We are nearing the end of November and are already on week 4 in Nonfiction November challenge. This week is hosted by Rebekah @ She Seeks Nonfiction . I find this weekly challenge difficult. Mainly since I read mostly historical nonfiction, and I am not sure it changes anyones world views. I will probably go a slightly different path, so, let's see where I end up. Week 4: Worldview Changers: What nonfiction book or books has impacted the way you see the world in a powerful way? I went to my book shelves to check out my nonfiction books. I choose three of them that has impacted me. Maybe not changed my world views but the historical events had a great impact on many people. The Sleepwalkers , How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark This must be the most thorough research and writings on the first world war. Mainly centered on the origins of the war. The main event, we are told, are the shots in Sarajevo killing Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to Austro-Hungarian throne and his wife, the Duchess of Hohenberg. Well, as Christopher Clark shows, there are a few other events leading up to this devastating war. "The British historian A.J.P Taylor and the American historian Barbara Tuchman wrote that ’the war was a result of rigid planning, train schedules and treaty commitments. That is, it was the final stop in a chain of events that could not stop the train, once it started’. It is a very good description and after having read Clark’s book you can see how all decisions from the persons and countries involved, although aimed at not starting a war, on the contrary, lead directly to war." (from my review, link above). The book is called a master piece and that is no understatement. Well researched, well written, and an easy read even for the average reader. I guess it does teach us something, and changes our views on politics and politicians. My final paragraph in the review reads. "What amazed me, was how supposedly, responsible emperors, kings and politicians acted. Many times due to small reasons of self interest, making a decision without a proper back ground, without thinking of the greater picture, a lack of knowing what the others were doing, interpreting what they were doing, rightly or wrongly. It was like these people were sitting with the map of Europe and made their next move with a chess piece. Rather scaring. " I think this book did change my view on how the world is working. Prince of Princes: The Life of Potemkin by Simon Sebag Montefiore Another fantastic book about a person who seems to have been greater than life. A story about a great statesman and his relationship and love for Catherine the Great. In a way it has a bearing in what is happening today. Potemkin was promoted to Field Marshal in 1783 and took over the control of Crimea when it was annexed. He was a powerful man in the area and founded several cities, among them Kherson and Odessa. Apart from the historically interested people today, his name is mostly associated with ‘Potemkin village’. This goes back to the time when Catherine the Great was visiting him. The time was short and he wanted to make her believe he had achieved more than he had. He thus used painted façades to fool Catherine. These façades hid the fact there was nothing behind. Maybe he inspired the movie industry? Just a few days ago the world heard the news that when the Russians evacuated the city of Kherson they took the bones of Potemkin, buried in St Catherine's Cathedral, with them. Being the founder of the city his bones have a significance and great importance to the Ukrainians. For Russia as well, as they see Potemkin as being behind the conquest of the area in 1783. A Rage to Live by Mary S. Lovell I leave the war scene and go into exploration. Why not talk about one of the greatest, Sir Richard Burton. Mary S. Lovell is one of my favourite historical biographers. She writes so well, take you into other people's life, in a respectful way, and make you never want to leave. Sir Richard Burton is another man, greater than life. The achievements he did during his life time and the will to always learn new things. A brilliant mind, charismatic person, linguist, he spoke 24 languages, scholar, translator (he translated the Arabian Nights ) and a daring adventurer. What is not to love here? Reading about such people you feel rather small yourself. At the same time it gives you an insight in what man can do, if you put your mind to it. Everything seemed open to him. He was not afraid of trying new things and adventures. I guess you can say that he opened up the world to me in a way. Following in his fot steps, even if you are sitting in the sofa at home, he teases you to follow him. Do you think there is one book that everyone needs to read for a better understanding of the world we live in? A difficult question. I don't think there is one book that would do that for mankind. You probably have to widen your perspective with nonfiction books about different areas of society and different parts of the world. We all live different lives, and there is not one book that can make a better understanding of the world, for all people around the globe. A variety of nonfiction is the answer I think. Which should give me a big kick in the behind to start reading more than historical nonfiction.

