Lockdown Reading

Look at this pile of books.

This to-read pile has existed, in one form or another, since the end of 2010. I found I had a surplus after the Manchester Literature Festival that year, and subsequently attended a load of book signings. No matter how much I read, the pile got bigger and bigger. I’d accidentally stray into Oxfam and make a purchase. Or I’d be walking past Waterstones on Deansgate and see yet ANOTHER celeb had released their autobiography, or a famous novelist had churned out a potential bestseller, and they were doing a meet-and-greet in store. So, of course, I’d come away with ANOTHER book.

I’d read as much as possible, reading at home, on the bus, and even at the gym. But then I’d stray into Manchester and go into klepto mode in HMV when I saw their multibuy deals. This has continued over the years. Well. Due to the threat of COVID-19, I’m not allowed to do that now, am I?

An optimist, as they say, sees an opportunity in every problem. So, between now and the end of lockdown- 13^th April at the earliest-  I’ll hammer through as many of these as possible. I’ve got weights for using in front of the TV- this can be my daily exercise, for the duration of an episode of Ozark (S3 drops today, at long last) or Archer or Bojack Horseman. But other than that, the emphasis will be on reading. 

Starting now!