Novellas in November is hosted by 746 books  and Bookish Beck . Head over to their websites for more information. I have finished three novellas so far, and am reading another two. I have already in my last post mentioned and reviewed Happy People Read and Drink Coffee. On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It by Seneca I have lately read a few books by and about the Stoics. I find that many, but not all, of their thoughts and actions are relevant today. Their way of thinking can be a comfort when facing various aspects of our lives, whether we are happy or sad. I very much liked Lessons in Stoicism by John Sellars . Here some quotes from Seneca. " Some have no goal at all toward which to steer their course, but death takes them by surprise as they gape and yawn. I cannot therefore doubt the truth of that seemingly oracular utterance of the greatest of poets: " Scant is the part of life in which we live." All the rest of existence is not living but merely time." "What, then, is the reason for this? Your sort live as if you're going to live forever, your own human frailty never enters your head, you don't keep an eye on how much time has passed already. You waste time as if it comes from a source full to overflowing, when all the while that very day which is given over to someone or something may be your last." ""Half-free," Cicero said of himself. But needless to say, the sage will never resort to such an abject term. He will never be half-free but will always enjoy complete and unalloyed liberty. Not subject to any constraints, he will be his own master and tower above all others. For what can there be above the man who rises above fortune?" The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope I am sure most of you have heard about this film, if not the book. A traditional adventure story with bold men and beautiful women. It was quite funny to read, and the story was so "visual" that although I read, it was like seeing a film. "Anthony Hope's swashbuckling romance transports his English gentleman hero, Rudolf Rassendyll, from a comfortable life in London to fast-moving adventures in Ruritania, a mythical land steeped in political intrigue. Rassendyll bears a striking resemblance to Rudolf Elphberg who is about to be crowned King of Ruritania. When the rival to the throne, Black Michael of Strelsau, attempts to seize power by imprisoning Elphberg in the Castle of Zenda, Rassendyll is obliged to impersonate the King to uphold the rightful sovereignty and ensure political stability. Rassendyll endures a trial of strength in his encounters with the notorious Rupert of Hentzau, and a test of a different sort as he grows to love the Princess Flavia." While looking at Goodreads, I realise that this is the second book in a trilogy. Who knows, maybe I will run into the other two one day.

Week 5 - New To My TBR - This week’s theme, hosted by Deb @ Readerbuzz , focuses on the latest additions to our TBR lists. Which books, recommended by fellow bloggers and nonfiction fans, caught your attention? Share the titles you’re excited to read and don’t forget to link back to the original blogger who inspired you! Here are some of the books that I am especially interested in. November has been a very busy month for me, and I did not have time to read the books I wanted to. I did read many of your reviews, and commented on some. There are a lot of interesting nonfiction books around. I also get inspired by all the subjects your read, that I don't read. As usual, I am bad with the notes, so here just a couple of books that interested me, of which I made a note. Hopewells library of life Precipice: A Novel by Robert Harris . UK Prime Minister H.H. Asquith’s affair with his daughter’s friend, Venetia Stanley (historical fiction) Margot at War: Love and Betrayal in Downing Street, 1912–1916 by Anne de Courcy. From the view of Mrs Asquith. Munich Wolf by Rory Clements - includes real-life Unity Mitford in the story. The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell - according to Hopewell the best book on the Mitford family. I have the book on my shelves. I am a big fan of Lovell and have several of her biographies. In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson - on my list to read. Stephanie @ Bookfever "I don’t mention any specific book because most of the ones Stephanie recommends—or has read on history—are also my favorites. Whether the topic is ancient times, lost civilisations, women in history, the Roman Empire, or any other fascinating historical time, I’m always eager to jump on board." What I read this month I take the opportunity for a small recap of my nonfiction month: Karl XII i Lund by Bengt Liljegren - history about Charles XII's stay in Lund (interesting since it is local history, and Lund, one of the oldest cities in Sweden, is only 25 km from where I live). On the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It by Seneca - short review under week 4 (also for Novellas in November) My European Family - The Last 54000 Years by Karin Bojs - short review under week 4 Prinsen av Vasa - Den siste gustavianen by Harald Hultman - The Prince of Vasa, son to the last Vasa king of Sweden (who was replaced by Jean Baptiste Bernadotte). The Prince of Vasa spent his life on the continent. I did not know anything about his life, and this book turned out to be very interesting. A second hand find. Skånes historia I by Gunnar Wetterberg - Wetterberg is a well-known historian. This is the history of Skåne (Scania, the southern province of Sweden). A huge book that I have read on and off for several years. Now I have the other two parts. They cover the history of this area from 11500 B.C. - 2017. It reads like a thrilling novel. Frauen, die lesen, sind gefährlich und klug by Stefan Bollmann - Women Who Read Are Dangerous and Smart - a funny little book where the author highlights paintings where women read. To each painting is a reflection on the women who read, what they are reading, the social context in which they are reading and so on. Quite an interesting little book, and a review will come. (Also for Novellas in November and German Literary Month). Well, I managed six books to my own surprise. I was a little bit slow in the beginning. It is just a fraction of what I would have liked to read. Luckily, the books remain with me and can be read in the future. Thank you to all the hosts of this wonderful reading challenge. I have enjoyed your posts and the variety that is presented during this month.

