Callum McLaughlin's Blog, page 3
January 10, 2022
Imelda May & Hanne Ørstavik | Mini Reviews
A Lick and a Promise by Imelda May
Published by Faber & Faber, 2021
Rating: 
I really enjoyed my time with this. May’s background as a musician & songwriter shows in the emphasis on storytelling, rhythm, and flow throughout her poetry. The pieces she wrote about her parents were the most resonant, and while there are undeniably some gems, there’s also a fair bit of filler – small scraps of poems that reiterate ideas already explored in other pieces. The strength of May’s voice – which is passionate yet approachable – could have shone more had the collection been stripped back a little.
The illustrations are a nice touch, emphasizing May’s all-round artistic talent.
Love by Hanne Ørstavik
Translated from the Norwegian by Martin Aitken
Published by And Other Stories, 2019
Rating:
This poignant, understated little novel reads in some ways like a cautionary tale about getting so wrapped up in our own lives that we fail to see what’s really going on around us. We follow the dual perspectives of Vibeke and her son, Jon, shortly after moving to a remote village in the northern reaches of Norway. On the eve of Jon’s 9th birthday, both venture out of the house alone on separate errands, coming into contact with strangers and potentially putting themselves at risk.
Ørstavik has a real knack for building tension. Even the most domestic situations quickly take on an air of threat as we seem to be building towards some kind of inevitable disaster. Though subtly delivered, it becomes clear that both narrators are lonely, desperately seeking affection and companionship. But while Jon craves it from his mother, Vibeke’s gaze falls elsewhere. The contrast between the two interspersed narratives emphasises this sad reality: While Jon’s entire night is framed around his consideration of where Vibeke will be and what she’ll be doing, Jon doesn’t once factor into Vibeke’s thoughts or actions.
Though a relatively new translation, the story was published in its original Norwegian back in the 90s. It’s interesting to read it now, and consider how prescient the author’s message about getting wrapped up in our own world was. Though it never quite delivers the sucker punch it could have, it’s a deceptively impactful novel that I found totally engrossing. I read it in a single sitting, but I think it will linger in my thoughts for a while.
January 8, 2022
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers | Book Review
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Published by Tor
Rating:
Becky Chambers is one of those authors whose books are so adored, I was convinced I’d love her work even before I had tried any of it for myself. Thankfully, reading this confirmed that belief was well founded
In A Psalm for the Wild-Built, we follow Dex, a tea monk whose vocation requires them to travel Panga (the moon they call home), providing those who need it with an impartial ear, words of comfort, and custom blends of tea. Despite being good at their job and relatively content with life, Dex comes to wonder if it’s enough. One day, craving solitude, adventure, and a break from routine, Dex heads into the untouched wilderness. Here, they become one of the first people for centuries to encounter one of the many robots who, upon gaining consciousness, chose to leave human civilisation and live free in the wild. Together, they wrestle with ideas of identity, purpose, and connection.
The role of a tea monk is such a lovely concept in and of itself; a charming play on the very real notion that a good cup of tea and a chance to offload can make everything seem better. This society having people whose very lives are dedicated to bringing such comfort to others is emblematic of the overall tone established by Chambers: one of warmth, kindness, and hope. On a grander scale, there is a clear sense of respect for the natural world, with “green” practices very much the norm. It is repeatedly implied that this harmonious, gentler way of life is a response to the impact of climate change, with humans having redressed the balance and reduced their impact on the environment before it was too late. This is something we could clearly learn from ourselves, but while most speculative sci-fi paints a dim view of our future relationship with nature, it was genuinely refreshing to read something optimistic.
I also loved the way gender identity and religion were handled, both having evolved to become far more fluid and inclusive in ways that felt natural and right. And yet, nothing was ever forced or preachy, with Chambers’ worldbuilding cleverly structured to show rather than tell. The prose itself is also gorgeous. Chambers paints her characters and their world so vividly, but she also has a knack for simple yet effective turns of phrase that feel perceptive and true: Birds aren’t singing, they have “melodic opinions”, while skyscrapers are “endless stacks of humanity”.
