A year of magical thinking

Hi. Delighted that our recent various books have proved so stimulating. I agree that Shakespeare in Love took various liberties with historical figures (Burbage, Webster etc) but had always felt that it nailed the atmosphere and context brilliantly. I think the factors influencing his plays were much as described as themes, but differing in the particular detail. For instance, it's known that Burbage (the great tragedian of the day) worked with Shakespeare at a certain period, and Shakespeare suddenly produced all his major tragedies then.

Since Val suggested a short book and Helen suggested A year of magical thinking, why don't we just read this as soon as it suits each of us? If we're too much of a democracy nothing gets chosen, so let's take that as Helen's suggestion and get on with it. The critics went wild over it, so I'll be glad to investigate it myself. While I am still reading Anna K, I'll be very happy to emerge periodically for a breather from Russian adultery, as Helen puts it. Brilliant phrase.