What to Read for the Upcoming #1961Club

The 1961 Club is just around the corner - it runs from 13 to the19th of April 2026!; and I have been preparing for it for a while. As usual, the event would be hosted by Simon and Karen. For one week we will be sharing books we have been reading that were published in 1961. 

As a warming up, here are books published in 1961 which I have read before:

PREVIOUS READS

Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck

A travelogue of Steinbeck's road trip 'in search of America', along with his old French poodle Charley. "For me, the travels provided a first hand glimpse to America in the 1960s, but what pleased me the most is John Steinbeck's writing - incisive, eloquent, and witty." [excerpt from my review, here's the complete one]

The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone 

Irving Stone has been one of my favorite historical fiction writers. His books are always written vividly, bringing some of the greatest personages the world ever seen to life. I admire his thorough researches, that make you plunge into the time and the person's life so smoothly. My first read of Stone was The Agony and the Ecstasy - read during pre-blogging era, so here's the Goodreads' review if you need to have a look at it. It's a biographical story about Michelangelo's life and his masterpieces.

The Pale Horse by Agatha Chirstie

I have read this ages ago - when I was still in school, I believe. So, no review is available, but here's one from Goodreads. I also can't remember what the mystery is about, but it's one of not-many Ariadne Oliver's mysteries.

Five Go to Demon's Rock by Enid Blyton

I've been saying this over and over, that I have grown up reading Blyton's children adventures. Though it has been a long time since I read them, I still remember that Five Go to Demon's Rock was one of my favorites back then. It's a fun one with a lighthouse and a treasure hunt. Here's the Goodreads' review if you (still) need a clue about it. 


Next, what am I currently reading for #1961Club?

CURRENT READS

I have originally picked eight books as possible reading list. These included Jon Godden's Told in Winter,  Lucy M. Boston's A Stranger at Green Knowe, and My Thirty Years Backstairs at the White House by Lilian Rogers Parks. The latter was what I had really wanted to get into the final list. However, I could not find a copy to read, so, I must turn to the other five from the list. At the last moment, I dismissed A House for Mr. Biswas (V.S. Naipul), as it wasn't appealing to me at that time (I'm a moody reader), and though the next book is in my Classics Club list, I didn't think I would have enough time for Where the Red Fern Grows (Wilson Rawls), so I had to dismiss it too.

And it leaves me with these final three, which I have read (and am currently reading):

1. Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat

2. The Body in the Dumb River by George Bellairs

3. The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart

I am pleased with my final choices, and have been enjoying all three very much. They are of different genres, and provide different satisfaction in my reading - just what I need in the present time. Can't wait to share my reviews with you next week!

So, what about you? Will you participate in the #1961Club? What will you be reading? And have you read books on my list?