I love a reading ritual at the end of day, although I’ve learned not to read a novel in bed. With sleep being my goal at that time, I limit myself to slow, slightly interesting but essentially boring books. I’ve read about the British and Indian surveys of the mountains and rivers of the subcontinent. The entire history of India and another tomb on Varanasi, oh and the brilliant but very dry Palestine at the time of Christ. I started it days after the declaration of retaliation and hoped I’d see the end of the war before finishing the tomb. Unfortunately the killings continue and I have learned from this book the ancient roots of the hate.
Nigel Slater has lulled me into sleep lately with his little vignettes from his plate, life and garden. At least there is peace there.
That’s a really interesting way of deciding what to read Lisa. I definitely feel I don’t read enough history and I’m sorry that you weren’t able to get to the end of your book before peace arrived. What a world
Oh Mark Bird School is WONDERFUL! I've bought copies for my sister and two friends and last week I went birding every day, after reading it! I was in Provence and heard one of Adam's favourite birds, the Golden Oriole. Wonderful. I haven't had so much ornithological fun since I was in the YOC (look it up). I want my own hide! Such a fab book. Enjoy! I'm jealous of you reading it x
I love Adam Nicholson's writing and just bought it from a friend's birthday, but I shall have to get a copy for myself. I was smitten by the stunning cover too. Reading at the end of the day is my treat, even if only a few minutes. Another gorgeous piece and thank you for the Leonard Cohen clip. As for the cauliflower, I am happily prepared to be "ridiculous".
Reading at night? Yes if I’m not too knackered but seizing 10-15 minutes first thing to read a few pages or a chapter is even better for this fellow slow reader. Also creates the desire to get back to the book later in the day so win win.
The cauliflower thing sounds extraordinary. Will have to try.
Reading - you know what I am like for it but have my routines. Non fiction in the morning (at the moment rereading short bursts of Richard Flanagan’s Question 7 followed by a chapter of John Valliant’s Fire Weather which work very well together), and fiction at night. And I get totally immersed but even so have to regularly repress the check phone urge. Drives me nuts. Must read Molly’s book!
I haven’t read Richard Brautigan in decades and now you have me wondering what I’ve been doing with myself to have not! Thank you for the reminder…off to order a couple, which I hope won’t sit on the side for too many months while I read these two. That phone urge os so powerful isn’t it…our kids will find it very hard to overcome it as they haven’t known a time without
I love a reading ritual at the end of day, although I’ve learned not to read a novel in bed. With sleep being my goal at that time, I limit myself to slow, slightly interesting but essentially boring books. I’ve read about the British and Indian surveys of the mountains and rivers of the subcontinent. The entire history of India and another tomb on Varanasi, oh and the brilliant but very dry Palestine at the time of Christ. I started it days after the declaration of retaliation and hoped I’d see the end of the war before finishing the tomb. Unfortunately the killings continue and I have learned from this book the ancient roots of the hate.
Nigel Slater has lulled me into sleep lately with his little vignettes from his plate, life and garden. At least there is peace there.
That’s a really interesting way of deciding what to read Lisa. I definitely feel I don’t read enough history and I’m sorry that you weren’t able to get to the end of your book before peace arrived. What a world
Just to be clear Mark, it is only my bedtime reading. There is other reading in waking hours. I echo your sentiment, what a world!
What happened to Janis Joplin??? (On here, I mean)
She hiding in plainish sight (the Leonard Cohen link)
Ah.
Oh Mark Bird School is WONDERFUL! I've bought copies for my sister and two friends and last week I went birding every day, after reading it! I was in Provence and heard one of Adam's favourite birds, the Golden Oriole. Wonderful. I haven't had so much ornithological fun since I was in the YOC (look it up). I want my own hide! Such a fab book. Enjoy! I'm jealous of you reading it x
I looked it up! How excellent. It’s really good to hear the early pages lead to more brilliance - thank you x
The deep gravelly throat-song of Leonard Cohen, and smokey paprika cocoa cauliflower - and a good read. Perfect. Thanks Mark.
Frances
Thank you Frances
I remember having the cocoa, chocolate jelly and cauliflower risotto years back at the Fat Duck when it was a two star. It’s a damn fine combination.
You lucky bugger! Sounds amazing, though again, hard to anticipate exactly how it might taste
Most of that meal still sits in my head all these years later.
We did a similar cauliflower dish at the restaurant. We coated part cooked cauliflower in cocoa nibs and roasted them.
You should open that restaurant again just for me to come and eat your cauliflower there
Cocoa cauliflower sounds epic.
It’s really good!
PS Adam is not a fan of bird feeders. Sorry.
Yes, I know and many knowledgeable friends similar, and we only use it a little but probably will do away with it soon
That Adam Nicholson is going on the List...
It’s really promising a few chapters in and he rarely writes a duff sentence never mind book
My best reading time is early in the morning. But if I have other priorities, it gets pushed to the evening. Definitely not the same.
That cauliflower sounds delicious. I'll have to try it.
I’m going to have to try this morning reading, it seems to work very well for many here!
I love Adam Nicholson's writing and just bought it from a friend's birthday, but I shall have to get a copy for myself. I was smitten by the stunning cover too. Reading at the end of the day is my treat, even if only a few minutes. Another gorgeous piece and thank you for the Leonard Cohen clip. As for the cauliflower, I am happily prepared to be "ridiculous".
Our interests align perfectly! It’s such a great cover isn’t it - it would sell it to even the disinterested.
It would!
Reading at night? Yes if I’m not too knackered but seizing 10-15 minutes first thing to read a few pages or a chapter is even better for this fellow slow reader. Also creates the desire to get back to the book later in the day so win win.
The cauliflower thing sounds extraordinary. Will have to try.
That is such a great idea Fiona. I write best fora couple of hours from the instant I wake up so maybe it would be my best reading time too. Thank you
Have to confess it was @Signe Johansen’s idea when I was moaning to her about reader’s block!
I LOVE cocoa/chocolate in savoury dishes.
Reading - you know what I am like for it but have my routines. Non fiction in the morning (at the moment rereading short bursts of Richard Flanagan’s Question 7 followed by a chapter of John Valliant’s Fire Weather which work very well together), and fiction at night. And I get totally immersed but even so have to regularly repress the check phone urge. Drives me nuts. Must read Molly’s book!
I haven’t read Richard Brautigan in decades and now you have me wondering what I’ve been doing with myself to have not! Thank you for the reminder…off to order a couple, which I hope won’t sit on the side for too many months while I read these two. That phone urge os so powerful isn’t it…our kids will find it very hard to overcome it as they haven’t known a time without
Was it delicious Mark? I’m intrigued.
It really really was JP…sweet, bitter, smoky in excellent harmony
Sounds heavenly.