Let’s buck the trend: over the next few weeks reviewers all over the blogsphere and beyond will be posting Christmas and end-of-year round-ups of their favourite books of 2017.

Personally, I’m always glad to be reminded of the lovely books waiting to be read.

But what I don’t need – and I’m sure you don’t either – are those depressing listicles where m’learned friend presents a catalogue of GOOD BOOKS that everyone should read at least once in their life.

The lecture – for that’s essentially what it is – usually begins by claiming that the curated collection has stood the test of time for a reason.  Continue reading →