The Great Book Sale Haul

photograph by me

"Book buying ban? What book buying ban?" Those were my infamous last words as I walked away from not just one but two book sales this month. So what tempted me away from my oh so determined book ban? Well, since you asked (and I conducted a poll on Twitter) here are my latest findings.

Chimneysmoke by Christopher Morley
This small book of poetry captured my interest because of its author. I read and adored Morley's Parnassus On Wheels and followed it up with its sequel The Haunted Bookshop.

Every Frenchman Has One by Olivia de Havilland
I almost bought the reprint edition of this book earlier this year and was delighted to find a vintage edition for only two dollars. The classic film lover in me is excited to read Ms. de Havilland's account of moving to France in the 1950s.

Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Yes, I already own a copy of this Dickens classic but this one is a beautiful vintage edition by Oxford University Press with original illustrations.

The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk
I have never seen the film they made out of this novel that Humphrey Bogart won his Best Actor Oscar for or read anything by Wouk, but I have an interest in seeing both the film and exploring Wouk's writings. His name keeps cropping up in WORLD magazine articles. Which would you recommend first, the book or film?

Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb
I first heard of Charles Lamb when I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and then this particular title kept popping up here and there. And the cover on this one is particularly pleasing. So I bought it.

The Tiger of Mysore by G. A. Henty
Is there any homeschooler from the conservative Christian community of the 2000s who did not voraciously read Henty when they were young? If not, I am sincerely sorry. You missed out on a slew of wonderfully fun adventure stories, but there is still time to remedy it. And if any of you also greatly enjoyed reading Henty as a youth, let me direct you to this post which contains a particularly brilliant summary of every Henty story ever written.

Downton Abbey Rules For Household Staff
This little book I picked up goes over the different roles that the staff had in a Downton Abbey era household. As a history buff, historical fiction writer, and someone who enjoyed the show this was half for fun and half for research.

The Brandons by Angela Thirkell
Book seven(?) of the Angela Thirkell Barsetshire series. I first heard about this series from Elisabeth Grace Foley and have been keeping an eye out for the series ever since. I previously located a copy of Wild Strawberries (book 2). Now, I just need to find the first book High Rising.

A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
I am excited to read my first of Shute's novels set in Australia. I loved Pied Piper and Pastoral, so I have my fingers crossed for this one as well.

Gather Ye Rosebuds and This Same Flower by Jeannette Covert Nolan
I know nothing about these two books except that, according to their dusk jackets, they take place in the American mid-west during the early 1900s. I found them in an out of the way corner of the book sale which turned out to be a gathering place for a bunch of Nolan's books.

Hobnailed Boots by Jeannette Covert Nolan
A Revolutionary war story. The title on this one sounds familiar and I half believe that maybe years ago we read it in a family read aloud, but I honestly do not know for sure. I may be mistaking it for another book with boots in the title.

O. Henry: The Story of William Sydney Porter by Jeannette Covert Nolan
A fictional biography of O. Henry. This type of book is how I am most familiar with Nolan's work. Also, I found old newspaper clippings inside and the inside of the cover is brilliant. (See top left corner of photograph.)

Miss Pinkerton by Mary Roberts Rinehart
I have never actually read anything by Rinehart but I have been intending to remedy that. The subtitle on this sold me— "Adventures of a Nurse Detective". A mystery + a nurse = a book I will most likely love. My childhood dream was to be like Florence Nightingale. Let's just say I had a romanticized notion of what the nursing profession was like. I probably would have horrified Miss Nightingale. Not to mention, blood and I do not have a good history. But I digress ...

Introducing Charles Dickens by May Lamberton Becker
A biography of Dickens that I read and enjoyed in school years ago, I was delighted to stumble across a copy to add to my own library.

The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War In 1914 by Christopher Clark
I feel like the title is fairly self explanatory on this one. It is yet another nice thick non-fiction book on a time of history that fascinates me.

Have you been to any good book sales recently? Have you read any of these books? 

Top Thirteen Reads of 2015

 2015 has been an interesting year. This blog sprung into a full fledged life and for long time I actually consistently kept putting out posts every week. And I loved it and I'm determined to get back into the swing of things. I shall not desert this small piece of the blogosphere. In short, I got a job in late September and I've been crazy busy ever since. My reading has suffered, my blogging has suffered, and my writing has suffered. Actually, I've being slogging through a wretched case of writer's depression (think writer's block multiplied by ten but worse).

