Time to Be in Earnest

Time To Be In Earnest: A Fragment Of Autobiography by P.D. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I expected not to like Time to Be In Earnest simply on the principle of it being an autobiography and therefore being navel-gazing. Consequently, I was happily surprised to really enjoy it.

I liked the format of the book--part daily diary, part lifelong history. I thought James combined the two well, going from a discussion of a minute detail of her life to the broader topic of, for instance, the purpose of the BBC, fairly effortlessly.

James referenced a number of events and people of whom I had no notion, so at times it was handy to have the internet close by to look things up, and that was a bit arduous.

It is clear that James loves her country--the cities, the churches, the country landscape, the ocean, the language. This love comes through her writing clearly, and with me reading, she was preaching to the choir.


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Charlotte Gray

Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I expected a war-romance kind of book (perhaps because I haven't read Sebastian Faulks before?) and got so much more. It feels like Faulks takes his readers very seriously, and gives us something to really chew on and think about.



Yes, there's romance, but it's complicated. In addition, there is beautiful descriptions of the scenery of France, a delve into how people handle the psychological damage of war, and a historical narrative on life in France during the Second World War.



One of my favourite things about Faulks' writing: his thorough descriptions of food and clothing. It really helps build a mental picture of the world of 1940s era France and England.



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The Little Shadows

The Little Shadows by Marina Endicott

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Well-developed characters including a whole mix of personalities: it is clear the author spent considerable time creating these people. I especially appreciated the nuances between the sisters--their deep bond but their clear individual spirits.

The book is good and thick with a long enough plot to really develop a story and capture my interest..

Finally, it was a really interesting setting (the Vaudeville theatre world) and time period (pre and during the First World War) about which to read.

A Canadian author and a story that takes place in my home province. A joy to read.



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Knitting Norwegians

55 Christmas Balls to Knit: Colorful, Festive Decorations-Tree Ornaments, Centerpieces, Wreaths, Window Dressings by Arne Nerjordet
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book wins a prize for oddest cover and is also in the running for a prize for strangest subject matter. That said, the designs for said "Christmas balls" are quite beautiful.

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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of the most brilliant books I've read lately. I loved the format (letters, rather that fluid story). I enjoyed the range of characters. I appreciated the characters' normal foibles and everyday problems. In combination with the format and the depth of characters, the setting of Guernsey during the war just completed the brilliancy. And now I have a new destination in my places-to-visit list.

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Attached at the Heart

Attached at the Heart: 8 Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children by Barbara Nicholson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The best parenting advice book I've read to date. Spot on with what I've felt intuitively as a parent, and lots of clear usable strategies for those situations where I've felt ill-equipped and overwhelmed.

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Possession

Possession by A.S. Byatt

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I can't remember the last time I read a book that both challenged me intellectually AND was a page turner. It's fiction and yet it is not. It is a classic Victorian novel, and yet it is not. It is poetry and prose; detective fiction and romance and history.



Byatt is brilliant. As another reviewer commented, you immediately get a sense of just how smart she is (Cambridge educated). Her grasp and explanation of literary criticism is thorough...it really forced me to call to mind everything I learned way back during my English degree. But she does not shove the various theories (ie. those of Lacan, Derrida etc) down your throat, they simply flow out of the story.



And the characters. I love a story with well-developed characters, and this was no disappointment. While Byatt is good at describing them physically (fashion is sadly stuck in the 80s), she is even better at simply allowing the characters show who they are...their foibles and hang-ups and strengths.



I came across this book after discovering the movie. The movie did well in casting, but covers NONE of the depth of the story. This book should be made into a miniseries rather than attempting to cover it in two hours. And I would love to see that happen.



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Murmel Murmel Murmel

Robert Munsch is one of my favourite children's authors.

I love how random his books can be. 

Like Jonathan Cleaned Up and Then He Heard A Sound (Or Blackberry Jam Station). 

Munsch is also a great story-teller in person. I've seen him twice live, while I was in college. :D 

His BEST books are the one illustrated by Michael Martchenko.

Murmel Murmel Murmel is one of my favourites of the Munsch/Martchenko collection.

Especially because of this illustration:

 

"Murmel Murmel Murmel" said the baby.

"Did you say Murmel Murmel Murmel?" asked the truck driver.

"Yes!!" said the baby.

"I need you!" yelled the truck driver

He picked up the baby and started walking down the street.

I'm pretty excited about the fact that B and I get to share all kinds of great books with our little girl.

