Well, that’s June over, and let me just start by saying ‘whoops.’
It seems the more I usher myself to cut back on my spending, the more I end up doling out to fluff my library of books up. I don’t know why I persist with buying so many, I genuinely have hundreds in my backlog, and a TBR list with hundreds of more I want to get through.
If what they say is true, that a human can only really read around 1,000 full-length books in their lifetime, then it seems I’ve only got another 700 or so left in me. And I highly doubt that I’ll be running The Steady Read when I’m an old, feeble man.
Then again, what’s the harm in spending on something that never goes to waste? Clothes come in and out of seasons and trends, makeup and other products expire, technology becomes outdated and obsoleted, but books are essentially a forever item. Of course, their paper bodies do wear with time, but I don’t think I’ll worry too hard about my collection turning to dust when I am dead.
Disregarding that depressing tangent, here’s my pretty large haul for June! I should warn you that it basically only consists of Ishiguro and Murakami works, and will probably be my last big haul of 2024.
When We Were Orphans by Kazuo Ishiguro
Probably the Ishiguro work that intrigued me the most (of the ones I had yet to own), so I am glad to own a copy.
The premise seems interesting, and I’ve tended to find opinions are a little mixed on this novel. I have yet to encounter an Ishiguro I did not enjoy, so let’s see…
Nocturnes by Kazuo Ishiguro
This story collection has always enticed me with that modern Faber cover. It’s such a lovely design.
In addition to that, my fondness for more bite-sized fiction will make this one enjoyable to my sometimes sporadic reading sessions.
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami
Speaking of short stories, there is this collection by the languid Murakami.
When I first started reading Murakami’s work, it took me quite some time to return to find the patience for the longer stories. So, it will be interesting to read his shorter bouts of back-to-back fiction.
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
If that wasn’t enough to satisfy me, I also picked up this other short story collection, which I might read first.
Of the two, this one is much older, and seems to contain far more bizarre and kooky stories with absurd premises. I’m sure they’ll have some deeper meaning.
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
I’ve eyed this novel for a long, long time. I think I almost bought it back in late 2022, which was easily 1.5 years back!
Murakami handles teenage characters surprisingly well, and I always love his glib tone. I have no doubt I will find more of what I enjoy inside this novel.
After Dark by Haruki Murakami
The blurb doesn’t tell me much, and I actually like that. It seems to have a supernatural element to its plot, but not some typical thing like ghosts and whatnot. Something a little more unique.
I have no clue whether I’ll enjoy reading this one or not, but I hope I will.
Underground by Haruki Murakami
Some non-fiction never hurt… unless you count the victims of the Tokyo Gas Attack detailed in this book. (I apologise, that was in bad taste.)
As someone who knows very little about the tragedy, I’m going to read Murakami’s book first, then read into it.
Fuck Yeah, Video Games by Daniel Hardcastle
A clearly immature book, but one focused entirely on video games and one long-standing YouTuber’s many experiences with them.
It is probably the least conventional book I have ever bought, but I’ve waited since 2019 to pick up a copy.
Haul Overview
Books Obtained: 8
Total Pages: 2,691
Av. Book Length: 336 pages
Total Cost: £23.90
Av. Cost/Book: £2.99
Total RRP: £83.92 (£60.02 saved)
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