It is the first of Advent and we are slowly going towards Christmas. As a child I always had an Advent Calendar and was so excited to open one box every day. I used to buy one for my son as well. In Sweden there is also an Advent Calendar story on television, shown early in the morning, so children can watch it before going to school. Each year is a different story. It helps us all to get into the Christmas mood. I remember having done a bookish Advent Calendar one year, thinking it was just a few years ago. It was in 2017, which shows that time flies. Definitely time for another one, so I will add a short post for each of the days leading up to December 24. December 1, 2024 Advent marks the arrival of a notable person or event, and is also the first season of the Christian liturgical year, leading up to Christmas. In Christian traditions, Advent is a four-week period of reflection and celebrating, focusing on the arrival of Jesus on Earth. Today, however, the traditional reflections coexist with more commercial aspects. This morning I lit the first candle of my Advent candle holder. One for each Sunday. It is especially comforting here in the northern hemisphere where even the days are dark. Although, this morning the sun was shining. Bookish thoughts We are heading into December, leaving a very busy November behind. For me, it seemed that everything was happening in November; theatres, conserts, excersises, errands, appointments and I don't know what. On top of it all, a busy, interesting, reading month with many challenges, of which I participated in three: Nonfiction November, Novellas in November and German Literature Month. I did read a few books, and managed to combine a couple of the challenges, but, would have liked to read more. December will also be a busy month for me, so probably I will not have much time to read. Should I try to choose a few books to read? Everytime I do that, I tend to read other books, but why not. Maybe put the books that I have already started on the list? Seems like a good choice. Darwin's Sacred Cause - Race, Slavery and the Quest for Human Origins by Adrian Desmond and James Moore - a left over from Nonfiction November. It has been on my TBR for many years. I wanted to read it as a complimentary to Karin Bojs My European Family - The First 54000 Years on the evolution of man. The Lost Café Schindler by Meriel Schindler - A family saga of the Schindler family, and their Café Schindler in Innsbruck. The building is still there, hosting a restaurant and bar, with a special atmosphere. Meriel Schindler is looking into her family's past, making this a story of 20th century Europe. 12 Rules for Life - An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson - I think it does not need further introduction. It was getting my attention by my son who had watch video interviews with Peterson. I want to know what it is all about. Also Sprach Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche - a book for German Literature Month which I had no time to read. Another book to read, to find out what it is all about. And a classic too. Min bokvärld (My World of Books my transl.) by Kerstin Ekman - In 24 chapters Ekman looks into the books that has made an everlasting impression on her, and which she loves. Kerstin Ekman is a former member of the Academy, and a fantastic author. I am curious to see which books have influenced her life and her writing. Vad hände på vägen till Jerusalem? En gåta i historiens utmarker by Lena Einhorn - Lena Einhorn has had a varied career, from being educated to a doctor specialising in tumor viruses, to medical editor for Lifetime Television, and making medical documentaries, into an author of nonfiction books. I have read several of her books, and they are all mesmerising. Before this book, she wrote, The Jesus Mystery in 2007, and A Shift in Time in 2016 on "hypothesising an alternative understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus". This book, "What happened on the road to Jerusalem? An enigma in the outback of history" she is following in the foot steps of the bible. Looking for archeological and historical proofs of the stories. De fenomenala fruntimren på Grand Hotel by Ruth Kvarnström-Jones - an easygoing, feelgood novel of the fenomal women who saved the Grand Hotel in Stockholm at the beginning of the 20th century. It has got raving reviews in Sweden and I have big hopes of a fun and relaxing read. Have you read any of the books? Or any book on the subjects? What are your reading plans for December? Happy First Advent!

