words, thoughts, ideas, books, art, craft, and observations from my simple life in the slow lane in a small rural Irish village
Saturday, November 25, 2023
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Exploding Head Emoji
Other than Kristin Lavransdatter, all the books are either comedic (The Caravaners) or at least have elements of comedy and satire (Sketches by Boz and Cecilia). The Undset book contains the entire trilogy. I know I read at least the first one decades ago, but am not sure whether I read all three novels and don't remember anything about the one I know I read, so although it'll be at least partly a re-read, it will seem new. I've not read any of the others. I did listen to a couple Sketches by Boz on the BBC Sounds app--they aired on Radio 4Extra. I laughed quite a bit and after that I decided I wanted the book. Fanny Burney is a new-to-me author, although I've read a bit about her and am intrigued. I was deciding between Cecilia and Evelina. The latter is more well known, I think, and I can read that in installments on the Serial Reader app, which I will do if I like this book. Burney was apparently a big influence on many writers who came later. This book was first published in 1782. Finally, I read about The Caravaners in a blog post that was discussing Elizabeth von Arnim's work in general. I haven't read anything by her, and her better known works, like Enchanted April and Elizabeth and Her German Garden are quite different, from what I've read. Nevertheless, if I like this one, I'll get the e-audiobooks of those from the library. I have Dickens and Burney on my e-reader--they're free on Project Gutenberg--but when a book is several hundred pages long (Cecilia is over 1000), I prefer to read an actual book instead of an ebook.
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Into the Dark: What Darkness is and Why It Matters by Jacqueline Yallop
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Who Cares?
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needle felted base, sea glass, french knots, crochet trim |
Friday, November 3, 2023
Really?
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Mistletoe Malice by Kathleen Farrell
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Direct Sunlight by Christine Sneed
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Poirot Saves Christmas (Again)
The book is also funny. There were places where I laughed out loud at the descriptions she provides. For example, "He spoke in an inelegant manner, one had the sense that a struggle between words and teeth was taking place, with no clear winner emerging.' If you love Christmas mysteries, Hercule Poirot, and/or mystery stories with a collection of quirky characters--some of whom can't stand one another--thrown together in what is supposed to be a festive atmosphere, this would be a great one to pick up.
I thank NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital review copy.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Do You Mind if I Ask Why?
Thursday, October 26, 2023
The Dictionary People: The Unsung Heroes Who Created the Oxford English Dictionary by Sarah Ogilvie
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Not Perfect, Better
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Special Circumstances
Saturday, October 21, 2023
The Wisdom of Sheep
Friday, October 20, 2023
Human Origins: A Short History
Thursday, October 19, 2023
The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights
The Winter Spirits:Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights
by Bridget Collins; Imogen Hermes Gowar; Natasha Pulley; Jess Kidd; Andrew Michael Hurley; Elizabeth Macneal; Laura Purcell; Kiran Millwood Hargrave; Stuart Turton; Catriona Ward; Laura Shepherd-Robinson; Susan Stokes-Chapman
ISBN 9781408727584
Here is a collection of Christmas stories with a twist, solidly in the holiday ghost story tradition. And what a fabulous collection it is! Usually in any short story collection there is at least one story that I am not that thrilled about. Not so here. Each story was wonderful in its own chilling way. These are not holly jolly Christmas stories, There is a sense of menace and creepiness to all of them. One story was like Bluebeard with a twist and another reminded me in a vague way of The Lottery. Settings range from old country houses to remote island villas to a small house next to a church in a seaside village and more. The writing is superb. In her story, The Gargoyle, Bridget Collins describes 'window boxes foaming with lobelia.' What a perfect description! All the stories take place at Advent, Christmas, or New Year's Eve. This is my first time reading most of these authors, but I would happily read more of their work based on this collection. I was a little sorry when I got to the end--glad to have had the reading experience, but bummed that it was over. Definitely 5 stars! And isn't the cover image great?! I've just noticed they changed the cover from 'frosty nights' to 'festive nights.' My copy had the former.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a digital ARC.
Friday, September 22, 2023
So Many, So Little
Sunday, September 17, 2023
Sunday Spine-ku
A natural curiosity
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Friday, September 15, 2023
Making Lemonade
Yesterday I posted about the obnoxious harvest fair and the accompanying noise. It's the same sort of crap we've had to deal with periodically through the summer--same old noise, same old songs, same old garbage. In order to try to hang on to some bits of sanity when the same annoying noises are invading my home, I came up with a poem using the song titles and lyrics that we have heard over and over and over and over and.... throughout the summer. I think the story reads like a country western song. Here it is:
Thursday, September 14, 2023
Time Marches On--I Limp Instead
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World by Naomi Klein
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Our Strangers by Lydia Davis
Sunday, August 6, 2023
A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Friday, August 4, 2023
Wait and See How It Goes
Friday, July 21, 2023
If It Must Be
Friday, July 7, 2023
The Lost Supper By Taras Grescoe
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Bold!
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Speeding Along and Going Nowhere
Lennnie has some wise words for all of us. They made me laugh out loud at times and this was most welcome under the circumstances. In addition to the words of wisdom, the artwork is fun and endearing. This is a book to revisit from time to time, during moments of ease or times of discomfort. Lennnie and their friends have an uplifting, encouraging, and positive attitude that doesn't get sappy or saccharine. This is a great little book and I thank HarperCollinsUK for sending me a copy. Lennnie can also be found on various social media platforms.