Those of you paying attention will have noticed that we’re edging ever closer to October; and during that month Simon at Stuck in a Book and I will be co-hosting one of our regular six-monthly reading Club weeks! If you’re new to these, basically we pick a year and encourage everyone to discover, read and discuss books from that year. You can review on your blog, post on other social media or just comment on our blogs. We love to hear what gems you’ve discovered or want to share, and the whole thing is great fun. Simon came up with the idea and as you can see from the different Club pages on my blog, we’ve done quite a few…:D
The next year we’re going to be focusing on is 1930, and as I usually try to read from my stacks I thought I’d have a nose around and see what I have that would be suitable. I was surprised (and not displeased!) to find that I own quite a substantial amount of books from that year and more than ever I think I’m going to find it very hard to choose what to read! Normally, I don’t share much ahead of the Club weeks as it’s fun to be surprised by what people read. However, there are so many books on the pile that I feel impelled to have a look now in the hope that some commenters might be able to recommend ones they think are particularly good. The mystery this time is going to be what books I actually choose!
So as you can see, the pile of possibles from books I already own is quite large… Let’s look a little more closely!
It should be no surprise, really, that there are several Virago titles from 1930 and these are all from my collection of green spined lovelies. I’ve definitely read the Mansfield; probably the Delafield and Coleman; and possibly not the Sackville-West or Smith. All are tempting for either a new read or a re-read.
Again, no surprise that there should be classic crime from 1930. Sayers is a favourite of course (yes, I have two copies of “Strong Poison” – don’t ask…) and this would be a welcome re-read. The Christies are again books I’ve already read, and I know “Vicarage” very well, so the “Mr. Quin” book would be a fun choice. Hammett too would be a re-read. Not sure here what to choose, if I end up re-reading.
There are indeed Russians from 1930, which might be unexpected bearing in mind the events that were taking place amongst the Soviets in that troubled era. Certainly, Platonov was probably written for the drawer; and Nabokov and Gazdanov were in exile, as was Trotsky. Mayakovsky’s last play was published in 1930, the year he died. Well. I think I’ve read the Platonov, the Nabakov, the Gazdanov and the Mayakovsky definitely. Not so sure about the Trotsky. All are very appealing.
And here’s a pile of general titles from the year in question. The Rhys is again a book I’ve read (fairly recently); “Last and First Men” was purloined from Eldest Child who I think might have studied it at Uni; “War in Heaven” I’ve had for decades and have probably read – I do love Charles Williams’ oddness so that’s a possible. I confess that the Huxley at the top of the pile is a recent purchase, as I saw it was published in 1930. It’s short stories, in a very pretty old Penguin edition, and I’d like to read more of him.
As for the two chunksters at the bottom, well thereby hangs a tale… I’ve owned these books by John Dos Passos for decades and never read them (oops); “U.S.A.” is a trilogy of three novels, and the first of these was published in 1930. Dos Passos was known for his experimental writing and why I’ve never picked them up is a mystery to me. I’m thinking that if I can motivate myself to read the 1930 novel it might set me on the road to reading the rest – we shall see…
Oh – in case you were wondering what the paper on top of the pile of books was, it’s this:
I hoped to find some Virginia Woolf to read for 1930, but the only thing could see was her long essay “On Being Ill”. I couldn’t easily find it in the essay collections I own, but I managed to track down a scan of the original magazine publication online. I love Woolf in all her forms, so this one may well get some attention.
