h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Ed, If you go to LL's PS and follow the link 'Reading in German' you'll find that Sho and LL are having a book natter. Sho asked LL: "How do you choose your books?". That's a q. I'd like to ask of you!

Ah...I'm not very good in German, I'm afraid. One of my Projects-Awaiting-A-Spare-Moment is to try and improve by parallel reading. I have copies of der Leser / The Reader by Bernhard Schlink waiting.

And when I I going to find the time to learn Arabic?

Oh...as for the q...the answer is 'largely serendipitously'.

I read the weekend book review. I see what people are recommending in places like this. It all digests...and some time later I'll be in a bookshop - often secondhand - and I'll think "I've heard of that. I'll buy it"

That's only Stage 1. Next, the books sit on my shelves or in various untidy piles nearby. When I finish a book, I'll pick up two or three and choose one according to whim. I try not to read too many of the same type in succession - eg I don't allow myself more than one Patrick O'Brian in a row (my vice!), or I might think "Time for some non-fiction" or "Let's tackle a long book" or "The last book was quite intense. Time for something lighter" or "This one's been hanging around for months" or "I've been dying to read this one" or "Since I can't find the one i want, this'll do."

Quite a system, eh?

Thanks for that wonderful insight into the workings of your literary mind. Much appreciated.
Time is almost always in short supply. When I was working I had loads of it. Now I'm retired it's all gone! Where'd it all go to I'd like to know.