I live in a house full of books. As a child, new books were a rare treat so when I grew up, got a home of my own and access to as many books as I wanted, many through charity shops, and the chance to share my love of books through Bookcrossing I went a bit mad and my home started to fill with books. I find it very difficult to let a book go without having read it, so the march to the exit route by my books is slow. With this in mind I am trying to read and pass on as many books as I can this year. I am quite pleased with the progress I am making, even though I know I will never run out of something to read!
In the last week I have read The Odessa Stone by C C Chambers (teenage fantasy, not my kind of book at all), Odd One Out by Monica McInerney (escapist chicklit, very quick read and good fun) and The Crucible by Arthur Miller. This is going to a friend at book group who said that she was looking for books connected with the Salem Witch Trials after seeing the BBC programme "Who Do You Think You Are?" with Sarah Jessica Parker as the subject. This traced back her family and found that one of her ancestors was accused of witchcraft, but escaped hanging as the law changed around the time of her arrest. Very interesting, and well worth watching.
Both The Odessa Stone and Odd One Out are toward the four month reading challenge.
Monday 21 June 2010
Step outside my comfort zone!
I enjoy crafts, I always have. The whole process of turning a pile of sometimes quite random stuff into something either useful or decorative gives me huge satisfaction and makes me feel like I'm bringing some sort of order into my life. I only really make things for myself, after all, I'm only me, I'm not special, why should I think my efforts are any good?
Last summer Mr Pixie and I attended a local country agricultural show, and there in a tent were the entries to the handicrafts competitions. There were some beautiful pieces of craftwork there, many of them similar to the kind of things I make. There and then I set myself the challenge of entering something into at least one of the classes this year, now the details have been published and it's time to get crafting!
There are sixteen handicraft classes in the show, my next step is deciding which I will enter. So far I have my eye on "a pair of knitted socks", "a piece of patchwork", "a handmade card", "a bag in any medium", "a cushion" and "a doorstop". If I had time I would enter every one of the sixteen classes! I also have a cross stitch I am working on, if I get it finished in time I will enter it for either "an item made from a kit" or "an embroidered picture".
I am now setting forth my intention to spend at least one hour per day working toward entering more than one well made item into this show. It's time to stop hiding my light under a bushel!
Last summer Mr Pixie and I attended a local country agricultural show, and there in a tent were the entries to the handicrafts competitions. There were some beautiful pieces of craftwork there, many of them similar to the kind of things I make. There and then I set myself the challenge of entering something into at least one of the classes this year, now the details have been published and it's time to get crafting!
There are sixteen handicraft classes in the show, my next step is deciding which I will enter. So far I have my eye on "a pair of knitted socks", "a piece of patchwork", "a handmade card", "a bag in any medium", "a cushion" and "a doorstop". If I had time I would enter every one of the sixteen classes! I also have a cross stitch I am working on, if I get it finished in time I will enter it for either "an item made from a kit" or "an embroidered picture".
I am now setting forth my intention to spend at least one hour per day working toward entering more than one well made item into this show. It's time to stop hiding my light under a bushel!
Saturday 5 June 2010
No Time For Romance by Lucilla Andrews
This is the memoirs of a girl who began nursing during World War II at the age of eighteen. Coming from a fairly sheltered background she found the reality of war and its injuries deeply affecting, helping her to grow as a person as well as a nurse. There were many humorous episodes described and some unique characters but always underlying these are the horrors of war.
My only criticism of the book was the way her husband's illness was dealt with (or not dealt with). I was curious about the nature of his sickness and wonder whether I missed the details of it, but I don't think I did. I felt quite humbled by the stoicism of the nurses described in this book, and by the courage shown by the injured servicemen.
Definity a book to read when in the midst of a pity-party!
My only criticism of the book was the way her husband's illness was dealt with (or not dealt with). I was curious about the nature of his sickness and wonder whether I missed the details of it, but I don't think I did. I felt quite humbled by the stoicism of the nurses described in this book, and by the courage shown by the injured servicemen.
Definity a book to read when in the midst of a pity-party!
Suburbanistasby Pamela Redmond Satran
Chicklit? Maybe. Henlit? Maybe.
Stella and Mary Jean were best friends through their childhood days, then Stella ran off to become an A-list movie star. When she returns to the town in which she grew up will she be able to connect with her old friend despite the huge differences between their lives?
Of course she will, we can guess that from the start of the story. Much of the book is formulaic - when we read that Mary Jean is a frumpy mother of four we just know that Stella is going to take her under her wing and help her turn her life around and face new challenges. I didn't pick up this book looking for great classic literature, I wanted a quick, fun read, and that is exactly what I got.
Stella and Mary Jean were best friends through their childhood days, then Stella ran off to become an A-list movie star. When she returns to the town in which she grew up will she be able to connect with her old friend despite the huge differences between their lives?
Of course she will, we can guess that from the start of the story. Much of the book is formulaic - when we read that Mary Jean is a frumpy mother of four we just know that Stella is going to take her under her wing and help her turn her life around and face new challenges. I didn't pick up this book looking for great classic literature, I wanted a quick, fun read, and that is exactly what I got.
Burned Alive by Souad
I've had this book for a while, and have only just picked it up to read. This is the story of a survivor of an honour killing, her brother in law poured petrol over her and set her alight. Her crime? She fell in love, committed the sin of sex before marriage and became pregnant. Women from her village took her to hospital where she was left to die. A worker with an international charity discovered her fate and at great risk to her own personal safety rescued the gravely ill girl and brought her to Europe to start a new life.
