November 1, 2007

Books before me

My friend Bronwyn once wrote me in an email, “I haven’t read Mrs. Dalloway because then I will have read it and I won’t be able to look forward to reading it.” I understand entirely. Me, I get a frisson of sheer joy every time I remember that I’ve still got unread Carol Shields before me. How I hate that the list is so finite (and ever depleting) but I still haven’t read Larry’s Party, A Celibate Season or her short story collections (except Various Miracles which is one of the most perfect collections I’ve ever read). I’ve been avoiding it all on purpose– what will I ever do when I am through? Read them all again, I suppose, as my annual reread of Unless has never failed to hold new discoveries. But still. Books before me, books which I’m sure to love– is there any greater joy? And Larry’s Party starts tomorrow…