Franz Kafka: The Master of Alienation Few literary figures have captured our imagination like Kafka. He was born in 1883 in Prague, where he also died in 1924, after a time of illness. One hundred years after his death, he is still considered one of the most famous, and important authors in the world. His books have become classics. Most of us probably have an idea of him as a person, and of his writing. If you are asked for one word to describe the name Kafka, what would it be? Please leave a comment below. For me, it would probably be 'depressing', and 'anxiety', if I may add another word. Kafka's works show a portrayal of alienation, bureaucratic absurdity, and the human condition. His stories lingers between reality and nightmare (Metamorphosis?) and our questions are not always answered. A Life Kafka came from a middle-class Jewish family in what was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He worked as a legal clerk and wrote in his spare time. Very little of his works were published during his life time, and, on his death bed, Kafka asked his friend Max Brod to burn his manuscripts. Luckily, Brod ignored Kafka’s wish and the manuscripts survived. Major Works and Themes The Metamorphosis (1915)
 Kafka's most famous work tells the story of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one morning transformed into a giant insect. Through Gregor's dehumanising transformation, Kafka explores themes of family obligation, isolation, and the loss of identity. 
I read this novel in November last year. My reflections: 
- for someone like me who does not like insects it was a rather terrifying read. What does Kafka want to say with the novel? Alienation: people who are different are looked down upon? Work - the employer takes out everything they can from you? Family - he worries about the family which he supports. Once the family realises he cannot work anymore, they take their act together and start working themselves, and manage very well. Using other people for their own means? The Trial (1925)
 In The Trial, Josef K. is arrested and prosecuted by a faceless bureaucracy for a crime that is never revealed to him. Its surreal logic and dark humour highlight the individual’s powerlessness when facing the legal systems. 
I read this many years ago, and can still feel the anxiety of Josef K. when the legal system navigates around him, not giving him any power to face, or oppose it. The Castle (1926) 
This unfinished novel follows a man named K. who struggles to gain access to a mysterious castle. The story reflects Kafka’s obsession with unattainable goals and the human desire for meaning in a confusing world. Is Kafka relevant today? I think most people would say, yes. His name has even entered into the cultural sphere with the word: Kafkaesque - meaning situations that are absurdly complex, illogical, and oppressive. We have probably all been facing authorities where we have been trapped by the system, making us think that Kafka is not so far away. His stories remain relevant in our modern world. We are also confronted with legal systems, not to talk about digital systems, probably giving us anxiety, misunderstanding and fear, from time to time. Could reading Kafka give us hope? Although obstacles are arising for his protagonists, they are still fighting, despite of the absurdity around them. Does Kafka want to say that there is hope, in spite everything? I am also following a German-Austrian TV-series on Kafka, which I hope will give me an insight into his life. I will re-read The Trial and then go on to read The Castle . I want to know what Kafka can tell me today. Have you read anything by him? Please leave a comment with your thoughts.

