Would you like a book bag?

    Once again, I have a book bag from the Edinburgh International Book Festival to give away (you may remember last year's). As you see, this one bears a quotation from Michael Morpurgo's Singing for Mrs Pettigrew: A Storymaker's Journey, a book I hadn't come across before but which sounds like good reading.

    To enter the draw, as we did last time, please leave a comment on this post telling us which book or books you'd pack for a long journey, or what other item you might put in the bag - a camera, a sketchbook and pencils, or some knitting, perhaps?

    I am happy to send the bag anywhere in the world, and for good measure I'll throw in a selection of literary postcards from all three of Penguin's sets, so please do have a go.

Comments

[Else-Maria Tennessen]

What a lovely sentiment on this bag! I'd love to win...Going on a long journey, I would take a familiar, beloved book (like Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility), a fun read or two (like a murder mystery by M C Beaton), and I would also take my journal, fountain pen and camera. In fact, that is exactly what I took along on my summer vacation this year! Thanks for hosting this lovely giveaway! :)

[Adele Geras]

Ooh! What a fab offer! Please enter my name in the draw! Thank you!

[Susan in TX]

A long trip would definitely warrant some variety - perhaps Madeleine L'Engle's Crosswick Journals or Gladys Taber's journals for quiet reflection, and for fun, some Alexander M. Smith or Jacqueline Winspear. A few of the Flavia de Luce's might be nice to have as well. And I will stop there as I'm not an e-reader user and my bag is getting heavy! (Must save room for the books found along the way, after all. :) )
I mentioned to my tribe that you had blogged about the Edinburgh Book festival, and one of my dds exclaimed, "You mean it's real?!?" She has recently read Val McDermid's Northanger Abbey and didn't have any idea that the festival was more than fiction. Needless to say, she's now added it to our bucket list.

[Judith]

I would take Lord of the Rings to read and my knitting, which would probably be a shawl, easy to pack and pick up at any time.
Judith

[Kate/Massachusetts]

I would pack up the Cadfael series and reread them! It's been on my to-do list for a long time. I would also pack a few knitting books and a knitting project or two. Also, chocolate would have to go in that bag! Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway!

[Barbara Conn]

Well, I would pack George Eliot's Middlemarch, which I would like to reread forty years after I read it for A level! Knitting projects would include a throw on very thick wool to keep me warm on these premature autumnal nights.

[Lizziemac]

I would take my current book, some knitting, ipad to keep me amused? And something to eat of course!

[LauraC]

Let's see...long journey means a paperback or two, my Nook or my ipad (both with books on them), my ipod (with audio books on it, mostly free), a small notebook, a water bottle, and gum. Now I need that bag to hold it all!

[Ros]

I would put in the not-yet-published third volume in Hilary Mantel's Cromwell series. I gobbled up the first two recently and am very impatiently waiting for the third, so it would be perfect for a long journey. Of course, I would also have my kindleful of books, just in case that one wasn't enough. Plus some knitting, some chocolate, some mints, and my phone for playing mindless games. Depending on the form of transport in question, I might also take a colouring book and pens.

[Margaret Powling]

I'd take one of my lovely Farrow & Ball notebooks to jot down aspects of the journey/holiday. I don't think these are available in the shops, but they are promotional gifts and I have been delighted to receive them.
Books? Depends on where I would be going. If to Cornwall, then perhaps an old Derek Tangye about how he and wife Jeannie left London in the 1950s, both in high-powered jobs, to escape to rural Cornwall and grow daffodils.
I'd also take Bernard Levin's book Enthusiasm. Thisis about all the things he enjoys - walking all the London bridges, to and fro across the Thames; Wagner, Mozart, Shakespeare, and so forth. He's someone who has now slipped into history and few will recall his wonderful columns in The Times, I suspect.
I would also take Jacqueline Winspear's latest, The Care and Management of Lies, a beautifully written novel set in WW1.
What else would be in my bag? An Ordnance survey map of the area I'm going to visit, my Lamy Safari fountain pen, a tin of almonds, a packet of mint imperials, carton of fruit juice, a large neatly pressed white handkerchief (ideal as a mini-towel when hand dryers in pubs take forever) and a bar of Lindt chocolate (any kind, it's all delicious.) Oh, and stamps for postcards to send to my pals!

