I remember being really troubled by the dilemma posed by this post on Normblog. If you were forced to choose between only reading new (to you) books, or only ones you already knew – which would you pick? I went for new ones, but it was a wrench – it’s comforting to return to familiar favourites, and I enjoyed this Guardian piece on the books we reread to cheer ourselves up.
Are you returning to familiar books this Christmas or trying something new? I’m in the middle of Tom Holland’s Dynasty at the moment, which is new yet also (via I Claudius and more) familiar territory. I’ve also bought Robert Penn Warren’s All The King’s Men – because Twll Dun grouped it with The Plot against America and It Can’t Happen Here, both of which I very much liked. Finally I’m planning on reading some more Angela Thirkell – she was writing in the 1930s, but is new to me. This short post sums her up rather well.
NoYo requested a post inviting readers to return to favourite pieces and comments on Harry’s Place this year – so here is your chance. (You might also like to reminisce about your least favourite posts and comments – in so far as that is compatible with seasonal good will.) I’m sure many people enjoyed the Corbyn poems thread, and I’ve (finally) posted a selection of favourites above the line.