Philip Larkin (1922-1985) English poet, novelist and librarian His poetry often explored themes of mortality, loss, and the passage of time. Although a celebrated author, he kept his work as a librairan all his life. From 1955 until his death, he held the position as librarian at the University of Hull. He preferred a quiet, provincial life which also shaped his poetry. He often deals with themes of "time, death, and the unfulfilled promises of life". Although a controversial person due to some of his private views, he is highly regarded and considered one of the greatest British poets of the 20th century. The Whitsun Weddings collection has a place on my poetry shelves. I choose to recite one of his most famous poems, as well as my favourite. An Arundel Tomb Side by side, their faces blurred, The earl and countess lie in stone, Their proper habits vaguely shown As jointed armour, stiffened pleat, And that faint hint of the absurd— The little dogs under their feet. Such plainness of the pre-baroque Hardly involves the eye, until It meets his left-hand gauntlet, still Clasped empty in the other; and One sees, with a sharp tender shock, His hand withdrawn, holding her hand. They would not think to lie so long. Such faithfulness in effigy Was just a detail friends would see: A sculptor’s sweet commissioned grace Thrown off in helping to prolong The Latin names around the base. They would not guess how early in Their supine stationary voyage The air would change to soundless damage, Turn the old tenantry away; How soon succeeding eyes begin To look, not read. Rigidly they Persisted, linked, through lengths and breadths Of time. Snow fell, undated. Light Each summer thronged the glass. A bright Litter of birdcalls strewed the same Bone-riddled ground. And up the paths The endless altered people came, Washing at their identity. Now, helpless in the hollow of An unarmorial age, a trough Of smoke in slow suspended skeins Above their scrap of history, Only an attitude remains: Time has transfigured them into Untruth. The stone fidelity They hardly meant has come to be Their final blazon, and to prove Our almost-instinct almost true: What will survive of us is love. If you want to visit the tomb it is situated in Chichester Cathedral. It is now widely, though not quite certainly, identified as that of Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel (d. 1376) and his second wife, Eleanor of Lancaster (d. 1372). In the Wikipedia article An Arundel Tomb there are a few interesting notes on what Larkin himself thought of the poem and the background to it.

I went for a walk with a friend this morning. It was fresh, and rather cold, so we went to a café for a coffee. On the way home, I passed by the Little Black Library , a street library where you can give and take a book. It was decorated for Christmas. I found this wonderful little book. Carina Burman (born 1960) is a Swedish novelist and literature scholar. Her research has been focused on Swedish 18th and 19th century literature. Burman's novels have historical motifs, often taking the form of a pastiche. Maybe you wonder what a pastiche is? I did. "A pastiche is a work of visual art, literature, theatre, music, or architecture that imitates the style or character of the work of one or more other artists. Unlike parody, pastiche pays homage to the work it imitates, rather than mocking it." I have read several of her books, and love them. I have another one, unread, on my shelves, about Carl Michael Bellman, a famous Swedish troubadour in the 18th century. That books is 637 pages long, with the appendixes over 100 pages. Islandet - The Ice Country - takes place during the 19th century. "During a grand Christmas celebration in the three days of 1799 at the Ransäter manor in Värmland's Bergslagen, the reader meets a broad-shouldered young man with one blue eye and one brown eye, who will soon marry a girl from his hometown who can make rye dough and pour candles. But Fate intervenes: pain, joy and strong emotions await. It is the budding poet, historian and composer Erik Gustaf Geijer who has the one leading role in the romantic adventure which, much later, is depicted in an exchange of letters between a German baroness and a young Swedish writer. Time for a change of scene. Uppsala, the city of learning and youth, spring 1816. This is where everything happens. It is here that Geijer meets the famously beautiful and witty Amalia von Helvig. Academic lectures and literary salons where famous contemporary figures appear: Malla Silfverstolpe and Atterbom among others. Ice removal and cheerful outings in the surroundings. And a stormy swearing, but also great sadness. Iceland is Amalia's story, told by her sister. It is a novel about memories and dreams, about Värmland and Uppsala, about how cold Sweden meets Europe." (Google translation from Swedish). In the afternoon, I went to the nearby shopping mall for some errands and enjoyed their beautiful Christmas tree. You can't really see the wonderful colours of the tree, so I add another photo that I took some years ago. Slowly getting into the Christmas mood.

Martin Cruz Smith Today is December 6, and that is also the title of a thriller by Martin Cruz Smith (In England it was published under the name Tokyo Station). Martin Cruz Smith is, for me, forever connected to the exciting thriller Gorky Park , of which was made an excellent movie with William Hurt. I still, sometimes, think of the fantastic ice skating scene with the powerful music from Tchaikovsky’s The Swan Lake . A plot summary from Wikipedia: "In late 1941, Harry Niles owns a bar for American and European expatriates, journalists, and diplomats, in Tokyo's entertainment district, called the "Happy Paris". With only 24 hours until Japanese fighters and bombers attack Pearl Harbor, Niles has to consult with the local US ambassador, break up with a desperate lover, evade the police, escape the vengeance of an aggrieved samurai officer and leave the island, the exit points from which are all closed. Having grown up in Tokyo, Niles is fluent in the Japanese language and culture, and is highly streetwise." I am thinking it could be a good thriller to read on a cold, December night. Have you read it?