This book roused very strong emotions for me. I felt anger that there are still places in the world where girls are seen to be of less value than animals, and where once a family has enough daughters to carry out all the household tasks any further baby girls born can be smothered. I feel desperately sad that there are societies where an act that brings aparent dishonour on the family can be punished by death rather than forgiven. Still more I feel immense gratitude that I live a relatively free life in a western country.
This book roused very strong emotions for me. I felt anger that there are still places in the world where girls are seen to be of less value than animals, and where once a family has enough daughters to carry out all the household tasks any further baby girls born can be smothered. I feel desperately sad that there are societies where an act that brings aparent dishonour on the family can be punished by death rather than forgiven. Still more I feel immense gratitude that I live a relatively free life in a western country.
Saturday 22 May 2010
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Landon Carter is one of the popular kids at school, plenty of friends, son of successful parentsgood home in a small town in 1950s America. Jamie Sullivan is the daughter of the local preacher, seen as a bit strange at school, more interested in charitable works at the local orphanage than hanging out with other teenagers. When they start spending time together while rehearsing for the Christmas play they become close, but all is not destined to run smoothly.
In some ways this is a predictable book, but still a delightful little read. The story is told very simply, and I found that I couldn't help feeling the characters' emotions along with them. I admit, I did have a tear in my eye at one point despite anticipating the turn events would take.
I have included this in the four month reading challenge - a book with a four word title.
In some ways this is a predictable book, but still a delightful little read. The story is told very simply, and I found that I couldn't help feeling the characters' emotions along with them. I admit, I did have a tear in my eye at one point despite anticipating the turn events would take.
I have included this in the four month reading challenge - a book with a four word title.
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Life is good
Life is good. The weather has changed for the better, the sun is shining, the birds are singing outside my window and I'm happy.
I am married to a fantastic man, I have three sons who I love more than they will ever know, I have a wonderful family.
I have a roof over my head, plenty to eat, clothes to wear and shoes for my feet.
I am healthy, literate, I live in a country where I can express my opinions without fear of repression or repercussions.
For all these things, and many more, I am grateful.
I am married to a fantastic man, I have three sons who I love more than they will ever know, I have a wonderful family.
I have a roof over my head, plenty to eat, clothes to wear and shoes for my feet.
I am healthy, literate, I live in a country where I can express my opinions without fear of repression or repercussions.
For all these things, and many more, I am grateful.
Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Good old chick-lit, sometimes it hits the spot!
Kate Hollis has never forgotten the boy she fell in love with back at high school. How could she forget him when he's a successful musician, playing over the radio wherever she goes. When she hears that he's back in their hometown for Christmas she decides to confront him about the song she thinks is about her.
Predictable, maybe. Sometimes I don't care. Sometimes I want pure escapism, and this book delivered that.
The four month reading challenge, read a book by two authors.
Kate Hollis has never forgotten the boy she fell in love with back at high school. How could she forget him when he's a successful musician, playing over the radio wherever she goes. When she hears that he's back in their hometown for Christmas she decides to confront him about the song she thinks is about her.
Predictable, maybe. Sometimes I don't care. Sometimes I want pure escapism, and this book delivered that.
The four month reading challenge, read a book by two authors.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
This was our book group selection for May, and a very popular choice.
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist, recently convicted of libel against a leading Swedish businessman. When he is hired to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl over forty years previously he finds himself entangled with dark secrets and even darker characters. He enlists the brilliant but troubled Lisbeth Salander to help him with his search for the truth, bringing unique and often unorthodox talents with her.
There has been a huge amount of hype surrounding this book and I found that it lived up to this hype. In some ways it has been done before - corporate crime, crusading journalist, misfit sidekick, disfunctional family with dreadful secrets, extreme sexual violence and depravity, cryptic clues hidden in biblical references - but the whole is greater than the sum of the parts in this case. The backdrop of small town Sweden brings a refreshing element to the story and an atmospheric bleakness underlying the narative.
As this book is a substantial 644 pages long I am counting this toward the Four Month Reading Challenge - read a book with over 500 pages.
Mikael Blomkvist is a journalist, recently convicted of libel against a leading Swedish businessman. When he is hired to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl over forty years previously he finds himself entangled with dark secrets and even darker characters. He enlists the brilliant but troubled Lisbeth Salander to help him with his search for the truth, bringing unique and often unorthodox talents with her.
There has been a huge amount of hype surrounding this book and I found that it lived up to this hype. In some ways it has been done before - corporate crime, crusading journalist, misfit sidekick, disfunctional family with dreadful secrets, extreme sexual violence and depravity, cryptic clues hidden in biblical references - but the whole is greater than the sum of the parts in this case. The backdrop of small town Sweden brings a refreshing element to the story and an atmospheric bleakness underlying the narative.
As this book is a substantial 644 pages long I am counting this toward the Four Month Reading Challenge - read a book with over 500 pages.
Thursday 6 May 2010
Cell by Stephen King
This book starts with such promise. The basic plot is that someone (who is never revealed) tampers with the mobile phone signal affecting the minds and behaviour of all who use one. This leads to the population being split between those affected (phone crazies) and those unaffected (normies). Cell follows the fortunes of a small group of normies trying to understand the events unfolding around them and their attempts to survive in a world where they don't know the rules anymore.
i started by saying that the book starts with promise, sadly it doesn't end that way. Part way through I found my attention drifting, no longer caring what happened to the characters. By the end I didn't care whether they lived or died, surely not the author's desired result. The ending I found to be especially weak, I won't go into details but the words "cop-out" sprang to my lips.
i started by saying that the book starts with promise, sadly it doesn't end that way. Part way through I found my attention drifting, no longer caring what happened to the characters. By the end I didn't care whether they lived or died, surely not the author's desired result. The ending I found to be especially weak, I won't go into details but the words "cop-out" sprang to my lips.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Why can't I keep up?