We have reached the final week of November and it is time for a wrap-up. The month went very fast, but I am rather pleased with what I read. Having had a little bit of hybris, I also signed up for Novellas and German Lit Month for November. 'It is what it is' as a famous person said. For week 5 we have the following challenge. Week 5: (November 28-Dec 2) – New to My TBR: It’s been a month full of amazing nonfiction books! Which ones have made it onto your TBR? Be sure to link back to the original blogger who posted about that book! Pro tip: Start this draft post at the beginning of the month and add to it as your TBR multiplies. (Jaymi @ The OC Bookgirl ) For once I did do some notes when I found a very interesting book, which I have failed to do previous years. Even so, there have been a lot of interesting books during this month, so here are just a few I paid extra attention to (in now special order). What's Nonfiction Tunnel 29 by Helena Merriman and The Ratline and East West Street by Philippe Sands. They also come with thrilling podcasts on BBC Radio 4 Intrigue. Got totally hooked on The Ratline and Murder in the Lucky Holiday Hotel. Now it is time for the books. Another totally addicted podcast is Crooked Media's Wind of Change. Could not wait to finish this one to find out the ending. The Supernatural, One Mans Search for the Truth About Ghosts by Will Storr. Sounds like an intriguing read. Maybe we will find something out? Readerbuzz Around the World in 80 Books by David Demrosch (Books-about-Books) Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression by Studs Terkel's (about the Great Depression) pairing with Kristin Hannah's fiction book, The Four Winds . You might also consider reading John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath . The last book has been on my list for a long time. It is always interesting to read such books together with a nonfiction, so good pairing here. Bookfever Ancient History Fangirl another podcast that sounds interesting. The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney Antigone Rising: The Subversive Power of the Ancient Myths by Helen Morales Cities that Shaped the Ancient World by Editor: John Julius Norwich Bookfever and I share a love for history. Adventures in reading, running and working from home Small Town Girl, Love, Lies and the Undercover Police by Donna McLean Skylark: The compelling novel of love, betrayal and changing the world by Alice O’Keeffe I think this is a pairing fiction/nonfiction. A present day criminal case. books are my favourite and best My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh- Sounds like a book we all need to read. Reading Life The Anna Karenina Fix: Lessons in Happiness From Russian Literature by Viv Groskop. Always good with some lessons in happiness. I am just asking myself whether Anna Karenina is an example? Hm, a must read I think. Let's Read Why We Read by Josephine Greywoode. Sounds like it could give us a reason for our obsessions. ***** Thank you all for your suggestions and inspirations. I have really enjoyed this month, and to follow what you read. That takes me to what I read myself. I read 14 books this month of which four nonfiction Gudar och människor (How do we Look? The Eye of Faith) by Mary Beard. She takes us back to the ancient world and forward to investigate how artists have visualised man. Very interesting. The Lodger, Shakespeare on Silver Street by Charles Nicholl. Nicholl takes us back to the small street of London in pursuit of real life accounts on Shakespeare's life. He is mentioned in a couple of law documents, and around this Nicholl looks at his neighbours, fellow writers/actors and life in general in the centre of London. Girig-Sverige by Andreas Cervenka. Cervenka won a best nonfiction prize for this book about Greedy Sweden. It is about the economy and financial world in Sweden, and how some people can become very, very rich due to the system. You just have to know how to do it. Very interesting insight into the financial back alleys, but all legal. Skånska stenar berättar by K. Arne Blom and Jan Moen. Skåne, or Scania is the southern province of Sweden, once belonging to Denmark. Here you can find traces of early settlements and history, carved in stone or remembered by a stone or plaque retelling the story. Interesting and a tip for excursions. Considering I read books for Novellas in November and German Literary Month I am quite pleased with these four books.

