An Embarrassment of Riches

The Sorbet Theory - by Rachael

All of us have times when no book satisfies. An empty space screams for a good read, but one after another disappoints. You want something that is just like X, but also completely different. Something intelligent but not too cute about it. Something comfortable but not worn out.

The one book that will cure your no-book blues is: ha! Just kidding. We’re all different, and different today than we were yesterday. I picked up The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay three times before it drew me in, but when it did I discovered it was a wonderfully written bit of the divine, the Book I Needed.

I’m developing a theory on how to break through these moments: Don’t dip into your ‘to-read’ list, instead, take a leap into the unknown. Always chasing the latest Booker Prize winner? How about a thriller, say, L A Outlaws: good cop meets bandit queen schoolteacher. Been on a Scandinavian mystery bender? Try a historical novel, maybe An Instance of the Fingerpost: chunky, complex & brilliant.

In other words, when everything tastes tired, refresh your palate. And remember: we're here to help.