A poignant, necessary reminder that we’re all just doing our best to be happy, the book extends such a loving hand to anyone who may at times feel unmoored; questioning who they are or what they want from life. And yet, despite navigating big, philosophical ideas of place, purpose, and satisfaction, the story never feels dry. In fact, I can’t think of many books that have as much heart as this one. Without wanting to sound trite, it too functions like a comforting cup of tea and the reassurance of a friend, which is something most of us could benefit from now more than ever.
It’s rare I get invested in a series these days, but I fell instantly for Dex, Mosscap, and the reassuring way of life on Panga. I can’t wait to spend more time with them in future instalments.
January 3, 2022
Reading Year in Review & 2022 Goals
I don’t think I need to bother reflecting on the kind of year 2021 turned out to be overall. It happened; let’s move on, shall we?
In bookish terms, I felt like much of my year was defined by a lingering reading slump, meaning it came as a very pleasant surprise when I surpassed my goal for the year (by 1), reading 101 books in total. That’s the lowest figure since I started tracking my reading, but objectively, I’m aware it’s still a lot of books, and considering the backdrop we’ve all been living against, I can make my peace with it! I talked a little about my 10 favourites here.
My average rating was 3.6 stars. That’s .1 up on last year’s average, and it means I’m still enjoying the majority of the books I pick up, so I’ll take that as a win!
Though I always pick up books based purely on what appeals to me at the time, as the year comes to a close, I like to look back and break them down based on a few key areas. It’s clear to see I’m still drawn to the works of women far more than I am men, and I’m also pleased to see that my intake of non-binary authors has gone up a little – though this could certainly still be higher.
In terms of authorship, I’m pleased to see it’s not a terrible balance, but I could always stand to read more from authors of colour. I’d be much happier if it could move closer towards a 50/50 split, at least.
As per the trend of the last few years, more than half of my reading is given over to novels/novellas, and the proportion of my reading dedicated to poetry has edged up slightly again, which I’m perfectly happy with!
It also seems that around a quarter of my reading is made up of works in translation, which is pretty consistent with last year. I’d like to maintain or even boost that proportion moving forward, if possible.
I’m still going to set myself some goals for the year ahead, but in the spirit of not wanting to pile the pressure on when we’re still going through the wringer, I’m going to keep them simple:
Read 90 books: This is lower than I usually set my target, but I want to respect the fact my reading slowed down for much of last year. While it’s good to motivate myself with an ambitious end goal, reading is something I love, and so I never want it to feel like a daunting chore. Life is rough at the moment; it’s okay to ease the pace a little when we need to.Commit to WITmonth: I love joining in with Women in Translation Month, which takes place every August. For the last few years, I’ve committed to reading exclusively women in translation during that month, and I’d like to do so again.Re-read Saga: I read and loved the first 7 volumes of Saga as they came out, but I fell out of the loop and haven’t picked any up for ages. I believe the series is coming to the end of a hiatus soon, so I’d like to refresh my mind and get caught up.As always, I’ll finish this little retrospective by bringing together every title I read throughout the last 12 months (followed, this time, by all the embroidery projects I completed). If anything catches your eye, feel free to drop me a comment. Thanks for stopping by – Happy reading, and all the best for 2022!
January
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March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
December 31, 2021
Top Reads of 2021
It’s that time again! It goes without saying that 2021 has been another strange year, and sadly for me, much of it was defined by a lingering reading slump. It boggles my mind therefore that I somehow managed to get through 101 books, with my favourites listed below.
As always, I chose from the books I read for the first time throughout the past 12 months, and not strictly books that were published within that time. I always take into account how much I enjoyed the book at the time, and how well it has stayed with me since. But without further ado, let’s talk about some books!
