Off the coffeetable, in the basket

Or...how I'm trying to get through too many books at one time!

I thoroughly enjoyed Home Cooking and More Home Cooking by Laurie Colwin. Everything I'd read about them was true. You really do feel like you know her after reading the two books (each chapter an individual essay on a cooking subject). It is sad that she suddenly passed away at such a young age (heart attack in her 40s), leaving behind a husband and young daughter. Both books are fun to read and I hope to someday have both in my home library to reread often. However, if you want them for the recipes, I think the sequel is better in that area (and many online commenters said the same thing when I was researching the books). She uses the h**l word a couple of times, otherwise I didn't find anything objectionable but I did have to take them back to the library before I could read every chapter.

Speaking of which, many thanks to Queen of Our Castle for letting me know The Girl With the Pearl Earring has objectionable material in it. It has immediately gone into the box of books to donate back to the library (unread). It had enough that I decided I had better books to read. That's why I love sharing books in blogs, it's like sitting with friends and finding out such things. I just "discovered" her blog and I'm enjoying it very much. I do love the British and reading her blog makes me feel I'm there.

I skimmed another book this morning (drinking coffee at McDonald's) that I know I want to own someday. It is called Creators by Paul Johnson, a historian whose excerpts I have enjoyed over the years. The Right love him, the Left despise him so you can see from where his world view comes. I found the parts I read to be well written and fascinating material about famous authors, musicians, artists, etc. I read the entire (long) chapter about Jane Austin and other women writers and artists. It was so interesting that I lost track of time and had to rush off after reading the last paragraph or I'd be late to meet my son in our agreed upon place (at the campus library where I had to return some books).

Even Johnson's Introduction was lovely, reminding us that it is God who is the author of creativity. How very Schaeffer-ish. Alas, it also had to go back to the library this morning. I need to take a library fast as I have so many great books here at home to read...someday. I wish I'd had time to read his chapter on Disney!

I am still reading my Puritan friend (Burroughs) as a devotional and The Christmas Carol to teach my class. I'm finding it delightful. I have started The Heaven Tree Trilogy but I haven't had time to get beyond the first chapter. It takes place in Medieval days and though it is quite long (around 900 pages), I am looking forward to really getting into it soon. I read some Amazon comments about the book (where many said it was the best book they've read) as well as the original recommendation from Honey for a Woman's Heart by Gladys Hunt. It is out of print but there are plenty of used copies on Amazon.

Now I must spend a couple of days getting caught up on housework but soon there will be time to read. I'm hoping there will be a huge snowfall this winter when both the guys are home and there is plenty of food (and coffee...and tea) in the house and all I can do for a few days is read. :)