June reading

Have just finished reading The Novel in the Viola, the new book from Mr Rosenblum's List author Natasha Solomons. I'd recommend it as a bed book, winter's equivalent of a beach read; something to curl up and get lost in but whose plot I'll have completely forgotten in a month's time. It was like a great fling: fun while it lasted. (I think my brain is still affected by the WW2-era language. Who says fling?)

Next on my list is Linda Grant's The Thoughtful Dresser, something I've wanted to read for ages. I can't describe the premise any better than the blurb on the back: "...the thinking woman's guide to our relationship with what we wear..." This non-fiction subject has become its own mini genre over the last few years, and, when done well, it's engrossing, insightful, playful and poignant. When its not done well, it's more a superficial romp through someone's wardrobe, which doesn't interest me. Justine Picardie's 2006 My Mother's Wedding Dress was the first such book I picked up and I've been hooked ever since. I have high hopes for The Thoughtful Dresser as Grant is a Man Booker-prize shortlisted author.

Pia Jane Bijkerk's My Heart Wanders arrived in the post a week ago and I haven't got further than flicking through it yet. Looks pretty. Very pretty. Regardless of how the words will sound to my ears, it's a book I could enjoy for its looks alone.

If I could just crawl back into bed right now with a mug of hot chocolate...