I am a book person. I love them. I love to read them, reread them, and see my bookshelves lined with them. I love to receive them and give them as gifts. So I thought I’d share my book wish list and the books I am giving as gifts this year. When I make my book wish list for Christmas, I focus on titles that are newer, more obscure, or more expensive—ones I am not likely to find in my usual haunts (thrift stores and secondhand shops) or purchase for myself. Once my list is complete, I drop not-so-subtle hints to my husband that he should check the Amazon cart…
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Book Review ~ The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives
The history of the tie on pocket from the 1660’s to 1900 may not seem to have wide appeal or a broad audience, but for those interested in fashion history and the social politics of gender and class of the time period, I can highly recommend this book. It is full of details, not just about the pockets and what they contained, but also their role in the tumultuous dynamic between genders and class. I have a passing and amateur interest in fashion history, but what I enjoyed most about this book was the glimpse into the every day lives of women of all classes. Usually the story of the…
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Classic Children’s Books Holiday Guide
Anything is possible if you have a favorite book to transport you! I firmly believe that you are never too old to enjoy a classic children’s story. To be considered for this list, each story had to prove itself with multiple generations and continue to possess some of that same magic when I read them again as an adult. Many of these books can be found in different forms including audiobooks and movie adaptations. And because they are classics, you can probably find most of them at your local library for free. But if you’re in the market to purchase these books for your own collection or for the children…
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Jane Austen Readalikes Pt2
Authors Similar to Jane Austen What to read next after reading all of Jane Austen’s books for the 100th time… If you enjoy Jane Austen, here’s a couple more authors and books you may enjoy. The time period is not at all the same, but these authors both have the knack for observing their fellow creatures with an Austen-like acuteness. Angela Thirkell Angela Thirkell sets her books in an English country village at the beginning of the 20th century. Light-hearted and fun, Thirkell’s books are a little bit like champagne. They might look bubbly on the surface, but underneath there is that sharp tang of wit. My two favorites are…
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Jane Austen Read A Likes
Authors Similar to Jane Austen So in a previous post, I talked a bit about my own reading fingerprint and how uncovering why I loved Jane Austen led me to other authors and books that I love. This journey is a personal one and may not look the same for everyone. That’s why I call it a reading fingerprint–it’s unique to you. So I figured out that I like books by women about women for women. I also love British literature and a bit of history. I want to learn a little about the time and place in the story. But I want that “real” view of it. The way…
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Reading Fingerprint
Mapping my own reading fingerprint has changed the way I read. It has broadened my reading horizons and I have discovered books and authors I never thought I would like. My reading tastes are constantly changing. Circumstances, moods, and the passage of time can all impact what I like to read so I will never be finished. Figuring Out What We Like to Read & Why Delving into a favorite author can be a good place to start exploring your reading interests. Jane Austen is one of my favs so let’s talk about her for a bit. Austen’s novels are generally romantic, but it wouldn’t be accurate to surmise that…
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Book Matchmaking
I used to have a very unique job at the library- I was a book matchmaker. What does that mean? It is a unique form of readers’ advisory where I choose books for people who are unable to come to the library because of illness or disability. I have become acquainted with many reader profiles over the years- all of them different from my own. Every reader has unique tastes. I like to think of it as a reading fingerprint rather than a profile. Mapping a person’s reading fingerprint involves much more than defining genres (they like mysteries) or using a book or author that they enjoy (she likes Debbie…
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The Lost Art of Dress ~ A Book Review
One of the hazard of my former job at the Library is that I can never keep up with my “to read” list. The latest book that I just finished and thoroughly enjoyed was called The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish by Linda Przybyszewski. It’s a fascinating mix of early 20th century history and an overview of the principles taught by the so called “Dress Doctors”. I learned quite a bit about everyday American fashion in the 20th century as well as the history of home economics courses and books that taught women about style and fashion. I also was inspired to dress a…
