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

For the Love of Reading: Mid January to Mid February 2019

February 19, 2019 By Carole

Time for a reading update, friends. Really it’s just a way of keeping you entertained while I’m on vacation but I’m guessing you won’t mind. Here’s what I’ve read since we last talked about books:

Shade: A Tale of Two PresidentsShade: A Tale of Two Presidents by Pete Souza
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can’t say this book made me feel better about the current state of politics as it made me miss Obama even more than I already did. Still, it was nice to remember a time when I was proud of our president.

 

The DollhouseThe Dollhouse by Fiona Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great story and a mystery that kept me guessing pretty much until the end. Fast and easy, with a time line that alternates between the 1950s and the present day, I’d happily recommend this to fans of historical novels, romance, and New York City.

 

EducatedEducated by Tara Westover
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Compelling, powerful, and difficult, this is a memoir in every sense of the word. The author willingly acknowledges that her memories differ from those of her family but who among us can’t say the same? I was intrigued, horrified, and astounded at the abuses suffered by the author. If you enjoyed The Glass Castle this is not to be missed.

 

Dumplin' (Dumplin' #1)Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

While there are some good messages about acceptance and friendship contained in this book, it just never really clicked for me. Stereotypes and cliches abound and the ending felt rushed.

 

ImprovementImprovement by Joan Silber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A series of vignettes with interconnected characters, Improvement illustrates beautifully how the things we do and the choices we make impact others. Highly recommended.

 

BecomingBecoming by Michelle Obama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A truly fabulous biography, made even better by listening to the audio read by Michelle Obama herself. While it made me long for the days when the Obamas were in charge, it also gave me hope that good people are still out there doing good things. Highly recommended.

The FriendThe Friend by Sigrid Nunez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meditative, rambling, cerebral, and often confusing but still extraordinary. This book is definitely not for everyone but I was enchanted by the stream of consciousness and quality of the writing.

 

 

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About RacismWhite Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An eye-opening examination of how racism is unavoidable in our society with practical suggestions on how we can listen, learn, and do better. I highlighted many passages but I think this one is the one I really want to remember: “To continue reproducing racial inequality, the system only needs white people to be really nice and carry on, smile at people of color, be friendly across race, and go to lunch together on occasion. I am not saying that you shouldn’t be nice. I suppose it’s better than being mean. But niceness is not courageous. Niceness will not get racism on the table and will not keep it on the table when everyone wants it off. In fact, bringing racism to white people’s attention is often seen as not nice, and being perceived as not nice triggers white fragility.” This book has inspired me to commit to working on my own white fragility. Highly recommended.

I've Been Thinking . . .Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful LifeI’ve Been Thinking . . .Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life by Maria Shriver
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I admire Maria Shriver but I can’t say I enjoyed this book. It’s repetitive and superficial and I was hoping for something more, something deeper that would make me pause and examine my own life and choices. What I got was a series of short essays that attempted to be moving but instead felt rather forced and the prayer at the end of each one just didn’t work for me.

 

Kingdom of the Blind (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #14)Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even after 14 books set in Three Pines, Louise Penny manages to keep the story intriguing and the characters fresh. While on the one hand reading this was like visiting with old friends, on the other there were new characters introduced and plot lines established for future books that are definitely intriguing. I was uncertain how it would feel to read about Gamache, knowing that Penny’s husband Michael, the inspiration for this character, had died. I’m relieved and happy to report that Gamache is still wise and wonderful and the personal heartbreak that’s now part of the series only made him more dear to me. The ending had me in tears and the author’s notes are profound and beautiful. Highly recommended.

That’s a pretty good variety of books for me and most I truly enjoyed. How about you? What have you read lately that you’ve loved? Or hated? I want to know it all!

 

 

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailFor The Love of Reading: November and December, 2019 Default ThumbnailFor the Love of Reading: February and March 2019 For the Love of Reading: January & February & Early March 2020 Default ThumbnailFor the Love of Reading: Mid December 2018 to Mid January 2019
« Eye Candy Friday
Three On Thursday »

Filed Under: Books

Comments

  1. Robby H says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:30 am

    I’ve been saving Michelle Obama’s book for a big quilting project. I get bored with the pace of audiobooks, but feel I really want to hear this one. Your comments are encouraging to try that path. Thanks.