In my series on books I keep on my shelves after I have read them, I have come to the letter E. Nonfiction Sonja by Anne Edwards An excellent biography of Sonja, the wife of Leo Tolstoy. If you are interested in knowing more, I can recommend the excellent podcast Significant Others hosted by Liza Powel O'Brien who talks about the women (mostly, I guess) behind great authors, and other famous men, and how they influenced and helped their husband. Very interesting. There is one episode on Sonya Tolstoy. A woman of great bravery. "A sympathetic account of Sonya Tolstoy's struggle for independence reveals Sonya to be a forerunner of today's modern woman, showing how her intense love for Tolstoy was diminished by his refusal to see her as her own person." Siri and Blekingegatan 32 by Lena Einhorn Lena Einhorn is one of my favourite authors. In these two books she looks at the lives of Siri von Essen (in Siri), married to August Strindberg and Greta Garbo (in Blekingegatan 32). Interesting and well researched. Historiens 100 viktigaste svenskar (The 100 most important Swedes in history) by Niklas Ekdal A look into important Swedes and the achievements through history. There are many inventors which is still visible in Swedish society today, with big companies like Tetra Pay, Alfa Laval, Aga, ABB, Ericsson and many others. Carl von Linné is there of course, as is Queen Kristina from the 16th century who abdicated, turned catholic and lived the rest of her life in Rome. Alfred Nobel who does not need further introduction. From the literary world we find: Astrid Lindgren, August Strindberg, Carl Michael Bellman, Selma Lagerlöf, Ellen Key, Vilhelm Moberg, Fredrika Bremer, Carl Jonas Love Almqvist, Alva and Gunnar Myrdal, Emanuel Swedenborg, Gustaf Fröding, Jan Guillou, Lars Norén of which some might be familiar to you. Ett annat liv (Another life) by Per Olov Enquist An autobiography of one of our best authors and dramatists. The Wicked Wit of Winston Churchill compiled by Dominique Enright Nobody can deny that Winston Churchill was very with. Probably one of the most quoted persons in history, possibly together with Oscar Wilde. Always fun to read. Omgiven av idioter (Surrounded by Idiots) by Thomas Erickson This is a book on how to understand those that are impossible to understand. Erickson guides us through our way of communicating with each other. How we misunderstand people with other views or outlook on life than ourselves. Very funny and serious at the same time. It gives you a few hints how to act yourself. Fiction Duchess of Milan, A novel of the Renaissance by Micha If you are interested in historical fiction this is a great book. "Once upon a time, in fifteenth-century Italy, two women faced each other with a ruthlessness and brilliance no man has ever matched. Enter their world of splendor and depravity, of passion and wickedness... It is Italy's most dazzling and dangerous age, and as Beatrice d'Este and Isabella of Aragon match wits and feminine cunning, it is a dance to the death to decide which one of them will be crowned - Duchess of Milan." I read it many years ago, but it is still with me. I have tried to find something else by Michael Ennis, but not successful so far.

Checking out letter F to see which authors and books I have saved because I love these books. Nonfiction Effie: The Passionate Lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and John Everett Millais by Suzanne Fagence Cooper An interesting story about a woman at the centre of the Victorian art world. A woman who had to fight herself out of an unhappy marriage. "The scandalous love triangle at the heart of the Victorian art world. Effie Gray, a Scottish beauty, was the heroine of a great Victorian love story. Married at nineteen to John Ruskin, she found herself trapped in a loveless and unconsummated union. When her husband invited his protégé John Everett Millais away on holiday, she and Millais fell in love. Effie would inspire some of Millais's most haunting images, and embody Victorian society's fears about female sexuality. Effie risked everything by leaving Ruskin. She hoped to find fulfilment as Millais's wife, becoming a society hostess and manager of his studio, but controversy and tragedy continued to stalk her. Suzanne Fagence Cooper has gained exclusive access to Effie's family letters and diaries to reveal the reality behind the scandalous love-triangle. She shows the rise and fall of the Pre-Raphaelite circle from a new perspective, through the eyes of a woman who was intimately involved in the private and public lives of its two greatest figures. Effie's charm and ambition helped to shape the careers of both her husbands. Effie is a compelling portrait of the extraordinary woman behind some of the most famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings." A Circle of Sisters by Judith Flanders A fascinating story about four sisters who, by their social interactions, lived at the very heart of political and cultural society. " THE MACDONALD SISTERS--Alice, Georgiana, Agnes, and Louisa--started life in the teeming ranks of the lower-middle classes, denied the advantages of education and the expectation of social advancement. Yet as wives and mothers they would connect a famous painter, a president of the Royal Academy, a prime minister, and the uncrowned poet laureate of the Empire. Georgiana and Alice married, respectively, the pre-Raphaelite painter Edward Burne-Jones and the arts administrator Edward Poynter; Louisa gave