mostly david ephgrave

There’s a lot to be said for putting aside some time for reading, which I did today. I’m in a strange no-man’s land after last week’s hectic ending, which has been reemphasised by my wife visiting her mum today to help clear out her shed. I still have lots to do - lots I tell you - but the urgency’s lessened for the first time in weeks; it’s a temporary respite or the calm before the storm, depending on how you look at it. Consequently, I spent the afternoon getting better acquainted with Robert Harris’ latest novel 'Munich', which my wife bought me for my birthday. This was a much-needed treat; it felt good to do something for the enjoyment instead of filling every free minute with work. I spend too much time trying to be productive, seeking to cram in as much as I can. My journeys to and from Brighton last week were a perfect case in point, as I was on my computer hroughout. While it’s great to make the most of the time available, there’s a lot to be said for doing ...

Having finished the John Grisham book A Time to Kill only a few days ago, which I really enjoyed, I've already set to work on its follow-up, Sycamore Row.  As I wrote the other day, it's nice to be back on a bit of a reading streak; there's little more relaxing than being in the grip of a satisfying book. While I've always been an active reader, I sometimes get out of the habit, particularly with fiction, though I don't know why really; perhaps it's because any time I spend not writing makes me feel guilty, which is a ridiculous motivation when I should be doing it because I enjoy it. It doesn't help that I keep leaving writing my blog until late in the day, which is the worst and least productive time to do it. This is something I mean to address, to prevent it from morphing into a clumsy diary, which it feels like at the moment; yesterday's post was crap, for example, though that was mainly due to tiredness; all the more reason to find an earlier tim...

I’ve been devouring John Grisham’s debut novel 'A Time To Kill' for the past week, which is the first time I’ve sped through a good book in ages. While I’ve always been an avid reader (or a David one) I sometimes get out of the habit, according to my mood. It doesn’t help that I’ve gone through a spate of writing my blog immediately before bed, which I'd prefer not to do, partly because it cuts into time when I might be reading or - Shock! Horror! - sleeping. I can’t get a handle on people who don’t read at all, when it’s about the cheapest and most effective form of escapism you can get. I enjoy both fiction and non-fiction, but find the latter the more relaxing of the two. I’ll often alternate between them - I last read Robert Webb’s ‘How Not to Be a Boy’, which I really liked - but do love a good novel; I’m particularly fond of thrillers: Robert Harris is always a good call. This is the fourth Grisham book I’ve happened upon, having ...

In the past few weeks, after a bit of a reading hiatus, I’ve got back into the practice of devouring books. While I’ve always been an avid (or should that be ‘David’?) reader, I tend to go through periods when - through tiredness or otherwise - I fall out of the habit. This will usually be the case when I’ve finished a book and haven’t had time to start another during daylight hours; I don’t like beginning new books at bedtime, as I’ll end up having to reread the first few pages the following day to make up for what I missed through tiredness.   It only takes a gripping novel to remind me of how addictive reading can be. It’s such a lovely feeling when you submerge yourself in a story and get lost in it. There’s little to match the pull of a great book that no sooner have you put down you're desperate to pick up. A well-written novel is a little bit like magic; how is it that hundreds of words on page after page disappear to be replaced by such vivid imagery? Yet it ...

I’m enjoying being a member of my local library once again. For twenty years, they spelt fear. This was due to a misunderstanding regarding an overdue book that I swore I’d never had, for which the fine was never settled. Until April this year, when I finally decided to face the music and attempt to renew my membership, I felt nervous whenever I ventured near one. What if they had posters of my face up? Thankfully they didn’t, the fine was waived and I’ve been making the most of the luxury of borrowing books ever since. It’s wonderful. It makes me wish I’d fixed the situation sooner; just think how well-read I’d be if I had. I used to have a bit of a hang-up about reading books I didn’t own. There’s something satisfying about seeing them all up on a shelf (though it would have to be a long one). While I still love buying books and increasing my collection, to just do this isn’t cost- or space- effective. Who cares if you’ve paid for it * ? It doesn’t improve your readi...

I treated myself to a quiet evening in tonight, after a frenetic few days. I haven’t done this for quite a while. It’s nice to have no responsibilities, however briefly. My wife’s off work this week too, so I should be able to spend more time with her, rather than rushing off the moment she gets in (which isn’t personal). That’s not to say I don’t have things to do. I’m just reminding myself that I don’t need to do things all the time . I’m allowed to have a break and switch off. It helps that I’ve recently got stuck into a good book (An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris). I’m so used to filling every moment with writing or admin and then feeling guilty when I’m not. I have a habit of taking on too much while at the same time feeling I’m not doing enough; a psychiatrist would have a field day. This Thursday sees the next Hitchin Mostly Comedy. Glyn and I won’t have time to write anything new for it, what with another radio recording loomin...

Last night I finished a book I’ve been reading for the past few weeks – and I only stuck with it to the end out of politeness. I don’t know why I didn’t give up on it sooner. It's probably partly attributed to my slight obsessive-compulsiveness; I don’t like starting something and not seeing it through. It also cost me the best part of a tenner, so I was determined to get my money’s worth. Part of the reason for my disappointment was I didn’t realise it wasn’t a full-length novel until I’d started; I’ve never really been one for short stories. I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember – and always tend to have a book on the go. It’s how I unwind: if I haven’t had the chance to read during the day, I’ll always get through a chapter or two before bed. The last few books I’ve read prior to the one-that-shall-remain-nameless were Phil Kay’s autobiography (crazy and inspired), Ian MacDonald’s Beatles tome ‘Revolution in the Head...