We all have them in our lives - overacheivers! There's a lovely woman in my life, a friend (but not a close friend) who can do everything. We met through a mutual hobby for which she has a real talent, she's really good. Okay it may help that she can spend much more money on supplies, classes and all the paraphernalia that surrounds creative endeavours, but that's no excuse. She also creates beautiful examples of other crafts effortlessly (can you tell I'm being slightly vague? She would be mortified to know I see her as a rival), bakes wonderful cakes and has a beautiful home which she keeps spotless and clutter free. Did I mention that she always looks effortlessly elegant? No? Well she does.
My son calls her my nemesis because she brings out the worst in me, I become dissatisfied with myself, but not in a positive way that makes me throw out all the clutter, work out to shift those extra inches, learn new skills. All I see are my shortcomings. Why can't I be more naturally creative? Why are my family so untidy? Why do I find it so difficult to get myself organised so that I can make the most of my life? Why can't I be more outgoing and vivacious?
I'm sure there are things about me that make her envious, or so my husband says. I love my life, but I know it could be so much better if I could clean up my act (and my house), lose some weight, make the most of my appearance - generally move my life up to the next level. Is it really hard work for everyone, or do I just not yet have the skills to make it all look so easy?
My son calls her my nemesis because she brings out the worst in me, I become dissatisfied with myself, but not in a positive way that makes me throw out all the clutter, work out to shift those extra inches, learn new skills. All I see are my shortcomings. Why can't I be more naturally creative? Why are my family so untidy? Why do I find it so difficult to get myself organised so that I can make the most of my life? Why can't I be more outgoing and vivacious?
I'm sure there are things about me that make her envious, or so my husband says. I love my life, but I know it could be so much better if I could clean up my act (and my house), lose some weight, make the most of my appearance - generally move my life up to the next level. Is it really hard work for everyone, or do I just not yet have the skills to make it all look so easy?
Catch up!
Eep! I haven't blogged for a whole month! So what have I been doing?
Reading - as usual. Since my last post I have read Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult, December by Elizabeth Winthrop, and probably something else which has slipped my mind.
Crafting - I've been getting back to scrapbooking, which I'm enjoying very much. I'm trying to incorporate different techniques into my work which is making the whole process so very satisfying. I've also been knitting, mainly flower brooches using the pattern I used for the poppies in an earlier post, to be sold in aid of a very good cause which is a hospice located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Like all such facilities they are always in need of extra funds, and the ladies there make some lovely things to sell to raise money.
Work - same old, same old! I enjoy my work but like everyone I occasionally feel like a change. I'm starting to consider looking for new oportunities.
So that's been my month in a nutshell!
Reading - as usual. Since my last post I have read Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult, December by Elizabeth Winthrop, and probably something else which has slipped my mind.
Crafting - I've been getting back to scrapbooking, which I'm enjoying very much. I'm trying to incorporate different techniques into my work which is making the whole process so very satisfying. I've also been knitting, mainly flower brooches using the pattern I used for the poppies in an earlier post, to be sold in aid of a very good cause which is a hospice located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Like all such facilities they are always in need of extra funds, and the ladies there make some lovely things to sell to raise money.
Work - same old, same old! I enjoy my work but like everyone I occasionally feel like a change. I'm starting to consider looking for new oportunities.
So that's been my month in a nutshell!
Monday 5 April 2010
My Canape Hell by Imogen Edwards-Jones
When journalist Abigail Long is called to her boss's office she fears the worse - dismissal. Instead she is offered her own celebrity column in the newspaper she writes for. What could be better, attending star studded parties amd premieres and being paid to write about them? But every silver lining has a cloud, as Abigail finds out as she spirals into drug abuse after finding herself the subject of her fellow journalists' attentions.
Abigail comes across in this book as silly, self-centred and shallow, but in reality this is a prime illustration of how our society has become obssessed with fame and the famous. I'm sure many of the readers of celebrity gossip magazines and columns would set aside common sense in order to fit in with the "stars" they read about and whose lives they follow so avidly. While I found Abigail intensely irritating I can see that she is not unique, and also not unique in not seeing what is right in front of her face in her search for success. A quick read, but not a very satisfying one.
I have read this book toward the Four Month reading challeng and the Typically British reading challenge.
Abigail comes across in this book as silly, self-centred and shallow, but in reality this is a prime illustration of how our society has become obssessed with fame and the famous. I'm sure many of the readers of celebrity gossip magazines and columns would set aside common sense in order to fit in with the "stars" they read about and whose lives they follow so avidly. While I found Abigail intensely irritating I can see that she is not unique, and also not unique in not seeing what is right in front of her face in her search for success. A quick read, but not a very satisfying one.
I have read this book toward the Four Month reading challeng and the Typically British reading challenge.
The Ten O'Clock Horses by Laurie Graham
Ronnie Glover is not happy with his life. It is 1962, he is married with two daughters, has a steady job as a housepainter. Feeling that life has more to offer he starts dabbling in art and learning Italian. Then his younger daughter starts learning ballet leading to new opportunities for Ronnie.