birth to future prime minister Stanley Baldwin, and Alice was mother to Rudyard Kipling. "A Circle of Sisters brings to life four women living at a privileged moment in history. Their progress from obscurity to imperial grandeur indicates the vitality of nineteenth-century Britain: a society abundant with possibility. From their homes in India, America, and England, the sisters formed a network that, through the triumphs and tragedies of their families and the Empire, uniquely endured. " Hidden Lives by Margaret Forster Here Margaret Forster takes a look at her own family in this fascinating biography of a woman having to make sacrifices. "Margaret Forster's grandmother died in 1936, taking many secrets to her grave. Where had she spent the first 23 years of her life? Who was the woman in black who paid her a mysterious visit shortly before her death? How had she borne living so close to an illegitimate daughter without acknowledging her? The search for answers took Margaret on a journey into her family’s past, examining not only her grandmother's life, but also her mother’s and her own. The result is both a moving, evocative memoir and a fascinating commentary on how women’s lives have changed over the past century." Daphne du Maurier by Margaret Forster Margaret Forster is a favourite biographer of mine. Well researched and with a writing style that makes a take on anyones life an exciting experience. "Rebecca, published in 1938, brought its author instant international acclaim, capturing the popular imagination with its haunting atmosphere of suspense and mystery. du Maurier was immediately established as the queen of the psychological thriller. But the more fame this and her other books encouraged, the more reclusive Daphne du Maurier became." How to read novels like a professor by Thomas C. Foster If you are interested in how to read and analyse novels this is the book for you. Interesting take on literature and its handicraft. "Of all the literary forms, the novel is arguably the most discussed . . . and fretted over. From Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote to the works of Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and today's masters, the novel has grown with and adapted to changing societies and technologies, mixing tradition and innovation in every age throughout history. Thomas C. Foster—the sage and scholar who ingeniously led readers through the fascinating symbolic codes of great literature in his first book, How to Read Literature Like a Professor—now examines the grammar of the popular novel. Exploring how authors' choices about structure—point of view, narrative voice, first page, chapter construction, character emblems, and narrative (dis)continuity—create meaning and a special literary language, How to Read Novels Like a Professor shares the keys to this language with readers who want to get more insight, more understanding, and more pleasure from their reading ." Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser Another favourite biographer, and what can be more challenging than to have a look into the life of Marie Antoinette. A thorough guide through her unhappy life. " Marie Antoinette's dramatic life-story continues to arouse mixed emotions. To many people, she is still 'la reine méchante', whose extravagance and frivolity helped to bring down the French monarchy; her indifference to popular suffering epitomised by the (apocryphal) words: 'let them eat cake'. Others are equally passionate in her defence: to them, she is a victim of misogyny. Antonia Fraser examines her influence over the king, Louis XVI, the accusations and sexual slurs made against her, her patronage of the arts which enhanced French cultural life, her imprisonment, the death threats made against her, rumours of lesbian affairs, her trial (during which her young son was forced to testify to sexual abuse by his mother) and her eventual execution by guillotine in 1793. " Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Leonie Frieda Catherine de Medici must be one of the most fascinating women in history. Here we get all the nitty gritty details of a woman who were put at the throne and had to survive. " Poisoner, despot, necromancer -- the dark legend of Catherine de Medici is centuries old. In this critically hailed biography, Leonie Frieda reclaims the story of this unjustly maligned queen to reveal a skilled ruler battling extraordinary political and personal odds -- from a troubled childhood in Florence to her marriage to Henry, son of King Francis I of France; from her transformation of French culture to her fight to protect her throne and her sons' birthright. Based on thousands of private letters, it is a remarkable account of one of the most influential women ever to wear a crown. " Fiction The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields An historical fiction on Edith Wharton's time in Paris. "She is the darling of Parisian society. A famous author whose novels have captivated readers. He is a charming young journalist with nothing to lose. While novelist Edith Wharton writes of grand love affairs, she has yet to experience her own. Her marriage is more platonic than passionate and her closest relationship is with her literary secretary, Anna Bahlmann. Then Edith meets dashing Morton Fullerton, and her life is at last opened to the world of the sensual. But in giving in to the temptation of their illicit liaison, Edith could lose everything else she holds dear..." I followed