In the foot steps of Jo Nesbø Tomorrow, on Sunday, December 8, I am heading towards Oslo for a couple of days. I found a quote from Nesbø, on Oslo. " Until the Eighties, Oslo was a rather boring town, but it's changed a lot, and is now much more cosmopolitan. If I go downtown, I visit the harbour to see the tall ships and the ferries, and to admire the modern architecture such as the Opera House or the new Astrup Fearnley Museum on the water's edge ." That is probably true, and I can add the new Munch museum in the same area, making it to a cultural treat. I wrote a short newsletter this week on Oslo, available on my: The Content Reader Newsletter . While looking on the web, I happened to find a website, helping you to follow in Harry Hole's footsteps. As mot of you know, Harry Hole is the famous detective creative by Nesbø, appearing in many of his novels. I have not read that many of his books, but I will make a note for my next trip. In the footsteps of Harry Hole throught the street of Oslo A few examples of a tour with Harry Hole (from Strawberry website, link above). Restaurant Schrøder - Waldemar Thranes Gate 8 - a five-minute walk from Harry Hole's flat. This is also the restaurant where police officer's regular meet. " Everyone who comes in wants to know the same thing: which table does Hole sit at when he's here, " adds Khalid with a smile." Harry Hole's apartment - Sofies gate 5 - in the Bislett area of Oslo. Teddy Softbar - Brugata 3A - " Entering Teddy's Softbar is like taking a journey back in time. Since its opening, the restaurant has been a gathering place for all Oslo residents from the east to the west side. " It seems that Nesbø has choosen a few places that looks really inviting. Maybe I will pass by some of them? I have to keep my eyes open. Have you read Nesbø's books? He has sold over 50 million books, and is Norway's most popular author. It might be a good time to read another one, while in Oslo.

Second of Advent and the day to light the second candle. Here in Sweden it is rather dark this time of the year. December is therefore a rather nice month, because we add a lot of extra lights; advent chandeliers, electric and candles, electric star, we decorate our balconies, trees, and other vegetation in the garden. I remember when my husband first came to Sweden for a Christmas - many years ago. He went by bus from the airport, travelling through villages, cities, and countryside. The first thing he sad upon arrival was: "Is it obligatory in Sweden to have an electric advent chandelier in the windows?" It is not, but most people have them. These days, I think it is rather common all over Europe. It makes an extra touch of warmt during the cold, dark, and sometimes foggy winter. Enjoy the photos.

Christmas reading I am not really a person who reads Christmas novels. I have read, maybe the most famous one, Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. Otherwise, I have no real interest in specific Christmas reading, unless they are nonfiction. I thought it would be interesting though, to check out which seasonal stories are available. I found the following on Wikipedia (I am sure there are others as well): Novels Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot's Christmas - which I read recently Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol - which I have read Charles Dickens, The Chimes Charles Dickens, The Cricket on the Hearth Charles Dickens, The Battle of Life Charles Dickens, The Haunted Man and The Ghost's Bargain Janet Evanovich, Visions of Sugar Plums Frederick Forsyth, The Shepherd Jostein Gaarder, The Christmas Mystery John Grisham, Skipping Christmas Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - which I have read Christopher Moore, The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror Kate Douglas Wiggin, The Birds' Christmas Carol Short stories Hans Christian Andersen, "The Fir-Tree" Truman Capote, "A Christmas Memory" (published in Mademoiselle) John Cheever, "Christmas is a Sad Season for the Poor" Agatha Christie, The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding Agatha Christie, A Christmas Tragedy Fyodor Dostoevsky, "A Christmas Tree and a Wedding" Fyodor Dostoevsky, "The Beggar Boy at Christ's Christmas Tree" (Mal'chik u Khrista na yolke) (from A Writer's Diary) Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" Nikolai Gogol, "Christmas Eve" (from Evenings on a Farm Near Dikanka) O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi E. T. A. Hoffmann, "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" (Nussknacker und Mausekönig) Leo Tolstoy, "Papa Panov's Special Christmas" (translation of Saillens) Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales Philip Van Doren Stern, The Greatest Gift Kurt Vonnegut, While Mortals Sleep (book of short stories) I got a little bit curious on Fredrick Forsyth 's The Shepherd which seems to be a little bit of a ghost story. I might try that one for Christmas. As for the short stories it would be interesting to read H.C. Andersen 's The Fir-Tree. His stories are always related to society and thought worthy. Dostoyevsky is a favourite so it would be interesting to read his two attemps on a Christmas story. The same goes for Tolstoy . The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann is the short story on which Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker is based. I like Hoffmann and it would be interesting to read the story. I love the music by Tchaikovsky, but I find the ballet a little bit boring. Do you have any specific novels or short stories that you read for Christmas. Please let me know.

