Booklisted

  

There's nothing quite like a used textbook to sap the joy right out of reading - all the more reason I'm looking forward to the holidays, and a break from school to devote entirely to titles of my choice. At present I'm halfway through Must You Go? - Antonia Fraser is so readable, and if my good word is not enough to convince you, the Wall Street Journal's will. Until I'm finished with Lady Antonia, I won't even let myself near In Tearing Haste - "bursting with wit and conviviality", according to one review; "evokes a lost world of glamour, intelligence and personal scruples", says another. And, best for last, Jay-Z's new memoir - "a collection of lyrics and their meanings that together tell the story of a culture, an art form, a moment in history". I'm intrigued, and love that he chose one of Andy Warhol's Rorschach paintings for the cover. Will report back once I'm through!