Anyhow, I'm straying from the intention of this post. 2015 has been quite the year for books. I read numerous books that I felt were mediocre and an equal amount that took my breath away with how well written and stunning they were. Here are my top thirteen reads of 2015 in no particular order.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  What can I say about this beautiful book? I loved it as dearly as I loved the film adaption. Sadly, I can only recommend it with the warning that it does contain a large amount of bad language that keeps me from letting my younger sister read it for now.

Pied Piper by Nevil Shute
  This is another one where I just sit here and scratch my head wondering how on earth I can possibly describe it? I first learned about it while going through a list of the author’s works on Wikipedia and after reading the synopsis, I knew I had to read it. Fortunately for you, I actually managed to pull myself together and write a coherent review here.

The Prince of Fishes by Suzannah Rowntree
  I had the opportunity to review this book on its release and fell in love with Miss Rowntree’s writing. Solid historical fiction with a fantasy/clockpunk twist, this one has me excited for the future of Christian fiction. And gave me a desire to acquaint myself more with the Byzantium empire. My review.

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
 Dickens, you brilliant, brilliant writer. I love your quirky characters, your complicated and intricate plots, and this your last completed novel.

A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd
  WWI, sinking ships, and promises to dying men catapult nurse Bess Crawford into a world of mystery involving the family of one of her deceased patients. A splendid piece of historical mystery, though not for those who might be disturbed at verbal references and descriptions of a violent death.

Greenmantle by John Buchan
  The second book in Buchan’s Richard Hannay series, I loved it even more than I enjoyed the first book The 39 Steps. There’s a flavor and sense of honor to these that is unusual in others of the genre. It makes them stand out.

The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
  I read this lovely piece of historical fiction in a read along with this dear lass. Sutcliff knew how to transport her readers back in time. You could feel the crisp wind blowing across your face as you journeyed through Roman occupied Britain with her characters.

Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie
  The most tightly written mystery I’ve ever read. The list of suspects is only four and all of them were playing cards together when the murder occurred. Which one of them committed the crime? And how did the innocent three not see it happen? Highly recommended. My favorite of Christie’s Poirot novels.

Leave It to Psmith by P.G. Wodehouse
  Wodehousian comedy as only he could write. Psmith is mistaken for a Canadian poet and taken to Blandings Castle where chaos ensues with imposters, burglars, and ever efficient secretaries.

Wanderlust Creek and Other Stories by Elisabeth Grace Foley
  It is no secret that I devour everything that Elisabeth writes. I’ve followed her blog for ages and have read everything she’s published. Released in March, I bought it and read as soon as it was released. I wrote a review here.

Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon
  I had heard much praise for this book and bought it when I placed my great Amazon order when Wanderlust Creek released. This brilliant piece of creative advice is a must read. I highly recommend it to you all.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
  On a fateful March day I borrowed The Fellowship of the Ring from a friend on impulse. And am I glad I did. Tolkien's epic style of storytelling in this battle of good vs. evil, his meticulous world building, and the craftsmanship with which he wrote this trilogy won me over.

Flight From the Reich: Refugee Jews, 1933 - 1946 by Deborah Dwork and Robert Jan Van Pelt

  The Jewish refugees of WWII and formation of the modern state of Israel has become an interest of mine ever since I read Bodie and Brock Thoene's Zion Covenant series in 2014. This book is a fantastic starting point for anyone even slightly interested in the topic.

 What are some of your favorite reads from 2015?

The End of Summer

photograph by me

 The leaves are tinged crimson and gold. The evenings are becoming crisp and autumnal. Everywhere the wind is whispering of apple cider, scarves, cinnamon & nutmeg, and football. This is the first week of autumn. I’m a bit reluctant to say goodbye to summer. But, hey— God created four seasons for a reason and Vivaldi didn’t do so shabby as a result.

 Before I admit how many books I managed to read this summer, I’d like to quickly explain why I fell off the face of blogosphere last week. Last Monday (the 14th) after I finished working, I came down with a bug and spent the next couple days in unpleasant misery until I settled into a cold. I still have the cold but I am definitely much more clear in my thoughts.

 Now, my fellow bibliophiles, to business.

 I started out my summer of with a list of thirty-one books/series I wanted to read. Needless to say, I didn’t stick to that list. One look at my Goodreads shelves would prove that. I ended up reading twenty-five books. Roughly, about eleven of them were actually on my list when I put it together in May.

 Instead of listing off the titles of all the books I read, I would like to focus in and mention several of the ones that really jumped out at me.

