"Book collecting is an obsession, an occupation, a disease, an addiction, a fascination, an absurdity, a fate. It is not a hobby. Those who do it must do it. Those who do not do it think of it as a cousin of stamp collecting, a sister of the trophy cabinet, bastard of a sound bank account and a weak mind." [Jeanette Winterson]


84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff & It Started in Naples by Saul Cooper

Posted by playing.librarian at Monday, July 04, 2011 Categories , , ,
Title: 84, Charing Cross Road (This link goes to Amazon)
Author: Helene Hanff
Page: 230 pages
Genre: Epistolary Fiction
Publisher: Sphere (2010), Paperback
First Published: 1970

 

In 1949 Helene Hanff, ‘a poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books’, wrote to Marks & Co. Booksellers of 84 Charing Cross Rd, in search of the rare editions she was unable to find in New York. Her books were dispatched with polite but brisk efficiency. But, seeking further treasures, Helene soon found herself in regular correspondence with bookseller Frank Doel, laying siege to his English reserve with her warmth and wit. And, as letters, books and quips crossed the ocean, a friendship flourished that would endure for twenty years.

 

- Synopsis from book cover


My Thoughts:

Oh, how much I adore this delightful and charming little book! And not to mention witty and heart-warming too! Reading the exchange of letters was pure enjoyment and even though I have not even heard most of the works mentioned in the letters, I too share Hannf’s excitement in anticipation of her books being delivered across the Atlantic Ocean. A quick and seamless read, something a bibliophile would come to appreciate. Here’s to all the bookstores and libraries that shapes the way we are today =)

 

Title: It Started in Naples (This link goes to Amazon)
Author: Saul Cooper
Page: 143 pages
Genre: Romance
Publisher: Gold Medal Books (1960), Paperback
First Published: 1960

 

Mike Hamilton was that most American of Americans—the self-made man. A bachelor and a successful lawyer, he was a man of light heart but lots of Good Common Sense. At least so he thought until he went to Naples to wind up the affairs of his not-so-dearly departed brother. The most pressing of these affairs had resulted in an eight-year-old boy-a kid who smoked like a steam engine, swore like a sailor and charmed like a new-born kitten! To complicate matters the kid had a maiden aunt-or at least an aunt. And what an aunt!

 

- Synopsis from book cover


My Thoughts:

Another charming little novel based on the 1960 motion picture starring Clark Gable and Sophia Loren. When you hear the names of the actors, you’ll definitely know what’s in store for you—a classic romance! But this is not any typical romance, I can tell you that! What an enjoyable read. And what a charming city to fall in love in =)

3 comments:

Tiny Library on July 4, 2011 10:03 PM said...

I really should read 84, Charing Cross Road. It sounds like such a cosy, nice read :)

Teacher/Learner on July 5, 2011 2:45 AM said...

So glad you loved 84 Charing Cross Rd.! It became an instant favourite of mine & I agree that anyone who loves books without even recognizing titles mentioned in the book will love it, too :)

wordsandpeace on July 5, 2011 4:30 AM said...

I also loved very much 84, Charing Cross Road, and I watched the movie, same title, very good too. You have to read now The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street, where she meets the people at 84 Charing Cross Road! Unfortunately, I read those before my blogging life. Emma @ Words And Peace

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