Sealed by Naomi Booth
At once both highly allegorical and frighteningly plausible, this claustrophobic novel follows the perspective of a pregnant woman during the spread of a strange skin-sealing disease, born of climate change and an increasingly toxic atmosphere. Using body horror to explore the fear and potential terror of pregnancy/birth, the book also offers shrewd commentary on the narrative of female “hysteria” and the fight for body autonomy. This wasn’t the knock-out favourite I hoped it would be at the time, but certain moments continue to haunt me, strengthening my appreciation of its smart, understated power.
The Butterfly Lampshade by Aimee Bender
A quiet exploration of family, trauma, and mental health, The Butterfly Lampshade follows Francie as she reflects on a particularly upsetting and unusual string of events that took place in her childhood. Though it flirts with an otherworldly tone and elements of magical realism, it offers very real, poignant commentary on a complex mother-daughter dynamic, looking at just how closely fear, guilt, and love can intertwine when it comes to family. Deliberately fragmented and skilfully underplayed, Bender’s unique approach makes the book all the more impactful.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
His first release since winning the Nobel Prize for Literature, Ishiguro’s latest novel blends the appeal of commercial fiction (thanks to an enticing setup and immense readability) with the author’s signature exploration of the human condition. Concerned primarily with the moral complexities of artificial intelligence, the book explores well-worn themes of speculative sci-fi, but Ishiguro’s subtle emotional delivery gets to the heart of the best and worst traits of humanity. His brilliantly well-handled point-of-view and worldbuilding ensure it’s a fresh, worthwhile offering.
Hotel Iris by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen Snyder
Though not always easy to stomach, Ogawa’s signature hypnotic atmosphere makes it almost impossible to look away from this fascinating, offbeat little novel. The story Follows a 17-year-old who willingly subjects herself to a series of physical, emotional, and sexual humiliations at the hands of a much older man. Exploring misplaced grief and toxic relationships as a means of self-punishment, the book highlights the often fine lines between pleasure and pain, passion and torture, excitement and fear. In pin-sharp prose, Ogawa has written a novel that is as shocking as it is tender.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Set in the run up to Christmas in 1980s Ireland, this understated yet powerful little novel looks at the ideas of compassion and secrets; those we cannot see and those we choose not to. Capturing a very specific time and place within Irish history, Keegan embraces the power of implication, commenting on heavy topics without resorting to sensationalism. Sad yet full of hope, it captures the feelings of charm, nostalgia, melancholy, and longing that so often go hand-in-hand during the festive period. It’s a sensitive ode to the resilience of the working classes, and the quiet yet vital heroism of those who choose not to turn a blind eye when faced with injustice.
Endless Night by Agatha Christie
Though one of Christie’s lesser-known works, this quickly became one of my favourites. Hugely compelling, it has many of the hallmarks you’d expect from a classic Christie novel, including a central element of mystery, well-drawn characters, fantastic dialogue, and an intricate tapestry of clues that leads to a startling truth. What marks this out among her work, however, is how heavily she leans into the conventions of gothic literature – complete with a grand, imposing house, and whispers of the supernatural. Brooding and expertly paced, I loved its seamless blend of crime fiction and psychological horror – bolstered by excellent commentary on the freedoms and trappings of money.
Tonight We Rule the World by Zack Smedley
This is a powerful look at navigating trauma on your own terms. We follow Owen, who is sexually assaulted during a visit to a prospective university. When the crime is anonymously reported to his school, he is forced to deal with the fallout. The novel delves into issues as wide-ranging as loyalty, abuse, gender, PTSD, gaslighting, sexuality, toxic masculinity, and warped plays for power. It’s a tangled web, but the narrative never feels bloated, thanks to how well-realised Smedley’s protagonist is.
