The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

This is one that I have tried to read many times.  I always thought that school interfered and found myself starting over when I had forgotten my place.

On the surface this appeared to be exactly the type of novel I would like: beautiful prose, immersion in another culture with tragedy and love. I wanted to love this book, but did not.

In the end, I did finally finish this novel, but it always felt like I was pulling myself through the pages.  The language is beautiful, but I couldn't relate to the characters or the story.  I am glad I finally finished it so I could move on. 

Reader's Indulgences

This new stack of books are pure heaven for a reader to behold. I look forward to the hours curled up on the couch enjoying them.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Great story in my favorite genre, historical fiction. This is a tale of two girls who's lifetime friendship is tested by social class and misunderstandings in 19th century China.

I found the descriptions of foot-binding fascinating and horrifying. The story itself was endearing and I found myself constantly wanting to read more to see what happened next. I read this over just a few days.

Three Cups of Tea by Grag Mortenson and David Oliver Renin

Incredibly inspiring and yet difficult to get through. This is the true story of one man's mission to promote peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan by providing a new generation a balanced education. Greg Mortenson truly understands what will provide lasting peace in this area and provide long-term security to the US, and it is not military action, it is education.

Despite the endearing story, I found the writing style at times difficult to read and this took me awhile to finish, as I had to be in the right mood to sit down and plod though.

Slowly but surely....

Baby Smock Jacket is coming along and the first front panel is going much quicker than the back. Perhaps because I have master the art of knitting and reading at the same time, which means I can work on this and read Eclipse at the same time!

This only works for ribbing, stockinette, or seed stitch, anything more complicated requires full knitting attention.

Twilight

I stayed away from this series for a long time because it was geared toward adolescents. However, after it seemed like everyone I know recommended reading them, I decided to take the plunge and immerse myself in the Twilight saga. I was pleasantly suprised. This was an engaging page-turner that I really enjoyed. Many have compared the series to Harry Potter, and though not as good, they have the same appeal of being a thrill-packed, engaging story that though geared toward a younger crowd, can also be enjoyed by adults.

Before I was halfway through the book I had already bought the remaining 3 books in the series, knowing that there was no chance that once I finished the first that I could stay away from finding out where the series would lead.

I will be adding the movie to my Netflix queue soon. I can't wait to see how they translated this one to the screen.

As the risk of being cliche: I've been bitten.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

This is one of the best books I have read in awhile. A story about an orphaned vet who mistakenly ends up on a circus train during the depression, I could not put this one down. I finished it in less than 5 days.

The story is well researched and has a twist. From the opening, you think you know where the story is going, only to find out that you only things aren't as they seem.

I alternately loved and hated the characters, and found myself reading for hours on end just to find out where the story would lead.

I did not realize the parallels with the biblical story of Jacob until the end. It is certainly not the story of Jacob, but does use some twist on biblical names, and some of the events that happened to Jacob in the bible are similar to events that happened to Jacob in the book.

When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

Darker and more mellow than his previous books, I did not find this one as laugh out loud entertaining as some of Sedaris' previous work. Still an entertaining read, I especially enjoyed the 'Smoking Section'.

The Gathering by Anne Enright

This was one of the more disappointing books I have read in awhile. I am one who actually does often judge a book by its cover, or at least pick a book by its cover, and this one looked intriguing and even won an award. Who could go wrong? Although Enright's use of language is beautiful, the plot of this story about grief and deception in a large Irish family is lacking at best. I also found the main characters inconsistencies and contradictions to be distracting. While I realize that her inconsistencies are purposeful (so as to show the nature of childhood memories and the imagined stories we develop about our ancestors), I didn't trust the narrator's story because of it. This took me awhile to get through, but I finally did complete it and am glad to move on to the next book.

The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory

I couldn't put this book down, although it felt a bit cyclical at points. This is the story of Mary Boleyn, a mistress to Henry VIII and sister to Henry's second wife Anne Boleyn.

Many have lamented that Gregory took many liberties in telling this story, but I think those people are forgetting that this is a book of fiction, albeit based on real events. Gregory did not set out to write a history book, but rather to imagine what might have gone in the bedchambers and court of Henry VIII. She tells an intriguing story of betrayal, love and greed and gives us the thoughts of a character in history about which not much is known.