up this historical novel with a nonfiction. Mysteries of Paris: The Quest for Morton Fullerton by Marion Mainwaring, where she follows in Wharton's foot steps in search for the truth of the affair. The African Queen by C.S. Forester A classic tale, made more classic by the film with Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. It is both serious and funny, a great read. "As World War I reaches the heart of the African jungle, Charlie Allnutt and Rose Sayer, a dishevelled trader, and an English spinster missionary, find themselves thrown together by circumstance in German Central Africa. Fighting time, heat, malaria, and bullets, they make their escape on the rickety steamboat The African Queen... and hatch their own outrageous military plan. Originally published in 1935, The African Queen is a tale replete with vintage Forester drama - unrelenting suspense, reckless heroism, impromptu military manoeuvres, near-death experiences - and a good old-fashioned love story to boot." The Sage of Waterloo by Leona Francombe A wonderful tale of a rabbit's view on the battle of Waterloo. "The extraordinary debut of a classical pianist turned novelist, The Sage of Waterloo is a playful retelling of a key turning point in human history and a slyly profound reflection on our place in the world. William is a white rabbit living at Hougoumont, the historic farm on the site of the Battle of Waterloo. Under the tutelage of his grandmother Old Lavender, William attunes himself to the echoes and ghosts of the battle, and through a series of adventures he comes to recognize how deeply what happened at Waterloo two hundred years before continues to reverberate. Nature, as Old Lavender says, never truly recovers from human cataclysms. Brimming with the wonder and narrative power of Andrea Barrett or Anthony Doerr and full of vivid insights about Napoleon, Wellington, and the battle itself, The Sage of Waterloo is a beguiling tale of fate, human folly, and the wisdom of the natural world."

Winston Churchill is probably the most quoted man in the world, possibly with the exception of Oscar Wilde. According to some reports he said “the only statistics you can trust are the ones you have falsified yourself.” Another prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli, also had a view on statistics, saying there were “three kind of lies: lies, damn lies and statistics.” Nevertheless, it is interesting with statistics, and I have enjoyed reading yours. My last post highlighted some statistics, but I forgot to mention which genres I have read. An interesting exercise, since I had no idea how much I have read from each genre. All in all, I have to be satisfied since I have been reading, more or less, the same number of books from each of the genres. Top 10 books read in 2022 It turned out to be 13 books, but three of them are in a series, so I count that as one. If Winston Churchill can do it, I can do it. No special order. Maja Lunde - The History of Bees, The End of the Ocean and Przewalski's Horse (excellent trilogy, fourth is coming, on the future of our planet). Maggie O'Farrell - Hamnet (favourite author who never fails you. This year I will read her latest The Marriage Portrait.) Jennifer Saint - Ariadne (wonderful tale of Greek mythology. Looking forward to Elektra and Atalanta.) Ferdinand von Schirach - The Collini Case (a trial where the accused pleeds guilty, but don't want to say why he did it. His defense lawyer looks into his history and find a gruesome story of bravery and sadness.) Paul Auster - The Brooklyn Follies (Auster does not need any further introduction. As always an engaging story of life in New York.) Taylor Jenkins Reid - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugh (fascinating story of an aging, popular movie star and her life. Want to read more by her.) Laura Dave - The Last Thing He Told Me (a different mystery of a husband disappearing, leaving his wife and child without a clue. When the police and security forces start asking about the business of her husband, she realises she does not know much about it.) Ulf Kvensler - Sarek (a Swedish thriller set in the national park of Sarek in the north of Sweden. Two couple set out, but only two persons return, and their stories do not match. Totally thrilling and beautiful descriptions of wild life.) Andreas Cervenka - Girig-Sverige (a look on Swedish ekonomic life, and how people can get super rich by legal means. Informative and shocking as well.) That was my best books for 2022. I did like most of the books I read, in one way or the other. I did start a few other books that I did not read, because I did not find them interesting. One book I read since it was for a book club, The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton. I did not like, or understand, this book at all. Found it boring and the story uninteresting, although it is a historical fiction, which I usually love. The end result is that 2022 was a very good reading year. Looking forward to 2023, new books, new stories and new challenges. My own challenge theme for January will be "Portugal", since we are here for three weeks, travelling around in the north. I have already read one book Lisbon, War in the Shadow of the City of Light, 1939-45 by Neill Lochery, and am now starting A Short History of Portugal by H. Morse Stephens. Hoping also to finish The History of the Siege of Lisbon by José Saramago, and hopefully some poetry by Fernando Pessoa. More about all of them in another post.