The Nobel Family Today is December 10th, and in Sweden it is the Nobel day - the day this year's laureates will receive their prizes in Stockholm. In the evening, the grand gala dinner takes place, leaving those of us not invited to imagine the delicious dishes served. Recently, I watched a TV series about the Nobel family. While Alfred Nobel is the most famous, the entire family made remarkable contributions to the world. His brothers Ludvig and Robert ran major business in St. Petersburg and Baku, focusing on oil, until they were forced to flee during the Russian Revolution. The Nobel brothers were ahead of their time when it came ot labor conditions. In Russia, their factories included worker housing, school for employees' children, and a pioneering welfare system providing health care. Despite facing challenges, the family always seemed to find their way, helping each other out, when necessary. Alfred, who became the most famous, left Sweden to establish a successful business in Europe. Innovation ran deep in the family: Afred alone held 355 patents. Ultimately, it was his will that secured his legacy. Alfred's legacy Unlike his brothers, who were all married and had families, Alfred remained a bachelor. Though he sought companionship, his introvert nature made forming close relationships difficult. At one point, he placed an advertisement in the paper, seeking an intelligent, educated woman who serve as his secretary and housekeeper, with a possibility of marriage. Bertha Kinsky, an Austro-Bohemian noblewoman, responded to the ad and took the position. Alfred and Bertha developed a close friendship, and Alfred may have wanted to marry her. However, Bertha was already engaged to Baron Arthur von Suttner, whom she later married. Bertha von Suttner was a pacifist and novelist, whose ideals likely influenced Alfred. She wrote Lay Down Your Arms (1889), one of the most influential anti-war novels of the 19th century. It is believed her advocacy played a role in Alfred's decision to include the Peace Prize in his will. Alfred already troubled by the destructive uses of his inventions, sought to mitigate som of the harm through his legacy. The will When Alfred Nobel passed away in 1896, he left behind what was then the world's largest private fortune - 31,5 million Swedish crowns. His will instructed the creation of a fund whose interest would annually reward those who had "conferred the greatest benefit on mankind." The prizes would be awarded within the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine or physiology, literature and peace. The Peace Prize, uniquely, was to be awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. In Sweden his will sparked a lengthy legal battle with the Nobel family. Once resolved, the Nobel Foundation was established in 1900, and the first prizes were awarded in 1901. The first Literature Prize was awarded to French poet and essayist Sully Prudhomme. Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman to receive the Literature Prize, was honour in 1909. Bertha von Suttner, became the first female Peace Prize laureate in 1905. Today, the Nobel Prizes remain one of the world’s highest honors, celebrating individuals who leave a profound and positive impact on humanity.

Second hand books I love going to second hand shops. More and more people discover the pleasure of shopping there. It is exciting, since you never know what to find. An ordinary shop has a theme, a certain kind of goods, but here, you can find anything. Especially, when it comes to books. Often there are even new books on the shelves. But, what I enjoy is when you find a rarity, a book that you probably cannot find in an ordinary book shop anymore. There might be classics, books you missed to read when you were younger, and thought you could not get hold of anymore. The shelves for nonfiction sometimes hide unique books on a theme you are interested in. I often find interesting historical books there. In Sweden books are very expensive so to find a book in a second hand shop is a good deal. Are you a customer of second hand shops? In the English speaking world there seem to be a lot of thrift shops for books, alas, not so much in Sweden. While in Ireland, earlier this year, I visited Charlie Byrne's Bookshop in Galway, which is said to be Ireland’s best-loved, independent bookshop. My review, and a list of the fantastic books I found, under the link.