The Butcher’s Blessing by Ruth Gilligan
Set amidst the devastating outbreak of “Mad Cow Disease” in the 1990s, this is an achingly real portrayal of rural life in Ireland, and an ode to the country’s fraught history with its own folklore. Opening with the image of a body suspended from a hook, the narrative jumps back to explore the events that would lead to this man’s grotesque end. Instantly compelling, the stakes are consistently raised as we attempt to identify both the victim and the perpetrator from a cast of complex, morally ambiguous characters. Though ostensibly a literary thriller, the focus is placed firmly on its characters, all of whom are wrestling with their own inner demons. This allows for nuanced commentary on the fight for autonomy in a culture ruled by tradition, and the bravery required to defy society’s expectations in search of happiness.
Love and Fury by Samantha Silva
This stunning novel serves as a love letter to the genius of pioneering feminist and writer, Mary Wollstonecraft, while also painting a picture of the very real, sensitive woman behind the legend. Silva does an excellent job of celebrating her subject’s sharp intellect and early push for equality, exploring issues of gender, class, and sexuality with nuance and grace. That said, the book never feels like an academic text or a dot-to-dot biography. Wollstonecraft was a pioneer in many respects, but she was also a human being, susceptible to the same flaws and heartache as the rest of us. I think Silva handled the balance of reverence and honesty in portraying her heroine with aplomb. Whether familiar with Wollstonecraft yet or not, this is a gorgeous, evocative read; a character study that is equal turns inspiring, captivating, and moving.
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy
McConaghy blends powerful eco-fiction with the intrigue of a thriller in this arresting look at human nature. Our heroine is Inti Flynn, an environmental biologist leading a controversial rewinding project that aims to bring wolves back to rural Scotland. The surrounding community are immediately hostile; their resistance reaching a fever pitch when the mutilated body of a man is discovered. Inti is determined to absolve the wolves of blame — and thus spare them from a brutal culling — but to do so means proving there’s a killer in their midst. At once a page-turner and a deep dive into the psyche of its characters, McConaghy’s prose paints vivid pictures of Scotland’s rugged beauty. Almost every character is shown to be capable of both great compassion and immense cruelty, prompting us to consider which of these (if not both) is the true nature of man. And yet, nothing is ever presented as straightforward; McConaghy always mining the moral complexities of the situation. Even Inti is regularly forced to question the validity of her project, and where the line falls between vital conservation and unethical interference with nature. Burning with passion, Once There Were Wolves is an ode to the land as it once was, and how it could be.
December 30, 2021
December Wrap Up
Before I highlight my favourite reads of the year, and take stock of my reading year as a whole, there’s just time for one last monthly wrap up. Let’s just jump right into it, shall we?
Books read: 8
Yearly total: 101
the books I read in December
1. Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
| Review to come
2. Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
| Review
3. Festive Spirits by Kate Atkinson
| Review
4. The Wren-Boys by Carol Ann Duffy
| Review
5. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
| Review
6. Christmas Poems by Wendy Cope
| Review
7. Snow by Marcus Sedgwick
| Review
8. Wild Words by Kate Hodges
| Review
Favourite of the month: Wild Words
Since December always seems to end up being a bit of a hectic month, I didn’t get through a huge number of embroidery projects, but the ones I did work on, I loved. These included a couple of larger pieces – a pair of blue tits, and some Van Gogh inspired sunflowers – and a couple of mini pieces – personalised reindeer decorations for my niece and nephew.
There we have it! What was your favourite read in December?
December 26, 2021
Agatha Christie & Wendy Cope | Mini Reviews
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
Published by HarperCollins, 2021 (first published 1960)
Rating:
Christie’s work often leans into either the camp or sinister side of crime; the stories in this collection are definitely the former. Full of huge coincidences and convoluted plots, they’re fun, but by no means shining examples of the best Christie can offer.
The standout from the five stories included is definitely the title story. It features Poirot in his element, playful twists, and a cosy, Christmastime setting (the only one set at Christmas, oddly). While the collection as a whole is not a new favourite, I’m very happy to have this particularly gorgeous edition in my collection, as I continue to slowly make my way through Christie’s vast back catalogue.
