Category: Uncategorized
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New Arrivals
I haven’t bought many books lately because I was saving all my pennies for Italy, but since I’m now not going until October I decided to buy the recent Angela Thirkell reprints. I blame Claire for this splurge as she recently featured these lovely books on her blog and I decided I had to have…
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An Old Friend: The Sixties in Vogue
When I was in my teens I was utterly fascinated and obsessed with the sixties. I loved listening to music and watching films and TV shows from the era. Every time I visited the library I rummaged through the shelves looking for books about the sixties (this was in the days before catalogs were easy…
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Mary Stewart 1916-2014
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of one of my very favorite authors, Mary Stewart, on May 9. Here is a link to The Guardian tribute. They’ve said everything I feel about her books so much better than I can say it. I will always treasure her books and read them throughout my life.…
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Cover Collection: Frankenstein
1. Penguin Classics // 2. Barnes & Noble Leatherbound Classics // 3. Penguin Classics // 4. Oxford World’s Classics // 5. Vintage // 6. Everyman’s Library // I have read Frankenstein one time in my life and it was not a happy experience. I read it for a British literature class in college and I…
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What I’ve Learned From Starting My Own Book Group
In March 2013 I held the first meeting of my book discussion group. I’ve enjoyed the monthly meetings so much over the past year that I encourage everyone to either join a group or start your own. Here are some things I’ve learned from starting my own: 1. It’s good to have a mix of…
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The Sea of Grass by Conrad Richter
This was one of the two books I completed in April (only two!) and I chose it partly for its slim profile. I bought it last year after coming home from a trip to Colorado with a desire to read about the Southwest then promptly stuck it in the book case, where it stayed…
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Things That Cheer Me Up: Pink!
When life is stressful or isn’t going my way it helps me to notice the small things, to count my blessings, to find pleasure in simple joys. Phoenix isn’t the prettiest place in terms of greenery or flowers, but things can get showy this time of year and bright colors abound. As I’ve driven around town…
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Just Kids by Patti Smith
In 1967 Patti Smith left her childhood home in South Jersey and, with very little money, moved to New York City to make it as an artist. On one of her first days there she met Robert Mapplethorpe who would become her friend, lover and artistic booster. In Just Kids the legendary musician recounts the…
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A Slightly New Direction
As you know I’ve struggled to keep Gudrun’s Tights going over the past year. And I’m struggling now. I love blogging and I love the friendships I’ve made through blogging, but I am feeling completely uninspired and cold about it all right now. Sometimes I think that anything I have to say has already been…
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Everyday Inspiration
You might find this hard to believe, but working in a library is not the most glamorous affair. Our public area is quite colorful and attractive, but our staff room is, despite our best efforts, a bit dull, grey and cluttered with harsh lighting pouring down and casting shadows over everything. My desk faces a…
A Certain Fondness 