Something I found difficult in this book was the lack of a female character I could feel any kind of sympathy towards. I think Eileen, Ronnie's wife, was supposed to fill that role but I found her pathetic, I find it difficult to feel any warmth toward women who show total lack of ambition or aspiration. Ronnie's mother was particularly unpleasant in her dealings with him as a child. Jack, the ballet teacher I found to be manipulative, taking advantage of other people's unhappiness to satisfy her own desires.
Ronnie's sadness and desperate longing to escape his current situation is very touching, I think most of us have at times felt the way he does, that surely there is more to life than it currently offers and wanting more for ourselves and our families . Is it wrong to aspire to greater things? Or just wrong to lose sight of why we want them?
I have read this book toward the Four month reading challenge and the Typically British reading challenge.
Something I found difficult in this book was the lack of a female character I could feel any kind of sympathy towards. I think Eileen, Ronnie's wife, was supposed to fill that role but I found her pathetic, I find it difficult to feel any warmth toward women who show total lack of ambition or aspiration. Ronnie's mother was particularly unpleasant in her dealings with him as a child. Jack, the ballet teacher I found to be manipulative, taking advantage of other people's unhappiness to satisfy her own desires.
Ronnie's sadness and desperate longing to escape his current situation is very touching, I think most of us have at times felt the way he does, that surely there is more to life than it currently offers and wanting more for ourselves and our families . Is it wrong to aspire to greater things? Or just wrong to lose sight of why we want them?
I have read this book toward the Four month reading challenge and the Typically British reading challenge.
Mary, Mary by Julie Parsons
It's been a while since I have noted my reading here, so let's see what I remember! In my defence I have been away from a computer for a while, visiting family. When I straighten out my opinion of the country I visited maybe I'll write about the trip here. Suffice to say it was a country of great contrasts.
Mary, Mary is a murder mystery set in Ireland. Margaret and her daughter Mary have returned to Ireland to live from New Zealand to care for Margaret's elderly mother. When Mary fails to return home one day margaret finds it difficult to get the police to take her concerns seriously until one day a body is found floating in the river. This book follows Margaret's pursuit of justice for her daughter, through the courts and beyond. Margaret is a very dignified character and by her own choice quite socially isolated. She rejects the offer of involvement with the detective investigating her daughter's case, perhaps wisely. When she recognises a face from the past in the courtroom things take a whole new, unexpected turn.
I have read this book towards the four month reading challenge.
Mary, Mary is a murder mystery set in Ireland. Margaret and her daughter Mary have returned to Ireland to live from New Zealand to care for Margaret's elderly mother. When Mary fails to return home one day margaret finds it difficult to get the police to take her concerns seriously until one day a body is found floating in the river. This book follows Margaret's pursuit of justice for her daughter, through the courts and beyond. Margaret is a very dignified character and by her own choice quite socially isolated. She rejects the offer of involvement with the detective investigating her daughter's case, perhaps wisely. When she recognises a face from the past in the courtroom things take a whole new, unexpected turn.
I have read this book towards the four month reading challenge.
Thursday 18 March 2010
Regeneration by Pat Barker
I have been reading this trilogy out of sequence - I read The Ghost Road last year. Regeneration is set in a military hospital in Craiglockhart during the First World War, where soldiers recovering from the traumatic effects of the conflict are being treated, assessed, and as soon as possible returned to fight. While harrowing I found Regeneration less disturbing than The Ghost Road, perhaps because it was set away from the trenches and the front line. I liked the addition of real people into the fictional work, including Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon.
Another book I found interesting set during the same period of history was Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, this was our bookgroup read a couple of years ago, this tackled the subject from a slightly different angle, still highlighting the horrors of warfare and the senseless waste of life suffered by a whole generation.
I am counting this book towards the four month reading challenge.
Another book I found interesting set during the same period of history was Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, this was our bookgroup read a couple of years ago, this tackled the subject from a slightly different angle, still highlighting the horrors of warfare and the senseless waste of life suffered by a whole generation.
I am counting this book towards the four month reading challenge.
Friday 5 March 2010
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
K is a young teacher, in love with Sumire, a would-be author friend of his, who finds herself infatuated with Miu, her elegant female employer. Then Sumire disappears without a trace on a Greek island leaving K and Miu to search and wait.
I have never read anything by this author before, and I am not sure whether I really want to try any more. In many ways I found this book beautifully written but I also felt frustrated by the unresolved issues running through it. I wanted to care about the characters but found them too sparsely written to give me a hook to catch on to. Very simple in style it covers many themes around love and desire.
I have never read anything by this author before, and I am not sure whether I really want to try any more. In many ways I found this book beautifully written but I also felt frustrated by the unresolved issues running through it. I wanted to care about the characters but found them too sparsely written to give me a hook to catch on to. Very simple in style it covers many themes around love and desire.
Wednesday 3 March 2010
T4MC - The Four Month Challenge
I've just finished a reading challenge which I have enjoyed very much, reading books I would perhaps not ordinarily have read. It would appear that I just can't help myself - I'm signing up for another one! This time it's the four month challenge part three, I came close to signing up for parts one and two, so it's inevitable I would crack and join eventually. This one will truly be a challenge as I never, ever read fantasy!!
