Category Archives: Xetera

AN ISOLATIONIST'S READING LIST

Posted on March 23, 2020 by drewsmith28

FOR the best in modern writing compiled over much of the past decade just tick the 101 button to the right, a compendium of independent recommendations from my book shelf, fairly scrupulously curated, in no order because each rewards the … Continue reading →

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Books of the year 2017

Posted on December 11, 2017 by drewsmith28

THE criteria are simply that I have read and reviewed these books in the last year. You might like a head’s up list for your Christmas stocking. There are some powerful contenders, although flicking through the bestseller lists of W.H. … Continue reading →

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Books of the year 2016

Posted on December 14, 2016 by drewsmith28

MOST of the titles here for obvious reasons could make a claim to an end of year list. A few stand out as being perhaps more essential than others, not all were released this year but I only recently discovered … Continue reading →

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The 100 best novels in English by Robert McCrum (Galileo)

Posted on February 5, 2016 by drewsmith28

“The first classic of English literature I remember reading is Animal Farm. I must have been about 11 years old.” THE very first novel, Robert McCrum argues, was a protest by a puritan dissenter written from inside prison, Pilgrim’s Progress, … Continue reading →

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David Bowie’s 100 best reads

Posted on January 13, 2016 by drewsmith28

The late David Bowie was an enthusiastic reader. In 2013, he posted  his 100 favorite reads on his Facebook page. Here it is: Interviews With Francis Bacon by David Sylvester Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse Room At The Top by … Continue reading →

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Books of the year 2015

Posted on December 14, 2015 by drewsmith28

THERE were some real stand out books this year, albeit none of them seemed to make a dent on the usual literary prizes. I especially recommend for Christmas stockings and for getting the new year off to a fine start: … Continue reading →

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