I follow a few book blogger on Youtube. Recently, I found a new blogger, Books with Emily Fox with an interesting approach for choosing the best book read in 2022. She wrote down all her read book on a slip of paper, put it in a jar, and randomly drew book titles to arrange them two by two. Of each group she chose the best, grouped them in two by two, etc. That means that you sometimes have to choose from two favourite books, or two least favourite books and let them continue to the next round. I used a random number generator and ended up with ...? Just to keep the excitement up, I will show you the titles that ended up as the last eight. The bold ones went on the the next round. As you see three of my favourite books by Maja Lunde came this far. I must admit that all of these were my favourites, so lucky with the random numbers. Jenkins Reid, Taylor - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Von Schirach, Ferdinand - Fallet Collini (Der Fall Collini/The Collini Case) Lunde, Maja - Binas historia (The History of Bees) Lunde, Maja - The End Of The Ocean Kvensler, Ulf - Sarek (The Couple's Trip) Wung-Sung, Jesper - Kvinna sedd bakifrån (Woman Seen From the Back) O’Farrell, Maggie - Hamnet Lunde, Maja - Przewalski's Horse Next round Von Schirach, Ferdinand - Fallet Collini (Der Fall Collini/The Collini Case) Lunde, Maja - Binas historia (The History of Bees) Wung-Sung, Jesper - Kvinna sedd bakifrån (Woman Seen From the Back) Lunde, Maja - Przewalski's Horse Last round Von Schirach, Ferdinand - Fallet Collini (Der Fall Collini/The Collini Case) Lunde, Maja - Przewalski's Horse In the end it stood between two favourite books, and it was difficult to choose one. I did go for The Collini Case by Ferdinand Von Schirach, mainly because of its depth in human actions and sufferings.

Nancy at Readerbuzz tagged her followers with 'The Bookworm Tag'. Very simple rules: -answer the questions -make up new ones -tag people Here are her questions: 1. If you had to pick one book that has most influenced your life in a positive way (other than a religious book), what would it be? A very difficult question. Maybe I would choose A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, even if I read it recently, and can't really say that it has influenced my life. But, what I took with me with the book, was Rostov's positive outlook on life. To accept the way life treated him and make the best of it. I think this is a rare feature in general. However, I have always tried interesting things that turned up in my life. I usually say that I jumped on the train when it passed by. Even if I did not exactly know where it was heading. 2. What is the wisest book you have read? I would probably go for most books by Paulo Coelho. I love his books and the wisdom he provides. 3. Would you rather read a million books quickly or a few books slowly? Probably read a million books quickly. Sometimes when I read reviews, see new books, I panic a little bit, since I know I will not have time to read them all. 4. How many books do you read in a year? Around 100, give or take. 5. Do you have a favorite poem? Yes, I have a few. Here is first and last paragraph from An Arundel Tomb by Philip Larkin. 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. ... 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. 6. What's your favorite classic? How were you introduced to it? Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. I did read it when I was rather young, but got more into it, when joining the Brontë Reading Group in Brussels. There it was analysed and I saw it in a different light. Still my favourite though. 7. Was there a time in your life when you were not a reader? If so, what changed? Yes, when I got my son. Half a year later I moved to another country, new job, another language, new family, new house (renovation object) with a big garden. It took some years before I had time to read again. 8. The average person in America reads less than one book a year. Do you have ideas about how we can reach the un-booked? A quick look at the statistics for Sweden (inhabitants around 11 millions) reveals that around 74% of the grownups read a book at least once a year, while 20% listen to a book. Maybe this is the answer. I think a lot of people find it easier to listen to a book than reading one. Many people are commuting every day and it might be a good time to listen to a book? Maybe this is the way to go? 9. What book did you read that you thought you'd hate, but ended up loving? I can't really think of any. 10. What books led you to become a reader? I can't think of any one especially. My reading came gradually. I liked very much the Angelique book series by Sergeant Golon when I was younger. It is historical fiction and maybe this is why I still love this genre. It made me interested in history and the Sun king, and led me to r eading also nonfiction. I still have the first 13 books on my shelves. I think they have written a few more. Maybe, I should have a look. My questions

