I would certainly never think of making a list of the world's greatest books. I admire the courage of those that do. A book is what the reader finds in it, so how can you assay them except for your pleasure?
Gladys TaberStillmeadow and Sugarbridge 1953
And what am I reading just now? A Lesson in Secrets, the 8th Maisie Dobbs book by Jacqueline Winspear; and on the Kindle, Disappeared by Anthony Quinn- a riveting mystery set in modern day Northern Ireland.
Is that Anthony Quinn the actor that is writing? Or is he dead?? He would be a very old man now. I always enjoyed him as an actor. So many actors are also artists in other mediums.
ReplyDeleteNot the actor! Yes, he died in 2001.
DeleteYou may find out more about this fellow, and his first first novel here:
http://anthonyquinnwriter.com/
Disappeared is really excellent. I was so impressed.
That is exactly the right way to think about books! Reading is such a very personal response, and while I have favourites that I return to time and time again, I couldn't even begin to draw up a list of the world's greatest books, because I only know what I like.
ReplyDeleteGladys is so good at expressing just what I often feel. Most 'best of' lists, which come out this time of year leave me cold. I so rarely read or enjoy what others deem 'best.' It is always a sweet surprise to me when I do!
DeleteA Lesson in Secrets, the 8th Maisie Dobbs book by Jacqueline Winspear ..... I love Maisie Dobbs, a singular kind of woman! Glad you are enjoying them too.
ReplyDeleteI do so like her.
DeleteGood quote, Nan, and I must agree. I've been thinking of Gladys Taber later, even pulled out some Stillmeadow for browsing.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a pleasure to spend time with.
DeleteI like to read these 'best books' lists and then I start to think as I scan the list, 'Actually, I didn't like that...' So it's all a nonsense really! Each to his own. For instance, I can't seem to get on with Maisie but realise that I'm in the minority and that thousands, including my daughter, love the books. That's just the way it is. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've 'met' a few people who found the books slow and not that interesting.
DeleteNot a book comment, but just to say how much I love your header photo, except that I can't read the book titles ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Let's see, here are a few of the titles - Time and Again by Jack Finney, The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell, many Barbara Pym books, the Provincial Lady books by EM Delafield.
DeleteI wonder if Gladys would be surprised at the number of world's greatest books lists she is on...Gladys Taber has quite a following. Interested? Check out www.friendsofgladystaber.org to become a member. The quarterly newsletter (each issue contains approx. 40 pages) is fabulous! The next(June 2013) member Reunion will be held in West Chester, PA - home to Sugarbridge of Stillmeadow and Sugarbridge (1953) fame. A Gladys Taber fan? You won't want to miss this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteI am a member!!
DeleteI have always loved Gladys Taber's writing, mainly her nonfiction, and have managed to collect quite a few of her books. I originally ran across her columns in my mother's 1950s "ladies magazines."
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful.
DeleteI recently re-read the Maisie Dobbs series as a lead-in to the the lastest book--which, I have to say was a disappointment. [Elegy for Eddie] While Maisie is undoubtedly a unique character and a compelling one in the earlier books, the supposrting history of the times is fascinating as well.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see your reaction to the latest book--don't want to give any spoilers.
I keep thinking of doing this but haven't yet. I'm frankly not wild about this one.
DeleteThank you for the opportunity to enter your giveaway for a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sweet book.
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