Thank you so much for all the Yapper and apron love. A few of you asked where I purchased the cupcake fabric. I couldn’t remember, but then SweetiePie reminded me that we got it at the Fabric Shack in Dayton. (They don’t call me the Alzheimer’s Poster Child at work for nothing! LOL) I didn’t find it at the Fabric Shack’s online site, but I did find it here. And for those of you out there kissing your dogs on the lips, don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.
Last week, we had our annual book group dinner. We always draw names and purchase a book for someone. I thought some of the gift books looked interesting, and since I know there are many readers among you, I thought I’d share some of them. Lately, we’ve sucked at picking monthly books to read, but I think we do a pretty good job at picking gifts.
Possessing Genius: The Bizarre Odyssey of Einstein’s Brain by Carolyn Abraham. The Library Journal says “Abraham, a reporter for Toronto’s Globe and Mail, tactfully sets the record straight regarding the people and events surrounding the notorious removal of Albert Einstein’s brain after his 1955 autopsy and its history over the next 40 years.” I’m always up for a good book about Einstein. Or his brain.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Amazon says “One of the earliest Jewish religious volumes to be illuminated with images, the Sarajevo Haggadah survived centuries of purges and wars thanks to people of all faiths who risked their lives to safeguard it.” The little line under Geraldine Brooks’ name says “Author of March.” It should say “Author of Year of Wonders.” Year of Wonders is one of my favorite books. It’s about the black plague in England. I loved it and it makes me want to read more by this author.
Unfinished Season by Ward S. Just. Barnesandnoble.com says “Set in Eisenhower-era Chicago, An Unfinished Season brilliantly evokes a city, an epoch, and a shift in ideals through the closely observed story of nineteen-year-old Wilson Ravan. In his summer before college, Wils finds himself straddling three worlds: the working-class newsroom where he’s landed a coveted job as a rookie reporter, the whirl of glittering North Shore debutante parties where he spends his nights, and the growing cold war between his parents at home. With unparalleled grace, Ward Just brings Wils’s circle to radiant life. Through his finely wrought portraits of a father and son, young lovers, and newsroom dramas, Just also stirringly depicts an American poltical era.” This book has really good reader reviews on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
World Without End by Ken Follett. We read Pillars of the Earth several years ago and I LOVED it. Pillars of the Earth told the story of the building of a cathedral in 12th-century England and World Without End continues the drama two centuries later. (Supposedly they don’t have to be read in order.) And there will be more black plague. I’ve just started this book and since it has 1024 pages, I’ll probably be dead before I finish it. (The only thing I read anymore is blogs. ;-) )
Elizabeth by David Starkey. A historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth I. It has good reader reviews. What can I say — as I’m sure you’re noticing, I love historical fiction that takes place in England and this one looks good to me.
The Virgin’s Lover by Philippa Gregory. This book is historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth’s lover, Sir Robert Dudley. Not sure how this one will be — it’s getting mixed reviews and it sounds like it might be a lot more fiction than historical.
There were more books given and received, but these caught my eye. 
And while we’re talking books, LOOKEE at this little beauty that I got in the mail today!!! That fabulous Jade has gifted me with this wonderful little Japanese book, Freehand Embroidery. I would tell you who the author is, but I can’t read Japanese LOL. I’m so excited — this is my first Japanese craft book!!! It’s full of wonderful hand embroidery instructions (pictures, thank you) and tons of ideas for embroidering on clothing. Thank you, Thank you Jade — you’re a sweetheart!!!
TheManoftheHouse sent me a link to this article about destination bookstores this morning. I had to counter with this link — have any of you European bloggers (or, specifically Dutch bloggers — Nicolette?) been to this cathedral bookstore? I find this more than disturbing, but it might be interesting to see.
And one last non-book related thing, since I’m experiencing link mania. I’m sure you’ve seen this ’cause it’s been all over the blogs. To think of the countless hours I spent watching Top Gun with my boys. I’m stunned, and I’d like a moment of silence please.
*Sigh.*
Where, oh, where has that young, innocent, HOT Tom gone? (If you’re a scrapbooker in need of a humorous twist, check this out.) I’m feeling more than just a little vindicated in my decision to move on to Sawyer two years ago. He’s young, HOT, and as you may remember, he fondles fabric. *Very Big Sigh.*
XOXO,
Anna
Thanks for the book suggestions, always looking for something new. (altho like you, blog reading has severely cut into book reading time.)
As for Tom, sometimes it’s just better not to hear what actors have to say for themselves as it can really spoil the illusion!!! And also, WHAT the HECK is he talking about?? Oh my. (never was much of a Tom fan though – I’m sure he’s shorter than me. Can’t get past that. I know, shallow.)
And that scrapbooking video -HILARIOUS – thanks for the laugh!
Hi Anna – sadly I couldn’t watch the videos as I don’t have any sound on my computer – but maybe it is just as well so I can keep my Top Gun image in my head! Loved the photo of the fabric fondling! Lucy x
That video left me speechless. And that’s all I have to say about that. LOL
My all time #1 favorite book is Pillars of the Earth. I’ve ready it 3 times. I just got World without end but haven’t started it yet. I know when I do I won’t want to put it down so I’ve postponed. I need the world to stop for 2-3 weeks so I can catch up I think. Then life can go on. Without that happening I’m running behind like a crazy woman. Thanks for the list.
Now it’s my turn to laugh! Those links were hysterical, thank you!! Cruise and scrapbooker alike (unfortunately Mr Cruise is being serious) As for Mr Sawyer and that fabric …! Thanks for the book recommendations, I’ve been talking about books too today, mainly my fluffy comforting, winter cosy kind of books. I’ve read the other Boleyn Girl by Phillippa Gregory which was okay (ish)! I’ll leave you with the smile still on my face
Kimxxx
The brain book is one I’ve been thinking about reading.
I loved Year of Wonders!
My reading is all over the place- I have 6 books on the go at present.
Tom Cruise… looks like madness personified!
xx
I love hearing about new books. Thank you for sharing these.
Aren’t Japanese craft books fun? I love them, and that French magazine, Marie Claire. They are so inspiring visually, and always seem fresh and charming to me.
I’m so glad you received it and that you like it. Whoopee! And thank you for all the book suggestions. I seem to recently be descending into trashy bookdom, a la Bridget Jones. These are much better for the brain development. And yes, I was a Tom fan once about 10 years ago, then he got much too overexposed in the media. For someone who’s supposed to be so smart, why the heck did he even allow this to be filmed? Proves my point about people who are too “beautiful”, a few brain cells lacking.
So many wonderful books! I read Pillars of the Earth sooooo many years ago, and loved it, and I am definitely looking forward to the sequel, but I have to re-read Pillars first! My husband has read books by Phillipa Gregory, and said they were okay. That’s the extent of his review, I’m afraid! LOL!
Thanks for all the links – veddy interesting!!
I recently read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. No, it’s not a Nancy Drew mystery. It’s a novel about Chinese women in the day when bound feet were considered beautiful. the book is fascinating, and heartbreaking.
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