Between the Pages

 

For several years I kept a list of books I read on the sidebar of this blog. Last year's has not been updated for some time despite the list I continue to keep in my journals. I've been busy with other things. 

I find many books via reading blogs - Coastal Ripples, It's Still a Beautiful Life, Hostess of the Humble Bungalow, and others. 

Many people, including my husband, listen to podcasts while running or working in the shop, but I much prefer to read. When I walk my mind sorts through any number of things and I don't feel any need beyond the immediate for entertainment. If I'm chopping vegetables or kneading dough I will play a video from YouTube occasionally, such as one by Miranda Mills, who is also on SubStack. Miranda describes herself as a "writer and a passionate reader" who creates "content that fosters connection between literature, art, and the natural world." 

Some of my recent reads include: 

The Bird Hotel

by Joyce Maynard

I loved this story of a young American woman who, through a strange set of circumstances, ends up living in Mexico. There is sadness and tragedy alongside a bit of mystery, some romance, and colourful characters. A bit of magic realism adds to the enjoyment. 

Girl Waits with Gun

by Amy Stewart

Girl Waits with Gun is unexpectedly funny and touching. Based on the true story of a female crime fighter in the early 20th century, Constance Kopp not only protects her family, but helps a young girl be reunited with her son, and helps the police defeat a gang. 

The Story She Left Behind

by Patti Callahan Henry

This book didn't grab my attention the way I thought it would. A mother abandons her child and her husband and nothing is heard of her for decades. The story improved in the last few chapters. I did enjoy the way language and communication were presented, and may re-read portions of the book to see how the ending is foreshadowed.

The Cost of a Hostage

by Iona Wishaw

The Cost of a Hostage is the 12th in the series featuring Lane Winslow, a British woman who moved to western Canada after the second World War. She solves crimes much to the chagrin of the local police who caution her not to become involved. In this particular book, Iona travels to Mexico with her husband (the Police Inspector) to discover what happened to her brother-in-law. Most enjoyable. 

The Killing Stones

by Ann Cleeves

My current book features the return of Jimmy Perez who has moved from Shetland Islands to Orkney Islands. He continues his work as a detective, this time trying to solve the murder of a good friend. There are Neolithic elements, wild storms, and Perez' life as a partner to Willow and father of two. 

"So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, 

and reminded me that there are good things in the world." 

Vincent Van Gogh

Miranda Mills, mentioned above often presents books published in the first half of the last century, books that our library no longer carries. But I frequent a used bookstore where they have a section dedicated to British writers where many well-worn volumes end up. Most recently I picked up two books by Lillian Beckwith featuring the Hebridean island of Bruach, along with two books by E. F. Benson featuring the hilarious antics of Mapp and Lucia. I enjoy reading these gentle books particularly now when the world is full of terrible news. 

Are you a fan of L. M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables and many other stories? Kate Marigold (what a lovely name) on SubStack wrote a fun post ranking the men who feature in Montgomery's book. Who is your romantic hero in her books? 

Around here the crocuses and daffodils brighten corners all around our neighbourhood. Our camellia bush is putting on a lovely show, as well. We're in the midst of a chilly spell. I pulled the curtains open yesterday morning to see very wet snowflakes against the window. The flurry lasted all of two minutes and then the sun appeared. Higher elevations have seen the snow stick. 

I was at the garden centre picking up seeds to plant and the Danish Ivy (cissus alata) plant just hopped into my cart and came home with me. I was surprised to see the tag for I knew the plant as a Grape Ivy. Well, checking online told me that they are the same thing. It's a pretty plant with trailing vines and I hope it does well for me. 

Tomorrow I have a few appointments and errands to run so there won't be a lot of time for reading during the day. What book(s) are you currently engrossed in?