[Francesca]

For a long journey I'd pack a vintage John Le Carrè, a good translation of something by Jorge Luis Borges, my iPad (so I can download anything at a moment's notice and use it a camera as well), and certainly a knitting project or two. Oh wait, and my friends' snail mail addresses so I can send real postcards. :)

[Sara]

I would take a really good biography with me and a copy of a favourite book to re-read for fun. I am currently thinking of reading "Daughters of Britannia" again. I would also take a quilting project to work on and a lovely notebook and pen.

[Linda C.]

I'd want some old favorites, tried and true: Sarah Orne Jewett's short stories, some early Miss Reads, The Hours, and Old Filth, all of which I have read and re-read many times.
Linda C.

[Virginia Jones]

It is really interesting to read through the comments and see some absolute American classics listed: Sarah Orne Jewett's COUNTRY OF THE POINTED FIRS is a must read for anyone traveling to Maine; Gladys Taber for those who may be traveling to Cape Cod. I would pack the knitting, a journal and pens (not fussy about brand but should be gel ink)and any of the following: Victoria Clayton, John Buchan's classic series about Richard Hannay (there is a four book compilation), Anna Buchan (his sister and, dare I say it, almost a better writer -- as O Douglas), a D E Stevenson or two, and some classic mysteries -- Kathleen Moore Knight, Margery Allingham, etc. I'd love the bag of course and the postcards.

[Rebecca]

Hmmmm. . . I would put in a hardback black sketchbook for whatever I might need to jot, write, or note down; knitting (probably socks for one of the pairs of enormous feet that live in my house), and Persuasion, my favorite Austen, and then a new "fluff book" by one of the reliable fluff book writers I know: Jennifer Crusie, Jennifer Weiner, Marian Keyes, or Katie Fforde. What a lovely raffle!

[Cindy]

I'd take the complete works of Barbara Pym and my phone with Kindle app loaded with Patricia Highsmith. Plus some homemade flapjacks and a flask of Lapsang. Quite looking forward to this journey now. Also, loved reading all the other answers.

[Mystica]

Deborah Lawrensen's books preferably a couple of them!

[Sharon M]

I'd see if there's a Kate Atkinson I haven't read yet, a camera, and the longest running piece of needlepoint in the world--Irish Water Spaniel eye glass case. Long enough journey I might even finish it!

SharonMoreland

[Margaret stedman]

First I would pack my passport. Next my Smartphone loaded with maps and the spreadsheet of my "must visit" list. Then my carefully prepared Travel Diary and it's attached pen. Not knitting but the current piece of embroidery will accompany me. My kindle loaded with books of course, but also one each of my precious and dog-eared copies of Inspector Morse and Inspector Rebus as I hope to meet the ghosts of each. And I have only 272 weeks until my dreamed of UK expedition becomes a reality so I need the bag;-)

[Di McDougall]

So lovely to have you back! I have recently discovered Catherine Fox and halfway through my first read I ordered all the rest ....so off I go with a bag full of Catherine Fox to amuse me...to make me think and think..and lots of beautiful lines to highlight and remember

[Jane]

I would pack one of Anthony Trollope's longer novels. I think I've read them all so it would have to be one I hadn't read for at least ten years, but it is absolutely essential that it should be one of the old Oxford Classic editions (the ones with the navy blue covers): smaller in plan than a paperback, lighter than most paperbacks, with pin-sharp print on lovely-to-handle non-browning bible paper.
Actually, that's what I already do only I don't own a book bag.

[Ann]

For a while I've been wanting to read Vincent van Gogh's letters and a long journey would be the best place to start this endeavour. I have seen that they come in 3 large volumes - so I'll pick Volume 1! To go with this, I'd put in a packet of sticky notes so I could mark places in the book, as well as my purple spiral journal and small pencil/pen case. My phone/camera is always a trusty companion and I'd sneak in a bar of chocolate - essential for a long journey! I never travel without some poetry, so I'd probably pop in Moya Cannon's Carrying the Songs. I think I would be a very Happy Traveller with that lot as long as I could have access to a cup of good hot steaming coffee as well!

[Yolanda Alvareç]

Hi! I love Edimburgh and its Book festival (I've been there twice)
In the book bag (I Really love it!) I'll put some books of my favourite writers: Margaret Atwood, Kate Atkinson and Ali Smith (This one I met There). I¡d also add a note book , a pen, myy camera end my fan!
Thank you very much!!!

