Books

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

I’m busy, busy getting ready to host my book club this week.

I just wanted to pop in and say hello and make sure that you’re all keeping up with Hollycakes this week. There’s great fun going on over there — lots of recipes and peeks at fun new projects and fabrics headed our way, so be sure not to miss it!

I hope everyone’s having a good week.

XOXO,
Anna