Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Book Talk - The last part of September

From @coffeeteabooksandme Instagram

If you're thinking you missed the first part of September, you didn't.  I was just finishing up August a little late and reading three review books.  Two have been reviewed and one will be ready later this week.

To be honest, the week my foot was hurting a lot, I just wanted to veg out on TV movies and cooking shows.  It is much better although, I still have to check my foot everyday for signs of infection. 

Once the swelling went down, we knew there was no bone chip... just bruises.  I did make soup out of that chicken.


Now to books... I'm reading Shauna Niequist's latest because I like her books and Stephanie recommended it.  She took it with her to England when she and Elisabeth attended Sarah Clarkson's wedding in Oxford.

I've only read a few chapters but so far it is good.  She always writes with such honesty and this book is about losing her health because of everything it took as a successful writer to keep up with demands. 

I have chatted about Shauna's books with some CTB&Me readers, yes... she is on the liberal side of the Christian church but not so much it bothers me.  There are some authors I just cannot read.  Shauna isn't one of them.


I always read a couple Gladys Taber books each Fall.  This time I'm reading Still Cove Journal first.  It is the last book she ever wrote and while she did write the book, her daughter edited it for the final format due to her mother's sudden death.

I think this serves as the sequel to My Own Cape Cod.  If anyone knows for certain, you can leave a comment.  I love her writing so I'll be reading at least one more this Fall.  Which, for some reason, is the perfect time of year for reading Taber's books.




I'm finally reading Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry.  I have a few friends whose advice on books to read are always correct and each one of them loves Wendell Berry in general and Hannah Coulter as a favorite novel.

I tried to find a copy at the library but it was never on the shelf when I was there.  So I ended up purchasing a very inexpensive hardback copy third party on Amazon.  I haven't begun to read it but I'll let you know if my literary friends are correct once again.  I have read some of his poetry and essays and I did enjoy them very much.



If you have read this blog for very long, you will know I always pull my copy of Susan Branch's lovely Autumn off the shelf the beginning of September.  I love this book, it is my favorite of her "cookbooks" (which are a lot more than just recipes).

I don't know what is going on with this title.  She had a 10 Year Anniversary version which came out not long ago but it has to be out-of-print (the worse three words in the English language) for it is now going for over a hundred dollars on Amazon.

So, unfortunately, that means used copies of the original Autumn are still at least full price used. I've never seen this title inexpensive, even third party.

Quite a few people commented on the teacup when the photo was on Instagram.  Isn't it pretty?  My sister, Bonnie, was moving away a few years ago and brought that teacup to me as a gift. She used to own an antiques store and shares my love of everything vintage.

Books mentioned in this Book Talk:

Information regarding Present Over Perfect can be found... here.*
Information regarding Still Cove Journal can be found... here.*
Information regarding My Own Cape Cod can be found... here.*
Information regarding Hannah Coulter can be found... here.*
Information regarding Autumn by Susan Branch can be found... here.*

*Most links to Amazon.com are Associate links.  I thank you.

8 comments:

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I believe you're right about Still Cove Journal being a sequel for My Own Cape Cod. I've never read Shauna Niequist nor a book by Wendell Berry, though I've read at least one essay by him.
I adore Susan Branch, and I adore Autumn but I've never read this book! It is pricey!

I adore you, too, friend! I love talking books with you!

Vee said...

Oh I still haven't found Gladys yet and so I will put in an order for it. I know that I would love her writing...all my friends do. Guess that I'll have to pass on Susan Branch, though I am going to enjoy reading about her travels this autumn. I can't believe that she'll not be home until after Thanksgiving!

Heather LeFebvre said...

We share the same feelings on Shauna -- looking forward to borrowing her book from a friend on Friday!! Really wanting to read Gladys right now but no book time. :( But I am reading a very similar style of writing in a book about a shepherd in Scotland (will share on blog when done). That is so fascinating about the Autumn book! You are right -- look at those prices! So very thankful that a friend gave me a copy a few years back! Loving this weather!!!!!!

Judy said...

I do hope you enjoy Hannah Coulter, Brenda. I have read a few of Wendell Berry's books and love them - though his Christian thinking isn't always quite orthodox.

I have just purchased my first Gladys Taber book (from Lanier who I first 'met' through you). I am savouring it slowly during these early autumn days. Lovely.

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

Thank you for the book recommendations, even from your daughter. She must have had a wonderful time in England, and to share it with her daughter too!

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

Wow! I'm glad I have Susan Branch's Autumn bought when first out so not so expensive. We do enjoy reading the same sort of books!I really have to organize my books again. I have too many, but they do make me very happy!

Rachel H said...

I have a friend who collects the Susan Branch books. Last year I found a brand new, in excellent condition book at the thrift store. I bought if for a couple of dollars even though I wasn't sure if she had it or not. I gave it to her for her birthday, and she didn't already have it, so it worked out for both of us! I love Gladys Tabor, but have not read one of her books in years. I should do that soon.

mdoe37 said...

Ooo I didn't see this post until now....you're baiting me again with china. Hmm....I haven't seen that pattern before. I wonder it they have plates too.....I drink my tea in BIG mugs. lol