I am reading an Advance Copy of West of Santalline by Book Allen about Julia Hancock, the first wife of William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame). This is an era I'm not that familiar with (early 1800s) but the level of research done by the author brings it all to life. The novel releases March 8, so keep your eyes open for it if you enjoy true historical fiction.
I never knew there was a day for Pooh and his creator. I’ve been a fan since my mother first read me A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh when I was little. I think I had my first belly laugh over the Heffalump and a developed deep empathy for poor Eeyore. I was too old for the Disney movies, and my son had no interest. Thanks for the memories, Gayla!
I never knew there was a Pooh day either. I was listening to a bookish podcast late last year and someone on the podcast mentioned that it was "some bookish thing" day of the year, and a lightbulb went off in my mind. That is where the "bookish fun fact" came from. In my research to find all these bookish days I discovered that almost every day has some bookish fact. I've had fun with this so far. Thanks for reading Ruth.
Last weekend, I read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I’m still thinking about the story - the beautiful verses, the well-developed characters and plot, the vivid scenery! It’s a must-read for snowy weather. Happy reading! ❄️
I just read it too. Did you know it was based on a true story? There's a book and documentary about Martha Ballard's life, based on her journals. A Midwife's Tale.
Some highly recommended KidLit (and CanLit) on Pooh Day - Finding Winnie: the true story of the world’s most famous bear, by Lindsay Mattick. I’ve even received notes from parents - I’m a school librarian - declaring this one as a winner!
I'm currently enjoying The Untethered Soul by Michael Sington, about how to develop a higher level of consciousness. By learning to live in the present moment (instead of the past or future) we're better able to let go of painful thoughts and memories that prevent us from achieving true happiness. Also, visiting family in Florida for a long weekend, which is a nice break from the frigid temps of the northeast!
I loved The Snow Child. I hope you really enjoy it, too. Right now I'm reading memoir by older women: Abigail Thomas' two latest books are wonderful. Happy reading!
She writes memoir. The two most recent ones I read are "What Comes Next and How to Like It," written when she was 70, and then "Still Life at 80," more observations on aging. I'm 78 and right now I'm drawn to women's writing about aging. The first book of hers I read was called "A Three-Dog Life," a memoir she wrote after her husband died. Her writing is bold and honest--and funny. Thanks for asking.
Happy birthday for the 18th, A A Milne! I grew up - and indeed still live - a few miles from Ashdown Forest, the 'Hundred Acre Wood' of Milne's books where Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Tigger and Christopher Robin all lived and played. We often went for walks 'on the forest' when I was little, and it's still a lovely place for a walk - and indeed to get lost in, which I do all too frequently. I prefer the books to the Disneyfied version of Pooh, and reading the final lines of 'The House at Pooh Corner' will always make me cry. 🙂
So many great links! Saving this post and going through the articles bit by bit! I’m reading “Blood and Sugar” by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - an historical thriller set in 18th century London about the slave trade. The book isn’t commonly available here in the US but her latest book “The Square of Sevens” a twisty novel about fortune telling set in the 18th century is here. Highly recommend both!
I currently have a new author of interest, a Sci-Fi writer Liu Cixin. He wrote the three body problem. It was EXCELLENT and will soon be converted to the screen for Netfflix. I have added some of his other writing to my hold list at the library. I resolved to engage new genres this year and Sci-Fi is a good start for me.
That's super, Mark. Sci-fi is one genre that I haven't had any desire to try. As long as writers keep writing books other than sci-fi, I'll stick to the other genres. lol
Hello from Australia. I really enjoyed reading your post. I have a bookish blog on another platform, so am very interested in books and reading. I'm also a Kristin Hannah fan and am waiting very impatiently for The Women to be released.
I read The Women as a NetGalley ARC and I loved it. I was just a child during the Vietnam war and I didn't know anything about the nurses of the war. I remember when China Beach was on TV in the late 80s/early 90s; I loved that show. I don't know how realistic it was, but it highlighted the nurses. Thanks for reading!
I am reading an Advance Copy of West of Santalline by Book Allen about Julia Hancock, the first wife of William Clark (of Lewis and Clark fame). This is an era I'm not that familiar with (early 1800s) but the level of research done by the author brings it all to life. The novel releases March 8, so keep your eyes open for it if you enjoy true historical fiction.
I havn't heard of this yet and it sounds really interesting. I'll look for it on pub date. Thanks for the recommendation.
As always great stuff to keep my Friday on track
Thanks for reading and I feel the same way about California Mishegoss. :)
Thank you for the kind words.
I never knew there was a day for Pooh and his creator. I’ve been a fan since my mother first read me A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh when I was little. I think I had my first belly laugh over the Heffalump and a developed deep empathy for poor Eeyore. I was too old for the Disney movies, and my son had no interest. Thanks for the memories, Gayla!
