The problem with reading ‘classic’ children’s books, or classic books, or really, just books in general, is that people don’t stop writing and publishing books just because you are reading something else. If only all my favourite authors would just maybe not write a book this year, so I could keep going with my 1001 Children’s Books I must read before I grow up list. But no, to my annoyance (really, my delight – let’s not kid ourselves; no one has ever really complained because a new book by a favourite author has come out) it’s approaching Christmas, which means that many big names are bringing out their new books. And I have to read them.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I really like reading the books on the 1001 Children’s Book list. So far, there has only really been one or two book that I have not thoroughly enjoyed. But it’s kind of like being on a diet – you start seeing delicious looking pastries and cakes and biscuits and chocolate and eclairs everywhere… (except being on a diet of classic children’s books is no where near as horrible as being on a real diet).
Last week, I had to buy J.K. Rowling’s new book, Casual Vacancy, out of curiosity, and devoured it over the long weekend, despite the pile of library books I have sitting next to my bed, waiting to be read. And yesterday, I popped into my old bookstore, and what do you know? Rick Riordan’s new book was perched on the counter, just waiting for me. ‘Well,’ I said to myself, ‘I have all the other ones in the series, I really should get the latest one to complete the collection…’ And now I am debating if I should read another library book after I finish The Changeover, or read Riordan’s The Mark of Athena.
And I have made the mistake of planning to catch up with a friend this Sunday at the cafe next to The Book Affair, the antiquarian bookshop that I loved so much. It will take a lot of willpower to stop myself buying ‘just one little, harmless book…’
I think I need some help before I go completely book-mad.
1001 Children's Books 
When you get that help, let me know because I need some too. : )
We may need to start some sort of book-lovers anonymous…