Welsh books to be bought start of list

Welsh books on my to buy list:

(1) Author: Ifan Morgan Jones

Title: Yr Argraff Gyntaf

Publication date August 2010

Publisher: Y Lolfa, Tal-y-Bont

ISBN 9781847712677

(2) Author: Bethan Gwanas

Title: Yn ol i Gbara

Publication date October 2010

Publisher: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst

ISBN 9781845272838

Having borrowed most of the books I have read recently, I feel a little guilty after reading a couple of pleas from Welsh writers for us to buy their books. The potential audience is not so large - and apparently Welsh speakers are not big book buyer - so if we want our favourite authors to continue we need to support them. Hence I have identified some books to buy as opposed to borrow

Back to work and weekend course coming up

We're at the end of the Christmas holiday period now and although I've had over a week off, I was ill for quite a few days so did less of nearly everything than I had hoped to. I had finished the novel that Jim had found me (Omelet) just beforehand and had T Llew jones's autobiography (Fy Mhobol I) at home with me (on interlibrary loan). I finished T Llew Jones - though some of it was a bit of a struggle, especially the chapters on the eisteddfod that talk about the entries - and give examples of the poems. The poems themselves are not that easy to follow or understand (for me, anyway) but he was a fascinating and very energetic man. I've now read a few of his children's books too - which are very good.

I also started and finished a Welsh classic by Daniel Owen - probably (this might be showing my ignorance) the first modern Welsh novelist. Styled as an autobiography it gave a really interesting account of the restricted life led by many people in small villages and towns in some parts of Wales - also the strength of religion at the time - and the fear around it.

But now I am out of books that I have not already read - except for ones that I have given up on - and may try yet again. I booked into the Pontypool course in the end so we'll see how it goes - I'm looking forward to it though a bit apprehensive as it isn't residential so I have the delights of the holiday inn (or something similar can't remember). And apart from a Welsh boost I should also be able to buy some new books