I never knew there was a Pooh day either. I was listening to a bookish podcast late last year and someone on the podcast mentioned that it was "some bookish thing" day of the year, and a lightbulb went off in my mind. That is where the "bookish fun fact" came from. In my research to find all these bookish days I discovered that almost every day has some bookish fact. I've had fun with this so far. Thanks for reading Ruth.
Last weekend, I read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I’m still thinking about the story - the beautiful verses, the well-developed characters and plot, the vivid scenery! It’s a must-read for snowy weather. Happy reading! ❄️
I've heard so many comments like yours related to The Frozen River. It's on my TBR and I need to move it to the top. lol Thanks for reading!
Read The Frozen River this weekend! There’s a virtual book discussion on Tues, I can send you the info...
I wish I could but I have two books I have to finish for book clubs/events this week.
I hope you enjoy the books you’re reading!
So far I am, thanks!
I just read it too. Did you know it was based on a true story? There's a book and documentary about Martha Ballard's life, based on her journals. A Midwife's Tale.
Yes, I know!
A.A. Milne also wrote exactly one cosy mystery novel, The Red House Mystery!
I didn't know that!
It's not well known, but it is a fun one! Peter Swanson also featured it in "Eight Perfect Murders".
I loved The Snow Child! I just read The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Waiting for ice to melt here too!
I'm loving The Snow Child also. I'm only about 25% in and it's so different and interesting.
Some highly recommended KidLit (and CanLit) on Pooh Day - Finding Winnie: the true story of the world’s most famous bear, by Lindsay Mattick. I’ve even received notes from parents - I’m a school librarian - declaring this one as a winner!
Thanks for the recommendation and I love that you are a school librarian!
I'm currently enjoying The Untethered Soul by Michael Sington, about how to develop a higher level of consciousness. By learning to live in the present moment (instead of the past or future) we're better able to let go of painful thoughts and memories that prevent us from achieving true happiness. Also, visiting family in Florida for a long weekend, which is a nice break from the frigid temps of the northeast!
I haven't heard of that book/author before. Florida sounds wonderful to get out of the cold. I hope you have a great time!
Great article and love A.A. Milne. I think I am going to read some Winnie the Pooh this weekend to celebrate this wonderful writer. Thank you Gayla!
Thanks for reading Jill!
I loved The Snow Child. I hope you really enjoy it, too. Right now I'm reading memoir by older women: Abigail Thomas' two latest books are wonderful. Happy reading!
I haven't heard of Abigail Thomas before. Which books of hers are you reading!
She writes memoir. The two most recent ones I read are "What Comes Next and How to Like It," written when she was 70, and then "Still Life at 80," more observations on aging. I'm 78 and right now I'm drawn to women's writing about aging. The first book of hers I read was called "A Three-Dog Life," a memoir she wrote after her husband died. Her writing is bold and honest--and funny. Thanks for asking.
I'll have to check her out; thanks for the recommendation!
Another fabulous set of links, Gayla!
Happy birthday for the 18th, A A Milne! I grew up - and indeed still live - a few miles from Ashdown Forest, the 'Hundred Acre Wood' of Milne's books where Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Tigger and Christopher Robin all lived and played. We often went for walks 'on the forest' when I was little, and it's still a lovely place for a walk - and indeed to get lost in, which I do all too frequently. I prefer the books to the Disneyfied version of Pooh, and reading the final lines of 'The House at Pooh Corner' will always make me cry. 🙂
Awe, how fun it must have been to grow up there! Thanks for reading and sharing.
So many great links! Saving this post and going through the articles bit by bit! I’m reading “Blood and Sugar” by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - an historical thriller set in 18th century London about the slave trade. The book isn’t commonly available here in the US but her latest book “The Square of Sevens” a twisty novel about fortune telling set in the 18th century is here. Highly recommend both!
I'll have to check her latest book out. It sounds like an interesting read.
I currently have a new author of interest, a Sci-Fi writer Liu Cixin. He wrote the three body problem. It was EXCELLENT and will soon be converted to the screen for Netfflix. I have added some of his other writing to my hold list at the library. I resolved to engage new genres this year and Sci-Fi is a good start for me.
That's super, Mark. Sci-fi is one genre that I haven't had any desire to try. As long as writers keep writing books other than sci-fi, I'll stick to the other genres. lol
Hello from Australia. I really enjoyed reading your post. I have a bookish blog on another platform, so am very interested in books and reading. I'm also a Kristin Hannah fan and am waiting very impatiently for The Women to be released.
I read The Women as a NetGalley ARC and I loved it. I was just a child during the Vietnam war and I didn't know anything about the nurses of the war. I remember when China Beach was on TV in the late 80s/early 90s; I loved that show. I don't know how realistic it was, but it highlighted the nurses. Thanks for reading!
Looking forward to reading Cup of Joe and NY city guide to bookstores--thank you!
Thanks for reading!