Sunday 2 January 2011

Sleepless

I'm not sleeping very well just now. My head is full of thoughts that won't give up and die down.


But radio and books make the small hours bearable. To my surprise (something nasty early in 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' prevented me from reading on, and my heart sank when I saw this book by the same author), I really enjoyed my brother-in-law's choice of 'Notwithstanding' as  one of my Christmas presents.


And what a great cover!


Look who's on it.



It's a shame Florence can't read. She would enjoy this book about rural village life, with lots of Labradors.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Flossie looks a bit down in the mouth - perhaps when you can't sleep, you should curl up with her and read her the story ...... I think that would help calm your racing brain and cheer her up!

Rattling On said...

I don't think Captain Corelli is a 'nice' book at all really. The end is very sad (not the same as the film at all) and it spoilt the whole thing for me, though I did find it an interesting read. I have Notwithstanding in my To Read pile at the side of the bed.

judy in ky said...

I don't like to read nasty parts in books or see nasty parts in films either. They stick in my mind too long, so I try to avoid them.

flwrjane said...

I didn't finish Captain Corelli, but you have caught my attention with the new book. Rural life, labs?

Nap today maybe?

xo jane

the veg artist said...

I'd never go back to sleep if I put the light on to read. Instead, it's the World Service leading into radio 4 (with a tiny earpiece if hubby's home, although he'd sleep through anything). I have found that actually trying to listen to the programme, which I have on quite low volume, makes my whirring brain be still - and I go back to sleep much quicker.

rachel said...

Veg Artist - I do agree! Radio 4 (or 7, sometimes) on low volume is the best thing to get me to sleep, so I put the timer on to switch the radio off in 30 or 45 minutes, and it usually works a treat. But the World Service that follows R4 can be so depressing, hence the occasional need for a book!

Fran Hill said...

I love the radio at night, too - it's the only way I can get back to sleep if I wake up. I agree with Rachel, though - the World Service straight after Radio 4 finishes can be so depressing, especially when it's that long, long shipping forecast. Boring, or what? Unless you're a sailor. Or a shipping forecast enthusiast ....

Kate on Clinton said...

I too use the radio to get to sleep - BBC World Service on satellite radio. Such soft voices and no commercials work so much better than any American station. And your "football" and cricket stories and scores - nothing puts me to sleep faster than those!

Lynda (Granny K) said...

A voice on the radio or tv (Time Team works like a charm!) will send me to sleep. I saw something on tv about certain rythmic sounds setting up alpha waves in the brain and off you go to dreamland! I also go to sleep in cars and on trains and aeroplanes. In fact, I could sleep for Britain!

mountainear said...

Captain Corelli? Loved it so much I have not dared to watch the film. Do try the music - Hummel's 'Mandolin Concerto' - it's delicious.

Couldn't cope with de Bernieriers rather horrid South American jobbie - too much nastiness. Definitely nightmare material.

Sweet Virginia Breeze said...

I got a Nook for Christmas and have been taking it to bed with me. I'm usually asleep before I get through two pages, but then I don't have any problem with getting to sleep. My problem is getting myself up out of bed in the morning.

June said...

Too bad your girl can't read.
Just show Flossie the cover again and again.
And tell her she's famous.

Catherine said...

It's so frustrating when you can't shut your brain off to get a good sleep. Sometimes I write the thoughts down that are in my head. It helps a little bit.

I hope you have some sweet dreams soon Rachel!
xo Catherine

kristina said...

I really enjoyed Notwithstanding and immediately passed it along to my stepfather, who passed it along to my stepuncle. We all thought it rather like a British version of Lake Wobegon. And that picture is just uncanny!

K x

jabblog said...

Great book cover! I couldn't get on with Captain Corelli either but this book sounds altogether more appealing.

"Sunshine" said...

Love it and love it again.
Nothing like going to bed with Flossie by your side, even in a book form.
I have a bad sleeping pattern too so I understand your need for a book by your bed stand.

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