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A Clockwork Orange
Birth, death, survival

Birth, death, survival

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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…

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Library chair
May the books be with you

May the books be with you

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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,…

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"The Dickens Encyclopaedia"
Is this a cheat?

Is this a cheat?

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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…

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My favorite library was the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield
The library

The library

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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…

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blackberry jam
Blackberry jam

Blackberry jam

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While adding to Farmer Gary‘s side of our family tree, it’s a treat to share newly discovered family stories (and family members) with him. Our conversation the other evening began with, “Your dad was first cousins with her mom. Still, I can’t help but think Joan Wharton and my mom would have been great friends.” It’s been somewhat of a scramble climbing from one side of our family tree to the other, but well worth it. Joan Wharton didn’t grow…

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Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Books by installment

Books by installment

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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…

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"Slaughterhouse-Five" Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
War diaries, old and new

War diaries, old and new

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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…

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"Jaws" book cover
We’re gonna need a bigger library

We’re gonna need a bigger library

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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,…

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Folio Christmas books
The books of 2022

The books of 2022

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Most of this month’s reads fall under the category of “books of Christmas past.” With snow swirling and wind howling, I settled into a comfy chair each evening and cracked open collection after collection of themed short stories. Have I mentioned I’m not crazy about short stories? Several dozen of the Folio Society books we inherited from Mom and Dad are collections of short stories. They’re just not as satisfying to me, but I’ll keep trying in 2023. Book 1:…

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Trollope collection
Trollope: the first of many

Trollope: the first of many

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So, before the snickers begin, I’ll be clear: we’re talking about the 19th century novelist, Anthony Trollope. As part of the Folio Society collection of books we inherited from Dad and Mom, there are 49 volumes by Anthony Trollope waiting to be read (48 novels plus a collection of short stories). The Folio Fans group on Facebook came through for me when I asked for advice regarding where to start. Does each book stand on its own, or is there…

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