Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

A Month of Reading: January 2017

February 8, 2017 By Carole

Oh, you guys. Yesterday I realized that I haven’t been receiving your comments via email for about a week. I have always prided myself on responding to all of your comments and due to this glitch I haven’t been doing that. I have a good friend working with me to help straighten this out but please know that I am reading them even if I’m not emailing you back at this time. Technology is grand, isn’t it? 

Okay, onward to today’s post.

I shared a month of photos, how about if I share a month of reading? Links are to GoodReads followed by my rating and review of each book.

Library Stacks blog size

In January I read:

A Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell

3 stars
This was a great first book of the year read. And the concept of hygge is really appealing to me right now as I face the dark cold days of January. Sounds like the Danes have a lot of things figured out quite well.

The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

5 stars
Oh, Louise Penny. I don’t know how you do it but even 11 books into the series you managed to make this one fresh and new and yet, at the same time, comfortable and familiar. I can’t recommend this series enough. Read it.

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

4 stars
audio
A thoughtful and well written book on family dynamics, siblings and the fall out that occurs when relationships fall apart. I won’t say more because there are a couple of surprises in this one that I didn’t see coming and I sure don’t want to give anything away. Recommended.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

5 stars
Charming and sophisticated, this novel is simply wonderful. The life of the Count, as he lives in the Metropol hotel in Moscow under house arrest for years, is full and dedicated to service. The people he encounters, the rules of civility he lives by, the ways he orders his life, are all fantastic. The story is built slowly, layer upon layer, until it culminates in the absolutely perfect ending. Highly recommended.

The Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon

4 stars
Inspiring! And perfect for right now. Hang in there, RBG, we need you more than ever.

Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

5 stars
audio
Stunning and captivating, this book is an excellent read. The premise, while creepy, is fascinating and the story is alluring and compelling, making you really think about beauty and tragedy, fate and free will. I’m late to the party on this one but I highly recommend it if you missed it when it came out almost 30 years ago.

I’ve set the bar for 2017 pretty high already with 3 five star and 2 four star books. I will say, though, my to-read list is very carefully curated and I think that leads to a high rating for most of the books I read.

Here’s what I’m reading right now:

The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman

Stoner by John Williams (audio)

What are you reading?

 

 

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailA Month(ish) of Reading: June-Early July 2017 Default ThumbnailReading Update: December 2017 – Early January 2018 Default ThumbnailA Month of Reading: February 2017 Default ThumbnailA Month of Reading: March 2017
« Weekending
Think Write Thursday »

Filed Under: Books

Comments

  1. Mary K. in Rockport says

    February 8, 2017 at 6:28 am

    I am rereading William Shirer’s “The Nightmare Years 1930-1940” which I own. He spent those years as an American journalist in Germany and Austria. Compulsive and scary reading.

  2. Bonny says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:20 am

    I’ll be interested in your thoughts once you finish Stoner. I’m currently reading Lucky Boy, and while it’s good so far, it’s also tied pretty closely to current events. I’d like to read for escape now but am having trouble settling into a book.

  3. Robby says

    February 8, 2017 at 7:27 am

    Always enjoy your reading lists. I had noticed the lack of email from you, but life happens so I didn’t worry about it. There’s also that closely related expression, “Technology happens.”

  4. Kym says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:09 am

    I just finished reading Swing Time (Zadie Smith) . . . meh. And I’m now reading White Nights (the 2nd book in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland Island trilogy; lots of knitting in there!). I, too, recommend the Louise Penny books as consistent, 5-star reads. So. Good. And I also thought Gentleman in Moscow was brilliant. (Looking forward to hearing what you think of the Museum of Extraordinary Things. We read it for my book group last year. Some of us liked it . . . and some of us didn’t.) XO

  5. Vera says

    February 8, 2017 at 8:54 am

    Always enjoy your posts on books Carole. Oh the Louise Penny books are excellent!! And A Gentleman in Moscow was fabulous (I want to read Rules of Civility by Towles). Am currently reading A Year of Living Danishly which I am enjoying, but at times find boring. Also reading The Underground Railroad which is almost too disturbing in places – I can’t read it before bed or I don’t sleep well. Finally, on the nightstand are Knitlandia and In the Footsteps of Sheep – both of which I am enjoying.

