My life in books

In the afternoon (around 13:00 GMT) there is a very nice program on BBC 2, which is called "My life in books" (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01czdrq). The presenter Anne Robinson – better known for her grilling performances on 'The weakest link' – interviews two British well-known personalities about the books they love. The series is now in its second season, so apparently I'm not the only one who likes to watch it. Unfortunately I haven't seen a suggestion for the To Be Read List, but I haven't seen all episodes yet (thanks to the digital recorder), so maybe… who knows.
An episode usually starts with a book from their childhood years, followed by one from their adolescents, and three from their grown up years to end with one guilty pleasure. At the end of the episode, the personality also has to say what their books say about them.

As it is better to steal a good idea, than to invent a bad one (bad translation of a Dutch saying), I'm going to steal the BBC's idea and give you my selection of five books.

Childhood years

As I grew up in the Netherlands, my childhood books were only in Dutch. I couldn't read any English than, although now I prefer English over Dutch. My favorite author was Thea Beckman. She wrote children's books for all ages. Even my grandfather enjoyed them. Beckman won several awards for her books and some were even made into a film. Her most famous one must be "Kruistocht in spijkerbroek" ('Crusade in jeans') about a modern teenager – Dolf – which is transported by accident back to the Middle Ages where he gets mixed up with the children's crusade. All in all an exciting tale where many things happen, not all good.
My favorite Beckman book would be "De gouden dolk" ('The golden dagger') set in the second crusade (1147-1149). Jiri Rambor, the son of the black smith follows the French army to Jerusalem. Again, many things happen. It is an adventure. After many years Jiri and his nephew return to their small village. There, on the wild outskirts he climbs a stone heap. But it isn't a stone heap but an old grave. He finds the prophesized gold dagger and enough gold to start a life in Paris. All is well.

Looking back on her books, it should not surprise me that the books I liked most all had a historical aspect. For instance the crusades or the Hundred Years War (trilogy "Geef me de ruimte!" ('Give me room'), "Triomf van de verschroeide aarde" ('Triumph of the scorched earth') en "Het rad van fortuin" ('The wheel of fortune')). And I liked her older work ('The golden 'dagger' was written in 1982) better than her newer works (she died in 2004). All in all, if you can ever find anything from her hand in translation, do give it a try. Or learn Dutch and read her in the original language.

Adolescent years

I was a very progressive reader, if that is the correct term. The library catalogued Thea Beckman's books for 12 and older. But by the time I turned 12, I already read all of her books. I do remember finding it very difficult to find new books to read. In the end, I picked up a green book from an unfamiliar author named J.R.R. Tolkien. As you might guess, it was "The fellowship of the ring". The first time (I've reread several times now) I read the whole book in Dutch, now I prefer the original, English version. The first book did, and still does, gave me some problems. I found it long-winded and it really took me a long time to finish it (in my memory about a month). But when I picked up "Two towers" and "The return of the king" I finished them both within two weeks. Tolkien has defined my taste for fantasy and in the years to come guided me to Tad Williams, Robin Hobb, Robert Jordan and even G.R.R. Martin. Fantasy still is one of my favourite genres and Tolkien one of my favourite authors. The only issue with fantasy is originality, that's why I don't read Terry Brooks. But that is a different story for another time.

Grown up years

I went to college when I was 18. I discovered Robert Jordan and read numerous books on history. The only books (series) which really stood out in those years was the Sharpe-series by Bernard Cornwell. I saw the movies, read all the books, devoured Cornwell's website and even the one from the Sharpe Society. I don't have a particular favourite in the series, but "Sharpe's Waterloo" and "Sharpe's devil" were not the best. I can remember that these two were the only ones I didn't finish. What did I like about Sharpe? Well, he's a brute with a soft heart. He worked himself up from the ranks. Despite his lack of manners, he is well liked by his men and disliked by his fellow officers (remember, Simmons!). Through his books you can follow the whole career of Wellington and the downfall of Napoleon. And yes, Cornwell allowed himself some historical freedom, but the discrepancies are explained in the historical endnote. The funny thing is, that I haven't read a Sharpe-book in years. I kind of grew weary of Uthred and that is all he seems to write these days. So please mr. Cornwell, write another one about Sharpe!