Christmas Poems by Wendy Cope
Published by Faber & Faber, 2017
Rating:
Simple but effective, there is a bittersweet charm to these poems. They manage to capture the contrasting joy and sadness felt by many during the Christmas period. Cope’s style is incredibly accessible; her themes widely relatable. This makes them easy to dip in and out of, even if you’re normally daunted by the form.
It’s such a swift, nicely presented little collection. I can certainly see myself reaching for it again in future festive seasons.
December 22, 2021
Kate Atkinson & Carol Ann Duffy | Mini Reviews
Festive Sprits by Kate Atkinson
Published by Doubleday, 2019
Rating:
A slim collection of three stories set during the festive period. In general, they explore the more melancholic side of the holidays, when feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction are often heightened. That said, Atkinson weaves humour and warmth throughout; the strength of her characters’ voices giving us a sense of who they are incredibly quickly.
One of the stories ended on a bizarre, tonally jarring moment of magical realism that didn’t work for me, but the other two stories worked very well. Overall, they perfectly capture the bittersweet blend of nostalgia, sadness, and joy that so often go hand-in-hand at Christmastime. Lucy’s Day in particular is about finding small moments of genuine contentment in a life dictated by anxiety and burnout – something most of us can probably relate to at the moment.
This was such a great taster of what Atkinson can do, and I’m excited to explore more of her work.
The Wren-Boys by Carol Ann Duffy
Published by Picador, 2015
Rating:
Narrative driven and simply told, yet bolstered by vivid imagery, this ranks among my favourite Christmas poems from Duffy so far.
Dermot Flynn’s illustrations are a beautiful, well-matched accompaniment, bringing to life the crisp, winter landscapes painted by Duffy’s words.
December 14, 2021
Most Anticipated Releases of 2022
I love when these lists start popping up! I’m definitely a bit out of the loop at the moment, so my own offering is partly a list of upcoming books I’m excited about, and partly an appeal for recommendations you think I should keep an eye out for throughout the coming year. But without further ado, let’s talk about some books!
(Note: Release dates are to the best of my knowledge. They may change, and will likely differ between countries!)
Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda, translated by Sarah Booker – February 2022
This queer horror story supposedly explores the inherent terrors of adolescence and “the fine line between desire and fear”. Translated from the Spanish, it has shades of secrecy, madness, violence, and love, which is more than enough to pique my interest!
Parallel Hells by Leon Craig – February 2022
This collection of short stories puts a fresh spin on tropes of folklore and gothic horror to explore “queer identity, love, power and the complicated nature of being human”, all of which sounds right up my street. It seems it may lean into quite a bit of surrealism, and though this can be very hit-or-miss for me, I tend to gel best with it in short fiction.
Pollak’s Arm by Hans von Trotha, translated by Elisabeth Lauffer – February 2022
Drawing on real events and a little-known historical figure, this look at the power of knowledge and the importance of art is set in the Vatican in 1943. As Nazis storm the city, an envoy is sent to warn Ludwig Pollack, but rather than flee from certain death, he sits his messenger down and calmy narrates his life story, “illuminating the chasm between civilization and barbarism”.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield – March 2022
Miri’s wife returns from a deep-sea mission gone wrong; her relief turning to fear when it becomes apparent she brought something back with her. Speculative, queer, horror/sci-fi that explores love, loss, and grief? Yes, please.
Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong – April 2022
I’ve read both Vuong’s debut novel and debut poetry collection. He writes beautifully, and this second collection of poems, centred around the loss of his mother, is sure to be another powerful read.
Voting Day by Clare O’Dea – April 2022
Set in Switzerland in 1959, on the day men voted overwhelmingly to deny women the right to vote, this offers a glimpse into the lives of four very different Swiss women whose paths intersect. Though there’s a clear political angle to the book’s commentary, it favours a look at the human cost of inequality.
