The Book Tower

Christmas festivities have already started in our house, but I’m hoping to find some time to dip into The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. This is an intriguing novel set in 1939 about a lonely young lad and his love of books. Connolly’s style is almost childlike but his writing is deceptive. It’s quite a dark study of fairy tales and the fears deep within us all. I’m only a few chapters in, but I think it might become a late addition to my books of the year.

But mostly I’m preoccupied with food and drink, especially how the tv chefs appear to shape our lives these days. I’ve been mulling over Heston Blemenfeld’s secret recipe for mulled wine. How does he make it so one half of the glass is hot while the other half remains cold? There’s also Jamie Oliver’s mince pies to think about, and this year I’m following Nigella’s advice and roasting the potatoes in goose fat. The success or failure of the technique in my hands could make or break our Christmas dinner.

So Merry Christmas to all – and thanks for reading, commenting and making it fun.