confessions of a book-a-holic

For the last 2 days I have been at home with a bad cold. My own remedy for a cold was quite simple - retire to bed with a good book, a nice cup of relaxing tisane and.... a huge bar of Dairy Milk chocolate (thanks to the YW/YM fundraiser). I read Kelly Denley's "Almost Perfect" on the first day, and continued my reading of "A matter of conscience" on the second day. Bad timing had it that I was in one of the chapters of High Court rulings. Having most of my grey matter replaced by snot I was struggling with the Legalese, but I am pleased to say that I conquered Mabo (1). It has been a very educational book for me as I have learned a lot about recent Australian political and judicial history, with the latter half of the book emphasising Ron Wilson's work for Human Rights/Aboriginal Rights. Very topical in this year of "sorry".

Anyway, and this is where the confession comes in, I needed an outing today. Besides milk and bread shopping I thought a visit to "Recycled Reading" might be nice so I called Tina to join me.

I love book exchanges, it is so much easier to make a new book discovery in them. I feel more inclined to make adventurous choices when I am not paying full price for a book. There is also the rather satisfying aspect of coming out with an armful of books. I bought a couple of books I have always wanted to read, but haven't got around to yet: "A short history of Tractors in Ukrainian" and "The Shipping News". Then there were books that have been recommended to me eg "A long way gone, memoirs of a boy soldier" . I also found another Barbara Kingsolver book and a Muriel Spark. But, I was really excited to find Spike Milligan's "Silly Verse for Children" that I have been on the look out for, as well as another poetry book for children. A couple of old dr Seuss books also decided to come home with me.. I would take a photo of the complete stash, but my camera is still missing.... besides, I'd hate to incriminate myself any further :)

My name is Mari, and I am a book-a-holic.......

(btw, when I walked out of the door of the book-shop I came face-to-face with "LollyWorld". I had to indulge in a pack of Penguin biscuits.... all around a terrible experience!)