library books and stuff

Apparently I have worn myself out lately. I woke up on Thursday with a tummyache, felt horribly unrested, so decided to stay in bed a wee bit longer. A "wee bit" turned into 2-3 hours, and by the time I checked my email again my lovely boss had kindly suggested perhaps I just take the day off to rest. I took her advice. I think there is a lot of background stress happening and I'm having trouble slowing everything down enough to keep up with it all, so I end up spinning and spinning late into the night and not getting enough rest, etc. So, I rested. I slept in, then went to the library and got some great stuff:

• Tropic of Cancer, Henry Miller. Have always wanted to read this. It popped off the shelf at me, so I figured it was time. Or, at least, time to bring it home and see how it goes. You know how it is with library books. Paris in the 30s; debauchery. Sign me up!
• Witches Abroad, Terry Pratchett. The only Pratchett I've read so far is Good Omens, which of course I liked a whole lot but didn't lose my mind over, to the dismay of Pratchett/Gaiman fans the blogging-world over... still, was reminded by my walking buddy last night that he's very much worth reading, so I decided to give it a try. Can I just leap into Discworld or should I start somewhere else rather than here?
  
• Carry On, Jeeves, PG Wodehouse. Another classic author which I've never read. I started to read Remains of the Day last night, but it was just feeling too sad and melancholy (although of course beautifully written), so I decided to just return it and try again in a few months. However, I do love English-butler stories, so Jeeves and Wooster will be perfect, I think.
• The Third Man, Graham Greene. Another author I've seen in library shelves FOREVER. My walking buddy (from hereon called Jenn) also recommended Greene. This looked not-too-taxing and sort of noir-ish and fun. I think actually I've seen the movie, now that I think about it. But it was so long ago, I have no idea what the book is about, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
• The Te of Piglet, Benjamin Hoff. Because come on, it's Piglet! Perhaps a little Taoist Piglet-y philosophy will help carry me through until April 13. I like Taoist writings. This also just leapt off the shelf into my hand, so... how could I refuse? Also, anything classic-Pooh-related makes me happy.

As I said, I had started to read Remains of the Day last night, but although it was beautifully written and although I could tell that I would like it (someday), I really need something not so slow and melancholy. I'm a little overtired, overstressed, overworried (all of this sort of in the background... I'm not fully aware of worrying and stressing, but I am tired and feeling distracted, so am taking body cues and assuming I am all of these things). I need something interesting, fun, on the light side (but still worth reading). Luckily I already had a copy of Charles de Lint's Forests of the Heart, which I've been saving for an emergency. I picked it up last night and it's, of course, perfect. This particular story seems to be especially perfect for some reason. Good enough. Thank you, yet again, Mr. de Lint.

Also, a kind blogging friend suggested I read some Jane Hirshfield, which I will be requesting from the library since my local branch didn't have any today.

So, armed with a stack of excellent books, we hunker down to wait out the last few weeks before this dang hearing and getting on with the rest of the year already!