 Pied Piper by Nevil Shute. I love this book. Dearly. The characters, the setting, and the story are incredible. I wrote a review here.

 Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens. Oh, Dickens how I love you! I snagged an audiobook of this off Audible for my free trial and it was a masterpiece. Narrated by David Timson, this story came alive and I quickly found myself deeply invested in the characters and the story. It was a fantastic reminder as to why I love Dickens so much and I highly recommend it. By the way, his commentary on London society is brilliant.

 Cards On the Table by Agatha Christie. My favorite Hercule Poirot mystery to date, this one is very much worth reading. I would elaborate more but I'm afraid of giving out spoilers. I should hate to spoil it for you.

 The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff. I read this in August during a read along with Annie Hawthorne of Curious Wren. An excellent piece of historical fiction, Sutcliff's rich writing and historical detail in this is matchless. Britain during the Roman Empire truly comes alive under her pen.

 The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse. I set forth on a great hunt to find a copy of this book after Annie lauded its praises on Goodreads. It was hilarious, my dear fellow bibliophiles. Never has a cow creamer had so many intrigues and attempted robberies surrounding it.

 The Prince of Fishes by Suzannah Rowntree. I had the grand opportunity of reading this and writing a review of it for its release. People, buy it. It is gold. You can read my review here.

 Some Christmas Camouflage by Elisabeth Grace Foley. I picked up this gem while on a Kindle book shopping spree. It was utterly delightful and even topped O.Henry's famous Gift of the Magi in my personal rankings. And it's only 99 cents! You should definitely pick up a copy of this to read during the Christmas season.

What were your favorite reads of the summer?

Curious Wren Blog Party Tag

 My Twitter writing friend Annie Hawthorne set up shop in the blogosphere the other week. Curious Wren, her blog, promises to be filled with reading and writing chats of epic proportions and I heartily recommend that you hop over there and get acquainted. She gave away stuff- sorry, this didn't go up soon enough to advertise the giveaway- and has created this wonderful book-themed blog tag.

1. What was the last book you read, and would you recommend it? The last book I finished was It Took a War by Emily Ann Putzke— a Civil War story of growing up and family relationships. I would heartily recommend it to people of all ages. It's a good one.

2. Describe the perfect reading spot. Well... it all depends on the weather and amount of insects infesting my backyard. When it's warm out, there is nothing quite like sprawling out on a quilt in the backyard and burying yourself in a good book. But if insect and weather forbids, I will read pretty much anywhere inside the house— at my desk, on the floor, on the sofa, on my bed, on my parent's bed, or sitting on the kitchen counter.

3. Favorite book beverage? Tea? Coffee? Hot chocolate? Tears of your readers? Again, it really depends on the weather. I have been known to drink all of those while reading and writing. Well, except for that last one. ;)

4. Share favorite quotes from four books.
   "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

   "They were right upon him, a thunder of hooves that seemed to fill the universe; black manes streaming against the sky; the team that he had called his brothers, only two days ago. He hurled his shield clanging among them, and side-stepped, looking up into the grey face of Cradoc, the charioteer. For one splinter of a time their eyes met in something that was almost a salute, a parting salute between two who might have been friends; then Marcus leapt in under the spearman's descending thrust, upward and sideways across the chariot bow." - The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

   "He floated out, and I leaped three feet. A dashed difficult thing to do, when you're sitting in an armchair, but I managed it.
   "'Jeeves!' I yelled.
   "But he had gone, leaving not a wrack behind." - The Code of the Woosters by P. G. Wodehouse

   "We make art because we like art. We're drawn to certain kinds of work because we're inspired by people doing that work. All fiction, in fact, is fan fiction." - Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

5. What is your most loved fantasy read? Dystopia? Contemporary? Sci-fi? Classic? My favorite fantasy would definitely have to be The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. I love that book. Dystopia? I don't think I've ever read anything that classifies in that genre. There are a few I am considering trying at some point, though. Contemporary? Excuse me, while I wrack my brain for a moment. Ummm... I don't think I have a favorite contemporary novel. I have only read a few and those didn't strike me well enough to become a favorite. Better read up on that genre too. Sic-fi? *raises hand* Does Freddy and the Flying Saucer Plans by Walter R. Brooks count? That is one of my favorites from the whole Freddy the Pig series. Classic? Dear me. There are too many to count. I recently finished Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens and that made my favorites list, so I'd like to mention it. I also have great affection for Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis.

