Random Book Reviews

I've been reading, really I have.  Here's some proof:

First up -- A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews.  It's a coming-of-age novel (I know -- groan!) but I found it highly compelling.  The main character is a girl who lives in a Mennonite community up in Canada.  And basically her life spins out of control as her family falls apart -- largely a result of the strict community she lives in.  Really great summer read!

After this I tried two books that both fell short.  I tried reading Home Land by Sam Lipsyte.  And while I've heard that people are loving this book, I didn't.  Joke after joke.  I suppose it was a bit funny in a "Clerks" sort of way (well, not that funny), but I wanted more.  After several chapters I decided to set it aside and try All this Heavenly Glory by Elizabeth Crane.  This is a collection of short stories and admittedly I am not a big fan of the short story, so take that into account.  And the first story even caught my interest a bit.  However, her writing style is not endearing.  She rambles and I mean rambles.  Sometimes I felt like each sentence was a page long!  I didn't get very far before I had to put this one down.  Then I picked up . . .

Towelhead by Alicia Erian.  BINGO!  So I started this book last night around 10:30 pm and didn't want to go to sleep!  At about 12:30 I finally had to set it down, but I am looking forward to picking it up again tonight.  So far it's about a 13 year old girl (Yep, another coming-of-age novel, but good!  I promise!) born to a Lebanese father and Irish mother.  They split and she is shuttled back and forth.  The book starts up as she is sent off to live with her strict (but clueless!) father.  Wonderful writing style, great characters -- finally a winner!

And in non-fiction news. . .

Aprons: Icons of the American Home by Joyce Cheney.  Great book about vintage aprons!  Lots of pictures and good info for collectors.  It includes tips on dating vintage aprons too, which is very nice.  Great book for anyone interested in collecting or reproducing these little gems!

And in upcoming knitting book releases we have these. . .

Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers looks like a fun embellishment book.  I couldn't find any previews of this book.  Anyone seen any yet?

Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush looks like it will be interesting.  It's going to have 24 patterns, as well as some historical info -- which I always love. 

And I'm intrigued by Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick.  It looks like it may have a nice variety of projects -- ornaments, christmas stockings, a flower pin and a tree skirt.  But hearing that it also will include "a poncho and matching dog sweater" makes me shudder.  We shall see.

Whew!  I think that's it for now.  Thanks for all the lovely comments on my handspun from yesterday!  And have a fun and safe weekend!

Comments

[michele]

Thanks for the book reviews and comments...I cannot wait for that Nancy Bush book! Have a great weekend!

[Vicki Suan]

Beautiful lace scarf! I like the colors of your handspun yarn. Reminds me of a tropical sunset.

[Teresa C]

You must have an extra room on your house for the library! Did you get the notice about N. Epstein's new book "Knitting Over The Edge" due out in the fall? To be honest, I have never even looked through the first one, except to see one sweater that someone showed me. I should hit the library and check it out (no pun intended, on purpose anyway).

[Vera]

I'm reading A Complicated Kindess, and I really like it. I saw an interview with Towes, and she was very good.

[Holly]

I just love when you do book reviews! Thanks so much.