Book Buying Frenzy

Half price -- three for two -- and then four for a pound! Who could resist? The William Boyd Restless I grabbed yesterday on a quick trip to Asda -- I've loved everything I've read of his, but have held off this one as I'd picked up from various sources that it was a little disappointing. But I think even a slightly disappointing William Boyd will be certainly worth a whirl and it was half price, after all. Then this morning I went into our local small market town -- delightful in the sunshine, it was, daffodils everywhere -- with a friend who wanted to buy a book for his daughter-in-law's birthday. So I went with him to Waterstones to "help him choose". I suggested Sarah Waters Night Watch which I think is without doubt the book I've enjoyed the most of anything I've read for ages. I loved it so much that I started reading it again as soon as I'd finished it. This was partly a function of the way it is plotted -- as it starts at the end, chronologically speaking, and works backwards, it is fascinating to re-read the beginning in the light of what one now knows about the characters and their histories. I was completely drawn into the world of the book -- hope the d-in-law  will be pleased with it. But of course I was seduced by Waterstone's three for two offer, and spent ages trying to decide -- in the end it was The Tenderness of Wolves and DJ Taylor's Kept -- I know nothing of the latter but am a sucker for Victorian mysteries. I had toyed with A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian, and Sarah Challis Footprints in the Sand, and Kate Mosse's Labyrinth -- and then I went next door to the Cancer Research charity shop and got all three, plus a Robert Goddard, all for £1! All very exciting and should keep me happy for a while. I also got a beautiful green wool cardigan, French, brand new, from another charity shop -- what a lovely morning!