What ten random books say about me

 An idea I came across on Jonathan Still's site here a long while ago and ever since wanted to do it too - only I didn't have a space for it then. It's about choosing ten books from your shelf with your eyes closed and telling the world what they say about you. Here we go.

The Plumed Serpent by D.H. Lawrence
I can't remember what this says about me. Except that I cannot pass a bookshop without finding new must have books. I actually got this on a rainy night to the Royal Opera House - or did I? Anyway, the reason I got it was because I had read many earlier works of Lawrence and thought he was rather good. I like the thought of following an author to the end, like easily Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.

Das Glasperlenspiel by Hermann Hesse
First thing that comes to mind is a school friend of mine from Luxembourg, her love for Hesse and her having read this. Second thing is the old book fair where I bought 61 books for 61 Euros and broke the fair sales record. Third thing is that I have attempted to read this three times but never got very far. But since Steppenwolf I am determined to have another try. I had this book since I was sixteen or so. Me having brought it to London proves my determination.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Mostly there because I can never remember which books of his I have read and which I haven't. Saving it for a rainy and sad day. It looks new though..

Observing Children: A Practical Guide by Carole Sharman, Wendy Cross and Diana Vennis
I was surprised when it landed on my bed just then. I picked this up because the library had it cleared out and it was only 2 pounds. I tend to pick up stuff with any potential to further my knowledge in teaching dance world. However, not having looked at it and forgotten it was there seems a bit disappointing.

Aspects of Folk Dance in Europe by Helen Wingrave and Robert Harrold
I had to get this for a few reasons: 1. It goes back to trying to be a better teacher for character dance. 2. I was interested in finding out more about the backgrounds having danced with a Russian/Ukrainian/Moldavian Dance Ensemble for a couple of years. It's really clear about costumes as well. I'm getting slightly excited again only looking at it.

Dance Composition by Jacqueline Smith-Autard
Trying to save up some helpful books for future workshops that I might never give or use. But this was part of the library clear-out, although it was rather expensive for the occasion. I wonder when I will have a closer look at it. It's vaguely comforting and vaguely irritating that it's sitting on my shelf.

L'Esprit du Ballet by Marcel Schneider
This is one of the first - if not the first - serious ballet books I got. I got it in Metz where I used to buy my pointe shoes, in the Fnac. I had no idea who Diaghilev was then but already I was guided by a sense of frantic need to know/should really know.

Le Testament Français by Andreï Makine
The original is really French. This was recommended to me by a family member during a family trip and of course I got it in the next best book shop in Geneva - amongst probably six other books, and some more books as presents for a loved one.
I was to expect an interesting treatment of the French language since this author had learned French from his Grandmother (originally French) who had passed her whole life in Siberia. But although I missed the subtleties of this influence, nevertheless the book was beautifully and very calmly telling the story of this grandmother.
This book was then given to me as a present by said family member and now I treasure two copies.

Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire
My complicated relationship with poetry. I take this book with me wherever I move, only to read half a poem now and then. I must read aloud because it's French and I have been taught that passion for French poetry comes with the sound of it, and I must stand up because my English teacher once said he'd read standing up in his room and the image has never left me. Also got it from said book fair.

The Progressions of Classical Ballet by the Royal Academy of Dance
Yes, notation and description and drawings all in one. All about knowing the detail. It's really a good help. It probably speaks for itself.