We had a couple of forms to print and Bill had a book in, so after lunch, we were heading out to the library--now just over a mile away instead of a 1-hour bus ride! I was thinking that it would be weird to be going somewhere without my backpack when I stopped and had a stern chat with myself. "Don't be ridiculous!," I said. "You're going to the library and you do not have to rush in and out because they've already been to lunch! You will be wandering around looking at books. Of course you need your backpack!" I was telling Bill about this when he said, " You'll leave with some books." I did.
Walking up the little lane was as pleasant as it always was. The plants had gotten bigger in the few years we've been gone, but otherwise, the landscape was much the same--grey sky, lots of green, and a touch of gold.
We printed the forms. Bill waited to get his book because the librarian was issuing new library cards to 2 wee people--and in Irish. I was pleased to see it. And what did we leave with?Bill's book was this one, which I plan to read after he's done with it:
He requested it after we read this excerpt in The Guardian.I saw this book, which Bill listened to on audio a year or two ago and really liked. It won the Booker Prize in 2023.
I'm not sure why, but I did not want to listen to it. I thought maybe I'd find it in a charity shop one day and pick it up. When I saw it on the library shelf, I thought I might as well bring it home and give it a try. As far as I know, it's a dystopian novel about an Ireland that has been taken over by a fascist government. It's an interesting idea, because Ireland has a very tiny right wing, and they're still considered fringe. They have no elected officials in the federal government, although they ran some candidates. However, they are more visible than they were when we moved here and I suspect it's a matter of time until they do have someone in the Dail (parliament).Finally, I saw this and thought it was a very nice object--it's a Virago Modern Classic:
There are probably stories in here that I've read already, but that's OK.I expect some of my requested books to arrive later this week or early next week. Now that we're mostly settled, regular trips to the library will be part of our routine. Yay!
8 comments:
Next time they have Book Week in Ireland, Shari, you should be the poster girl!
It's great to live in a country of readers--charity shops are stuffed full of books and libraries are well-loved and supported. :-) What more could a book addict want?
You must be really excited that the library is so much closer now. And I just read to response to David. That is so exciting to live in a place full of book readers. I'm not sure how it is here in New Hampshire, but I know a lot of local readers. have a super middle of your week.
It's nice to have people in your circle who share your love of reading :-) The first place we lived when we moved to Ireland had two different book groups--one at the library and another devoted to nonfiction. It was fun to be a part of those.
That is so good your library is so much closer now ... so enjoyable to visit the local library.
All the best Jan
It is indeed :-)
"Shockwave" sounds especially good. I'd find that fascinating.
I agree--it does sound fascinating. Reading the excerpt was pretty powerful, so I expect the book will be even more so.
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