The challenge details can be found at: http://virginiebarbeau.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/t4mc-part-3/
Read so far:
5 Point challenges
Read a book by an author you've never read before
My Canape Hell by Imogen-Edwards-Jones
Read a book with a proper name in the title
Mary, Mary by Julie Parsons
Read a book with a one word title
December by Elizabeth H Winthrop
Read a fantasy
The Odessa Stone by C C Chambers
10 Point challenges
Read a book with a two word title
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
Read a book that is part of a series
Regeneration by Pat Barker
Read a book about a real person
Burned Alive by Souad
15 Point challenges
Read a book with a number in the title
The Ten O'Clock Horses by Laurie Graham
Read a book written by an author born in March, April, May or June
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (May 19th)
Read a book with a three word title
Odd One Out by Monica McInerney
Read a book by an author with three names
Suburbanistas by Pamela Redmond Satran
20 Point challenges
Read a book with over 500 pages
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Read a book with a four word title
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Read a book by two authors
Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Read a book written in the 70s (any century)
No Time For Romance by Lucilla Andrews
Read a book that has been number one on the NYT best sellers list
Cell by Stephen King
Current total: 210 points
The challenge details can be found at: http://virginiebarbeau.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/t4mc-part-3/
Read so far:
5 Point challenges
Read a book by an author you've never read before
My Canape Hell by Imogen-Edwards-Jones
Read a book with a proper name in the title
Mary, Mary by Julie Parsons
Read a book with a one word title
December by Elizabeth H Winthrop
Read a fantasy
The Odessa Stone by C C Chambers
10 Point challenges
Read a book with a two word title
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami
Read a book that is part of a series
Regeneration by Pat Barker
Read a book about a real person
Burned Alive by Souad
15 Point challenges
Read a book with a number in the title
The Ten O'Clock Horses by Laurie Graham
Read a book written by an author born in March, April, May or June
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult (May 19th)
Read a book with a three word title
Odd One Out by Monica McInerney
Read a book by an author with three names
Suburbanistas by Pamela Redmond Satran
20 Point challenges
Read a book with over 500 pages
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Read a book with a four word title
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
Read a book by two authors
Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Read a book written in the 70s (any century)
No Time For Romance by Lucilla Andrews
Read a book that has been number one on the NYT best sellers list
Cell by Stephen King
Current total: 210 points
Good Grief by Lolly Winston
Sophie Stanton is a 36 year old widow trying to rebuild her life after the death of her husband Ethan. After a breakdown resulting in her turning up to work in dressing gown and bunny slippers she moves to a new area, meets new people and broadens her career horizons.
This a very funny book. This is a very sad, poignant book. This is a very uplifting book. One way Sophie works toward reinventing her life is to let go of the expectations of those around her, donating her lounge furniture to goodwill, smashing all her crockery, befriending a troubled teenager with a dangerous fascination with fire. Sophie's journey through the classic stages of grief takes her from numb and unable to imagine how life can move on, to healing, with the help of good friends.
I am giving this book to a widow I know who, while older than Sophie, will understand the complex emotions of grief.
This book completes my reading for the winter reading challenge. Although I am writing about this book after the end date for the challenge, I did finish reading the book several days ago, within the boundary! Promise!
This a very funny book. This is a very sad, poignant book. This is a very uplifting book. One way Sophie works toward reinventing her life is to let go of the expectations of those around her, donating her lounge furniture to goodwill, smashing all her crockery, befriending a troubled teenager with a dangerous fascination with fire. Sophie's journey through the classic stages of grief takes her from numb and unable to imagine how life can move on, to healing, with the help of good friends.
I am giving this book to a widow I know who, while older than Sophie, will understand the complex emotions of grief.
This book completes my reading for the winter reading challenge. Although I am writing about this book after the end date for the challenge, I did finish reading the book several days ago, within the boundary! Promise!
Where's the crafting gone?
I am really struggling to find a place in my life for creativity right now. I feel overwhelmed with the many demands on my time, my space, my attention, and crafting is taking a back seat. When I have a spare ten minutes for "me time" it's easier to escape into a book than to work on a scrapbook project, and there's no clean up time involved. I have plenty of papers, cardstock, inks, stamps, embellishments, ribbons, buttons, fabric, knitting wool - I could craft all day every day for ages without running out of anything but adhesive. I just can't get started.
I have a spare bedroom that I intend turning into a craft room, I'm currently trying to clear out all the junk in there, rearrange the room and set it up as a space to create. I am making progress, but I can't spare a solid block of time to get the work done, so I'm doing a little at a time, as and when I can.
In the meantime I'm now comitting myself to completing a simple layout today, nothing complicated or challenging, just something to kickstart my creativity again.
I have a spare bedroom that I intend turning into a craft room, I'm currently trying to clear out all the junk in there, rearrange the room and set it up as a space to create. I am making progress, but I can't spare a solid block of time to get the work done, so I'm doing a little at a time, as and when I can.
In the meantime I'm now comitting myself to completing a simple layout today, nothing complicated or challenging, just something to kickstart my creativity again.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Sibyl Danforth is a midwife in rural Vermont, delivering babies in the homes of their mothers. She loves her work and her life. Then she attends the labour of a mother who aparently dies before the delivery, so Sibyl decides to save the unborn child by performing a caesarian on the body of the mother. Anne, the assistant midwife present, later reports her doubts that the mother was indeed dead and alleges that she saw blood spurt from the site of the incision. This results in a criminal investigation and trial for murder. The story is told through the eyes of Connie, Sibyl's daughter.
This is a book that will stay with you. The accounts of the labour are very well written, perhaps surprisingly so as it is written by a man. I found the courtroom scenes rivetting, all the more so because they are seen from the point of view of a fourteen year old who is afraid for the fate of her mother and her entire family life. Right to the end of the court case I was unable to guess the outcome.