So what can we be sure will be on the Ramblings during the #1930Club? Well, for a start there’s likely to be a guest post from Mr. Kaggsy (which is becoming a regular occurrence!). I hope to read at least one Agatha, and also something of substance. I’d like to try to really work out which of these books I’ve actually read and which I haven’t, going for new reads instead of re-reads. Apart from that – well, watch this space to find out what I finally pick for the #1930Club! 😀
1streading
Sep 28, 2019 @ 07:16:11
Looking forward to this – as your book piles demonstrate, plenty of excellent choices available! Hopefully I can make at least one contribution!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:05:27
There really are – I can’t recall having this many books readily on hand for any of our other reading weeks so 1930 is obviously a bumper one. Hope you’ll be joining us! :DD
clodge2013
Sep 28, 2019 @ 07:23:47
I’ve been wondering if this was happening having noted it for Bookword’s schedule months ago. Can I resist the Jean Rhys? Probably not. Thanks for the list and the opportunity. Looking forward to all the posts, esp yours. Caroline.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:04:45
Thanks Caroline! No, never resist Jean Rhys! 😀 Glad you’ll be joining us!
JacquiWine
Sep 28, 2019 @ 07:29:51
Well, it’s looking like a vintage year for literature. plenty to choose from there! I’m hoping to have something to tie in with your event, all being well.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:04:07
It certainly is – and I own a surprising number of candidates! Do hope you can join us, Jacqui! 😀
Lisa Hill
Sep 28, 2019 @ 08:30:29
Off to Goodreads to see what I’ve got from 1930…
Lisa Hill
Sep 28, 2019 @ 09:05:02
Hmm, I’ve read quite a few from 1930 but only three since blogging. (I loved The Aloe, but I love everything Mansfield ever wrote). I’ve reserved The Maltese Falcon at the library but I can’t say I fancy it even if it is listed in 1001 Books. I think I might try Cakes and Ale by W Somerset Maugham instead.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:02:12
Yeah, Mansfield was *such* a great writer, wasn’t she? I love Hammett but I agree he might not be to everyone’s taste. I’ll be interested to hear what you think of Cakes and Ale if you read it!
Lisa Hill
Sep 29, 2019 @ 01:37:49
I’d better put the date in my diary so I don’t forget…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:42:49
😀 Do! It will be *such* fun!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:03:30
:DDD
Simon T
Sep 28, 2019 @ 08:38:46
Wow, you weren’t kidding when you said you had lots to choose from!! You’ve reminded me that I also have Brief Candles somewhere to add to my pile…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:03:18
I know!! I was surprised myself! And I suspect there may be more from 1930 in the house if I have a further explore. Promises to be such an interesting Club week! 😀
Tredynas Days
Sep 28, 2019 @ 08:53:26
I recently read Not So Quiet… , a response to Remarque, and found it a stimulating insight into a young woman’s experience of WWI near front line action if not a brilliantly written novel
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:02:40
I remember your review, Simon. It’s tempting, though quite chunky – I’ll have to see how strongly I feel drawn to it!
BookerTalk
Sep 28, 2019 @ 09:07:03
You and Simon have been very naughty, picking a year where I have few options already on my shelves. In fact I have just one – Cwmcardy by the Welsh author Lewis Jones. But it’s a very fat book and I’m not a fast reader. Might just have to resort to old Agatha….
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:01:22
Such a shame…. I’m sure you can track down *something* from that year. And the Agathas are good ones too! 😀
juliana brina
Sep 28, 2019 @ 09:12:19
I am looking forward to the Club, Karen! I will be reading The Diary of a Provincial Lady, which is also on my Classics Club list. I’ve recently read The Shutter of Snow & The Edwardians and loved both. You can never go wrong with a Virago! 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:00:54
Wonderful – glad you’re joining us! And yes – you’re always in safe hands with a Virago! 😀
heavenali
Sep 28, 2019 @ 10:21:04
Thanks for the reminder about this, I have A Shutter of Snow and have ordered The Mysterious Mr Quin as I don’t think I have ever read it. Such an amazing pile of books there. I can heartily recommend The Aloe, Diary of a Provincial Lady, Not so Quiet and The Edwardians. I also really enjoyed After Leaving Mr Mackenzie and Strong Poison. 1930 was a very good year.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:00:22
Excellent! Glad you’ll be joining in. It’s yonks since I read Mr. Quin so I may be tempted to re-read it…
armchairreviewer
Sep 28, 2019 @ 10:41:03
1930 is definitely a prolific year for mystery fiction. Not sure what I have in my TBR pile from that year, but here are some titles I have reviewed from that year already. Thought it might give people some ideas of what to choose. Many of these have been reprinted in the last few years so are more easy to get a hold of.
