Little Self-Interview With Books

I'm going to get right into it. Every year, I like to revisit six questions about books and reading and give six answers, hoping to discover something new about myself and my reading habits. The questions are:

1. What was the last book you finished reading?

2. Tell me about something you are reading right now.

3. Do you have a book in mind that you are excited to start next?

4. What are 3 books you've read in the last few years that you loved and would recommend to other readers?

5. What were your favourite books when you were a child?

6. What did you enjoy reading as a teenager?

What was the last book you finished reading?

Wintering by Katherin May, and a book of poetry, It's Day Being Gone by Rose McLarney.Wintering by Katherine May is a reflective, gently philosophical memoir about the seasons of life when everything seems to slow down, fall apart, or go quiet.

It's Day Being Gone by Rose McLarney is a lyrical, deeply observant poetry collection that explores the landscapes - both physical and emotional - of rural life, memory, and loss. Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian region, you have to read it.

Tell me about something you are reading right now.

This is so interesting! I'm reading Druid Mysteries by Philip Carr-Gomm. It is an accessible introduction to modern Druidry - its history, spiritual outlook, rituals, and symbolism.

While not completely convinced by a lot of speculation regarding Druids and Stonehenge and other neolithic architecture, or on how ancient Druidry is, I found a deep connection to the less metaphysical philosophies of this earth religion. Generally, it has been quite a fantastical ride full of new learning, good meditations, and a refreshing connection to nature and other human beings.

I am also reading Two Trees Make a Forest by Jessica Lee. Highly recommended. Lyrical, knowledgeable, and never boring.

Do you have a book in mind that you are excited to start next?

Yes. First coming to mind would be Drive Your Plow Over The Bones of The Dead written by Olga Tokarczuk.

In a remote Polish village, Janina devotes the dark winter days to studying astrology, translating the poetry of William Blake, and taking care of the summer homes of wealthy Warsaw residents. Her reputation as a crank and a recluse is amplified by her not-so-secret preference for the company of animals over humans. Then a neighbour, Big Foot, turns up dead. Soon other bodies are discovered in increasingly strange circumstances. As suspicions mount, Janina inserts herself into the investigation, certain that she knows whodunit. If only anyone would pay her mind . . .

Goodreads

But also

• Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain
• Close to The Knives - David Wojnarowicz
• Last Letters from Montemarte - Qiu Miajin

What are 3 books you've read in the last few years that you loved and would recommend to other readers?

In 2025,

• The Death of Ivan Ilyich
• The Safekeep
• Faith, Hope and Carnage

What were your favourite books when you were a child?

Manga! Dragonball Z, Topolino, and others!

What did you enjoy reading as a teenager?

I didn't admit it at my last go with these questions, but I loved Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.