I have not read anything else by this author, but would be interested in doing so.
This is a book that will stay with you. The accounts of the labour are very well written, perhaps surprisingly so as it is written by a man. I found the courtroom scenes rivetting, all the more so because they are seen from the point of view of a fourteen year old who is afraid for the fate of her mother and her entire family life. Right to the end of the court case I was unable to guess the outcome.
I have not read anything else by this author, but would be interested in doing so.
Mr Commitment by Mike Gayle
Duffy and Mel have been together for four years when she proposes to him, but Duffy isn't sure whether he's ready to commit. After a disastrous shopping trip to IKEA they split up, but find they cannot move on from the life they shared together.
What do you call chicklit for men? Whatever it is, this is it. Well written, well plotted but a bit predictable. I used to read chicklit (for women and men) a lot, but this convinved me that I've moved on from there. Enjoyable enough, the literary equivelant of a snack but I would rather have a meal.
What do you call chicklit for men? Whatever it is, this is it. Well written, well plotted but a bit predictable. I used to read chicklit (for women and men) a lot, but this convinved me that I've moved on from there. Enjoyable enough, the literary equivelant of a snack but I would rather have a meal.
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
This was our bookgroup selection for February.
Would you take the heart of the man who murdered your husband and daughter for your younger daughter, who is seriously ill and waiting for a transplant heart? If you do accept the heart, is it because you want to or because he wants to donate it? Shay is on death row waiting to be executed for a double murder, but when he hears that the daughter / sister of his victims needs a heart transplant he decides that he wants to donate his. This book covers his legal battle to change the method of his execution to enable his heart to be usable, and his battle to persuade the mother of the girl to accept his offer.
One thing picked up by the group is that after reading other books by Picoult it seems that she has a number of common elements that feature throughout her work. These include an ethical dilema, a close family facing a hugely life changing event, a medical problem and a legal battle. I myself found that many of the coincidences were just a little too far fetched, such as the idea that a grown man would have a heart the correct size to transplant into an eleven year old girl.
I don't know whether I believed in the aparent miracles performed by Shay but I could understand why people would be prepared to suspend their natural scepticism in the face of the miraculous, after all look at all the reported "faces of Jesus" found on slices of toast!
Would you take the heart of the man who murdered your husband and daughter for your younger daughter, who is seriously ill and waiting for a transplant heart? If you do accept the heart, is it because you want to or because he wants to donate it? Shay is on death row waiting to be executed for a double murder, but when he hears that the daughter / sister of his victims needs a heart transplant he decides that he wants to donate his. This book covers his legal battle to change the method of his execution to enable his heart to be usable, and his battle to persuade the mother of the girl to accept his offer.
One thing picked up by the group is that after reading other books by Picoult it seems that she has a number of common elements that feature throughout her work. These include an ethical dilema, a close family facing a hugely life changing event, a medical problem and a legal battle. I myself found that many of the coincidences were just a little too far fetched, such as the idea that a grown man would have a heart the correct size to transplant into an eleven year old girl.
I don't know whether I believed in the aparent miracles performed by Shay but I could understand why people would be prepared to suspend their natural scepticism in the face of the miraculous, after all look at all the reported "faces of Jesus" found on slices of toast!
Some members of the group failed to finish the book, finding it not to be to their taste but I enjoyed it. Picoult's books always provide the reader with plenty of food for thought, good characterisation and in this case a good twist at the end - I really didn't guess this one!
Monday 8 February 2010
Return to Cold Sassy by Olive Ann Burns
This is the sequel to Cold Sassy Tree, the story of Will Tweedy and his family, living in a small town in Georgia at the turn of the twentieth century. In Leaving Cold Sassy Will has grown up and working in a nearby town. Whenhe returns to Cold Sassy he meets Sanna Reid, a young teacher about to start work at Will's old school. Has Will met the love of his life?
Sadly the author died before completing this book, but dictated the plot for the remaining chapters to a neighbour from her sick bed, enabling the book to be completed after a fashion after her death. The book also contains much writing about the author and her fight against the illness that finally claimed her life, giving valuable insight into the character and influences behind the book.
I enjoyed this book (as I did Cold Sassy Tree) because despite its old world charm it doesn't gloss over the failings of the characters, even the "heroes" have their faults just as in real life. Will is shown as being an imperfect husband, despite his love for Sanna, and Sanna's faults are also apparent. In fact, the faults make the characters all the more likeable and believable. It's just a shame Burns didn't live long enough to take Will into old age!
Sadly the author died before completing this book, but dictated the plot for the remaining chapters to a neighbour from her sick bed, enabling the book to be completed after a fashion after her death. The book also contains much writing about the author and her fight against the illness that finally claimed her life, giving valuable insight into the character and influences behind the book.
I enjoyed this book (as I did Cold Sassy Tree) because despite its old world charm it doesn't gloss over the failings of the characters, even the "heroes" have their faults just as in real life. Will is shown as being an imperfect husband, despite his love for Sanna, and Sanna's faults are also apparent. In fact, the faults make the characters all the more likeable and believable. It's just a shame Burns didn't live long enough to take Will into old age!
Saturday 6 February 2010
3/50 project
Too many of our local independant retailer have closed their doors over the last few years. Our town has lost its only independant bookshop, our scrapbook store, our only retailer of sewing machines and there are constant rumours about the future of our art shop. One of them was more down to failing to keep up with the curent trends and carrying outdated, tired stock than with problems with the economy, but it was sad to see them all go.