The Second Shot by Anthony Berkeley
The Secret at High Eldersham by Miles Burton
Murder at Fenwold by Christopher Bush
It Walks by Night by John Dickson Carr
Plain Murder (1930) by C S Forester
Rex v Anne Bickerton by Sydney Fowler
The Westminster Mystery by Elaine Hamilton
The Crystal Beads Murder by Annie Haynes
Dead Man’s Quarry by Ianthe Jerrold
The Shop Window Murders by Vernon Loder
The Noose and The Rynox Mystery by Philip Macdonald
The Owner Lies Dead by Tyline Perry
Dr Priestley Investigates by John Rhode
The Beacon Hill Murders and The Back Bay Murders by Roger Scarlett
The Case of Sir Adam Braid by Molly Thynne
White Face by Edgar Wallace
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:59:44
Those are some wonderful suggestions – thanks so much! I think I might actually own the John Dickson Carr and they all sound marvellous. I could just have a week of classic crime if I wanted! :DD
Paula Bardell-Hedley
Sep 28, 2019 @ 11:46:12
Goodness me, this has come round quickly! Thank you so much for the reminder. 😲
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:58:49
It does sneak up when you’re not looking, doesn’t it? Hope you can join us! 😀
Janakay | YouMightAsWellRead
Sep 28, 2019 @ 12:09:05
My heavens, Kaggsy, you’ve done it again! I read or look at your book list and I’m like one of Pavlov’s little dogs! I have to check these books out! And, since I don’t have much from 1930 (the Rhys, Vita SW and a mystery or two) I’ll just have to find some new treasures, won’t I? The read along sounds fun and quite flexible; do you have a specific week each month for six months (if that makes sense) for comments?
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:58:16
Ahem. Sorry (again). But I do think you have the perfect excuse to search out some wonderful new books! The Clubs happen six monthly in the spring and autumn, but not necessarily on the same dates every time. Usually Simon suggests a week and if it suits me too we go with that! We post and comments during the week concerned, but there are always stragglers that are catching up after we’ve finished! 😀
Julé
Sep 28, 2019 @ 13:30:29
Such riches! My first impulse would be towards those I know, but might end up going with something I’ve not read. What a great year to choose!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:56:31
I know – I was really surprised how many books from the year I already have! It’s really tempting to use the week as an excuse to re-read old favourites, because as a rule I don’t do a lot of re-reading nowadays. But the new ones appeal too…. LOL!
Silvia
Sep 28, 2019 @ 13:44:01
It’s a tough decision, I too love Sawyers, Christie, and I adore Nabokov.
Good luck with your choices.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:55:17
I know! So many wonderful books! And should I re-read or only read new ones?? I shall have sleepless nights trying to decide! 😉
WordsAndPeace
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:12:40
Great idea. I was curious to see what books published that year I read: apart for the Agatha Christie’s, As I Lay Dying, and the 1st Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:53:34
There are a *lot* – this is just what I could find on the shelves, and I reckon with a bit more digging I could discover even more. Haven’t even delved that hard into classic crime. Choices, choices!
Melissa Beck
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:43:46
There is a Latin saying that fits: Respice Look back to your future. (
Melissa Beck
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:44:32
Oops. Hit send before I finished! Respice Futurum: Look back to your future.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:52:37
Very apt! A phrase I love (from a very old pop song) is “Nostalgia for an age yet to come” – always makes me think of the wonderful architecture and designs and predictions they had in the 1950s and 1960s for how the future would be. It’s mostly much less interesting that they expected…
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 14:52:49
🙂
Linda
Sep 28, 2019 @ 15:41:51
My book is “Very Good, Jeeves” by P.G. Woodhouse. And, Karen, I would pick the Dos Passos. I haven’t read it, but it sounds fascinating !