6. List three authors you’ve collected the most books from. First, without a shadow of doubt, is Agatha Christie. I have three volumes of five-in-one editions, a slew of old paperback editions, and a mix of reprints. Second, is Brock and Bodie Thoene. I own their WWII series and I'm missing only one book from their Zion Chronicles series. Third, would probably have to be Marguerite Henry.

7. What are your thoughts on magic in literature? I am still sorting my thoughts out on this. I was fine with the way C.S. Lewis handled magic in his Chronicles of Narnia. He was very definite about good and evil, and I like those lines to be very clear. Tolkien handled it pretty well, too. Overall, though, I don't run into magic a lot in literature because I mainly read historical fiction.

8. What types of book covers capture your imagination most strongly? Feel free to include images. Oh, I do love a good book cover! Anyone else go to Barnes & Noble to gape at the beautiful covers of the new releases? Or spend hours drooling on Goodreads? Well, I firmly believe a good cover is essential to any book's success. Let's face it, if you like the cover there is a higher chance you're going to pick it up and read the back cover blurb. I have enjoyed some of the newer covers I've spotted over the last year. There has been a trend towards minimalistic covers and I've loved a number of those. But, I'm usually pretty varied. I just cannot stand most book covers from the 1970s/80s/90s. Sorry. Just, no. Here are a few covers that have captured my attention. (Quick disclaimer: I haven't read two of these books and, therefore, can't say whether I would recommend or endorse them. If I've read it, I'll post the link to my review or Goodreads rating below.)

pictures via Goodreads

My review of The Prince of Fishes

My rating of The 39 Steps

9. Mention the first book character that comes to mind. Elaborate on this. Richard Hannay. I think this is heavily influenced by the fact that I just posted the cover of The 39 Steps above and my mother just finished reading the book. Anyhow, he was a good chap in that book and I am on the hunt for the second book in John Buchan's Richard Hannay Series.

10. Do you lend out your books? Or is that the equivalent to giving away your babies? I have only lent out a book to someone outside of my family once. Let's just say I anxiously awaited its safe return. Generally, I don't go around letting people borrow my books. Well, to be honest, I've only been asked if someone could borrow a book once. I prefer not to.

Dickens Week Tag

 Today Alexandra's Dickens Week begins. She has complied a tag for the week and I have determined to do it.

"To the guillotine, all aristocrats!" by A. A. Dixon

1.       How were you first introduced to Dickens?

  I think it probably would have been when A Tale of Two Cities was assigned to my older sister to read when we were studying the French Revolution. She actually read a couple of small bits aloud to me.

2.       Which is your favorite Dickens novel?

  I haven't actually read very many yet, but hope to remedy that this summer. My favorite hands down is A Tale of Two Cities. Oh, I love that book! One of my favorite books up there with Ivanhoe and The Scarlet Pimpernel!

3.       How many Dickens adaptations have you seen?

   Actually I have only seen one. The 1935 adaption of A Tale of Two Cities. It probably needs to be watched again, now that I have read the book. I remember laughing when I first saw Basil Rathbone step out of a carriage as the Marquis de St. Evremonde. I had only seen him portray Sherlock Holmes before after all.

4.       Which Dickens adaptation is your favorite?

   I obviously don't have a favorite yet, but like I've said before A Tale of Two Cities probably needs to be watched again.

5.       Have you seen multiple versions of A Christmas Carol? Which version is your favorite?

   I have not seen a version of A Christmas Carol, yet. Probably need to fix that.

6.       Who is your favorite Dickens hero and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of him?

   Sydney Carton. Alexandra is right he is sort of an "anti-hero", but he is my favorite and definitely deserves hero status at the end of the story. I cannot remember exactly how Ronald Colman portrayed Sydney Carton, which gives me another reason to watch that movie again.

"Caddy's Flowers" by 'Phiz'

   7.       Who is your favorite Dickens heroine and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of her?

   Esther Summerson from Bleak House, so far. I have not seen an adaption of Bleak House yet so I do not have a favorite portrayal.

   8.       Who is your favorite Dickens villain and (if applicable) who does your favorite portrayal of them?

   The Defarges! I shall never look at knitting again without thinking of them.

  9.       Have you seen any musical adaptations of any of Dickens’ stories? If so, which is your favorite song from it?

   I have not seen any musical adaptions of any of Dickens' stories.

10.   Do you have a favorite Dickens quote? If so, what is it?

Yes, this famous one from A Tale of Two Cities.

     "It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest I go to than I have ever known." 

~ Hanne-col