We are one the road again, heading south in Europe. We left Sweden last week and arrived in Innsbruck this weekend. We had intended at few stopovers, but wheather and traffic conditions made us change our mind, so drove directly to Innsbruck, just making a stopover at a camping by Elbe, north of Lüneburg, and a few hours walk the next day in this beautiful, medieval city. The city hosted a wonderful bookshop which we visited. With armchairs and sofas where you could sit down to read a paper or check out books. There was also a coffee machine, so I could envisage myself spending some time there. The reason I went inside was that they promoted the book Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. It has popped up frequently lately with very good reviews, and I wanted to see if they had a copy in English. Alas, it was sold out. It is a fantasy, which I don't often read, although I do like them. Since it has got such raving reviews I was curious. Have to see if I can get hold of it here in Innsbruck. On my book app, I only have it as an audio-book, but I would prefer a paper back or e-book. Despair not though, I did find a few other interesting books, which also have been mentioned around the book- and vlogging world recently. It has to do with our upcoming (if weather, and fire situation allow) trip to Greece. I read an interesting article on Book Riot on why English speaking authors' books about Greek myths are so visible, while Greek authors who write about the same theme are not. I elaborate on this idea in my latest newsletter about the ancient world of Greece, and the modern. Head over there if you are interested. New purchases The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams - I found a review on This Reading Life, Broona's book s which I found intriguing. From the back cover. " Motherless and irrepressibly curious, Esme spends her childhood at her father's feet as he and his team gather words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary . One day, she sees a slip of paper containing a forgotten word flutter to the floor unclaimed. And so Esme begins to collect words for another dictionary in secret: The Dictionary of Lost Words . But to do so she must journey into a world on the cusp of change as the Great War looms and women fight for the vote. Can the power of lost words from the past finally help her make sense of her future. " _______ Ithaca by Claire North seems to be a suitable book to prepare for our Greek venture. "This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before. Beyond Ithaca's shores, the whims of gods dictate the wars of men. But on the isle, it is the choices of the abandoned women - and their goddesses - that will change the course of the world." Having read The Odyssey by Homer, which I liked very much, I am eager to see how Claire North interprets Penelope's life while waiting for her husband to return. ______ Circe by Madeline Miller - it has been on my wish list for a while, ever since I read The Song of Achilles by her. "In the house of Helios, god of the sun and eighties of the Titans, a daughter is born. Circe is strange - not powerful and terrible, like her father, nor gorgeous and mercenary like her mother. But she has a dark power of her own: witchcraft. When Circe's gift threatens the gods, she is banished to the island of Aiaia where she hones her occult craft, casting spells, gathering strange herbs and taming wild beats. Yet a woman who stands alone cannot live in peace for long - and among her island's guests is an unexpected visitor: the mortal Odysseus, for whom Circe will risk everything." There you are. Odysseus presence in the life of one, of the many women, he encountered on his way home to his faithful wife, Penelope.