A Good Year by Polis Loizou – April 2022
Set in 1920s rural Cyprus, this follows a young couple expecting their first child. While one lives in fear of hellish creatures said to wreak havoc on earth during the twelve days of Christmas, the other is plagued by strange dreams that throw his sexuality into doubt. Seemingly at the mercy of ominous forces beyond their control, and a village wreathed in superstition, this slim novel looks at folklore and desire.
Shadow Girls by Carol Birch – April 2022
This is described as a literary exploration of girlhood that combines psychological suspense with elements of a ghost story. Our teenage protagonists find themselves haunted by a tragedy they witness in 1960s Manchester, and though I don’t know much else, I’m already hooked.
Under Her Skin by Various, edited by Lindy Ryan & Toni Miller – April 2022
An anthology of women in horror, this collects previously unpublished works of dark verse and lyrical prose focussed on the concept of body horror and the female experience. This sounds incredible, but I also love how inclusive it is, featuring work from cis and trans women, and non-binary femme writers. Also, THAT COVER!
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh – June 2022
Somehow, I’m still yet to try Moshfegh’s work, but her books always sound intriguing and inspire strong opinion! This particular offering is set in a medieval village, when “new and occult forces upset the old order.” With characters including the abused son of a shepherd, the blind local midwife with a strange connection to the land, the town priest, and the rich local governor, it sounds like there is much potential to mine in the book’s look at faith, power, and social structure.
A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari – June 2022
Historical fiction with elements of gothic mystery, this follows a trainee botanist’s attempts to clear her mentor’s name when he is wrongly accused of murder. Her knowledge of poisons could lead her to the truth, but it could also put her on the path of the actual killer. This sound like it could tick a lot of my boxes!
Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata, translated by Ginny Tapley Takemori – July 2022
Murata made waves with her first 2 novels translated into English, but this is the first time we’ll be able to dive into a collection of her short fiction. Characteristically unsettling, humorous, and otherworldly, the stories supposedly focus on “loners and outcasts”, exploring what it means to be human within the scope of “family and friendship, sex and intimacy, belonging and individuality”.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher – July 2022
As a lover of gothic horror, this retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher would have my attention anyway, thanks to the inclusion of a creepy manor, mysterious maladies, and strange voices in the night. Mention of “nightmare fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake” suggest it may also lean into cosmic/body horror, which makes me even more excited.
I’ll leave it there for now, but as I said, this is by no means a comprehensive list. I’m sure there are some I’ve forgotten, and even more I don’t know about yet! With that in mind, I’d love to know which book releases you’re most excited for in 2022.
December 6, 2021
Andrea Gibson & Ocean Vuong | Poetry Mini Reviews
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
Published by Button Poetry, 2021
Rating:
I’ve been meaning to try Gibson’s work for ages. Having been lucky enough to get hold of their newest collection, I am now all the more determined to explore their back catalogue at length.
The poems found here are very candid, focussing primarily on the themes of gender identity, queerness, love, loss, and healing. Gibson’s style is heavily narrative driven, informed by their own experiences and often delivering sucker-punch lines that are all the more poignant for the simplicity of their expression.
Though they never shy away from the pain and sadness life can throw at you (there is also excellent commentary on life with chronic pain, for example), there is such inherent warmth and kindness to Gibson’s voice; the wonderful flow and deceptive accessibility a welcome hand to guide us through the darkness.
There were several stand-out pieces (“See This Through”, “The Last Hours”, “Homesick”, and “Queer Youth Are Five Times More Likely to Die by Suicide” will stick with me) but there’s not a single dud throughout the entire collection – generous as it is in length.
Sharp, observant, and achingly tender, I am now very much a fan.
Thank you to the publisher for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
Published by Jonathan Cape, 2017
Rating:
This collection is highly revered and it’s easy to understand why. Though it didn’t quite floor me like I’d hoped (high expectations were definitely a factor here), I did greatly admire Vuong’s use of beautiful language to explore his themes in frank detail. This includes powerful commentary on war, immigration, identity, love, and sexuality.