One day, I was with my friends in Amsterdam and in the American Book Center I found a hard back copy of "To green angel tower" by Tad Williams. The cover art was fantastic and I really, really like books in hard back. My friends thought I was crazy, and maybe I was. I bought the book, read it and was very happy. The trilogy "Memory, Sorrow and Thorn" stand in a Tolkien-like tradition. Young Simon sees his world thrown into chaos as dark powers force their way into his world. As all epic fantasy novels, it ends well. Simon marries his love and become king of the realm. But before the good side gets there, there's a lot a struggle, loss, pain and fighting. Absolutely a nice read. I found another of my favourite authors. I think it's time for a reread.

When I moved out of the student dorm I lived in a small village called Oegstgeest. It is close to Leiden where I had lived previously. In a bookstore on the central market square I found a book which – I have to admit – I bought for the outstanding cover art (by John Howe). This books was "Assassin's apprentice" by Robin Hobb. The series about Fitz and his wolf rekindled my love for fantasy (again). I really cried when Nighteyes died. So terrible. Although I had some trouble in the beginning with the series on the Liveship traders, even those books 'got' to me in the end. The way she paints her world is so entertaining you want to return again and again and again. I've met Robin during a book read in Amsterdam. That was amazing. She was so kind, so interesting. She stayed one of my favourite authors ever since.

Since my college years I really read a lot of different books, different genres (everything but horror), different authors. And although I've read so many books, only those mentioned above made an everlasting impression. Strange, but true.

Guilty pleasures

My guilty pleasure is more a genre than a specific book. Although I'm not a huge fan of the genre and am still very picky about which one I choose, I do like to read the romantic books – the lovey-dovey – when I'm tired, or in the mood for a not too difficult book (which is quite often lately). Then I read J.D. Robb or Elizabeth Lowell. And yes, I do something feel embarrassed to read these books. On occasion I find them insulting for my intellect. I'm not the type to swoon over strong, handsome men and independent women. But for fun, they are perfectly alright. So, for an introduction in this genre, which one would I recommended? That's difficult, because these books don't really have an everlasting impression. But thinking about the one I reread the most (when I'm dead tired), it would be "Midnight at Ruby Bayou" by Elizabeth Lowell. A strong man and an equally strong woman. It's a fun read.

What does this selection say about me?
Right, what do all these books say about me? I've a passion for history, am frequently out of this world and am really a romantic at heart? Or as a friend said long time ago: 'strange girl'.

Recommendation
So in the end, which one of these books would I recommend to you? Ai, that is very difficult. All books have their own flavour and taste. All books In the end, I think I will stick with Tolkien. He paints such a magical world full of its own languages and traditions, that I returned more than once. For me, he set the bar for the whole of fantasy. After you get through "The fellowship", the story is entertaining, quick paced and enthralling. So forget about the 1200 pages and just start reading!

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend?

Personally I'm not a huge fan of diamonds, or other expensive stones. "Act normal, that's more than enough" is the rough translation of a very familiar Dutch saying. Maybe when I get older, but for now, I'm doing fine with the few gold pieces of jewelry I own. Lucky hubby, I should say.

But not owning much jewelry doesn't mean you can't read about it or appreciate them. And the books of Elizabeth Lowell are all about diamonds, rubies, emeralds and other precious stones. Yes, I have to admit, her books fall in the lovey-dovey category, but in the more intelligent category. Of course it's still boy meets girl, they like each other, they fall out, they come back together, happily ever after. But besides this, as I have said before about J.D. Robb: something happens! It's not just the 'development' of their relationship. Some things actually happen. Usually in her books it involves either art of precious gems. It could be a priceless book an collector is willing to murder for ("Moving target"), lost Russian crown jewels hunted down by a ruthless Russian criminal ("Midnight in Ruby Bayou") or eerie paintings depicting gruesome deaths ("Die in plain sight").

