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Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Book to Linger Over with a Nice Cuppa

When Wanderers Cease To Roam by Vivian Swift is page after page of beautiful watercolors, snippets of information, and daily musings on living for one year in a small village on Long Island.

The author had spent years traveling the world, and decided for one year to stay in one spot.  Her observations of the simple things that surround her are illustrated with her incredible watercolors and funny, touching stories about her cat, the weather, and the people she becomes friends with in her village.  These short stories are mixed in with special memories of hiking through Europe and her  experience as a Peace Corp volunteer.

This is not a book that you can flip through; it's a book that requires a comfy chair, time to spare, and a nice cuppa.  I wouldn't be opposed to some shortbread on the side, either.  You linger over each page--it's just simply stunning.  Oh, to be so talented!




Sunday, March 28, 2010

So Much to Say, I Don't Know Where to Start!

I started this blog because, well, I spend my days telling people about books, but it just doesn't seem like enough.  I'm always anxious that I will miss the most fabulous book ever written, and I won't even know it because I'm busy reading so many other great titles.  What do I read?  Pretty much anything that catches my fancy.  In my college years, I gravitated towards historical non-fiction and pure escapism (read: romance).  Over the years, that has changed.  I read much less romance, and much more fiction, with the occasional non-fiction title tossed into the mix.  


What I didn't see until just recently is that I read a lot of  historical fiction!  I'm not even conscious of  my choice--I just want to read something entertaining.  I also read a lot of teen novels.  I find many of them are just as good, if not better, than some adult novels.  It is gratifying to see so many adults reading teen and young reader novels--not because their reading level is an issue, but because they're just damn good stories.  So,  you'll find my blogs contain a wide assortment of books--Sci-Fi, Fiction, History, Biographies, Science, Teen and Young Adult.  Yes, a book cover does make me pause and pick it up.  It happens to me every week.  I've discovered some incredible books this way.  


Reading is probably my most favorite thing to do.  The act of buying a new book, taking it home, and settling in for a few hours of reading time makes me happier than just about anything else (except Bud, my sweetie).  I know there are others (I mean You!)  out there just like me, and I hope you stick around, read my reviews, and share your views with me.  I have so many books to talk about, I can't decide  which book  to start off my blog!  I'll give it some thought so stay tuned for another blog from the Bookalicious Babe.