Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts

Sunday, June 13, 2010

A few good books...

Just as soon as I feel I have my reading pile under control, I discover a whole raft of new books to read! Recent additions to my pile include...
Dear Gabriel by Halfdan Friehow
Written in the form of a letter from a father to his young autistic son, this deeply moving book tells of a complex, loving relationship that is sometimes fraught with misunderstanding, but bolstered by unconditional love.


The story of Lily Casey Smith, Jeannette Walls's no nonsense, resourceful, and spectacularly compelling grandmother. A heartwarming story about a truly indomitable woman.
(I'm also eager to read Jeanette Walls memoir The Glass Castle)


This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
A riotously funny, emotionally raw novel about love, marriage, divorce, family, and the ties that bind - whether we like it or not.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
When Major Pettigrew, a retired British army major in a small English village, embarks on an unexpected friendship with the widowed Mrs. Ali, who runs the local shop, trouble erupts to disturb the bucolic serenity of the village. This is a beautifully written book - a real pleasure to read.
Life on Gorge River by Robert Long
An inspiring tale of one man’s decision to ‘drop out’ of capitalist society and establish a completely self-sufficient lifestyle most people can’t even imagine. There's a fascinating interview with the author here.


Reading by Moonlight: How Books Saved a Life by Brenda Walker
An account of the author's treatment for breast cancer and how different books and authors helped her through the tumultuous process of recovery. "When I tell myself that books can save a life, I don’t mean that books can postpone death. That is the job of medicine. I mean that certain books, by showing us the inner fullness of individual life, can rescue us from a limited view of ourselves and one another." Thank you Engracia for the recommendation!


What are you reading at present? Do you also have a never ending stack of books you want to read? Do you find regular, and decent periods of time to read? Or, like me do you find you're often snatching small windows here and there?


Images from Amazon, Random House, and Penguins Books Australia.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Reading & listening...



So much to catch up on, so many great ideas and inspiring things... East Side Bride & Christine from Pretty Pretty Paper have started a very worthy project - a pledge to 'read the printed word'. Pop on over here to find out more. Speaking of catching up on things, over the hols I managed to listen to oodles of podcasts from here. Highlights included interviews with Thomas Buergenthal, Gillian Lynne, Susan Sarandon, and 'Hero of the Hudson' Captain Chesley Sullenberger. Kathryn Ryan's engaging and insightful style of interviewing makes for great listening. To find out more hop on over here, or search 'nine to noon with Kathryn Ryan' on iTunes.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A few quiet days...

With the boys away on camp I've had a few quiet days catching up on reading and researching, plus lots of fun evenings out with R and friends. I've also been listening to lots of music and finally sorting out my old playlists. Some fav new finds are -

Mademoiselle - Berry




Celestial - Tunes United.

I hope you're having a fun week - what:nots will be up tomorrow!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Autumn (or Fall) reading...

I seem to have a never ending reading list, so I thought I'd share some of my recent finds and favs with you.

This gorgeous book is full of beautiful photographs, and has a fortune for each day.

A lovely little book of letters that inspire everyday peace. Filled with clarity and wisdom, it's a wonderful find.

I've had this on my must-read list for months. A 'cross-country, train-hopping adventure of a twelve-year-old map making prodigy'. The website alone is worth a peek.

Why do some of the best ideas have something missing? This enlightening book delves into the belief that 'less-is-more'.

India is one country I so desperately want to visit - perhaps in a year or so... If so this book would be perfect.

A great coffee-table book - packed full of stunning images and providing a great insight into the evolution of fashion and trends in the US.

A delightful, charming book - perfect for curling up with.

And to end with - a fab book about cooking and dining alone. And it has recipes. Perfect!

Images from Amazon, Atlas Books, and Random House.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

An interesting discovery...

"Scientists have discovered that the small brave act
of cooperating with another person,
of choosing trust over cynicism,
generosity over selfishness,
makes the brain light up with quiet joy."
Natalie Angier

On my reading list for Fall (Autumn) is Natalie Angier's new book The Canon: A Whirligig Tour of the Beautiful Basics of Science. An articulate, non threatening guide that asks us to really look at our surroundings and the world we inhabit. You can get a copy here.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I wonder what happened?

Do you ever see an abandoned house and wonder what happened? Why did they leave - what stories must lie within the ruins? Ruin by Brian Vanden Brink captures these abandoned structures and provides a permanence before they disappear forever.

Images from Brian Vanden Brink.
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