    Now, get back to vacationing!

  2. Bonny says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:37 am

    I’m just about to finish Tommyknockers, and I really hope that Improvement is available at the library. I’m also reading The Golden Child, but don’t know yet if I can recommend it. The fact that I have to make myself finish it may answer that question.

  3. Kym says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:57 am

    That is a really broad range of books there, Carole! I am on the hold list at my library for Improvements and The Friend, and I’m eager to read them. Some of the others on your list, though? Not so much . . . 😉 I loved Becoming. I hope you’re having a great break-week.
    XO

  4. Kat says

    February 19, 2019 at 8:09 am

    Some excellent reads here! Becoming just came through from my hold list – so I have that to look forward to after Armand!

  5. Vera says

    February 19, 2019 at 9:05 am

    Nice selection! I seem to still be in a reading slump (or just too tired at night??). Still reading “Where the Crawdads Sing” which is ok. A bunch recently came through on Overdrive (There, There which I have been WAITING for), so maybe I’ll find something that picks the pace up for me.

  6. Sarah says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:31 am

    I’m in the middle of Michelle Obama’s book and really enjoying it (and savoring it, as it’s taking me a while to get through because I’m reading a hard copy and can only manage a handful of pages a night!). I’m also reading Maxwell King’s biography of Fred Rogers and enjoying getting to know a man I grew up with, so to speak, more fully.

  7. Barb B in BC says

    February 19, 2019 at 11:51 am

    Did you know Dumplin has been made into a movie by Netflicks? Starring Jennifer Aniston as Mom. Full of cliques like you say but not too bad of a way to knit through an hour or two.

  8. Mary says

    February 19, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    Great round-up Carole – thank you! Several of your 5-stars are on my Next-up list (which is still more than a dozen titles, so “next” is a relative term you know) and you’ve made me even more excited to read them!!

  9. Kwizgiver says

    February 19, 2019 at 7:37 pm

    I really enjoyed Dumplin’ I’m sorry it didn’t click for you.

    I added a couple of titles to my TBR!

    Happy vacation!

  10. pdxknitterati/michele says

    February 20, 2019 at 1:42 am

    I loved Becoming, and liked Educated a great deal. I think I’d give them the same ratings you did!

    We recently read Killers of the Flower Moon for book group. I didn’t enjoy it; the Osage were treated terribly by caucasians in early twentieth century Oklahoma. Ugh.

    Now about to read I Am Yours by Reema Zaman. The author is the daughter of college friends, and she writes lyrically and with great power. I’ll see if I actually like the book!

  11. margene says

    February 20, 2019 at 10:15 am

    My book group is reading Improvements and I’m looking forward to it. Educated was so powerful, horrible and well written. I read the Friend and you’re right about her writing. I’m going to be rereading it and expect to get much more out of it the second time. I always love Louise and Michelle Obama’s book really made my heart sore.White Frailty is on my list. We should all be reading it and living it.

  12. Brenda says

    February 20, 2019 at 1:03 pm

    I am reading “Circling the Sun” by Paula Mclain. It a historical novel about Beryl Markham, who was an aviatrix back in the ’30’s. I’ve only read about 1/3 of it, but I am recommending it.

  13. Becky says

    February 20, 2019 at 2:45 pm

    You know I love these book posts, so I am going to save and savor. I finished The Silent Patient last week. It was just OK, I would not recommend at all. Did you read the article about A.J. Finn in the NYT’s? I was gobsmacked, and I will never believe another recommendation from this pathological liar. It is definitely worth the read. I am currently reading Jane Harper’s newest, The Lost Man, and I recommend it. Thanks again for this summary, Carole. I hope you are having a mahvelous time!

  14. Lydia says

    February 23, 2019 at 7:33 am

    A great variety of recommendations, and as always, thank you.

