It’s Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. today, so I know at least some of you are going to be as busy with turkey and family as I will be, so this week’s question is a simple one:

What books and authors are you particularly thankful for this year?

Actually this year I'm thankful for a publisher - Vintage - because they reprinted two of Rafael Sabatini's books that I've wanted for years. I've been waiting for someone to do so and I was really pleased when Scaramouche and Captain Blood materialised in June, I hope they've sold well and that they release some more of his work. They're adventurous historical fun with a really good pace and you can see why his books have been so popular with film makers.

As for particular books If God Spare My Life by Brian Monyahan was fantastic, it was so informative on Tynedale's life and career and it is interesting to step back five centuries and yet see themes and beliefs that recur and are very relevant today. People associate things with tradition but in his day what he did was absolutely revolutionary for religion, language and culture. Exceptional read.

For a particular author I'd say Raymond Chandler. Yes, it's a time warp. I only just started reading him this year and his books are great. They're rough and ready and honest and totally immerse you in the world in which Philip Marlowe operates. The Big Sleep is a genuine masterpiece. It was only after reading it that I realised how little of the film I'd actually understood until that point! He had a very enjoyable written style and the plots never lack for punch.

PS: I trust on Brit-only holidays we'll have Brit-centric questions. I'd particularly like to see "Today is the Queen's Birthday; after you have finished toasting her health and singing the national anthem, tell us your favourite book about British monarchy?". That would really work for me. And the answer is, of course, Kings in the North which although dealing primarily with the aristocracy gives good accounts of several major kings and also that king in all but name, John of Gaunt. (He of the best last words ever, even if they were made up by William Shakespeare.)