Do-Over

Do-Over!: In Which a Forty-Eight-Year-Old Father of Three Returns to Kindergarten, Summer Camp, the Prom, and Other Embarrassments by Robin Hemley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A quick but thought-provoking humourous autiobiographical book in which the author revisits his bad experiences of childhood and attempts to re-do some of them. I appreciated Hemley's honesty and humility in revisiting old relationships and his down-to-earth writing style. The book made me think about what from my youth I regret and would want to re-do.

Two things from my youth that I would re-do:


1) When all my brothers learned to drive the tractor, bobcat, swather and other implements, I didn't push to learn--I didn't need to, my brothers could. But now I wish I had learned when I had the chance.


2) In high school, I "knew" I was headed for a life of academics, so I didn't bother taking any of the practical skill classes like mechanics, carpentry, or even sewing. Rather, I took allllll the academic courses (but dropped out grade twelve physics partway through) and lots and lots of band classes. Oh yes, I was that band geek.


So, what would you redo?


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Travel Literature

The Kingdom by the Sea: A Journey Around Great Britain by Paul Theroux

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The concept is good: walking and taking transit around the coast of Britain, while examining the people, culture and general society throughout. But Theroux seems to have such a negative and cynical outlook on what he sees that you come away thinking Britain is an incredibly depressing place.



Which it is not! I've been to Northern England and stayed in two of the towns that Theroux passes through, and the country is not nearly as dirty and depressing as he makes it out to be.



The biggest frustration is that Theroux seems to find no joy in the people. They are mostly unemployed, fat, unambitious and inward-looking. And that's certainly not who we encountered while there.



Bottom line: I don't like Theroux's bad attitude.



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Book Review: Last Child in the Woods

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A thought-provoking book to be sure, Louv's critique of our society made me think carefully about my relationship with the outdoors both when I was growing up and now, and how I want to share the natural world with my own children. He points out what I have always felt--that people, whether adults or children, are more calm, organized and directed when they have natural space to be in.



I have always treasured and enjoyed natural landscapes in my surroundings, and Louv emphasizes just how important--and how precarious--those spaces are as our population grows and becomes more suburbanized.



I appreciate how Louv ended on a hopeful note, outlining ways that people can get involved to protect natural spaces and ways to share them with the next generation.



I highly recommend this book to individuals with a vested interest in future generations of children, and in the future and place of natural spaces, plants and animals in our world.



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My Life in France

My Life in France by Julia Child

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A genuinely entertaining read! Normally I don't enjoy autobiographies because what the author finds interesting about herself is not necessarily what her readers will find interesting. Not so with this one. Child is funny and descriptive and I learned a lot about French cooking (who knew the proper way to beat egg whites requires a copper bowl!?). The book has scattered photographs throughout that add to the story and show off the beautiful French landscape and culture. The movie Julie and Julia is based closely on this book.



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Circle of Seasons

The Circle of Seasons: Meeting God in the Church Year by Kimberlee Conway Ireton My rating: 5 of 5 stars By far, the most inspirational and thought-provoking book I've read in a while. I never knew there was so much symbolism and history to learn from the church calendar year. I am totally inspired to try out some of Ireton's ideas. Her anecdotes make the book very readable and her research was carefully done--she even includes a bibliography for further reading. View all my reviews >> First thing up, learning how to do Advent.

God's Plan

"I don't need to understand miracles now in the midst of my human life. I have to believe that what happens to us will be used in God's plan for the universe. We are again tangled in the contradictions of human free will and God's will, but ultimately God's will indeed will be done." --Madeleine L'Engle, Bright Evening Star: Mystery of the Incarnation.

Home Economics

Home Economics by Wendell Berry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars The most thought-provoking book I've read in a long time. Wendell Barry has so many wise comments to make on community and economy, on farming and on society. He makes some very adept judgments of our culture and how it could or should be. At length, he provides a model for life that I would build my life around. View all my reviews >>

How to Grow More Vegetables

How to Grow More Vegetables by John Jeavons

My rating: 4 of 5 stars Wow what a lot of interesting information. My only concern is that the writers claim their findings are applicable to ANY climate/soil type, and I'm not certain that's truly the case. That said, I was fascinated by their planting techniques, the information about companion planting and natural ways of getting rid of pests. Not to mention the raised bed style of gardening, which I want to go out and try right now. View all my reviews >>

Friday Night Knitting Club

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars Definitely in the genre of chick lit, take it or leave it. However, I definitely liked how the activity of knitting wove (pun intended) the story together. It was a really neat new take on a female character-based novel. I will be checking out the sequels. View all my reviews >>

