So, I started this little section called Shelf Life, where I write brief comments about the books I’ve read in a given month. June was the first month I did this, where I read eleven books and two graphic novels.

I’m a little late in getting this up for July’s books. I’d planned to write it up as I went along, but it got by the wayside as other deadlines and commitments took greater priority. But it’s done now, so for your (and, often, my) reading pleasure, I offer the following:

68. Psychogeography, by Merlin Coverley

I got interested in the idea of psychogeography after reading a little about it online, and there was a bit of buzz about it because of Will Self‘s column in the Independent of the same name. The columns were collected and published in book form, and I read the first volume in May. I wasn’t thrilled with it, but it sufficed to pique my interest further, and I wanted to learn more about where it comes from.

Enter Coverley. Psychogeography is intended to serve as a small introduction to the subject, and it does that to a certain extent, but in the dullest prose possible for what should be a fascinating subject.

I’ll keep looking for new books on the subject, and if anyone knows a good book on the history and practice of psychogeography I’d love a recommendation. Continue reading »

I’m a voracious reader, and I love sharing what I’ve read, as you may have noticed.

So, I’m already on LibraryThing (plutopsyche), which is a neat site for cataloguing books, and finding out who’s got what. They’ve got an Early Reviewers program, where they give away review copies of thousands of books each month. I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks nifty.

I recently joined Goodreads (plutopsyche),which seems more geared towards sharing what you’re reading at the moment, though it also allows you to catalogue your entire library. There are quizzes, book clubs and lots of opportunity for social interaction with other readers.

If you’re on either, add me! I love to stalk other readers keep up with what people are reading these days. I always feel so behind, and love getting recommendations for new books.

While we’re at it, if you know of any other book geek sites I should be on, let me know!

I read a fair bit. Perhaps not as much as Sarah Weinman, but she’s a professional reviewer with the luxury to spend all her time reading, and by day I serve as a senior business analyst. Still, I do ok.

Inspired by Weinmen, and a few friends who track what they read, for the first time in my life I’ve started keeping a list. It only includes books I’ve finished reading, and while I’m listing the graphic novels, I’m not counting them. Not because they’re not “real literature” (though that may be debatable), but because they’re so short. As of today I’m at 25 for 2009.⁽¹⁾

I tend to read several books at once. Some books make great subway reading. Others prefer a quiet afternoon and a nice cup of chai. Others still keep me up all night wondering what’s going to happen next, when they’re supposed to lulling me to sleep.

While I’m not a career reviewer, I do write reviews for websites and magazines,⁽²⁾ and also to better organize my thoughts, interpret and integrate what I’ve read. Continue reading »

Footnotes:

1. Plus 7 graphic novels, for those interested. [↩]
2. A dozen or so publishers regularly send their latest books and catalogues to my postbox. [↩]