I live in a smallish market town and the local independent retailers could make our town a really special place. We have a new, modern mall, recently built, and full of chain stores, you know the kind of thing, same shops as every other largish town or city in the UK. Much of the money we spend with these big retailers goes straight back to the shareholders rather than staying in our local communities and I often feel that the money I spend does not really matter to anyone but me.
Recently I have been reading about a movement that started in the US called 3/50 project. The idea is that the comsumer picks three local independent businesses that really matter to them and pledge to spend $50 per month with these three businesses. Pick businesses that would make your area feel less of a good place to live if they were gone, not just retailers, perhaps a locally owned restaurant where you get good food and a welcoming atmosphere.
I feel that I cannot be aware of the issues raised by this campaign and not put my money where my mouth is any more. If the current trend continues we are going to find our choices of what and where we buy eroded until we are left with the same few multiple retailers stocked with the product their buyers decide that we want. We will all become faceless purchasers rather than valued customers.
Although my purchasing power is slightly curtailled until I am back in paid employment I hereby state my intention to support my chosen three local retailers by making regular purchases from them. First is a local coffee shop / cafe run by a very friendly team of people, it is run by a charity and provides work for people with mental health needs. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very welcoming. My second choice is Wool Mountain, our local yarn store. They have a great selection of yarns and patterns and the staff are very helpful. Thirdly I have chosen our only remaining scrapbooking retailer. They are having a tough time competing with online retailers but I love the chance to see the papers in person before I make a purchasing decision. They also support local charities through events held throughout the year.
Read more about the campaign at http://the3/50project.net
I live in a smallish market town and the local independent retailers could make our town a really special place. We have a new, modern mall, recently built, and full of chain stores, you know the kind of thing, same shops as every other largish town or city in the UK. Much of the money we spend with these big retailers goes straight back to the shareholders rather than staying in our local communities and I often feel that the money I spend does not really matter to anyone but me.
Recently I have been reading about a movement that started in the US called 3/50 project. The idea is that the comsumer picks three local independent businesses that really matter to them and pledge to spend $50 per month with these three businesses. Pick businesses that would make your area feel less of a good place to live if they were gone, not just retailers, perhaps a locally owned restaurant where you get good food and a welcoming atmosphere.
I feel that I cannot be aware of the issues raised by this campaign and not put my money where my mouth is any more. If the current trend continues we are going to find our choices of what and where we buy eroded until we are left with the same few multiple retailers stocked with the product their buyers decide that we want. We will all become faceless purchasers rather than valued customers.
Although my purchasing power is slightly curtailled until I am back in paid employment I hereby state my intention to support my chosen three local retailers by making regular purchases from them. First is a local coffee shop / cafe run by a very friendly team of people, it is run by a charity and provides work for people with mental health needs. The food is good, the prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is very welcoming. My second choice is Wool Mountain, our local yarn store. They have a great selection of yarns and patterns and the staff are very helpful. Thirdly I have chosen our only remaining scrapbooking retailer. They are having a tough time competing with online retailers but I love the chance to see the papers in person before I make a purchasing decision. They also support local charities through events held throughout the year.
Read more about the campaign at http://the3/50project.net
Thursday 4 February 2010
This week...
I've been knitting poppies to be sold in aid of charity as requested by the wonderful people on http://www.lovinghands.org/ . They are a friendly group who try to make life better for those less fortunate by making and donating a variety of things in accordance with the seasonal challenges set. I am not doing this for totally altruistic reasons although it does give a warm glow to be doing something good for people I will never meet or whose names I will never know. Over the years I have amassed a lot of possessions, and I mean a lot. Much of this is crafting materials which I buy fully intending to use but don't always manage to. Most of it has no monetary value (half a ball of grey acrylic yarn anyone?) but I really want to get the full use out of it. I could give it away but I genuinely do get pelasure out of crafting and want to use it all. So this is part of the huge clear out of my home. Also I can't eat and knit at the same time so as I have a pound or two (or more) to lose I have another good reason to knit. The picture really doesn't do them justice!
Saturday 30 January 2010
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
A lovely story about a girl from a small town who reinvents herself as she travels across America to Arizona, gaining a delightful new companion on her way. Taylor was a reluctant guardian at first, after all she left her home town to escape the seemingly inevitable early motherhood experienced by her peers. As she gets to know the little girl she finds the thought of life without her unbearable, and is willing to take great risks to keep her.
I found the characters well written and much of the detail very well thought out, little things like the baby wearing the T-shirt saying "Damn, I'm Good!", and the chilli sauce factory. I really need to read the sequel, Pigs in Heaven now!
I found the characters well written and much of the detail very well thought out, little things like the baby wearing the T-shirt saying "Damn, I'm Good!", and the chilli sauce factory. I really need to read the sequel, Pigs in Heaven now!
Friday 29 January 2010
Friday Question
I found a great prompt for writing on www.ilaxSTUDIO.com today, and I feel inspired to share my thoughts.
The Friday Question for this week is What hobbies would you pursue if money was no concern?
Firstly I would like to knit with better yarns, I sometimes think the reason I don't knit as much as I used to is that I don't enjoy the things I make so much because I can't afford really luxurious yarns. I would like to start quilting, but I can't bring myself to splurge on some really fantastic fabrics when there are so many other things I need to spend on. I would really love to travel, I've barely ever left the UK. Apart from all these things I would like to take classes to improve the things I already do as hobbies.
The Friday Question for this week is What hobbies would you pursue if money was no concern?