  6. Patty says

    February 8, 2017 at 9:04 am

    I’m reading and so trying to finish Louise Penny’s Still Life (#1) and listening to The Nix. I like it so far! Thank-you for your excellent reviews and recommendations. You’ve brought me some good reading!

  7. AsKatKnits says

    February 8, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I am finishing up I am the Messenger and about to start In the Woods by Tana French. The waiting list for Inspector Gamache is LONG – it is hard to be patient! lol

  8. Jo says

    February 8, 2017 at 11:08 am

    What am I reading? Nothing except The Yarn Whisperper. You have inspired me to get with the program!

  9. margene says

    February 8, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    I’ll be interested in your views on Stoner. It’s a book I liked very much. I’m rereading The Tsar of Love and Techno for book group and look forward to reading The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Lincoln on the Bardo is also high on my list!xo

  10. Carrieoke says

    February 8, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I’m testing the comments, Carole!

  11. Becky says

    February 8, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    Geek Love! One of my favorite books, but I don’t find many people who have read it. I thought it was a fascinating read. I also concur on Nature of the Beast and A Gentleman in Moscow. Both of these books are elegant books. I want to read Rules of Civility sometime this year. I have not read any fiction yet in 2017 that has grabbed me. I have tried reading Joanne Harris’ new book, Different Class, but it is dragging for me. I also started The Nix, and I am not far in, but so far, it is just a weird set-up. I think I am having trouble settling down to read. Too much chaos!

    You know, Carole, I lerv these book posts. So thanks, and do one anytime you feel the urge!

  12. Mary says

    February 9, 2017 at 5:48 am

    You are off to a great start! I’m listening to Underground Railroad and reading Days without End (difficult reads both…much about America was far from great in the 1800’s!)

  13. Lydia S says

    February 9, 2017 at 7:31 am

    I just finished “The Cruelist Month” Louise Penny’s third and can’t wait to get the next one. I typically listen to them and the narrator has a wonderful voice. Looks like some good recommendations to check out.

  14. christi in ma says

    February 22, 2017 at 3:19 pm

    I’ve read a string of duds this year it seems.
    The next two in line are Tethered by Amy McKinnon and The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Both came highly recommended so I’m hopeful my run of bad books is over.

    (and I’m waiting to get Brady and Belichick back from the library – I didn’t finish it before it expired!)

