'Diary of a Body' by Daniel Pennac
The time has come again to dissect this week's book, as chosen by the super-duper team at French Books UK.
Who on earth is Daniel Pennac?
For those of you who have been naughty and not attended our Reading Group for the past three years, then Mr Pennac is a French writer who digs up the infantile strand in our hearts. He was awarded the Prix Renaudot in 2007 and wrote a manifesto about the importance of reading. Top notch!
Why should I read 'Diary of a Body'?
Here's what MacLehose Press have to say about it:
From a particularly humiliating accident at scout camp, to the final stages of terminal illness, Daniel Pennac’s warm, witty and heart-breaking novel shows the rise and fall of an ordinary man, told through his observations of his own body.
So it's a reflexive story about humans. None of this 'Embarrassing Bodies' malarkey...we're talking pure, humanistic observation about the ageing process and consequent limitations of appreciating oneself.
Woah, that was a bit philosophical - the book is also a barrel of laughs (or 'lols' as the youth of today would say).
Ok, I'm convinced. What should I do now?
Quite simply comment on this Facebook post to win a copy. Or buy a copy right here. Or wait till Christmas.
If you have completed one, or all, of the above, then here is your reward: a podcast of Michael Rosen and Daniel Pennac dating back to 2010. The year of the Tiger I believe.