Traveling in England and France

So, I know what you’ve been thinking: “It’s been a long time since Jeff posted.” Well, that’s because I was traveling in England and France with my family. I have to say, I had an amazing time. Now, I could write about my travels, but this is Stuff Jeff Reads, not Places Jeff Visits. That said, I did poke around in some interesting bookstores and picked up a couple books.

The first bookstore I visited was The Tiny Book Store in Rye, which is in southern England. Rye is a beautiful old city and was home to Henry James. Going there is like stepping into a different century. Here is a picture I snapped in the cemetery.

Anyway, while perusing the Tiny Book Store, I came across an old, hardcover copy of Henry James’ Turn of the Screw. Since I had never read this before and I was in James’ hometown, I figured I would buy it. It has now taken its place in my stack of books waiting eagerly to be read.

My other book purchase was at the famous Shakespeare and Company Bookstore in Paris.

Image: Wikipedia

This was one of the most amazing bookstores I have ever visited. This bookstore has a rich history and served as a central gathering point for writers such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Ezra Pound. In addition, James Joyce used the bookstore as an office. While I was weaving my way through the crooked aisles of books, I chanced upon Turning Back the Clock, a book by Umberto Eco which I had never heard of before. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It’s now keeping Turn of the Screw company atop my dresser.

So, while I have your attention, I thought it would be a good time to give you a heads-up on what I am planning for the near future. I mentioned the connection between James Joyce and the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. Well, I’ve decided to reread Ulysses, beginning in a couple weeks. I plan on going slowly and posting my thoughts after each chapter. If you are interested in reading (or rereading) what is arguably the greatest modernist novel ever written, you are welcome to do so along with me. I’ll be posting when I begin the book, for those who wish to follow along.

Until then, happy reading!!

Win an Autographed Copy of “Call Me Zelda”

I am officially nearing the two-year mark for Stuff Jeff Reads. Two years of blogging; wow, it went fast. So, to celebrate, I am giving away an autographed copy of Call Me Zelda by Erika Robuck. The book is supposed to be great. I’ve read nothing but good reviews.

OK, let’s talk about the contest and the rules.

How to Enter the Contest:

To enter to win the book, simply write a comment below suggesting what should be the next book/poem/short story/comic that I should read and review on Stuff Jeff Reads. One entry per person. Please provide a reason why you are suggesting the piece–don’t just enter a title. Remember, this is not a random drawing, you will have to convince me.

In the event that I cannot narrow it down to one, I will randomly pick one from the top entries.

Anyone can enter, you do not have to follow my blog, but feel free to do so. Oh, sorry, I will exclude my family from this contest, just to be fair.

Easy, right?

Winner Announced:

I will select and announce the winner on Friday, June 14.

Claiming the Prize:

If you win, all you need to do to claim the prize is comment on the “Winner Announcement” post with your name, address, and optional email (I will not approve the comment so your info will remain confidential). If you are in the continental US, I will mail the book to you.

If you are NOT in the continental US, then I will substitute a $20 Amazon gift certificate for the book and send it to your email address. Sorry, but overseas shipping is expensive and not in my budget right now.

Finally, I will bump the winning selection to the top of my reading list and that will be the next piece that I read and review on my blog.

Good luck, and as always, thanks for taking the time to read my blog!!