Reading Update & Linkity
Remember back a few weeks when 10 on Tuesday was sharing ten books on your summer reading list? Well, I had a slow week between then and now, but I’ve been back in high volume knitting mode this past week so a few books got checked off the list, plus a few that weren’t on there. I’ve completed 2, 3, 5 and 8 and am very nearly done with 7 as well! 10 is up next for print books to be read. Anyway, I thought I’d give an update on recent reads.
In audio format, I finished Beguiled by Lori Foster. This was a download from Audible.com that was narrated by Zoe Winslow who did a very good job of differentiating the different characters. This book was what I’ve come to expect from a Foster book. Some stubborn protagonists who are passionate, a bit of mystery about who the real bad guy is and it is all tied up in a nice pretty bow at the end. Great escapist fluff perfect to knit to.
I jumped from romantic fluff to a cozy mystery by Joanne Fluke, Fudge Cupcake Murder, for my audible knitting company. I think I listened to it over two or three days of knitting (and a little bit of cooking and cleaning). It was a download from NetLibrary. If you read Diane Mott Davidson’s Goldy Bear series of mysteries you’ll likely enjoy this series as well. The only regret I have about listening to them is not having print versions of some of the unique cookie recipes that are included!
In print, I read Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods which I checked out from the library over a weekend. It was a very easy and fast read. I’m not sure if this plot was nearly as intricate or developed as prior books in the Orchid series. But I did enjoy revisiting the characters and seeing where life had taken them since the last book.
Following that, I read my own copy of Indigo Dying by Susan Wittig Albert which I found totally enjoyable. The best part of this one to me though was that in the chapter introductions she was quoting books I had read on natural dyeing! She kept mentioning her herbal bug spray and I had wished that was one of the recipes included at the back of the book and it wasn’t, but that was my only disappointment.
Then, because I can’t seem to go work at the library (where they thankfully have AC) without leaving with a new book or three in hand to read I read Madelyn Alt’s second in her Bewitching Series, A Charmed Death. Maggie O’Neil is a psychic and only just starting to learn about her powers, but ends up relying on them to help her solve yet another murder in her small town. The element of supernatural phenomenon and the pagan/wiccan aspects are kind of interesting and different from the other cozies I’ve read.
In e-books, I finished Quinn’s Woman by Susan Mallery which is straight up fluff romance. Typical romance fare again, but enjoyable and quite steamy.
In non-fiction, I got sucked into EcoBeauty by Lauren Cox while browsing the shelves at Old Firehouse Books recently and ended up buying it. Inside are recipes for homemade face, skin and body care all made with pretty accessible ingredients. I’ll probably do a proper review once I’ve tried more than just the yogurt-honey face mask. The author is a college student and lots of the introductions to the recipes are geared to that audience which I hadn’t expected, but I don’t think it makes the recipes any less valuable. Though I am intrigued now to see what her mom and co-author, Janice Cox has written on the subject.
Currently Being Read
- Ebook - Unravel Me by Christie Ridgway, downloaded through iBook
- AudioBook - A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris, downloaded through NetLibrary
- Print - The Memory Collector by Meg Gardiner, checked out from the library
Some Linkity
Crafty:
- Brenna’s Pinhole Artwork - I love the subtlety and the cleanliness of this all white artwork. It also reminds me of my brief exploration of pergamano.
- Knitting with Ramen Noodles? - I had an unfortunate typo a couple weeks ago that I fortunately caught before it was released, but I typed “wash and fried swatch” and it sparked a conversation on how one could fry their knitting and knitting with noodles was suggested. Now I know how to do so!
- Have you seen the Brits’ public art installation inspired by spool knitting?
- How about a 2-Minute t-shirt modification to breathe new life into a tired tee?
- I’m loving these Upcycled Potholders and am thinking I’m gonna have to find some time to make some.
Foodie:
- Buttermilk Pie Bars - these sound like a fantastic summer dessert I’m going to want to try soon (via a caffeinated yarn)
- Grilled Salt & Vinegar Potatoes - I love salt and vinegar anything, but especially chips so I’d really like to give this a try
- Make Your Own Black Garlic - I think this is one we’ll have to try too since we enjoy the process of fermenting things
- A review of Grill Cookware from Cook’s Illustrated
Photography:
- Pioneer Woman’s iPhone Photography - if you were both inspired and frustrated by the iPhone fashion shoot last week with all the pro lighting gear, check out this post for some tips on photographing with your iPhone
- How about some filters for your iPhone (or any camera phone really)? (via my sister) - and there are additional ones available elsewhere
- Leaving your camera behind to take better photos? - seems counter intuitive, but it does make sense since I know I often use my camera as a way to hide
- Heading out on vacation soon? Try these tips for better landscape photos!
- Check out these great book-related photos!
If you’d prefer to just have a link to check out every once in a while, I’m starting to keep track of the links that interest me each week on a Tumblr account which you can find at http://fiber-fool.tumblr.com/.