Cure For Death By Lightning

The Cure for Death by Lightning by Gail Anderson-Dargatz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars The best book I've read in a while, and a Canadian author to boot! Anderson Dargatz has created brutally honest characters and the setting and plotline feel very real and believable. View all my reviews >>

BBC Book List

A friend had this on her online journal and I'm stealing it. An interesting selection; there are several I'm adding to my "to-read" or "to re-read" list. Have I mentioned I love reading fiction? I can't actually find this list on BBC although in 2003 they published a list of their viewers favourite 100 books, which is slightly different. I should use this opportunity to mention Goodreads. It's a website for tracking your read/reading/to-read book list that I use. I also have a link to it on the right side of the blog. The BBC believes most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. How do your reading habits stack up? Instructions: Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read. 1 – Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (x) 2 – The Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien (x) 3 – Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte (x) 4 – Harry Potter series – JK Rowling 5 – To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee (x) 6 – The Bible (x) 7 – Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte (x) 8 – Nineteen Eighty Four – George Orwell 9 – His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman (x) 10 – Great Expectations – Charles Dickens (x) 11 – Little Women – Louisa M Alcott (x) 12 – Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy (x) 13 – Catch 22 – Joseph Heller (x) 14 – Complete Works of Shakespeare (most of them, but not all) 15 – Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier 16 – The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien (x) 17 – Birdsong – Sebastian Faulk 18 – Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger 19 – The Time Traveller’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger (x) 20 – Middlemarch – George Eliot (x) 21 – Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell (x) 22 – The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald (x) 23 – Bleak House – Charles Dickens 24 – War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy (x) 25 – The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams (nope, the movie was wacky enough for me...) 26 – Brideshead Revisited – Evelyn Waugh (again, seen the movie, but not the book) 27 – Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky (x) 28 – Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck (x) 29 – Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll (x) 30 – The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame (x) 31 – Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy (x) 32 – David Copperfield – Charles Dickens (x) 33 – Chronicles of Narnia – CS Lewis – (x) 34 – Emma – Jane Austen (x) 35 – Persuasion – Jane Austen (x) 36 – The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – CS Lewis (huh isn’t this part of 33?) 37 – The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini 38 – Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Bernieres 39 – Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden (x) 40 – Winnie the Pooh – AA Milne (x) 41 – Animal Farm – George Orwell (x) 42 – The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown (x) 43 – One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez 44 – A Prayer for Owen Meany – John Irving 45 – The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins (x) 46 – Anne of Green Gables – LM Montgomery (x) 47 – Far From The Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy (x) 48 – The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood (x) 49 – Lord of the Flies – William Golding (x) 50 – Atonement – Ian McEwan (another movie seen) 51 – Life of Pi – Yann Martel 52 – Dune – Frank Herbert 53 – Cold Comfort Farm – Stella Gibbons 54 – Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen (x) 55 – A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth 56 – The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zifon 57 – A Tale Of Two Cities – Charles Dickens (x) 58 – Brave New World – Aldous Huxley (x) 59 – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Mark Haddon 60 – Love In The Time Of Cholera – Gabriel Garcia Marquez (x) 61 – Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck 62 – Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov (x) 63 – The Secret History – Donna Tartt 64 – The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold (x) 65 – Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas (x) 66 – On The Road – Jack Kerouac 67 – Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy (x) 68 – Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding (x) 69 – Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie 70 – Moby Dick – Herman Melville 71 – Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens (x) 72 – Dracula – Bram Stoker 73 – The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett (x) 74 – Notes From A Small Island – Bill Bryson 75 – Ulysses – James Joyce 76 – The Inferno – Dante 77 – Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome (x) 78 – Germinal – Emile Zola 79 – Vanity Fair – William Makepeace Thackeray (x) 80 – Possession – AS Byatt 81 – A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens (x) 82 – Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell 83 – The Color Purple – Alice Walker 84 – The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro 85 – Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert 86 – A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry (x) 87 – Charlotte’s Web – EB White (x) 88 – The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom 89 – Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (x) 90 – The Faraway Tree Collection – Enid Blyton (x) 91 – Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad 92 – The Little Prince – Antoine De Saint-Exupery (x) 93 – The Wasp Factory – Iain Banks 94 – Watership Down – Richard Adam 95 – A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole 96 – A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute 97 – The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas 98 – Hamlet – William Shakespeare (x another doubled one) 99 – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl (x) 100 – Les Miserables – Victor Hugo (x)