I'mm trying to read more broadly these days. And, specifically, I'mm trying to read short, beautiful books to help me with a book of my own that I am trying to write.

This morning I posted a question on social media.

'ªI'mve been given a £40 book voucher (coolest present in the world). What shall I buy? Preference is for short and beautifully written novels.'¬

Here, a selection of the answers, are enough book recommendations to keep you (and me) busy for a year!

'¢ The Brilliant and Forever by @Kevin_MacNeil is a great read
'¢ To my shame I'mve only just read "To Kill a Mockingbird". I wish I'md read it years ago; I'md recommend it to everyone.
'¢ Mend the living by Maylis de Kerangal, welcome prize winner this year, short(ish), beautiful & unique
'¢ The Moon is Down is splendid. I'mve heard very good things about The End We Start From.
'¢ Also, @meganfnhunter's The End We Start From; Mingarelli – A Meal in Winter; and Steinbeck's The Moon is Down.
'¢ Life's Music by Andrei Makinr. Fulfills both criteria
'¢ The Cove. A short novel set off the coast of west Wales. Beautifully written and utterly gripping.
'¢ The troublesome offspring of cardinal guzman
'¢ Would recommed At Hawthorn Time then
'¢ Grief is a Thing with Feathers by @maxjohnporter is well worth reading
'¢ Rain – Four walks in English weather, by @M_Z_Harrison
'¢ MINK RIVER by Brian Doyle. LOITERING WITH INTENT by Muriel Spark.
'¢ Finally read "Amongst Women" by John McGahern and loved it.
'¢ Buy "Do birds still sing in hell?" Excellent story
'¢ A Whole Life by Robert Seethaler
'¢ "Monsieur Linh and His Child" – Philippe Claudel. One of the most beautiful short novels ever.
'¢ "Skin of a Lion" is fab! Or how about Toni Morrison's "Sula".
'¢ The Year Of The Hare is right up your street.
'¢ Written by a Finnish man, it's quirky, funny and beautiful.
'¢ The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce is about a man who walks across England. His journey, both exterior and interior, might be a bit different than your excursions.
'¢ If Woman Rose Rooted
'¢ The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward abbey
'¢  'Gift From The Sea' by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
'¢ Mushashi by Eiji Yoshikawa which is a novel made up of short books. Truly beautiful read.
'¢ "Silk" – Alessandro Baricco. Beautifully written, multi layered, romantic tale, with some epic transcontinental journeys thrown in. Strong, powerful, yet subtle.
'¢ Elif Shafak The Forty Rules of Love. Turkish writer, book about Rumi and a Sufi dervish.
'¢ Gilead by Marylinne Robinson. Amazing book (and winner of the Pulitzer Prize a few years ago).
'¢ Monsieur Linh and His Child- Philippe Claudel. Very moving, but also uplifting
'¢ The magic strings of frankie presto. If you enjoyed your violin trip you'll like this book. By mitch Albom
'¢ Things Fall Apart
'¢ I Found My Tribe by Ruth Fitzmaurice
'¢ Janette Turner Hospitals' -'Forecast Turbulence'
'¢ Il Postino (The Postman) by Antonio Skarmeta.
'¢ The Course of Love by Alain DeBotton
'¢ The North Water – Ian McgGuire
'¢ Erlend Loe: Doppler
'¢ Run Wild – Boff Whalley