Simply..be my guest....

30/1/2015

I was rather dismayed to find that some of the most moribund parts of my book collection were in the guest room! Oh dear. Not very kind to my guests is it?

There were these little Penguin Series 60's. (53 of them.) Great writers, short to read or dip into. Good.

There were my notes from learning Greek some considerable time ago. Bad.

There were these lovely Bloomsbury Poetry Classics. Good.

Then there were out of date guidebooks and maps. Bad.

Lots and lots and lots of these little mini books. Hmm...if you gave me one of these Thank You, but I think it's time I passed them on...

I could do with your ideas here please.

If you were my guest what would you like to find on the bookshelf in your room?

I'll send this copy of Susan Hill's amusing Howard's End Is On The Landing to a name picked at random from commenters who give me suggestions!

13 Comments

Alison

30/1/2015 06:47:46 am

Hi Freda,

I really enjoy experiencing what inspires others, and so, if I were staying in your guest room, what would thrill me most would be to find a collection of books that have inspired you.

Maybe a couple of picture/coffee table books, a few novels, a couple of books of poetry, and perhaps something that reflects the region if not already covered.

Linda

30/1/2015 06:54:05 am

I've never been to your part of the world, so I'd like a small "flora and fauna", a guide book, a Gallery/arts guide/map and a spare sketchbook and pencil to take with me on my walks and draw my finds in the evenings! And you can leave the poetry and short stories as well, just in case it's raining or I wake too early.
All of this would make me a very quiet house guest, of course!!!

Madeleine

30/1/2015 07:46:59 am

Hi Freda,

I would probably love some short stories to dip into, but I also agree with Alison about books that have inspired you.

On the rare occasion that I have guests, I invite them to take anything that inspires them from the bookshelf.

Madeleine.x

Cathy

30/1/2015 09:09:46 am

I'm not much of a short story reader, but if I'm your guest, that might be best. I don't want to get into a good book & not be able to finish before I leave. I'm also certain you don't want me hanging around until I do finish. lol!!

I agree with Linda, too. Several guides of the area would be interesting & helpful.

elaine link

30/1/2015 04:26:00 pm

How strange - I have just finished reading Howards End is on the Landing - and found her choices of books fascinating - although I have not read many of them nor am I likely to - books and reading are very personal things aren't they - I personally enjoy fiction more than fact and like my books to be a little quirky and really don't like the mundane 'chick-lit' books. At the moment I am going through some old Virago books , although I am not sure they are really my cup of tea either - it seems I am getting more choosy as I age.

Swissrose link

31/1/2015 06:31:20 pm

LOL I have definitely become very choosy about what I like to read!

I find that whether guests are staying with me or I with others, there is little time to read at all so it would have to be short, I suppose!
My bookcases are free for a guest to choose from but to be honest, it's more likely that we'd be chatting about something and I would fetch the book/s in question, giving the guest the opportunity to either dip in at their leisure or take the book with them…

Christine link

30/1/2015 08:53:03 pm

Hah! My guests have to sleep in what is effectively my library - one whole wall has floor-to-ceiling shelving (and it's a high ceiling) which is crammed with books. The room even smells like a library, so I worry about that ...
However, my lovely #1 son tells me he loves it all, and is never at a loss for a book to read. I personally think the mini-Penguins are great, because you have a half chance of finishing one before you leave.

cath

31/1/2015 12:46:57 am

If available, a catalogue (or more) from exhibitions you participated in. Or artists you are inspired by.The short stories would be great if there would be a sleepless night. Maybe those lovely Bloomsbury Poetry Classics and history/photography of the region you live in.
(I own a copy of Howards End is on the Landing, so you can leave my name out of the hat).

Penny L

31/1/2015 07:21:56 am

I'd love to find any of Miss Read's books on your bookshelves. They are such lovely , old-fashioned books that are easy to dip in and out of! They create a cosy world that I love and I often find I read them when my every day life is feeling a bit stressful.
Failing that absolutely anything would be fine as I will read anything anytime, any place , anywhere. The back of a cereal packet or the small ads in a free newspaper if that's all there is!!Pennyx

Angela link

31/1/2015 08:36:09 am

When I stayed at my friend Gabby's house in Melbourne, she left a Sherlock Holmes/Sir Arthur Conan Doyle book on the bedside table for me, and I was really chuffed. It's nice when a friend knows you so well.

For an overnight stay at yours Freda, I'd be happy with poems, short stories, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho or anything from/about an artist you like. For a few nights, "Red Dog" by Louis de Bernieres and a walking guide book to Scotland. For longer, "The 100-year-old man who climbed out the window and disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson is a cracker. I've read them, but would happily read them again.

And last but not least, no matter the duration, a collection of Scottish jokes!

Karen

31/1/2015 11:00:41 am

I suggest a book of Alan Bennett's stories. I just finished reading Smut, but if that title is offensive, maybe Four Stories or The Uncommon Reader would be more appropriate. All are quick to read and entertaining.

Karen T.

2/2/2015 04:06:54 pm

Penny L, I like Miss Read too! And like Angela, I enjoy dipping into a Sherlock Holmes story. I always like to see books that my host/hostess loved as a child (my bookshelves hold Grimm's tales, Charlotte's Web, and Edward Eager's books beginning with Half Magic), or their favorite recently-read novel (my husband and I just read The Martian together and enjoyed the science and the adventure, and I'm loving The Storied Life of AJ Fikry). Another must would be guidebooks of the area.

Freda

4/2/2015 01:10:28 am

What brilliant and very thoughtful ideas - you have given me plenty to think about and another (welcome) task! Thank you all. Will report back soon...

Simply..be my guest....

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