I have been on a book reading jag lately so I figured it was time for another book report. I have found one of the best places for book reviews are other blogs. All the blogs I visit are people with similar interests (crafting, cooking, home making) so it stands to reason I would also like the books they are reading.
Every book reviewed here was discovered on someone elses blog.
I love books with a food theme. At first I thought World of Pies was a young adult book because the protagonist is a young pre-teen girl. But then she grows up and has some very grown-up experiences so definitely not a young adult book. It is the story of a tomboy who grows up in a small town in the 60’s. The book starts out with a pie baking contest and includes recipes (bonus!). Quick, enjoyable read.
I struggled a bit with The Country Life because the author uses 89 words in a sentence when 6 or 7 would do but after I got used to her writing style I really, really liked this book. Probably the best of the four I’m reviewing today.
A young English woman basically quits her life in London, packs up a few meager possessions and takes a position in the country as the caregiver for a young disabled man. She is so ill-equiped for living in the country and the family she is working for is wackadoodle. The messes she gets into are hilarious.
Mary Stewart is a very prolific author but somehow I’ve never managed to read any of her books until this one. A sweet story of a young WWII widow that goes back to her childhood home to pack up her grandmother’s things. There is a little mystery, a little budding romance and I want to pack up and move to the cottage myself.
The book I am currently reading is The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald. She of the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle fame. It is the true story of her life trying to run a chicken farm with her husband. I just picked it up from the library today and have only read just a few pages. I love books about people that just pack up and do something different and out of their comfort zone.
I wish I was brave that way.
What’s funny about this book is that the copy I picked up at the library looks nothing like the ones I’ve seen on Amazon. On closer inspection I see that someone has carefully covered it in a scrap of vintage wallpaper with a poultry theme.
Next on my list is anything by Beverley Nichols. But preferably Down the Garden Path. His account of trying to create a proper English garden in the 30’s. I must be on a country, cottagey, English kick this Summer. Unfortunately my county library system doesn’t have ANYTHING he’s written. Harrumph. I have gotten so used to not buying books that I’m hardpressed to start up again. Even used, his books are a bit more than I want to spend right now.
So what are you reading?
Does your public library have and Interlibrary Loan department? ILL searches throughout the US and will deliver a book to your home library. Try it…it’s free and pretty easy. I’ve never anything by Mary Stewart either, but Rose Cottage looks intriguing. I ‘heart’ my library, and I’m glad I work there!
FYI: The Egg and I was made into a cute movie. I’ve read the Beverly Nichols books Down the Garden Path and A Thatched Roof. I want to collect the whole series. I believe Amazon has them. They are delightful!
Andrea, thanks for your book reviews. . . I love reading too – but get so busy that for spells – mine hardly get opened. Your reviews have made me determined to dust them off & get back in the habit – (or really a gift to myself) of making time for reading. (& check out some of your suggestions!)
As far as being in a country, cottagey, English kick. . . I completely understand. . . I’ve been on one for years now!
xo, Bren
Mary Stewart is one of my favorite authors. You must try to find some of her early books – Madam Will You Talk? The Moonspinners, This Rough Magic, Nine Coaches Waiting… most are written in the 50s, so they have an innocence about them. Oh, and if you don’t mind another recommendation and you’re looking for out-of-print books anyway, try The Bishops Mantle by Agnes Sligh Turnbull. It’s long and wonderful!
if you go to http://www.worldcat.org put in beverley nichols and down the garden path,enter your city info, it will give the closest library that has the book you want. i do not know where you live so guessed with santa rosa. it listed marin county free library in novato, ca as the closest at 30 miles. the least expensive copy found so far is on abebooks.com of $4.12 with $5.20 shipping. good luck!
My sister read Down the Garden Path a while back and loved it. I’ve been meaning to read it when I whittle down my stack a little.
My sister read Down the Garden Path a while back and loved it. I’ve been meaning to read it when I whittle down my stack a little.
Ok, Rose Cottage it is! Will be looking for that one. I am sure enjoying your blog…..and I find your “hangup” on keeping the bird cage door open makes total sense. Pat
Have you tried paperbackswap.com? You make a list of books you want and books that you want to get rid of–all you pay for is the postage to send books to other people who request them. I’ve gotten lots of great books that way, and, when you’re done reading, you can always swap the book away again!
I have The Country Life in my pile of books next to my bed, waiting to be read. Now, I’ll move it to the top!