One of the themes I found most interesting was the exploration of how a woman in these times had no property, land or money of her own, and all her interests were tied to that of her husband or family's success. It almost seems that to be a poor farmers wife held more power than being a rich courtier. As a farmer, you were a partner in a family run business; as a courtier, you were whatever the men in power told you to be. Ultimately Mary successfully breaks free of this, and although Anne tries to exert her power, ultimately men decide her fate for her.

The Pact by Jodi Picoult

This is a quick page turner about an apparent teen suicide and its aftermath. I appreciated the nuances of the characters and the development of the close childhood friends turned lovers, and the conflict that Emily felt in dating someone who she grew up with and felt was more a brother than a lover.

Many people who recommended this book to me loved it. While I liked the novel, it does not earn my coveted 5 star rating. It was a great story and I would recommend it, but it is no Kite Runner.

Running With Scissors

I finished Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs today.

I realized when I started reading this book that I must have read it before. Although as a rule I don't read books more than once, with a movie recently made based on this memoir, I decided to read it again.

This is a memoir about a boy who's mother sends him to live with his psychiatrist and the unusual childhood he endured.

Written in a comedic style and yet with a hint of a child/adolescent's perspective, this memoir is unique. Burrough's writing style and content can be a bit rough and in-your-face, but totally appropriate for the content.

I was a bit perturbed at the ending, and without giving too much away, will say that I did not feel the characters got any sort of resolution at the end. The end felt rushed and incomplete. This is somewhat softened by the listing of characters in the epilogue and the paths life took them. Additionally, if you read Burroughs memoir of his adult years, Dry, you do get a bit more resolution.

I have the movie in my Netflix queue, and the previews look hilarious. I may enjoy the movie more than the book for once!

Reading has stolen my knitting time!

After the move to the burbs and my newfound train ride time, I thought for sure I would be whipping through knitting projects in no time!

However, with the train ride has come a renewed love of reading. In the morning, I am almost always drinking coffee and have found it nearly impossible to juggle my coffee and knit on the train. In the afternoon, the train is often crowded, and I feel when I knit, I almost invade others space on the train even with the small motion of my arms.

I have always loved to read, but the last few years have been busy, and a lot of the free time I did have was spent knitting. In the last month I have read 3 books:

The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

None of them were " 5 -star" such as some of my favorites such as The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns and Life of Pi, but they were good reads nonetheless. I particularly liked Eat, Pray, Love and My Sister's Keeper.

I am currently reading The Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler.

Not to fret though, I have managed to finish the first snowflake sock and cast on for the second. Here are a few pre-blocking photos.

Library Addition and a Jacket for My Husband

I received my copy of The Best of Interweave Knits today. So many great patterns!

I may have even found a sweater to knit my husband that he will actually wear: The Cambridge Jacket. I showed it to him today and he said that it wasn't too "sweatery" and that he though the zip up design would be nice. Phew, just when I was feeling bad for being the only knitter to never knit her husband a sweater!

I also love:

Simply Marilyn
Marseilles Pullover
Icarus Shawl
Forest Path Stole
VIP Cardigan

In other knitting patterns, the new MagKnits was up today, and I was sorely disappointed in this months patterns. The new format is also taking me a bit to get used to.

I am in Love!

With my new camera lens. Here are some test shots. Bell Sleeve Jacket. A frog holder for my tape measure and other accessories. And last, but definitely not least, a little cheer me up I picked up from the yarn store yesterday.....Selbuvotter!

Love the lens, and I have only had it 4 hours!

Knitting Mags and Books

After scoping out some pictures online, I headed over to Rosie's Yarn Cellar to pick up the Spring and Fall issues of Interweave Knits. I have recently added many sweaters to my ravelry queue and the latest are Spring's Cable Down Raglan, and Fall's Counterpane Pullover and Snowflake Socks, an inviting two-color fair isle pattern that is simply beautiful.

I also grabbed a copy of The Yarn Harlot's At Knit's End. A funny book of sayings, advice and humor surrounding the knitting culture. Awesome!

I was somewhat disappointed in Vogue Knitting's Fall 2007 25th Anniversary Issue patterns, so I chose not to buy it, but after a friend received 2 copies, I found myself with a copy of the magazine, and although I am still not enthralled with the patterns, it is worth picking up for the articles which include two set of interviews with the "Old-Guard" and "New-Guard" of knitting. I really liked the different perspectives from some very big names in the knitting world.

