Book of the Month
This month, I’m in the midst of a book that selects a poem for each day from Advent through Epiphany, with commentary on each poem’s origin and meaning. It’s a lovely way to thoughtfully mark this time of year.
The flurry of challenges and events has died down, and now I can turn my attention to some books that have been languishing on my shelf for many months, waiting for me to read or reread them. It feels good to clear out some of this debris from the past at the turning of the year. At the same time, I’m getting a head start on next year’s challenge, Reading New England. Will you join us?
I’m doing this review a bit early because I’m planning to take a break over the holidays. Next week I’ll be wrapping up my 2015 challenges, and then I’ll say farewell till the new year. I look forward to reading all of your year-end posts though.
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Reviews
- The Wolves Chronicles, Part Three – In which I complete my reading of Joan Aiken’s wild and wonderful series.
- Saplings by Noel Streatfeild – A very interesting if not completely satisfying adult novel from one of my favorite childhood authors.
- 84 Charing Cross Road – I’m so pleased that this longtime favorite has been brought out in a charming new edition from Slightly Foxed.
Other Books Read
- A Gathering of Days by Joan W. Blos – Reading New England
- Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke – Reread
- The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke – Reread
- The Little Witch by Otfried Preussler
- Crusoe’s Daughter by Jane Gardam – Reread
- Lucy Carmichael by Margaret Kennedy
- My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell – Review to come
Other Features and Events
- I wrote about my visit to Emily Dickinson’s House, a wonderful way to experience the poet’s life.
- And just in case you missed it, the sign-up post for Reading New England is here.
- My last discussion post for the year was on the question Is blogging worth it? I don’t think it will be any surprise that my answer is yes!
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Shared in the Sunday Post hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and the Monthly Wrap-up Round-up hosted by Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Emerald City Book Review Archive 
Knowing you are a fan of Elizabeth Goudge, I just wanted you to know “Child
From The Sea” is being reissued now by Hendrickson Publishers. I have
ordered a copy from Amazon and it’s due this week. Can’t wait!
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Thank you, Sue, that is good to know! It’s one of the three that Goudge identified as her own favorites and one I’ve never read. This will be a good opportunity.
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Your books are new to me, with unfamiliar authors, so that will be my challenge this year: finding more new authors to enjoy.
Have a great week! This is my first visit here, and I like the look of your blog. Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
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I’ve found a lot of new-to-me authors through other blogs. Hope you find some that resonate with you.
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I’m also making a head start on my New England reads — albeit by happenstance — having just completed The Magician’s Land partly set in the countryside north of Manhattan. I do hope you have a fun peaceful break, Lory, but with pleanty of reading time too!
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Hm, I haven’t read past The Magicians, but from what information I can find the Earth part of the setting (Brakebills) is in upstate New York, not Connecticut. Close, but not quite New England.
I am definitely looking forward to lots of reading time as things slow down a bit for me. Happy Holidays to you as well!
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Oops, my mistake, time to get a detailed map out and plan this challenge properly!
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It’s easy to make that mistake, especially if the book doesn’t specify an exact location. The countryside of north-eastern New York is very similar to western Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. But we do have to draw the lines somewhere!
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Haphazard by Starlight sounds lovely. I’ve just added it to my TBR list. And your Reading New England challenge sounds fun, though since I’m cutting back on challenges this year, I won’t be joining in, just enjoying the posts and reviews.
I wish you a very joyous Christmas and New Year!
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It is a lovely book. I bought it during Advent last year and I’m just getting around to it now. There is another one for Easter that I’m thinking of getting as well.
Thank you for holiday wishes! A very joyous season to you as well.
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You had a fantastic month for reading. Happy 2016!
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Thanks, Freda, Happy New Year to you.
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