BORGARBÓKASAFNIÐ
Kormákur Logi Bergsson, a summer employee at the Reykjavík City Library Gerðuberg and a student of linguistics, is currently reading The Magician’s Assistant by Ann Patchett.
He says his ex-girlfriend and closest friend introduced him to the author and that they listened to her books Tom Lake and The Dutch House while traveling around the country. Saga is the person who has had the greatest influence on his reading and interests; they read a lot together, and he owns many books she recommended he should read. Among them are A Moveable Feast by Hemingway, Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman, Solvej Balle’s Rummage Accounts, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, and You Who Are on the Earth by Nína Ólafsdóttir.
He says Patchett is among his favorite authors, though he admits that group isn't very large. It does, however, also include Þórbergur Þórðarson, Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, Robert Stanek, and maybe George R. R. Martin.
"I still think Patchett is unique. Her characters are so vivid, and the lives they live on the pages of her books have such appeal and conviction that you almost feel like you could go and visit them. Fly to Michigan and visit Laura's cherry farm or the lakeside summer theater from Tom Lake, or go see the Conroy siblings' family estate from The Dutch House."
When asked if his summer reading list is long, Kormákur Logi says the list is so long that no one could get through it except a bird in flight.
"But I had planned to do what I'm told this summer — let the books my closest people recommend take priority over others. My dad devoured Kurt Vonnegut at my age and always recommends his books, since he's a huge favorite of his. Without fail, whenever the writer comes up at Mom and Dad's house, Dad tells the story of how he very nearly killed Kurt Vonnegut — almost ran the man over on Suðurgata in September 1987. Vonnegut was in town for the Reykjavík Literary Festival and was probably out for a walk somewhere in the area. Dad will always regret not slamming on the brakes, jumping out, apologizing for the attempted murder, and finally thanking Vonnegut for the gift his writing was. Dad says *Breakfast of Champions* would probably be a good starting point."
Kormákur Logi's mother is also eager to recommend books for him to read, and these days it's mostly books by Hallgrímur Helgason and Steinunn Sigurðardóttir.
"As far as I know, she hasn't run over Hallgrímur or Steinunn on Suðurgata in September — but maybe it's time... time for me to read Tímaþjófurinn or the Sixty-Kilo books, that is."
On his summer reading list are also several academic books related to Kormákur Logi's studies — he says he's been passionate about linguistics since he was a little kid — including Wittgenstein's Blue Book, Chomsky's Language and Mind, Jackendoff's Simpler Syntax, and others.
"I probably won't manage to read all of this over the summer, but at least I've started on Patchett and Wittgenstein," says Kormákur Logi, who considers two starting points good for anyone wanting to dive into Patchett's world.
"Tom Lake is a wonderful first encounter with her style. There are really two settings. The outer setting is a cherry farm in Michigan during the time of COVID. The inner setting — and the bulk of the book — is Laura's stocking years. The book is absolutely wonderful. I'll say no more. Another good starting point is probably Bel Canto, which is also her most famous book. I haven't read it myself."
On days off, it's a great idea to stop by the library and stock up on books, records, games, or other fun things to toss in your travel bag or enjoy in peace at home. But what's worth picking out of all the treasures the library holds? In the article series I'm Going on Holiday, we ask the library staff for recommendations and have them suggest something good from the collection to take along on your trip.