I also snagged a copy of Summer 2007's Interweave and Want to make the Wheat Ear Cable Yoke and Oriel Lace Blouse.

So much to knit! So little time....especially since I started school again this week.

One project down.....

Well maybe two...the wedding is over and was perfect.

Secondly, I intended to have the Not your Standard Issue Sweatshirt done for the honeymoon, but alas, it was not meant to be. I was so close. I am now done except I have to make and attach 2 tassels and I am going to do a rough block just to stretch the length a little bit. I have not quite readjusted to East Coast time, so I may do the blocking tonight.....Once that is done I will post pictures. I just love the Knit Picks Main Line that I used to knit it. It is soft and bouncy!

I am almost done with another fruit cap for a coworker, and also started another pair of Fetching fingerless mittens for myself using some of the leftover Knit Picks Main Line Yarn I had after finishing Not Your Standard-Issue Sweatshirt. I loved the pair I made my sister for Christmas and really want a pair for myself for the fall.

I finally got my invite to Ravelry; I have now put in all my projects and stashed all of my yarns. I love it! It speaks the the super-organized person that I am, especially now that all the wedding planning is behind me and I have more time on my hands. Look me up, I am Hausknits.

Although I left the knitting at home for the honeymoon, I did purchase a beautiful skein of hand-painted yarn in Ketchikan, Alaska. It is from a company called Raven Frog Fiber Arts out of Sitka and it is simply gorgeous. The color is called River Bed, and it reminds me of all the colors that we saw in the landscape in Southeast Alaska. I can't wait to see how it knits up. I haven't decided what to make with it yet, but I don't think I will do socks. I am thinking about a Soft Drawstring Pouch from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts.


Our Alaskan honeymoon was amazing. Everyday we looked around us and we amazed that there are places in the world that are so awe-inspiring and amazing. I am currently sorting through the 1400 pictures that I took so that I can give friends and family the "best of" version and not all 1400 pictures!

I finally finished the last Harry Potter book on the honeymoon. It was a little predictable, but I loved it anyway! I then started A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. He also wrote The Kite Runner, one of my favorite books. So far, I am about a hundred pages in, and this one is a very good read. I will reserve saying it is as good as The Kite Runner until I finish.

I also never posted about The Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick. I finished this awhile ago, but with all the wedding stuff, I stopped posting for awhile. I enjoyed the book for a few reasons, the first being that I am decended from Issac Allerton, one of the men who sailed on the Mayflower, so pretty much anything related to that, I find interesting on a personal level. However, Issac Allerton does not have a lot written about him in history and was rather unscrupulous in his business practices within Plymouth Colony and ended up leaving the colony at some point, so there was not much in Philbricks book about Allerton. However, I thought Philbrick did an excellent job in portraying some of the darker history of the Plymouth colony and the subsequent war that ensued between the Natives and the early English settlers in New England. The Pilgrims we not always so nice, as many might think from the traditional Thanksgiving story. Overall though, I thought this book was a bit dry and tough to read at points. Especially when compared to Philbrick's In the Heart of the Sea which really took the whaleship Essex story and really made it read like a fictional novel that rally kept my interest.

Well that's all for now.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Started Tuesdays with Morrie this morning and will probably finish it sometime tonight. What a tear-jerker! I highly recommend reading this book. The basic story line is a dying professor and his prior student sit down on Tuesdays to discuss life. I can't put it down! It is a very quick read, so I think I will read it cover to cover in 1 day.

In My Knitting Library

Stitch 'n Bitch

Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics


Last-Minute Knitted Gifts

Mason-Dixon Knitting

Debbie Bliss Simply Baby
Stitchionary, Volume 2

I Like You

I recently bought the new Amy Sedaris book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence.

Laugh out loud funny and I was reminded of my friend Adrienne while reading through it. Adrienne is a fantastic cook, and although this book wouldn't neccessarily assist her in that realm, I think she would find it humourous in the same way that I am.

Here is an example of Sedaris' suggested invitation wording: "We are having a barbeque on Saturday the 4th of Julune and would love for you to come. The charcoal will be glowing by two! Bring one of your children."

The book is brimming with dry wit, and is at points what is true about the ettiquette of hospitality, but which no one would dare say out loud! Although it is meant to be funny, much of what Amy writes has a hint of truth to it.

I highly reccommend this to anyone who appreciates the Daily Show/Colbert Report type humor.