We are half way through the Novellas in November, hosted by Cathy of 746 Books and Rebecca of Bookish Beck, and this is my first post. I did manage to read a novella för the first three weeks, Novellas in November 1 – 7 November: Short Classics - The Sandman by E.T.A. Hoffmann - I really loved this book and Hoffmann's writing. A mystery, dark and spooky tale. The Sandman is a folklore character who is said to throw sand in the eyes of children to help them fall asleep. The protagonist and narrator is Nathanael, most likely suffering from post traumatic stress due to an encounter with the sandman in his childhood. The whole story has a dark, psychological and unreal touch taking us into another world. What is real and what is suggested by our thoughts? 8 – 14 November: Novellas in Translation - Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka - for someone like me who do 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 can not work anymore, they take their act together and start working themselves, and manage very well. Using other people for their own means? 15 – 21 November: Short Non-Fiction - The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - an enjoyable children's tale about a prince visiting different worlds. It has an educational streak. The author takes up different areas of life and show what happens when things do go well, or what one should do instead.

Busy month with a lot of challenges. I decided though to join Novellas in November which I find interesting. Mostly because I don't really read novellas. This month has helped me find my way into the shorter fiction books. It is very nice to read shorter books as a break with the very long books that seem to enter our lives these days. Thank you to hosts Cathy of 746 Books and Rebecca of Bookish Beck . To my own surprise I did manage to find something for each of the weeks. 1 – 7 November: Short Classics - The Sandman by E.T.A. Hoffmann 8 – 14 November: Novellas in Translation - Metamorphoses by Franz Kafka 15 – 21 November: Short Non-Fiction - How Much Land Does A Man Need? by Leo Tolstoj 22 – 28 November: Contemporary Novellas - Master Georgi by Beryl Bainbridge 29/30 November: My Month in Novellas/ New to my TBR - The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, On top of that I read Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk by Nikolai Leskov, recommended by Emma @ Word and Peace. This week made me discover novellas and how wonderful they are. I think I will continue reading these short fiction. I got a lot of inspiration from bloggers and have saved a few authors and titles for the future.

We are half way through the Novellas in November, hosted by Cathy of 746 Books and Rebecca of Bookish Beck , and this is my first post. I did manage to read a novella för the first three weeks. 1 – 7 November: Short Classics - The Sandman by E.T.A. Hoffmann - I really loved this book and Hoffmann's writing. A mystery, dark and spooky tale. The Sandman is a folklore character who is said to throw sand in the eyes of children to help them fall asleep. The protagonist and narrator is Nathanael, most likely suffering from post traumatic stress due to an encounter with the sandman in his childhood. The whole story has a dark, psychological and unreal touch taking us into another world. What is real and what is suggested by our thoughts? 8 – 14 November: Novellas in Translation - Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka - for someone like me who do 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 can not work anymore, they take their act together and start working themselves, and manage very well. Using other people for their own means? 15 – 21 November: Short Non-Fiction - The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - an enjoyable children's tale about a prince visiting different worlds. It has an educational streak. The author takes up different areas of life and show what happens when things do go well, or what one should do instead.

A while ago I checked when I did my first blog post, in order to celebrate with an anniversary post. Well, that day came and went without any reaction from me. Better late than never, so here a reminder of my very first blog post from 24 October 2012. The book was New Finnish Grammar by Diego Marani. Marani is an Italian novelist, translator and newspaper columnist. While working as a translator for the European Union he invented a language ‘Europanto’ which is a mixture of languages and based on the common practice of word-borrowing usage of many EU languages. It was a suitable book to start with, being a book about letters, languages and memories. With a beautiful prose, the novel went directly to my heart. "One night at Trieste in September 1943 a seriously wounded soldier is found on the quay. The doctor, of a newly arrived German hospital ship, Pietri Friari gives the unconscious soldier medical assistance. His new patient has no documents or anything that can identifying him. When he regains consciousness he has lost his memory and cannot even remember what language he speaks. From a few things found on the man the doctor, who is originally from Finland, believes him to be a sailor and a fellow countryman, who somehow or other has ended up in Trieste. The doctor dedicates himself to teaching the man Finnish, beginning the reconstruction of the identity of Sampo Karjalainen, leading the missing man to return to Finland in search of his identity and his past." Have you read it? Please let me know in that case.