Daniel Gray (3) (1981–)

As the author states at the beginning the book's purpose is to give the reader reasons to be joyful, or at least smile. As such, this is a book of 50 short essays about the different joys of books: owning them, reading them, giving them, shelving them. Defacing Writing in them.

The writing is a bit flowery - think G.K. Chesterton lite - but still (or because of, depending on your feelings about Chesterton's style) a joy to read. My personal favourite was "Sneaking new books past loved ones" as I found that one a tiny bit more relevant than the others. ;-)… (more)

50 short articles to dip into, raising smiles about the rituals of a real football fan on a Saturday afternoon. As for 'eternal', I fear that many more of these delights will disappear. Fans don't seem to have much say these days; football behind closed doors may be here to stay. The football programme is at risk. As the author states proper dropped balls and the kicking of an opponent's shin have gone, outfield goalies are very rare, 3 o' clock kick-offs will soon be scarce, Cup match replays ditto. By the way, standing in the Paddock at Cheltenham Town pitchside is a great experience and how can it be that the atmosphere and quirks of Fratton Park don't get a mention? Perhaps in the next edition.… (more)

In these 50 short essays, Daniel Gray talks about the ways that book lovers are people of habit. We have preferred spots to read in comfortable chairs, favourite authors that you read regardless, cherished bookmarks and those little rituals that any bookworm goes through that to others seem pointless.

So if you want to know about why people smell books, the protocols behind inspecting other peoples bookshelves and if there is a right point to give up on a book then this is a good place to start. But there is more, the delights in finding a dedication from one unknown person from another, poses questions that hang in the air, the joys of starting a crisp new book, the dilemmas and joys of choosing books to take on holiday trying to see what the person on the tube opposite you, is reading. Something that happens a fair amount in my house is trying to hide purchases from my (thankfully tolerant) another half. It is more of an art form now.

I really enjoyed this delightful little book on the things that bookworms do. It has a certain charm and is really funny at times. If you are book obsessed then you'll smile and maybe even wince at some of the truths that he speaks. If you want to understand that person in your life who is obsessed by these rectangular pieces of sliced trees then this is a good place to start. 3.5 stars.… (more)