There is one book at the charity shop which is not in English. I do not know what language it is in. I would guess Eastern European. So I try to keep it prominently displayed in a relatively empty part of the children's book shelves, hoping someone who knows that language will see it and want it.

Disappointed in myself at the toy library this morning. Most of the toys I cleaned ended up going in the storeroom as incomplete, and I wonder if I should have been bolder about renumbering parts to fit them. Felt like I could have done a better job with more time, but an extra half hour or so would have made little difference. Actually, I think most of those toys would have needed more work than I could have provided in the time before I had to be at the charity shop. So I suppose I am feeling bad about factors largely but not entirely beyond my control.

Some days ago I saw a book identification post on a blog I was reading. The basic idea is, someone writes in with a vague description of a book for which they do not know title and author, but wish to know. People then comment with details of what they think the book in question is, and hopefully everyone goes home happy.

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks

Published 1994, copyright 1993

Recommended Rating: R18+[NDVLH]

Nudity

Drug Use (cigarettes, alcohol [underage])

Strong Violence

Language

Religious References

Restricted to persons aged 18 and over

Representations:

Although there are sections with female characters, their concerns all seem to revolve around men in or absent from their lives.