In 1995, Bill Bryson wrote “Notes from a Small Island“. This first book was based on an extended tour of Great Britain taken before he moved his family to the United States. Bryson is from the United States – Iowa – but stayed in England after marrying an English woman. Two of his three children …
From Off the Shelf
“Knitting Yarns” Compiled by Ann Hood
“Knitting Yarns” is a collection of essays about knitting. The book is compiled by author and knitter Ann Hood and first published in 2013. Each chapter is written by a different author, some of them knitters, some of them knitting “fans” and some of them failed knitters. You might think this book appeals only to …
The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Tom and I got a San Juan Island Library Card! This may not seem like a big deal to those of you who live in one place all the time but it is pretty exciting to us. After we started going to the Columbus Metropolitan Library last fall, I realized how much I missed going …
Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews
I recently discovered a new mystery writer and I have been enjoying her books immensely. Donna Andrews has written a series of books with bird-themed titles. There are 20 books in the series so far and I hope there are many more to come. “Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon” is #4 in her Meg Langslow series. Meg …
“The Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman
I recently saw a preview for the movie “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and decided to read the book before watching the movie. I read lots of history and am especially interested in Holocaust survivor stories. After being on the hold list for a long time from the library, I finally got the book and read it …
Dear Bob and Sue by Matt and Karen Smith
I recently read a book titled “Dear Bob and Sue” by Matt and Karen Smith. This book is in keeping with my theme of books about the National Parks. Matt and Karen quit their jobs and took a year off to visit all 58 (now 59) National Parks. First of all, a disclaimer. I get …
Lassoing the Sun: A Year in America’s National Parks
Several books have come out in the last few years about the National Park Service celebrating their centennial. I reviewed one about a year ago that I thought was an excellent history of the National Parks. I have one on my reading list about a couple who visit all 59 of the National Parks (“Dear …
Lighthouse by Eugenia Price
Yesterday I wrote about Eugenia Price and mentioned her St. Simons Trilogy. Today I thought I would continue the theme and write about the first book in the Trilogy, “Lighthouse.” “Lighthouse” was originally published in 1971. It was the third book in the Trilogy, although the first chronologically. Eugenia started with “Beloved Invader” set after …
One Year Bible Published by Tyndale
Yesterday I finished reading through the Bible – again. I read the last day’s assignment in the One Year Bible New International Version published by Tyndale. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve read through the Bible, but I try to do it at least every other year. I like the discipline of reading …
Book Loft of German Village
Last week John and Jackie took us to what might be one of the most delightful places on earth: The Book Loft of German Village in Columbus Ohio. Before Tom and I moved into the RV we had thousands of books in our house. We winnowed and purged but we still have cupboards full of …