Never trust a skinny chef – and never trust a writer who doesn’t love to read! Grab a cup of tea and curl up with one of these favourites from Wordsmith’s bookshelf…
Storytelling / Character Development
The Deptford Trilogy – Robertson Davies
Robertson Davies’ series consists of Fifth Business (1970), The Manticore (1972) and World of Wonders (1975), leading readers down labyrinth tunnels woven in history, myth and magic. This amazing story winds through generations of families and is told from several different viewpoints – all beginning with a poorly aimed snowball…
A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole
This tragicomic tale of larger-than-life hero Ignatius J. Reilly has tickled the fancies of readers from all across the globe. When Reilly’s seemingly mundane life turns upside down after he’s mistaken for a tyrant, it’s hard not to feel utterly compelled to flick through the pages as he stumbles from one adventure to the next. Toole’s beautifully structured prose lays the foundation for this enchanting tale of comedy, obesity and humanity.
Lighthearted Reads
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
This unashamedly British science fiction novel should be on everyone’s reading list. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy follows the dynamic duo of Arthur Dent and Ford Perfect as they blast off into the galaxy seconds before Earth is demolished. Join them on the brink of their adventure and enjoy Adams’ refreshingly whimsical approach to some of life’s most challenging philosophical questions.
Monsieur Pamplemousse Takes the Cure: A Gastronomic Mystery – Michael Bond
In the fourth book of Michael Bond’s Monsieur Pamplemousse series, the detective-turned-gastronomic-sleuth for “Le Guide” – France’s leading culinary authority – investigates strange happenings at Chateau Morgue, a health spa near the Pyrenees. Bond (who also penned the Paddington Bear series) has a knack for incorporating childish enthusiasm in his writing, making this a highly entertaining read.
About Writing
On Writing Well – William Zinsser
William Zinsser’s advice for writers is to “Simplify your language and thereby find your humanity.” This classic guide to writing nonfiction provides clarity and guidance for writers throughout the spectrum, from budding beginners to hardened, callous professionals. Zinsser’s in-depth explanations of fundamental writing principles - and keen insight into the writing process - make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in writing well.
The Elements of Style – William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White
Strunk and White encourage us to "make every word tell" while providing insight into rules about grammar, matters of form and the principles behind them. Recognised as one of the most influential books on the cultivation of good writing, The Elements of Style has helped countless writers discover their unique style and tone. American poet Dorothy Parker once proclaimed, "If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers the second-greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first-greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy."
Childhood Favourites
The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me – Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl’s colourful novella follows a small boy’s dream of owning a sweet shop that’s “loaded from top to bottom with Sherbet Suckers, and Caramel Fudge and Russian Toffee and Sugar Snorters... and thousands and thousands of other glorious things like that.” A chance encounter with the Ladderless Window Cleaning Company – staffed by a giraffe, a pelican and a monkey – sets events in motion that weave into a fantastically whimsical story… told largely in rhyme!
Where the Sidewalk Ends – Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein’s masterful collection of published poems and drawings is outrageously witty and loved by children and parents alike. “Where the Sidewalk ends” explores a mixture of purely fanciful tales, childhood worries and everything in between. This book takes me straight back to third grade, and I still giggle like an eight-year-old whenever I read about little Peggy Ann Mckay, who cannot go to school today.
Magic
The Expert at the Card Table – S.W. Erdnase
The definitive guide to mastering slight of hand with playing cards. First published in 1902, this book is considered a bible for magicians and card cheats – detailing the technical aspects and mechanics shared by both shady professions: false shuffling, second dealing, bottom dealing, palming cards... you name it. Penned under a pseudonym as the author feared deadly repercussions for exposing many of these methods. Surprising for a professional card hustler, Erdnase was a gifted wordsmith who wrote with remarkable clarity and a rich vocabulary.
Magic by Misdirection – Dariel Fitzkee
This book applies the psychology of misdirection to the performance of magic. It delves far deeper than the gadgets and gizmos magicians use to perform their tricks to examine the audience’s preconceptions of reality and normality – and how to manipulate what people see and believe. The theories and observations are applicable to any activity that requires focusing and directing of attention – from stage performance, advertising and politics to martial arts, communication and romance.