the bookshelf diaries: alexandra storey
The Bookshelf Diaries takes a peek into the reading life of writers, readers and book lovers. Today, Lip writer Alexandra Storey allows us a nose through her favourites.
What are you reading right now?
I’m currently reading Fanny Burney’s Camilla. It’s the first of her novels I’ve read, and I’m really enjoying it so far, even though I’m about 100 pages in – and my edition’s 900 pages long. It’s always fascinating to read a book from an earlier time period, especially because so many of the situations that the characters find themselves in are very relatable to modern day challenges.
Where did you buy it?
I borrowed it from a library. I love buying books but at the moment I don’t have much of a disposable income. My other problem is that I read books far too quickly, meaning that there’s not much point in spending $30 on a book that I’ll read the next day, and then relegate to a sad, lonely existence on a bookshelf.
What’s in your to-read pile?
E. M. Forster’s Where Angels Fear to Tread. I am a big fan of his later novel Maurice, so I thought I’d give him another go. I’ve also got a collection of P. G. Wodehouse short stories. I love reading about the early 20th century – I’ve just finished reading Frances Partridge’s Love in Bloomsbury (an inside peak into the private lives of the Bloomsbury Group), and I try and pick up as many Carola Dunn, Catriona McPherson, and Rhys Bowen murder mysteries when I can.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year?
In terms of writing style and sheer nostalgia, I really liked Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, a coming-of-age novel featuring a young woman’s experiences with popular culture and fandom. I finished it in a weekend and it was one of those ‘can’t-put-this-book-down-I’m-enjoying-it-so-much’ reads.
Where do you like to read?
I love reading in bed, or on a nice cosy couch; it’s a bonus if I can have a warm cup of tea or a snack to nibble on as well. Unfortunately, in reality, I spend a lot of time on public transport, so I guess I’m lucky I don’t have motion sickness!
What’s your favourite book of all time?
My tastes have changed a lot over the years, but if I had to choose I would probably say L. M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Anne Shirley is one of my all-time favourite fictional characters – she’s imaginative, constantly pushes the boundaries, and makes very human mistakes.
What do you read to feel inspired?
A few of my friends are emerging writers, so I love reading their works. I also like reading In Brief Magazine; I’ve even been published in one of their issues.
