The Positive Destruction of Books

Isn't it lovely?!

I love reading. I read everyday on the bus and in the metro. Sometimes I read in the bath and, yes, sometimes my books have to dry out afterwards on the radiator. But what can I do?

The point I want to make is that reading is not something I do in a comfy reading chair in the corner of my personal library (although a girl can dream). I read out and about and therefore I am a Believer in the Positive Destruction of Books. I know it is a controversial subject amongst my bookworm friends, but I break the spine. I'll do it almost immediately, and will keep breaking it the whole way through until the final page. I shove big books into small bags and the pages become dog-eared and a little bit dirty. To me, if I have destroyed a book, it means that I loved it. It went everywhere with me and I manhandled it in every way possible and now it will take pride of place on my bookshelf with the other worn-out books.

My current read, my amazing library card, my next read

I think this stems from my mid-teenage years when I didn't like reading but everyone else in my family did. So now I prove that I read. Look at this book, "Isn't it well read", they'll say! It doesn't make much sense but I think my books are beautiful. It is clear to the eye that I've pulled out each word, and the characters have been forced to come everywhere with me, the cover has been fused into my hand and crushed under the pressure of my need to get to the end. I destroy books, but positively.

Are you a spine-conserver or a spine-breaker? I am having to be careful now that I have a library card, but I'm sure the librarians will understand! Thanks for Monika, for bringing this up over cocktails on Thursday, it's always nice to be reminded of the awesomeness of reading!

Blue Bike Tours, Paris à vélo

Blue Bike Tours, their bikes are indeed very blue.

The wind in my hair, speeding around little street corners, pinging my bell at tourists - Paris on a bike was certainly a tempting idea for a Sunday morning in springtime. Except, bicycles are deathtraps. Whilst I love them, I am not a confident cyclist and still have a lovely scar from my tumble in Pushkar. So, thinking safety in numbers, I signed up with the Blue Bike Tours company for a 'Secrets of Paris' tour. 

I can't recommend them enough. Our guide Sonia was as cute as a button, gave me such fab Paris tips and we had a lovely little ride around the Latin Quarter and the Marais. I felt so safe on my bike (who was named Marie Curie) and afterwards I was pretty convinced that Paris is a great city for cycling.

We began at Gare d'Austerlitz then set off along the canal before we stopped on le Pont de l'Archevêché, otherwise known as one of the Love Lock Bridges. I have never added a padlock to one of the three Parisian bridges that lovers grace with their padlocks. I think it's a cute idea however I've also heard that the bridges aren't really build to withstand that kind of weight so... falling into the Seine, not such a cute idea. But it looks cool.

Le Pont de l'Archevêché and its view onto Notre Dame

Staying rive gauche, we went to every tourist's favourite bookshop Shakespeare and Company. Now, this shop is awesome; it has little nooks and crannies perfect for reading, typewriters, hidden (and-not-so-hidden) notes and a lovely cat. But it is also very expensive and very touristy so prepare to use your elbows to get to the good bits. 

Shakespeare and Company, complete with Kitty, open piano and writing hideouts

 

The tour circles around the Latin Quarter and Sonia gave us lots of brilliant little factoids and stories. We finished in the Marais and walked our bikes through the unusually packed Place des Vosges where the sun-worshippers had flocked.  The tours lasts about four hours with lots of stops to take photos and a longer stop midway for a lunch. I was joined by a Welsh couple and a Parisian family of five so with only eight people you don't feel like too much of a peloton. Highly recommended, next step is braving the Vélib...

Place des Vosges, housed my Parisian, Monsieur Victor Hugo