Marie’s World in Books

With a new year comes a wealth of advanced reading opportunities. Publishers release seasonal catalogues, offering a glimpse of what’s coming in the moths ahead. From highly anticipated debuts, the return of beloved characters with the next instalment to the series you have been waiting for and beloved authors who have taken a career break or been writing a series of books behind the scenes, the year promises stories which cover every genre and mood ensuring they cater for everyone.

January is also the perfect time to explore beyond your usual shelves, read a book based on a recommendation from a friend or family member, try a new genre or author – if you aren’t too sure if its the right thing for you I find the charity shops are a treasure trove of opportunity full of many books available to choose from, if it turns out you didn’t enjoy the book you chose – you can feel good that at least the money goes towards something positive and will help make a difference. Let’s be honest, there are more charity shops than bookshops in the local area and we need to keep supporting local because if not everything will end up online only and we will lose the opportunity to go out for a walk, buy a book and spend a few hours in a cosy coffee shop with a hot drink, go to a local park and sit on a bench or field under a tree full of blossom or a pub with a glass of wine while reading a new book as against waiting for the post person or courier to deliver our anticipated purchase……

I know what I would prefer.

Many readers use this month to sample new genres or finally pick up a book from their ever growing TBR Pile which they’ve been saving ‘for the right moment’.

Book clubs reset, reading challenges begin, libraries/bookshops and online platforms roll out fresh recommendations designed to spark curiosity of the public.

The beauty of it all is – there is no rush. The year is long and the books will wait until you are ready to delve in and open the first page into another world.