Monday 22 July 2013

A Book to Read When You’re Moving To London

Posted By Daisy
 
www.marcjohns.com

 
LAST year, I decided my life needed a shake-up. I was getting far too comfortable. A close friend got sick, and I found a list of aspirations from five years ago with 'Move to London' being one of them. Plus, 'All my friends are getting married (and I'm just getting drunk.)

For inspiration, I found this Stefan Sagmeister Ted Talk, and printed out lots of inspirational sayings - ('If You think Adventure is Dangerous, Try Routine, it's lethal) And had a few sleepless nights.
But somehow, it all came together. Last month, I got a job in London starting in August, and my friend’s dad decided to rent my house for the year. No brainer, huh?

The dream: Spending weekends eating chocolate brownies in Borough Market and writing in the British Library. Looking suddenly svelte and sophisticated as I jog alongside the riverside near Putney Bridge. Standing outside a packed pub in my suddenly uber-fashionable work clothes chatting to my colleagues during after-work Friday drinks. Lolling against a tree in Hyde Park on a Saturday contentedly reading my book. Writing lots of short stories in café’s. Waking up in my new bedroom on a Saturday morning and realising that this move was exactly right for me. Reading my book on the tube to work every morning. Browsing Primark on Oxford Street on a random Tuesday morning. Having my pick of antique and curio shops to trawl through on a Sunday afternoon.

The reality: A bedsit in Hackney. A job that’s less glamorous than I imagine. Babysitting for my sister and her husband every weekend. Crying into my coffee every Sunday morning wondering what the heck I’ve done.

The stress and strain of an adventure is worth more than a thousand peaceful days’. Too right, Paolo Coelho, too right. Bring it on.

Last Friday evening I had a magical date with Tall Guy with Glasses (we went to Amsterdam together in April). We sat on a beach wall in Kinsale as the sun set, eating calamari in garlic mayo and drinking beer, and chatted for hours. I smiled when I saw he was wearing a long-sleeved, freshly-ironed shirt with his shorts.



Elevator Pitch: A wacky, unique family live in a tumble-down house in an otherwise pristine neighbourhood. Problems with neighbours, thwarted ambitions and a failing marriage lead to the disappearance of the mother, Bernadette, and it’s up to her daughter to try to find her.

It’s Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (or any other book which is narrated through letters, emails and reports) meets The Royal Tenenbaums.

It’s one of the most unique books I’ve read in years – be prepared to suspend disbelief at some parts though.

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