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 16:22:53
Now, I haven’t read a Jeeves in ages, so that’s quite appealing. But I’m very much drawn to the Dos Passos – decisions, decisions!!
Winding Up the Week #88 – Book Jotter
Sep 28, 2019 @ 16:49:51
Jonathan
Sep 28, 2019 @ 19:31:35
I’ve already read a few from that year but don’t fancy re-reading any this time. I have two or three in mind but I don’t currently own so I’ll have to get buying, unless they’re available at the library.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 28, 2019 @ 20:06:05
Happy hunting! Hope your library can come up trumps! 😀
Looking forward to the #1930Club – Stuck in a Book
Sep 28, 2019 @ 20:27:45
Helen
Sep 28, 2019 @ 21:24:53
I’ve actually read three books from 1930 this year already (Mr Quin, Giant’s Bread and The Secret of High Eldersham) but I’m sure I can find another one that I want to read. It looks as though there are plenty to choose from!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:44:47
Excellent – you’ve already read some good ones there. I don’t know if I have High Eldersham – must check… 😀 Look forward to hearing about what you read!
piningforthewest
Sep 28, 2019 @ 22:46:59
I’ve read and blogged about quite a few 1930 books but I also have unread Angel Pavement by Priestley, Cakes and Ale by Maugham, High Wages by Whipple and The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene. I also fancy reading The Maltese Falcon but I don’t own that – yet. I’m looking forward to taking part.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:44:06
Oooh, some nice choices there – I keep meaning to read more Priestley. I love The Maltese Falcon, but then I just love Hammett! Look forward to hearing about your reads!
Bellezza
Sep 29, 2019 @ 00:35:52
I have chosen The Virgin and The Gypsy, published by D. H. Lawrence in 1930. I enjoy these excursions into the past hosted by you and Simon so much.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:43:21
Excellent! Look forward to your thoughts! The Clubs are great fun – I’m so glad Simon came up with the idea!
Reese Warner
Sep 29, 2019 @ 02:18:51
I’m very much looking forward to this! I’ve got to put together some choices to consider. I noticed the Very Good, Jeeves & the Agatha Christies, but I also noticed that this was the year Robert Musil started publishing The Man Without Qualities, which I’ve been very tempted to reread lately. (Partly due to Bookbinder’s Daughter!)
I do recommend the Dos Passos. I quite liked the USA trilogy.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:42:27
Excellent – glad you’ll be joining in! 😀 The Christies are so tempting, and I really do think I shall try to get going with Dos Passos. As for the Musil – now, that’s tempting as I’ve been considering reading it for a while. That Melissa is a bad influence…. ;DD
Sandra
Sep 29, 2019 @ 10:57:52
This will be my first time joining in and like you, I found that 1930 was a vintage year. Lucky me! I’m looking at Viragos for obvious reasons and have 3 I’m considering: The Edwardians, Diary… and Not So Quiet. Looking forward to everyone’s experiences – and no doubt letting out the belt on the tbr a few more notches 🤦♀️
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:39:44
LOL! Well, I’m glad you’re joining us! It really is such a good year, and pleasing to have the Viragos too. Look forward to hearing what you read, and there will be a page on my blog to leave links to your posts! 😀
Sandra
Sep 29, 2019 @ 11:57:33
Thanks Kaggsy 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 12:06:49
😀
MarinaSofia
Sep 29, 2019 @ 18:05:52
Not entirely sure I’ll be able to take part, but I got a bit excited when I saw a list of books published that year – so many good ones!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 18:55:41
There are! I’m going to be hard pressed choosing what to go for! 😀
madamebibilophile
Sep 29, 2019 @ 18:21:54
