I find Alexander McCall Smith to be a delightful storyteller. His novels are just that -- novel, with witty, droll characters, a thoughtful reflection on the state of human affairs on this spinning orb we call home and generous kindness for the foibles and straights we get ourselves into.

Isabel Dalhousie is my favorite of his protagonists, and The Lost Art of Gratitude is a comfortable walk through the streets of Edinburgh and her library stacks of Philosophical journals and texts (with numerous quotes from her favorite poet, Auden). A typical month in the life of Isabel, with generous appearances by Jamie, Charlie, Grace, Cat, and the supporting cast of eccentric, lovable, and wickedly nefarious people of her neighborhood; with just enough righteous indignation to keep Isabel from being overly moralistic, and a much relished near-overdose of her ironic wit and wry humour.

I have The Charming Quirks of Others on the hold list at the library, and can't wait to read it on the next rainy Sunday afternoon in NYC.