My first and last reads in August were each a deep dive into an important female pioneer. Both books are well worth the effort. Book 1: Rememberings by Sinéad O’Connor When Sinéad O’Connor passed away suddenly in late July, I wondered if she’d written a memoir. All I knew of her was she often appeared with a shaved head and that she tore up a photo of the Pope on Saturday Night Live in 1992. Now that I’ve read Rememberings,…
Keeping up with my retirement pledge to read at least four books each month, July included a childhood re-read, two “overdue” books, plus the discovery of the Detection Club. Book 1: Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder Mom introduced me to the “Little House” books in the 1960s and I was soon hooked. They’ve been on my list to re-read as an adult, just to see what – if anything – might strike me differently. Then…
Not that I don’t know the difference between a huge bird and a fluffy-fluffy cat. It’s just this photo reminded me of Mom’s poem called “That Book” from 23 years ago: That Book That book she wanted more than any otherwas exiled to the highest shelfher gold eyes recognized its redbut reaching it meant mountain climbingfar too far Next day she hired a huge birdone with a strong beak and balanceand when he laid it in her lapshe seized it…
Book 1: A Midwife’s Story by Penny Armstrong Farmer Gary‘s fascination with all things Amish made this an easy choice at the bookstore years ago. This memoir traces Penny Armstrong’s initial interest in midwifery to her studies in multiple countries. She eventually settles in among the Amish. Lots of interesting stories, most of joyous survival but a few with heart-wrenching outcomes. She had every reason to criticize those-in-power who assumed she was inept, yet her harsh words for hospital deliveries…
Another month is coming to an end, along with another pile of satisfying reads. This May, there were new titles by familiar authors, stories from previously unknown writers, plus a cold-case treatment for the tragic betrayal of Anne Frank. Book 1: Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey Oh, this was a good one! When the author appears to give away the ending at the very beginning, you know you’re in for a ride. This particular ride was on a prized horse,…
Before we take a look at this month’s books, here’s an update regarding Bleak House. As you may recall from last month, I’m reading Dickens’ Bleak House as it was originally released – in installments. Each month, I’ll read the same chapters that were released in the original, serialized version that same month back in 1852. As I sat down last week to read chapters five through seven, some of the characters and situations were foggy. (That’s a tip of…
Sometimes the ugly headlines are enough. Too much, really. Defunding libraries? How can this even be an idea, much less an attempt in the Missouri legislature? I can’t help but wonder what Mom would think about this. Libraries were her lifeline as we moved from state to state in the 1960s and ’70s. I have a feeling she and Dad checked out schools, churches, parks – and libraries – while househunting each time. The library I remember most was in…
Did you know Charles Dickens released each of his novels in weekly or monthly installments? That doesn’t mean the author of Great Expectations and David Copperfield invented the concept of serialization, but it seems he popularized it. (According to my online chums at the Facebook -based Folio Society Books fan club, Stephen King picked up the practice for several of his book releases more than a century later.) Sure enough, Dickens‘ release schedules are available online, so this month I…
From Vonnegut to Dr. Jekyll to a Covid housemate, this month’s reads told stories of war, both external and internal. Book 1: The Marmalade Diaries by Ben Aitken February started out with a gift from Gary. He’d picked up this delightful diary that was published just last year. Subtitled The True Story of an Odd Couple. The author is a young man in London, looking for a place to live. He found an ad for room and board in a…
Not sure what it means when the first book you read in the new year is Jaws. Here’s a look a January’s tasty morsels: Book 1: Jaws by Peter Benchley Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the library … it was a pun-filled Jaws Christmas. Me: Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this book. Farmer Gary: Wow. You’re really chewing through that one. Although the “thrillers” genre is never my first pick (or second,…