[Dixie Lee]

Oh gosh yes, someone else here would take a D.E. Stevenson - amazing! And I am trying to read all of the Margery Allingham "Campion" series this summer, so a few of them could fit in. I would try to get hold of the latest 44 Scotland Street too - they come out later here than in Britain. The new Outlander will go on my Kindle - my interest is waning so I haven't got that urge to get it as soon as possible that I used to have. I also have "Lean In" to finish on the Kindle - for a discussion group at the end of Sept. I still have "The Thirteenth Tale" in my pile. My little notebook and my 1/2 length colored pencils - they come in handy for little sketches and for amusing bored children as well. (Yes, I leave a week from today!)

[Dorothy]

If I was going on holiday, it would most likely be to Scotland so I would take one book from my TBR pile for the plane. The journey home would not be so 'light' because I would have bought so many British books to bring back with me. I have ended up dispersing them through my kids luggage so that alarms don't go off when I hoist my suitcase on to the scales at the airport. I have also been known to buy loads of advance copies at the airport along with a ton of chocolate. That should keep me going till my next foray home!

[Tracey]

I'd take a copy of The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, and Gossip from the Forest by Sara Maitland, a soft backed sketchbook, a propelling pencil and fine nib ink pen, a big bag of soft centred toffees and Snoopy, my little Staffy

[Ann]

Currently, I'm reading off of my IPad mini using the Overdrive App to access my local public library so that would be the first thing to go into the bag. Then my current knitting project which is a big one, the Ignatus Peverell's Invisibility Cloak along with the directions from the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits. I'd also add my ukulele and some music. I can occupy myself for days with these three items.

[Ann P]

For a long journey without interesting scenery it would have to be something engrossing but not too heavy. A Barbara Pym and a D E Stevenson and then a new book by an author you trust to give you a good read and preferably with a foreign setting - I've just been lucky enough to read the new one by Victoria Hislop and that would be ideal.

[Geraldine]

One or two of the delightful Flavia de Luce novels .

[Lory @ Emerald City Book Review]

For a long journey I think a reread of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell would keep me occupied for a while. I'd also like to make progress on my reading of the Barsetshire Chronicles (Dr Thorne is next on my list). Otherwise, definitely some knitting, and a pen and stamps so I can send those postcards. Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

[Rhonda]

Lovely give away .ii use totes daily to carry my book glasses ipad etc.on a trip iusually have a book I've been dying to read&saved for the trip&my ipad&charger .snacks of course.

[Elaine]

Wonderfully generous thank you! I would take my camera and Proust 'In search of lost time' a series of books I have been trying to read for a long time!

[Suzanne Wilsey]

Edith Pearlman and WIlliam Trevor's short stories!

[Janice]

I went on a long journey this summer and took Madeleine L'Engle's Crosswick series and Michael Horton's 700 page The Christian Faith.

[Alison Collins]

I would probably pack Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy because I just love his discriptions of the moor....and maybe a collection of John Clare's poems along with my lastest pair of socks that I am knitting just to keep me going:-)
Alison Collins

[Erika]

Many of our holidays have been to Landmark Trust places and I know from experience that I need to pack a small, sharp, serrated kitchen knife (so my holiday would probably begin and end at an airport check point), my much-worn potato peeler, and...my Kindle and its recharger. Who would have thought a Kindle, a handful of years ago? Probably my Ipad as I play Chess, Dark Chess, Jamble and Dark Battleships Plus daily in the very early mornings when I wake up first.

For the traveling itself I would bring my current piece of tatting. It is only added to on long journeys because it is so time-consuming and as I now tat only edgings for blouses and handkerchiefs or make elaborate little book marks there is no urge to speed on with it.

A couple of paperbacks--maybe rereads of John Buchan which I have been thinking of doing recently.

What a lovely draw--reading the entries is as much fun as packing my imagined bag.

[Lee M]

It is so much fun to read everyone's comments. It is nice to know that I am not the only one to pack way more stuff than I can hope to get through on a long trip, especially if I want to actually enjoy the places I am seeing! I tend to bring books that have some connection to places I will see, so for instance, this past December, had "Crossing" by Cormac McCarthy to accompany me on a long road trip through the American Southwest. I also bring current knitting project, my favorite spindle and current spinning project, my iPad, a notebook, sketchbook, and then assorted other reading material, just in case....
I think I will have to add chocolate to the mix.