It’s the kind of collection that shone in fragments for me: specific lines possessing greater lasting power than any whole poem. Still, I can see myself coming back to this one in the future, and I’d certainly read more of Vuong’s poetry.
December 3, 2021
Bookish Christmas Gift Guide 2021
I always enjoy putting together a little gift guide around this time of year, whether you’re on the lookout for Christmas present ideas for a bookish loved one, or simply want to treat yourself for the holiday season.
You can find my previous guides here: 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
But without further ado, let’s just jump right into it, shall we?
FRAMED BOOK PAGES
If you know the recipient’s favourite book, why not gift them a framed page right out of it? Aesthetic art and an easy means to enjoy your favourite quotes every day? It’s win-win. These prints from Bookishly feature pages from a wide range of beloved works.
READING RESTS
Reading rests aren’t just handy for holding recipe books open when you’re cooking. They’re also great for people who like to keep their hands free while they read so they can multitask. They can also help to promote better reading posture, and ease discomfort for those with conditions like arthritis. These examples, which fold down flat for easy storage, can be found at The Literary Gift Company.
BOOK NOOK SHELF INSERTS
Book nooks are gorgeous decorative shelf inserts that nestle among your books, like miniature little worlds. You can get DIY kits to assemble the scene yourself, or premade pieces that are ready to be displayed. Elaborate, ornate designs can be fairly pricey, but cheaper alternatives can be tracked down online. The following examples were made by independent artists/sellers on Etsy: BStylish, WholesomeCollection, and BookBookPL.
NIGHT READER GLASSES
These nifty little glasses are fitted with LEDs, making it possible to carry on reading well into the night without having to leave harsh lights on. Different versions can be found easily enough online, in a range of finishes and lens strengths.
BOOKISH CUSHIONS
Who doesn’t want to be comfortable while they’re reading? You can get personalised cushion covers, cushions that showcase book cover art, or cushions with cute bookish slogans and quotes on them, as per the examples below.
BOOK TROLLEYS
Book trolleys seem to be the in thing at the moment, but it’s easy to understand why. Extra storage space is always going to come in handy for book lovers, and these compact, portable trolleys are both charming and practical – perfect for organizing your ever-expanding TBR pile.
STOCKING STUFFERS
Whether you’re looking for little extras to bulk out a gift, have a tight budget to work with, or simply want to keep it lowkey, stocking stuffers are a great option. Small, useful, cute, and affordable: these examples are all available from The Literary Gift Company. They include a bookmark that serves as a mini magnifying glass; a book fan (for a book fan, get it?); and a book holder that marks your page and props your book open while you read it.
BEAUTIFUL BOOKS
As always, I couldn’t do one of these posts without recommending a few beautiful books; the kind that are so aesthetically pleasing they lend themselves particularly well to being gifted.
Wild Words by Kate Hodges
This feels very much like a book for book lovers, and I have my eye on it myself! Subtitled “A collection of words from around the world that describe happenings in nature”, it’s a beautifully presented celebration of the world around us and the language we use to describe it.
The Unwinding by Jackie Morris
Morris’ stories are like dreams on the page; snapshots of strange worlds populated by mysterious beings and quiet magic. Her accompanying artwork is undoubtedly the highlight; suitably evocative and ethereal, bringing these worlds to life in rich detail.
Frida by Sébastien Pérez & Benjamin Lacombe
Short, poetic musings on the life and work of Frida Kahlo, combined with extracts from the renowned artist’s own journals. Lacombe’s stunning art draws from the iconography of Kahlo’s work to pay tribute to her genius, making this a wonderful book whether you’re an avid Kahlo fan or a complete newcomer.
There we have it! I hope you’ve picked up a few useful ideas, and wish you all a lovely festive season – however you’re spending it.
