norton Critical edition a few years ago. I am glad that I read it, but am not tempted to reread.

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  3. Oh my word, I NEED this. That cover! And I am never one to shy away from a book about reading. I do hope it's published in the UK...

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    1. Hi, Simon. Yes, the cover is delicious. I just checked and Amazon UK has it in hardcover for 9 pounds 90! That is wonderful! And to think the author just lives down the road from me. If you do decide to buy it, I hope you enjoy it. Nice to hear from you!

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  4. Oh a kindred spirit who is also not a Jane Austin or Russian novel fan! I wil be getting this book thought.

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    1. Hi, Fran. Yes, one either loves Austen or one doesn't. There is no in-between. I have a friend who reads and rereads all the Russian novelists. I have never seen the attraction. I tried 'Anna Karenina' but didn't make much of a dent in it before I gave up. Thanks for your comments!

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  5. I plan to read this soon. I missed her visit to Tampa, unfortunately, but I enjoy reading her blog semi-regularly. So cool that you're "neighbors"!

    Speaking of literary sins, I also hated Wuthering Heights (though I love Jane Austen). I hated Catcher in the Rye and couldn't get through it, and the only Russian lit I've read is Anna Karenina, which I barely remember.

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    1. Hi, Kathy. Yes, the whole neighbor thing was a delightful surprise! I know I read Catcher, but have no recollection of when or even why. I must have been going through a Salinger phase. It was long ago. I tried to read AK, but didn't get too far before I gave up. All those names - difficult to keep track.

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