[Jane]

Suzanne Wilsey, whoever you are, I want to be your friend ... your choice of Edith Perlman and William Trevor short stories is so exactly right. Edith Perlman has been my find of the year and I could read her short stories all again just six months after first reading them. As for William Trevor everything good said about him is right.

Excuse me, Cornflower, for talking across you as it were, and thanks for inspiring such a great competition.

[Ursula]

Thanks for all the comments which made me discover/remember several authors I would like to (re-)read.
I would pack "Ulysses" which has been on my TBR pile for such a long time, "To Kill a Mockingbord" as an old companion and probably a couple of really cozy mysteries. And of course I won't forget to pack my Kindle!

[Ursula]

Why is it that I do not spot a typo in the
preview but immediately after having sent
it?

[Karen]

On any journey, long or short, I always take my knitting! I have recently taken up patchwork, and love to sit and do a bit of sewing, too. The book I would bring for a long journey is, 'The Colour Purple' a book I read again and again, always finding something new in there. And, if a allowed a second, then it would have to be by my newly discovered Scottish author, Denise Mina. She is a fabulous writer, who grabs me right from the start.
I couldn't travel much last year, as my back was extra poorly, but we're making up for it this year, with several trips in our caravan. In October we are off to Kielder Water, said to be one of the darkest places in the UK, to look at the stars - what better reading is that?

[Darlene]

Such an eye-catching bag; who could resist?! The first book that comes to mind is Bleak House because the nights are drawing in and I've been talking myself into tackling something by Dickens other than A Christmas Carol. I would then have to tuck a magazine in as well for when my eyes needed a rest! Knitting and chocolate - definitely, and then those moist wipes to clean my hands so there is no mess when I go back to Bleak House. That little cycle could go on for hours!

[Georgina]

Well, I think I'd take some of the Donna Leons I haven't read yet and hope for a stopover in Venice. Then a hop over the Adriatic with Rebecca West's Black lamb and grey falcon for a trip round the Balkans: a slow one as it's over 1000 pages. And I might feel safer with some knitting needles so the long neglected socks could have an adventure as well.

[Alison P]

I am off to Tobago in a few weeks time and, with limited luggage space, I am going to take Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts which has been sitting on my TBR shelf for over 10 years. My other item? High factor sun cream!

[Nicky]

I always like to take something to read which provides a big contrast with whatever I'm doing e.g. if travelling in a hot climate, take a book set in the Arctic, if it's a work trip, take something frivolous etc.

[Wilma]

Lovely bag! I've just been to the edinburgh book festival to see Margaret Drabble who was a joy, so interesting an amusing. I would have to take her latest, Pure Gold Baby. I've always wanted to read vikram Seth's A Suitable Boy so would take that too. I would need my iPad, some nice sweets and a couple of bottles of wine. Lovely

[Ann]

Long journey, means long way for a long stay so super organised with electronic gadgets, kindle loaded with classics (eg Middlemarch and Bleak House), i-pad in lieu of heavy laptop. But as important a couple of actual books probably at least one of those with a grey cover, fountain pen, spare cartridges, address book and birthday cards and the diary that usually stays at home but without which I am bereft. I would have actually managed to start a knitting project and would have that in the bag and it would probably be socks to wear on my return!

[Janet]

For four weeks in France this month, I packed my Kindle and its charger, with newly downloaded The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri, and Khaled Hosseini's "And the Mountains Echoed". I also took several books borrowed form my local (UK) library, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez "One Hundred Years of Solitude, Barbara Trapido's "Sex and Stravinsky", J.L. Carr's "A Month in the Country" Hilary Boyd's "Thursdays in the Park", Mavis Cheek's The Lovers of Pound Hill"and a couple of other titles. I've also brought some patchwork to do. My book journal and travel diary come as well,together with my fountain pen, as does my camera. The book bag is a lovely example of its kind.

[Catherine]

I would pack Wind,Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint Exupery, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro. The first one for atmosphere while travelling,the second for its humour and the third for short stories to dip into. Alongside these books I'd carry my Paperblanks journals, one to record the journey and a smaller one to add sketches or cuttings of interest.

[Anne Simonot]

Hmmm... Camera, IPad (with Kindle app), and something light & fluffy to read in paper form. Nothing too deep or serious as that never seems to work out while travelling. Something like Mary Stewart or a good thriller.