I’ve also got some Viragos lined up – Diary of a Provincial Lady, Not So Quiet, and hopefully The Edwardians if I have time! I’m really looking forward to seeing what everyone reads 🙂
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 18:55:14
Excellent – all sound great reads! Look forward to hearing your thoughts! 😀
Liz Dexter
Sep 29, 2019 @ 18:54:51
So exciting! I’m (shhhhhh) away from my TBR right now, but I have several Viragoes, Persephones AND Furrowed Middlebrows on there so hoping I can come up with something. I know I own and have read a good few so fingers crossed there’s something, and I have got a few charity shop runs to to, too …
kaggsysbookishramblings
Sep 29, 2019 @ 18:56:30
Excellent! There should be something in amongst all that lovely women’s writing that fits the bill, and of course if there are a few charity shops you can pop into… ;D
September 2019 Wrap-Up – Lizzy's Literary Life
Sep 30, 2019 @ 12:04:39
Jane
Oct 01, 2019 @ 16:42:08
I haven’t been able to join in with one of these yet, but really enjoy all the chat!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 01, 2019 @ 17:19:06
Maybe 1930 will be the year you can – there are some great books to choose from! 😁
WWW Wednesday 2/10/19 – A Corner of Cornwall
Oct 02, 2019 @ 19:41:06
gina in alabama
Oct 03, 2019 @ 13:49:01
I have Angel Pavement and High Wages on the TBR list, and I can actually locate them both! Perhaps the Whipple first and then the Priestley.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 03, 2019 @ 14:20:14
Oh, excellent! Look forward to your thoughts – neither are books which I’ve read! 😀
Cakes and Ale, by W. Somerset Maugham | ANZ LitLovers LitBlog
Oct 04, 2019 @ 02:41:12
Lisa Hill
Oct 04, 2019 @ 02:48:02
Cakes and Ale it turned out to be!
https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/10/04/cakes-and-ale-by-w-somerset-maugham/
(The library came up with The Maltese Falcon too, but methinks I need a gap between such fine, witty writing and the hard-boiled noir. Or maybe I’m just looking for excuses not to read it!
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 04, 2019 @ 09:12:59
Wow! Well done – you’re really ahead of the game!!!! 😀
Winding Up the Week #89 – Book Jotter
Oct 05, 2019 @ 15:56:13
The Maltese Falcon, by Dashiell Hammett, and a bit of a rant… | ANZ LitLovers LitBlog
Oct 06, 2019 @ 09:25:34
#1930Club – starting off the week with the Queen of Crime! | Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings
Oct 14, 2019 @ 06:21:04
Two Viragos for the #1930Club – the [blank] garden
Oct 16, 2019 @ 11:44:12
hopewellslibraryoflife
Oct 16, 2019 @ 18:48:11
I keep wanting to do this and keep forgetting it! I’m off to research 1930 books and see what I own or can get my hands on.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 16, 2019 @ 18:59:52
Good luck! We run the club till Sunday and there are always late entries, so I hope you can find something! 😁
hopewellslibraryoflife
Oct 16, 2019 @ 22:34:38
I might get the Agatha Christie read. Vita Sackville-West might not go fast enough though.
kaggsysbookishramblings
Oct 17, 2019 @ 10:34:38
😀 Always easy to sneak in an Agatha!
“Pardon me while I have a strange interlude.” (Capt. Spaulding, Animal Crackers (1930)) | madame bibi lophile recommends
Oct 17, 2019 @ 12:19:08
A Monstrous Burlesque: ‘As I lay Dying’ by William Faulkner | Shoshi's Book Blog
Oct 17, 2019 @ 17:02:37
Winding Up the Week #91 – Book Jotter
Oct 19, 2019 @ 19:34:13
The most wonderful thing in the world must be to be a childless widow – the [blank] garden
Oct 22, 2019 @ 17:05:01
“Give me a whisky, ginger ale on the side. And don’t be stingy, baby.” (Anna Christie, (Greta Garbo) 1930) | madame bibi lophile recommends
Nov 19, 2019 @ 13:08:07
With the night falling we are saying thank you – the [blank] garden
Dec 22, 2019 @ 12:07:09
The Maltese Falcon (1929), by Dashiell Hammett, and a bit of a rant… | ANZ LitLovers LitBlog
Mar 24, 2023 @ 22:47:39