Let’s hear it for the short books!
The slender ones that you can slip into your handbag, your “man-purse” or even a (very large) pocket. I almost always have one such book with me when I go to a place where I have to wait: hospitals, for example.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the following in recent months, and some I have even reread (short books are good for re-reading).
Unfinished Business by Michael Topa (available from: greenoaks2@yahoo.com)
This is poetry about everything from the creation of the universe, to growing up in a strange family situation, falling in love and travel to intriguing places. Some of these poems are very moving, and all are beautiful in some way.
Caboodle & the Whole Kit by Kevin Cooper
This book is an anthology — an unusual mix of topics and story types — and, as Kevin says, “inadvertent run-ins with some quite unsavory characters”.
I have read and reread my favourites from it, including the author’s hilarious visit with a famous fictional character. Kevin is a musician, author, editor and blogger. Caboodle includes a mix of short stories, poetry and songs, and topics include romance, faith, family — the whole kit and caboodle of life.
My Vibrating Vertebrae by Agnes Graham
I have loaned this book to 2 friends, and they also enjoyed it.
It asks the intriguing question: What if you are a girl growing up in 20th century Northern Ireland before, during and after the ‘Troubles’?
The answer comes in the clear, strong poetry – and humour — of Agnes Graham. The book was published (after her recent death) by her children, who said:
“From the poetic thoughts of our Mother, we get a sense of what it was like. Ranging from humour, sadness, wistful thinking and sometimes just downright nonsensical, these are the words of one such girl.”
Well-known book blogger Chris Graham is Agnes’ son, by the way.
D.G. Kaye’s P.S. I Forgive You
D.G. Kaye writes on a powerful topic: forgiving a very difficult and abusive parent. Yet she does it in a clear-eyed way, in simple and taut writing. The topic may be difficult, but this book is easy to read, and more memorable for it.
Cynthia Reyes 
Many thanks for including my Mum’s book and for your kind words, Cynthia 😃
You’re welcome.
These sound very interesting Cynthia. My favourite short book is Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
That’s a good one!
Thanks for the suggestions! I always seem to be reading a thick one but it would be great to have a shorter one with me when I have to wait unexpectedly.
Exactly. Plus the times the big ones are just too big!
Wow, thanks so much Cynthia for reading and mentioning my book here on your blog. I’m also enjoying reading shorter books these days with the short time I’ve had these past few months to read I find I can get in more books this way. Again, thanks so much for reading and sharing. I also have Kevin’s book and Chris’ book in my Kindle to tackle.
You are most welcome, Debby! While I almost never reread the big tomes these days, I find myself rereading the small ones.
Me too. There are many wonderful shorts just begging to be read, and with time being short they fit in perfectly with our busy lives. 🙂
Thank-you so much for these reviews, Cynthia. I have spent so many hours this year in one waiting room or another I could have done with one of these!
It is such a pleasure to see regular posts from you again! I hope you are feeling better.
Thanks, Clare. They should have these books in waiting rooms, but as you know, people like me would start reading and forget to return them to their spot! I’m coming along — I should say “shuffling along”. I look like a very old lady when I walk, but my spirits are good.
If the spirits good, everything else should improve eventually. God willing xx
Short is great at this point in my life! I read The Red Notebook a while back and it was short and sweet–a wonderful story:).
I’m not sure I’ve read that one, Kay. Thanks for mentioning it.
Love short reads. So now we know where Chris gets his talent. 🙂
He’s a good egg, that Chris. Agnes’ book was a delight to read.
Thank you for the suggestions. There is something lovely about a book you can read in one sitting…and then read again.
I’m with you, Karen.
Yes! Short books are great. And nice and easy to hold when reading in bed.
Good point! I forgot that.
Cynthia, three wonderful shorter books and all which I intend to read! I’m very interested in Agnes Graham’s book as I came to the UK in the midst of the troubles and later made many friends from Northern Ireland and I realised how very different our lives as children were…lovely people and all with a great sense of humour.
Interesting to learn that about you, Annika. I have some such friends too, and despite the troubles, they are some of the funniest storytellers I ever met. Humour is vital for surviving tough times, as I learned at the rehabilitation hospital.
My favourite: ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime’ by Mark Haddon. This should be required reading for anyone involved with autism
I love that one too, Derrick. Haven’t read it in a while.
Great suggestions! Short and magazines are things I have recently read, because the day is passing just too swiftly.
Thank you, Inese!
I always carry a book, too. You never know when you might be waiting somewhere. One of my small-size faves that I refer back to again and again is Deepak Chopra’s “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” which are really the same as the Spiritual laws of Life. But yes, let’s always carry something! 🙂
I’ll try to read that book. I’ve read another one of his lately. I’ll check at the library.
Thank you for posting about Kevin, Agnes, Chris and D.G. Kaye. You are a wonderful supporter of others, Cynthia! 🙂
Books are like children. They are all different, and I have a hard time picking a favorite! Another author in my collection is naturalist Roger Deakin. I discovered him some years back, and would recommend any of his books. His writing spoke to me. Unfortunately, Roger passed away in 2006.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Deakin
He sounds like a very interesting man, Lavinia. He died at 63, which was quite young. I will have to check out his books. Thanks for recommending him.
Thanks for the wonderful highlight, Cynthia. I feel honoured to be included among other very worthy works which I have also read! I will reblog this later next week.
Glad you like it, Kev.
Great selection Cynthia. xx
Thanks, Sally!
Kevin & Debby!. Two dear bloggers & writers… So glad to see them featured on your blog Cynthia… xx Have an excellent week and good luck with you writing as well 😀
Reblogged this on BOOKS & MUSIC and commented:
I’m honoured that Caboodle & The Whole Kit is counted among other worthy short books, Cynthia has enjoyed!
Cynthia, what a delight to see these books here.
Hugs all around.