After the first installment of my bookshelf series, some of you messaged me about enjoying this series. I was humbled to hear that so many of you read such interesting, captivating and thought-provoking books. I always tell friends and family who ask about c&é followers that my readers are composed of some of the most articulate and intelligent women I know. So I’m glad I’m able to “geek out” a bit on here with you. Among all things beautiful, whimsical and pretty, it’s nice to engage the intellect. And so I thought it was time to share the updated collection of books that currently sit on my nightstand.
Tea & Cake London by Zena Alkayat
Though this is not much of a novel, fiction or the sort we’re used to reading. Sometimes I need something to peruse for the sake of getting inspiration for interior or food photography. Alkayat’s tea and cake book is perfect for those moments you need some creative inspiration away from the computer. And trust me, skimming this book before bed is the perfect way to have a majestic dream about indulgences.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
We all remember this one from grade school, inspired by Orwell’s disenchantment with Soviet Communist. Animal Farm is about the oppressed animals of Manor Farm as they oust their intoxicated human master and take control over the management of the farm. Bringing in themes and beliefs of Lenin and Marx, everyone works overtime with productivity rising and just to feel that short desire of happiness and content.
Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
Everyone and anyone should have a read of this book, especially bloggers who want to improve their writing and substance. Truss brings life and importance back to punctuation with chapters focusing on apostrophes and commas, semicolons and colons, brackets, ellipses, emoticons and more. Intermingled with anecdotes, cute phrases and explanations of grammatical rules. It’s surprisingly a fast and joyful read.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
I have a friend that studied English at Durham that speaks nothing but stellar things of Toni Morrison. I read beloved back in high school and after recently re-reading it I realized that I missed so much of the prose. Following the years after the American Civil War, following the life of Sethe, born a slaved and escaped. Sethe still has juxtaposing memories of her life on a beautiful farm but undergoing horrible things, still not free, as her new home is haunted by the ghost of her baby. Written beautifully intermingled with poetry and mystery.
Great Game, Local Rules by Alexander Cooley
This is a bit of a random draw as it is not as poetic or visually appealing as the other, though still just as insightful. As someone who specializes in Middle East and Central Asian security concerns, Cooley’s book covers the fascinating struggle between Russia, China and the US for influence in Central Asia. What is far more fascinating in this multipolar region, however, is the local political agency’s power and savviness to manipulate the great powers for personal gain. A geopolitical phenomenon that is unique to this century and this ticking time bomb region.
So tell me, what sits on your nightstand? Please do share anything you’re reading from a magazine issue, collection of poems, a play or even your favorite trilogy.
