Acts of Randomness

Acts of Random Reading

Buying books and reading books are two of my favourite things. I buy a lot of books, but I do read most of them. This is not a book blog, no reviews here, this is to keep me up to date on books I am reading this year, some projects and books I think might be interesting to buy in the future.

Some time ago I was directed by my husband to a website where they had numbered some books that had languished on their shelves, but that they wanted to read, from 1 to 20. Each month they would select a number and the book would be read. Considering the number of books I had sitting on my shelves passing judgement on me, this seemed a good idea. So 20 books were selected and numbered and placed in a big box under the bed. Hence, these became known as the under the bed box books. It took me about two and half years to read these - the book chosen by a roll of a 20 sided dice. There were only three that I didn't finish. So I have adapted this to just six books, but it means I read the pile each year. Every odd month has a new book to read.

I also have a fascination with Japanese literature, but no idea why. However, I often wonder if I am missing something by not understanding the culture or language enough and seriously considered giving up, usually when I read a book and end up disappointed. However, I have decided that I am going to learn more about Japan and see if this is the issue. I have some podcasts in mind and also a couple of anthologies of Japanese Literature.

Other genres of interest include anything with trains, gothic horror / weird, early 20th Century female writers and translated fiction.

2025

This year I am planning to read six more under the bed books, continue reading the George Smiley novels in order and also read all of the Outlaws of The Marsh books. I am also going to learn more about Japan and Japanese literature. I can't think of any books that I have ever reread, so this year I am going to also reread some books that I remember enjoying.

March 2025

Books to be read in March

Books Read in 2025

George Smiley novels in order

February

Books on February's list (with a nod to Indie Publisher's Month)

January 2025

The books I planned to read:

I also finished reading Tim Parks' Pen in Hand which I started last month and which has made me want to spend more time thinking about translations and also rereading some books.

In addition to the above I also read A Burnt Out Case by one of my favourite authors: Graham Greene which I really enjoyed (despite the book falling apart and moulting the remains of the binding glue everywhere). It had two of Greene's favourite topics - Catholicism and Africa.