Archives

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

2020 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 5 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
5 of 75 (6%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I sw One last turkey dinner by the Christmas tree. I swear we are taking it down tomorrow. Yep. I swear. #turkeydinner #dontjudgeme #mychristmastreeisstillup #saturdaynightathome #saferathome
It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday N It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Friday Night Snacks photo so here we are. Cheese and crackers, salami and grapes and apples, and witty cocktail napkins ... nothing has really changed, friends. #fridaynightsnacks #thosenapkinsthough #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers #happyfriyay #helloweekend
On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #baking On Fridays we bake. #attaboyjack #nanalife #bakingwithjackie  #bakingbrownieswithlove
A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to dr A rainy Saturday morning, the perfect excuse to drink coffee and read in bed. #rainysaturday #cozyvibes #readinginbed #mudandyarn #christmasbedroom #ignoringmytodolist
Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close Amaryllis Watch 2021 continues. Getting very close now, I think. #amaryllis #amarylliswatch #waitingtobloom #amaryllisvelvetnymph
Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #white Amaryllis watch 2021 is on! #amarylliswatch #whiteflowerfarm #amaryllisvelvetnymph #winterblooms
If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good If there’s one thing the pandemic has been good for, it’s my sourdough game. I actually started learning about making sourdough bread a week before the stay at home orders thanks to @sprboston as he shared his starter and recipe and technique with me. Since then I have kept Mama Cass fed and alive and have baked many loaves of bread. This one might be my best one yet. I did the final proof in the fridge for 24 hours and baked it from its cold state. Great spring and ear and crumb, it was delicious with dinner tonight. #sourdough #sourdoughbread #lookatthatcrumb #lookatthatear #homebakedbread #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my gr Nothing melts my librarian heart like taking my grandson to the library to pick out books. #nanahasakey #librarytime #readtoyourkids #attaboyjack #nanalife
Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only Scenes from our dinner last night. There were only 2 instead of our usual 8 and I missed my crew. Still, it was special to have my guy all to myself and we enjoyed an evening of good conversation, lots of music, and a few dances, too. GoodBYE 2020, Welcome  2021! #happynewyear #capresesticks #bakedstuffedshrimp #filetmignon #cocktailhourathome #dinnerathome #newyearsevedinner #thosenapkinsthough #imadeitmyself
My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of D My Instagram #topnine for 2020. Sure is a lot of Dale. Good thing I love him! #topnine2020 #instagramtop9
When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I ha When a very kind neighbor texts you and says, I have French onion soup and I’d like to share it ... you say YES! And when it turns out to be much more than soup but also crocks and bread and cheese and garnish ... you say, I sure am lucky to be part of this community. Thank you, Deb, from the bottom of our hearts. #homemadesoup #frenchonionsoup #kindneighbors #buildingcommunity
For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish For the first time ever I have made ROUND Swedish rye bread, ridges and all! That’s right, my local friends, no more stalking the Italian Kitchen for their bakery order to arrive, I can do it myself! Medwurst sandwiches forthcoming! #swedishryebread #limpabread #vörtlimpa #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #roundrye
God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight # God Jul! #godjul #happysolstice #welcomethelight #glugg
Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #chris Totally in love with our Christmas bedroom! #christmasbedroom #christmasallthroughthehouse #christmaspillows #christmasbedding #letsstayhome #cozychristmas #letsstayinbed
Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #su Tonight at our house it’s sushi and Scrooge! #sushitime #tatamieastbridgewaterma #sushifordays #watchingchristmasmovies #achristmascarol #georgecscottisthebestscrooge #tistheseason
That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritz That’s a lot of trees! #christmascookies #spritzcookies #swedishchristmas #homemadeisbest #cookiebaking
I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of I’ve had it for 33 years and it’s still one of my favorite ornaments on the tree. #wheatoncollege #christmasorbaments #wheatoncollegema #christmasbaubles
Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Di Of course I made lussekatter for St. Lucia Day. Did I post the photo I took, though? Nope! I forgot until today but here they are, a day late but definitely not a dollar short. #stluciaday #lussekatter #saffronbuns #swedishchristmas #swedishtraditions #christmasfood #lussekatt #homemadeisbest #julbak #godjul
I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato I may be a shiksa but I can still make good potato latkes! Happy Hanukkah, my friends! #potatolatkes #happyhannukah
Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks Happy December Friday, friends! #fridaynigntsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #choppedliver #thosenapkinsthough
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