Firstly I would like to knit with better yarns, I sometimes think the reason I don't knit as much as I used to is that I don't enjoy the things I make so much because I can't afford really luxurious yarns. I would like to start quilting, but I can't bring myself to splurge on some really fantastic fabrics when there are so many other things I need to spend on. I would really love to travel, I've barely ever left the UK. Apart from all these things I would like to take classes to improve the things I already do as hobbies.
Wednesday 27 January 2010
That's My Answer!
I have been checking this site frequently - www.thatsmyanswer.com , and would like to share my answers with you when the mood takes me. Well, the mood takes me today, so What's the talk around our water cooler?
The talk around our water cooler today was about the new systems being imposed on us by people higher up in the organisation and how far we can keep things the same while still complying enough to keep the top brass happy. Our managers are not keen to make the changes, they agree that it is just change for the sake of it. Rant over!
The talk around our water cooler today was about the new systems being imposed on us by people higher up in the organisation and how far we can keep things the same while still complying enough to keep the top brass happy. Our managers are not keen to make the changes, they agree that it is just change for the sake of it. Rant over!
Sunday 24 January 2010
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
I seem to have had this book lying around for years, in fact I think I have had it lying around for years, and have never read it. It finally workrd its way to the top of my TBR pile (with a little help from the What's in a Name 3 and Memorable Memoirs reading challenges, and I'm so pleased it did.
Marguarite's grew up between the wars in Southern USA, a time and place where lynchings of black men and segregation of the races were still very real. Brought up by her grandmother she and her brother Bailey lived a life ruled by adults, the church and strict standards of behaviour, punctuated by eventful visits to their parents. Funny, tragic and uplifting in parts, I can see why this book is so well recommended.
Marguarite's grew up between the wars in Southern USA, a time and place where lynchings of black men and segregation of the races were still very real. Brought up by her grandmother she and her brother Bailey lived a life ruled by adults, the church and strict standards of behaviour, punctuated by eventful visits to their parents. Funny, tragic and uplifting in parts, I can see why this book is so well recommended.
Monday 18 January 2010
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne
This is our book group selection for January.
I found the writing style of this book very powerful, the simplicity of the prose and the element of childlike lack of understanding about the events that were unfolding added to the horror felt by the reader. Bruno does not understand why the Fury came to dinner, or why his family had to leave their comfortable Berlin home to move to Out-With, or why none of the people in striped pyjamas who live don the other side of the fence were ever invited to dinner. His new friend wears striped pyjamas and does not understand why he had to leave his home above his father's watchmaker's shop to live in a single room with another family, then travel to the place he now lives. What both boys do understand is friendship, which binds them together to the end.
I found the book more touching than the film based upon it, but I can't decide whether the reader / viewer needs to see the horror and brutality contained in the story. Should it be explicit or implicit? I really don't know the answer to this.
I found the writing style of this book very powerful, the simplicity of the prose and the element of childlike lack of understanding about the events that were unfolding added to the horror felt by the reader. Bruno does not understand why the Fury came to dinner, or why his family had to leave their comfortable Berlin home to move to Out-With, or why none of the people in striped pyjamas who live don the other side of the fence were ever invited to dinner. His new friend wears striped pyjamas and does not understand why he had to leave his home above his father's watchmaker's shop to live in a single room with another family, then travel to the place he now lives. What both boys do understand is friendship, which binds them together to the end.
I found the book more touching than the film based upon it, but I can't decide whether the reader / viewer needs to see the horror and brutality contained in the story. Should it be explicit or implicit? I really don't know the answer to this.
The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas
I read this book last week and enjoyed every page of it. I was drawn into the story of the women of a community in Kansas during the depression of the 1930s, women who connected through their common love of quilting. The social hierarchy and the way each of the women had their own speciality food which they prepared for their group meetings rang a few bells within groups I have been involved with! The community is so tightly knit that even the most dreadful secret is kept despite a newcomer trying to find out the truth about events. The poverty experienced by some was dealt with very well, emphasising the pride felt by those who had to do without and the support provided by those who were in a position to offer help.
I would definitely read more by this author, I liked her style of writing and found that it suited the subject matter really well. Despite not all in this book being bright and cheery it left me with a warm feeling that humanity is essentially good.
I would definitely read more by this author, I liked her style of writing and found that it suited the subject matter really well. Despite not all in this book being bright and cheery it left me with a warm feeling that humanity is essentially good.
Liam's 18th birthday
We've had a lovely weekend, the highlight of which was our son Liam's 18th birthday. We threw him a party which was very well attended by family and friends alike and a really good time was had by all. The theme of the party was 1980s fancy dress, Liam looked fantastic in his guise as Adam Ant, his girlfriend looked amazing as Wonder Woman. A lot of effort went into the costumes the guests wore and it was really good to see his college friends having such a good time. This time next year many of them will be at university at different locations and unable to get together so easily to celebrate good times.
Saturday 9 January 2010
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Olive is a school teacher, a very strong woman living in a small town in Maine. This book takes the reader through episodes in her life, and those of the people living around her. I liked this book because it explores the many aspects of Olive's personality and behaviour making her come across as very real. It does mean that the reader's opinion of Olive changes as the book progresses but I found that it also broke down the preconceptions I had based on the first chapter. Sometimes I liked her, sometimes I didn't but I never felt like I truly knew her.
Wednesday 6 January 2010
The Memorable Memoir Reading Challenge
I know, I know, another challenge! I couldn't resist this one, I have quite a few biographies, autobiographies and memoirs in my enormous TBR pile and hopefully this will help me get them read.
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