As anyone with school age children will no doubt be aware, today is World Book Day. My eldest scooted off to school this morning dressed as Sherlock Holmes in my old Burberry mac (under strict instructions not to leave it behind on the football pitch at break time!) as well as a deerstalker hat, pipe and magnifying glass hastily ordered from Amazon on Express Delivery a couple of days ago.
As a working (albeit part time) and blogging mum of three, I haven’t got much time to read books and when I do get a chance to pick one up I usually go for lighter stuff that you can dip in and out of without losing the thread. I have vowed that I will immerse myself in the classics when the kids are older and I can actually read more than a few pages without being interrupted. Like most people, I read quite a few of them at school but some, like Anna Karenina and Atonement for instance, are still on my list and there are others that I think I would enjoy rereading without having to analyse the content in an essay.
Anyway, I had a hunt around the house this morning (as we only have two bookshelves it didn’t take long!) and for what it’s worth, here are my recommendations for a good read.
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
This was the most recent book I read. Set in the 1920s it tells the story of Cora Carlisle who has been hired to act as the chaperone for a 15-year-old Louise Brook as they journey from Kansas to New York city. It soon becomes clear that Cora is hiding secrets of her own, including the real reason why she longs to visit New York so much…
Front Row by Jerry Oppenheimer
If you’re into fashion, Vogue powerhouse Anna Wintour hardly needs an introduction. However, while everyone is familiar with her sleek bob and huge sunglasses, the woman behind them remains an enigma. Based on scores of interviews, this unauthorised biography chronicles Anna’s climb to the top of the magazine world exposing how she artfully reinvented herself along the way.
Elvis has left the building by Tania Kindersley
I read this book when it was first published in 2001 and as I picked it off the shelf today I decided that it is definitely due a re-read. Weaved around the art world, it’s a funny and poignant story about a heartbroken girl coming to terms with the end of a nine year relationship and gradually taking her revenge.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
This is probably the book that I most associate with my teenage years. I studied Sylvia Plath at school and was fascinated by both her poetry and personal life. First published in 1963, the book is as relevant today as it was then, and provides a haunting insight into the reality of mental illness.
Faithfull by Marianne Faithfull and David Dalton
A memoir by the original rock chick which recounts her days in the swinging 60s including her much publicised relationship with Mick Jagger, her descent into heroin addiction and subsequent recovery. A brutally honest autobiography, the book also serves as a captivating cultural history of London’s music scene.
A Spoonful of Style 
I just started The Chaperone two days ago. So far, so good – there’s not much else to do while in the midst of a Polar Vortex (still!!!!!)
I really enjoyed it and now I want to read Louise Brooks’ autobiography to see if the story stacks up! Sorry to hear you’ve still got bad weather 😦 At least it’s a good excuse to curl up on the sofa with a good book. X
I forgot about The Bell Jar! That book is AMAZING
I agree, definitely have to re-read it soon! X
Okay, how did I not know today was world book day?! Apparently I’m out of the loop. Coincidentally, I have a blog post about books that I was going to post tomorrow. I might need to post it today instead though!
I love all your recommendations. I have the Bell Jar and started reading it a year ago, but I wasn’t in the mood I suppose because I never finished it and it’s been collecting dust ever since. I’ve been in a pretty good reading mood lately though so I think I’ll pick it up and try again soon. I’m added The Chaperone and Elvis Has Left the Building to my Goodreads right now! Thanks for the suggestions! 🙂
Katie
Freckled Latte
I only know because the kids had to dress up! I look forward to reading your post – love the new blog design by the way and have followed via Bloglovin. The Chaperone was brilliant I thought, the Elvis one I haven’t read for a while but I remember really enjoying it. X
Thanks for the follow! 🙂
I like to find a fun reason to read, I would love to try the Front Row by Jerry Oppenheimer
It doesn’t paint the most flattering portrait of Ms Wintour but if you love fashion it’s a good read. X
Hmmm I would really like to read Front Row- thank you for sharing these!!
I really enjoyed Front Row, especially the stories of Anna’s earlier life in London and her rise to the top. X
Thanks for the recommendations! Elvis has left the Building & Front Row sound right up my alley.:) xoxo Donna
It’s a while since I read Elvis has left the building but I really liked it so due a re-read soon I think. X
Will always love the Bell Jar by Slyvia, mean’s so much reading it!
the 2nd book looks interesting 😀
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I’m going to pick up a copy of Faithfull, I love a good rockstar read. Wonderful Tonight by Pattie Boyd is quite good if you’re into that genre.
Thanks for the inspo!
Thanks for the tip! I will put it on my list. X
Ellie and I love Sylvia Plath too! thinking about reading the Front Row sounds good and I love a good biography!