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

The final @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt was refl The final @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt was reflection. Here’s current me reflected in the frame of a picture of Dale and I from our honeymoon 24 years ago. I’ve always loved this photo of us, it captured our joy so perfectly. And I’m still filled with joy every time I look at it. #aepiecesofus #reflection #piecesofme
The @aliedwards prompt for today is a full body sh The @aliedwards prompt for today is a full body shot and I have the perfect photo for it. Here I am at the polls today with my friend and State Representative Alyson Sullivan. It was a great day out there in the sunshine. And I won my re-election to the Board of Selectmen! #aepiecesofus #eastbridgewaterma #iwonagain
My take on @aliedwards today’s half face prompt My take on @aliedwards today’s half face prompt ... half of mine and all of Jackie’s. It works for me because his is cuter! #aepiecesofus #halfface #nanalife #attaboyjack
Today’s @aliedwards prompt is eyes closed. It’ Today’s @aliedwards prompt is eyes closed. It’s how I meditate. It’s how I focus. It’s how I roll when I need to take a deep breath and get through a moment. #aepiecesofus #eyesclosed #thisisme
Today’s @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt is Face Today’s @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt is Face Forward. If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 55 years, it’s that facing forward is the best way to live. All the things in life, good or bad, can be resolved this way, our problems only multiple if we try to skirt around them. True satisfaction comes from looking life right in the eye, doing your best, and finding the joy. #aepiecesofus #thisismyface #faceforward
These hands. They are 55 years old and they show t These hands. They are 55 years old and they show the wear and tear of those years. The washing and moisturizing, the attempts to hold the approach of aging at bay. They’ve held and comforted so many loved ones, they’ve changed diapers and checked out books at the library, they’ve typed countless words, they’ve cooked and cleaned and done everything I’ve expected and I appreciate every bump and age spot and ... they are mine. #aepiecesofus #piecesofme #myhandstellmystory
I knew I had to take a photo of my feet while ridi I knew I had to take a photo of my feet while riding the bike for today’s prompt for @aliedwards Pieces of Us, as there would be no Peloton journey for me if it weren’t for my feet, strapped into those shoes, clipped into those pedals, and going round and round to make me stronger. #pelotonjourney #thisisme #clippedin #aepiecesofus
Daffodils from my garden and Easter decorations fr Daffodils from my garden and Easter decorations from my childhood = an explosion of spring! #daffodilbouquet #frommygarden #igrewthemmyself #easterdecor #easterceramics #happyspring
Friday night plans: crescent pizza rolls and Jesus Friday night plans: crescent pizza rolls and Jesus Christ Superstar. Happy Easter weekend! #fridaynightsnacks #crescentpizzarolls #martinitime #easterweekend2021 #eastertraditions
Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #cocktailhouratho Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #cocktailhourathome #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #mezcalsalami #bacongoudaspread #mudpie #charcuterieboard
So grateful for these heaters on early spring even So grateful for these heaters on early spring evenings like this one. #decklife #outdoorliving #deckheaters #hellospring #earlyspring #rushingtheseason
Spring! #crocus #springcrocus #springflowersmakeme Spring! #crocus #springcrocus #springflowersmakemehappy #springishere #welcomespring #purplecrocus
Happy Pi Day! Today I made a wee cherry pie for me Happy Pi Day! Today I made a wee cherry pie for me and my guy. This 6” Longaberger pie plate is perfect for two. #happypiday #cherrypie #imadeitmyself #homemadepiecrust #longabergerpottery #piday2021
Guess who just joined the Peloton Century Club! 💯 rides 🚴 since October 20. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve sweated, I’ve cursed, and even when I hated it, I still loved it. Thank you to @iamicaniwillido for all the inspiration and especially for that Broadway ride. And thank you to @awayfromtheedge for always having my back. #pelotoncenturyclub #peloton #iamicaniwillido #thisisme #changingmystory @onepeloton
My yellow crocuses are about a week later than usu My yellow crocuses are about a week later than usual this year BUT there are  6 flowers instead of the usual 3 so I’m calling it a win! #springhassprung #crocuses #yellowcrocus #inmygardentoday #springflowers #cmonspring
I sure was happy to come home from work and find t I sure was happy to come home from work and find the deck furniture set up and ready to go. He might be pushing the season but I’m not going to complain! #springisintheair #onmydeck #pushingtheseason #60degreesinmarch
Today I took a drive to pick up these hothouse ane Today I took a drive to pick up these hothouse anemones and tulips from my favorite local flower farm @crossstreetflowerfarm and they have me jonesing for spring! #crossstreetflowerfarm #hothouseflowers #anemones #springbouquet #springflowers #treatyoself
Aerogarden is doing it’s thing, I’m hoping for Aerogarden is doing it’s thing, I’m hoping for an herb harvest soon! #the100dayproject #100daysofiphonephotos #aerogarden #growingherbsindoors #dill #parsley
I didn’t order groceries today so our snacks are I didn’t order groceries today so our snacks are from the larder, summer sausage, Swiss cheese, some crackers and hardboiled eggs. Even without the fancy snacks I’m still celebrating that the weekend is here! Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #happyfriyay #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers
Ms. Pajama Party amaryllis is definitely having he Ms. Pajama Party amaryllis is definitely having her moment. #amaryllis #pajamapartyamaryllis #100daysofiphonephotos #the100dayproject
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in