january bookstand

Thought I would start cataloging what I read this past month, if for no other reason than I have some way to track the books. (I do not care to count how many times I have started a book, and then about halfway through, think to myself, "Geez, this seems awfully familiar." Unfortunately, I cannot remember the ending so I end up re-reading the whole dang thing. Which begs the question: if it was such an unremarkable book that I can't remember the ending, then why the heck should I spend time reading it again?)

The House at Tyneford, by Natasha Solomons
Highly recommend, especially if you are a fan of Downton Abbey. A slightly different time period—this time right before World War II—but it highlights an interesting facet of British history of which I was unaware and held my interest to the end.

All Wound Up, by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Highly recommend, if you like to read about knitting. I have spoken of my love and admiration for the work of Ms. Pearl-McPhee before. I tend to gulp her essay books down in a few nights and then regret devouring them so quickly. This time I spaced it out by reading entire books between each couple of essays. Worked well to make me feel like I had really savored the book this time.

Ellis Island, by Kate Kerrigan
Recommend, especially if you are interested in Irish history or the American immigrant experience. It took me a while to get into the book, but the ending was not obvious and I did end up enjoying it.

Island of Wings, by Karin Altenberg
Recommend. Again with the British history! A very interesting look at the life of a missionary (based on a historical figure) in St Kilda, the rugged islands from which Soay sheep originated.

Proof of Heaven, by Mary Curran Hackett
Meh. I just couldn't get into this book. I did finish it (rare is the book I don't plod my way through) but it never grabbed me.

That's it for this month! I'd love to hear if you've read any of these, and your thoughts if you did.