The funny thing is, it doesn't matter which book you read by Lowell, you always learn something. In "The color of death" (the one I've read recently) and "Midnight at Ruby Bay", this is about sapphires and rubies. And what did I learn? Well, a ruby is actually a red sapphire. They're quarried in Asia. The best quality ruby is an untreated Burmese ruby, but these are very rare. People use all kind of treatment – for instance heat – to deepen the color of the ruby, but this can also lower the value of the stone due to the removal of the clarity and the clarity is very important. Don't ask me how, it is a chemical process. Just read one of Lowell's books (or Wikipedia). And of course, these rare rubies or sapphires play a big part in some of Lowell's books.
In "The color of death" it are seven (orange?) sapphires, which Kat Chandler turned into a necklace called 'the seven sins'. Somebody wants to steal the sapphires and in doing so killed Kat's brother. So she's on a witch-hunt, which only turns successful after she met FBI-agent Sam Groves. And yes, they fall for each other. In the end her brother's murder is solved, the bad guys apprehended, the jewels recovered and everybody's happy.

A funny thing about "The color of death" is that it is depicted as the fourth installment in the 'Rarities Unlimited'-series. And here comes the funny thing: Rarities Unlimited – an art appraisal house – doesn't feature in the book at all. The firm doesn't even get mentioned. Funny isn't it?

In the end I have to say, the books by Lowell are not of a very high standing. It is what I like to call 'a snack'. Fun to read, not too difficult, a nice plot and perfect to read before going to sleep, or in a train or bus, or on holidays. Just something easy in between. Is this a crime? No, absolutely not as long as your expectations aren't too high.

Guilty

It's been too long since I wrote my last post. I know. I really feel guilty, but somehow, I just couldn't find the time between work, a sick horse, social responsibilities, being abroad for holiday and for work to find time to write. It's not that I didn't read any books. I did. So I promise I will better my life and write more often. Well, at least once a week.

In the mean time, of course, a lot has happened. I've bought some new books and I've read some books. In order not to spill everything at once, I will stick to the new books for now.
At the end of August dear hubby and I took his mother on a holiday to England. We had great fun and of course enough time to buy some new books. I did my best not to buy too many, because the space on my shelves is limited. So... what did I buy? As usual it is of a wide variety:

1. Jemery Clarkson, "On cars"
2. Philippa Gregory, "The other Queen"
3. Deborah Harkness, "Shadow of the night"
4. J.E. Lendon, "Soldiers and ghosts. A history of battle in classical antiquity"
5. Pittacus Lore, "The rise of nine"
6. Elizabeth Lowell, "The color of death"
7. Desmond Morris, "Catwatching"

The Clarkson book is for dear hubby. I read some pages, and I don't really like it.
I already finished "The color of death". I bought it in a charity shop in Canterbury and as I didn't bring any books along with me, I just started to read. A review will follow later.

Luckily enough a week later, there was a book festival in Utrecht. Although I had a very limited budget (€23), I managed to buy some nice books. Due to the tight budget, I was unfortunately forced to leave some books behind. So which one did I bring with me?

1. Jeffrey Archer, "Cat o'nine tales"
2. Laura Hillenbrand, "Seabiscuit"
3. Michael Jecks, "The traitor of St. Giles"
4. Michael Jecks, "The leper's return"
5. Michael Jecks, "The devil's acolyte"
6. Michael Jecks, "The outlaws of Ennor"
7. Michael Jecks, "The tolls of death"
8. Steven Saylor, "The triumph of Caesar"
9. Sjöwall & Wahlöö, "De gesloten kamer"
10. Brian Buckley, "Fall of Thanes"

All in all not bad for just €22,75. Truthfully I thought the Buckley book was too expansive (€7.50), but it is the last instalment in a trilogy and I really wanted to read it. That's why I did buy it. And yes, you're right. A lot of Michael Jecks books. Last time I didn't buy them all, so this time I tried to make up for that error. The Dutch translation of a Swedish book is for dear hubby. I tried to read the first book in the series. I did finish it, but I didn't like it. He however likes them. So to make hubby happy...

So more books to read, and still not enough time. But I will manage, cope, or whatever.