An Irish Country Wedding by Patrick Taylor

Oh, I love these Irish Country Doctor books. This one may be my favorite so far.

Start with An Irish Country Doctor. Then keep going until you've reached this one, or if there is a new one out by then, read it.

I've been getting more reading in than I have in months and months, and I am loving it. I feel like a new person. Poor Ray,  he must think all I do all day is have my nose in a book. That's not true at all, but I wouldn't blame him if he did think it. I wonder how often lately I've looked up from my book and said, "I've only got about 20 more pages and I really want to finish this book..." Next time he turns around I have my nose in a new book.

Oh well, it's not like he didn't know that about me before we got married. And I guess there's a reason my license plate is: BOOKS.

I'm just sayin'.

Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman

I read this book as a possible choice to review for one of my book clubs. It turns out that lately I've recommended books for other people to review, not thinking ahead that I'd have to come up with one for myself to review. So at the last minute I was going through lists of books I've read and not finding one I was in the mood to review.  Audrey suggested this one, so I read it to see what I thought.

I liked the book. It's a young adult book, and only 70 pages long. It's about a group of people who turn a vacant lot into a community garden area in the city of Cleveland. Each chapter is from the point of view of a different person. I zipped right through it, and had decided to review it next month. I think you could have some good discussion about people in general, which character you thought you were most like, and which character you liked the most.

In the end I went with another book. Probably not as good for discussion, but it was a book I really liked, and I think everyone else will also like. I'm just in the mood for a feel good, fun book. Sometimes that just has to win.

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

This is an excellent book. On many levels. The story sweeps you along, almost not realizing all the themes and life questions embedded within it. Almost.

I've been ruminating about the book for quite a while, seeing one side, then another. Seeing more and more symbolism as I reflect back.

It will make for an excellent discussion in our book group. I'm just itching to talk about some of these things.

Rachel's Dance Recital

A few weeks ago Ray and I went to see Rachel in her dance recital. She was darling. In case you can't tell by the fact that she is front and center in each of these pictures, Rachel is the one in the green shirt. The dance was done to music from Newsies. 

Without further narration, here are the pictures--Ray took them.

Good job, Rachel!

Baby Quilt

Another quilt finish for the year!

I made this quilt for a friend of mine who is having a baby in June. My friend is bright and cheerful and fun to be around. I wanted some fabric that would reflect her personality in the quilt. I used Ticklish by Me & My Sister Designs for Moda. I picked up a couple of charm packs and just sewed the squares together. Simple and easy for a bright and cheerful quilt.

I used two charm packs, and made the quilt nine squares by nine squares. The finished size is just a little over 40 inches square. 

The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe

Interesting book. I'm still thinking about it every once in a while and wondering what especially appealed to me.

Will Schwalbe's mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. This book is sort of her journey through the process of dying--explored and explained via the avenue of books the two of them read together and discussed during the nearly two years of her treatments.

The book is not sad at all. In fact it has the same "temperament" that Mary Anne Schwalbe exhibited during this time in her life. Practical, calm, introspective, thinking about others.

In the book you learn about Mary Anne, but not many details of her actual lifetime. Yet you come out feeling as if you know her. Of course it is written from her son's perspective and although you can tell he thinks the world of her and her accomplishments, none of the book is over the top. Like I said, practical, calm, etc.

I've read several of the books they discussed. Some of them I agreed with how they felt, but most of them I did not. Yet I still felt some connection because we've read the same books. One thought that crossed my mind frequently was that it seems like all they must have done in their lives during this time was read. Or else they are both champion graduates of the Evelyn Wood speed-reading course.

I liked it. Not over the moon about it, but I liked it. I probably wouldn't have read it if it hadn't been chosen for a book group read. But I'm glad I read it.

Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley

I can't believe I forgot to include this book earlier! I actually read it before I left on vacation (before Mariana). Perhaps that's why it escaped my memory.

I've enjoyed the Flavia de Luce novels, and this is one of the better ones. If you haven't read the series, begin with The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. They're well worth the read.

Cat's Claw by Susan Wittig Albert

I think this might be book 20 of the Pecan Springs/China Bayles mystery series. So many times a series can become tired. I think there have been a few of these that I haven't liked as well as the others, but for the majority of this series, I've been very happy with her books. In this case Susan Wittig Albert was right on her game.

I really liked it. I picked it up, and barely put it down to eat or sleep. I guess it was just what I needed!