Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Book Love, Love, Love

A good book is the best of friends,
the same today and forever.
-Martin Farquhar Tupper


My job is nonstop. I'm sure many of you know how that is, whether you mind house or mind a boss. In the oil and gas industry, companies pay handsomely but for that they require your soul. Or so it seems lately.

But tonight there's a thunderstorm and I'm finished before 7 PM and I have a stack of books waiting, thanks to a midnight madness order off Amazon. So before I'm off to read, let's talk books, shall we?

The book above, The Thirteenth Tale, is astounding. I'm only on chapter three, because I picked it up last night after completing a 63-page report, but so far it may be my favorite book. And I mean ever. I adore it. Whatever may come next, I want it carefully noted that the first few chapters of this took me to a world I don't want to leave. The narrative is seamlessly sloppy, which I love, and strong. It sings. I can't wait to get under the covers and drink more in.

Then there's this gem: Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant. Even the title makes me giggle. And everyone's raving over it. I've read bits and pieces of it... here and there. Have any of you read it through? It's hard to put down, but I managed somehow and now I wish I hadn't. But it's to be continued very, very soon.

A journal I've been working through for almost a year now... Finding God in the Broken Places. Don't pretend you don't have them, broken places. We all do. When I've been open, and ready to heal, I've found it's really spoken to and encouraged me. Maybe it will you, too.

And oh. The Crafter's Companion. Beg, borrow, or buy this... or steal a friend's copy. You won't be sorry. She will, but you won't. This baby will have any crafter slobbering and gasping and clapping and ... craving a new project. I love books like this one.

And this. Knitting Nell. Talk about mattering. Any girl, young or old, who does or wants to knit should have this book. I read it several times a week and the end almost makes me cry everytime. Even on the twelveteenth time. Besides Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, it's my favorite children's book.

Oh gosh. I'd hang around and talk book love but I'm zonked and my current paper fling is calling. Let me know about your loves and current crushes, too. We'll dish. -Brin

14 comments:

Rox said...

Hi Brin! I am on my way to Amazon to check out the Thirteenth Tale right now. I am glad you were able to finish a bit early yesterday. The childrens book too. I have a 6 year old. So I will check it out too. I love Patricia Cornwell and am a big Dean Koontz fan. The Mitford Series is sweet too. Am about to start a Jennifer Weiner book "In Her Shoes". Have a great day today!
Roxanne

laurel said...

Our book club finished the Thirteenth Tale a few months ago, and I agree, it is EXCELLENT! The twists and turns get better and better!

Anonymous said...

Okay. I just finished "My Life in France" by Julia Child. It is unbelievable what pains Mrs. Child took to write her cookbooks. I will never, ever take them for granted again. She worked her fingers to the bone, researching, testing, etc. What a contribution she made to the culinary world.

Anonymous said...

You matter very much with your beautiful blog and spirit ~ just lovely, Brin.
Alexandra

Betty said...

I'd love to be in a book club...reading is my passion. Looks like I will have to go out and buy some more books, thanks for the info.
Right now I am reading 'Prayers That Avail Much' by Word Ministries Inc and 'Just Give Me Jesus' by Anne Graham Lotz.
Not fast reading material, that's for sure!
Have a beautiful day, Brin!

The Frugal Apprentice said...

My bookclub read "The Thirteenth Tale" the month it came out -- and we all loved it!

You are right about the way it is written and how it just draws you in. It is an amazing book!

Sherry

Mama Lisa said...

anything by judith viorst is fantastic. most people i know don't even know about the alexander books, but those are my favorite kids books as well. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner is a good read, and The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is an amazing book that transcends time.

Cyndi said...

txrider101@yahoo.com
I know your busy but I wanted to tell you something.
C

Unknown said...

Books are best friends! And I've gotta find that crafters companion, thanks for the tip! Hope you find many happy hours to read and unwind!

Lady Laura said...

Hello Brin, Just a short note to let you know that I took your suggestion and reserved The Thirteenth Tale from the library. I devoured it! Couldn't put it down! One of the best books I've read!
Thanks for your recommendation!

Vee said...

On your recommendation, I read "The Thirteenth Tale" and am beyond impressed. It'll be a classic, I'm certain. Just wanted to stop back by and thank you.

Granpa Joe said...

I was a first time reader of your blog (had hopped, skipped and jumped that day so I don't remember the previous link but had started at Tea Time and Roses) and saw your mention of "The Thirteenth Tale". I am an avid reader, but don't read much modern fiction (because when I do I feel sleazy). Anyway, I read it in 3 days and enjoyed it. It kept me guessing, and even though I was going in the right direction, I was surprised. Enjoy your blog.

Granpa Joe said...

Silly me - I forgot to change my signin. My husband is grandpa Joe, I'm Carla. sheesh.

Anonymous said...

Hi Brin,

You have a delightful blog here—a joy to read and very inspiring.

The Thirteenth Tale is fantastic. I love that it's essentially a book about books. I couldn't put it down.

And based on this post, I picked up Alone in the Kitchen With an Eggplant from the local library. I love it so far! I'm going to have to go out and get my own copy, as it's definitely a book I'll want to keep nestled on the shelf with my other books about food and cooking.

Thanks for the recommendation! (I'd also like to thank you for sharing your practice of inscribing your books. I think it's a lovely idea, and I've adapted it to my reading life.)

All the best,

Katie