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Friday, January 29, 2010

Jan. Reading, Reading Nook, Reading Companions

I have caught up on all my reviews!  The next one is scheduled for tomorrow, and now I can go back to the library for another batch.  I've read 14 books this month, of varying quality.  My favorites were The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova, That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo, and The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley.

So much difference in content, style, and length in those three, but I thoroughly enjoyed them all.  I discovered two new authors that were entertaining, Lee Childs and Asa Larsson.

We are all settled in our new house now, and my reading nook in the bedroom is a delight for me.  I can read or embroider and not litter the living room with my stacks of books and embroidery bits and pieces.

On top of the bookcase, one of the old clocks from Laddie's (my dad) collection, a piece of Mother's carnival glass, and the  doll Fee's mother won at the fair in the 1930's.  She looks a bit like Mae West doesn't she?

Only Stinker is present at the moment.  The rest of the Triad (Lucy and Edgar) are elsewhere causing havoc.

I've posted some about the new house and the infamous Triad of cats over at Bayou Quilts.

15 comments:

  1. I really love it. That corner is just perfect.I don't think I've ever seen windows like that- making up a corner. What direction do they each face? It is the most soothing, welcoming room, and I love the bookcase (with room for more books!) and the special items on the top. Really a wonderful space, Jenclair.

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  2. I do value your reviews. Love the photos of your comfortable and inspirational reading spot (replete with kitty).

    I was at Richard Russo's first book signing for his new book about the cape. I've been to others, but this was in Camden, Maine at the Owl and Turtle Bookshop. The line of admirers stretched from his table, crowded the door, and wound out to the sidewalk. You couldn't move.

    I heard a man's voice say, "unless you let me in this line isn't going to move." I turned around and it was him. We all laughed.

    He is quite a gentleman.

    Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

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  3. Your favorites of those you review are all books are on my must read list. I am so glad you enjoyed them!

    I am glad you are settled into your new house. Your reading nook looks so comfy! I wish I could climb right into the photos and curl up with a book! That would mean though you'd have to find another reading spot, so I probably shouldn't.

    Stinker is such a cutie!

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  4. Jenclair, I love your reading spot. Very nice and comfy looking. Thanks for sharing it with us.

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  5. Thanks for sharing the pictures. I enjoyed them!

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  6. Here's to fresh starts - and it appears that you are launching several at once: caught up on reviews, about to pick up a whole new batch of library books, and that great new reading space. And 14 books in January is sure a fast start to the new year...looking good. :-)

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  7. Looks wonderful and cozy! You must feel so good being moved in to your new home. I feel like we still have boxes dominating a lot of our space but things will get settled when they will. I do have my reading room/studio ready for the most part so that makes me a happy camper :)

    Enjoy your reading nook!

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  8. Nan - The windows are (more or less) facing the north and east.

    This is where I keep the books I re-read or frequently refer to (all my Joseph Campbell, The Golden Bough, books about literature and symbolism (retired teacher, remember), other nonfiction, some of my gardening, embroidery, poetry, and yoga books...and the fiction that I'm currently reading.

    The fiction shelf changes frequently!

    Sharon -- Thanks, Sharon! How wonderful to have actually been at Russo's book signing and gotten a taste of his humor!

    LF - I hope you enjoy these books as well!

    We are loving our new home, but the reading nook keeps so much of my mess contained, and I can easily reach out for a reference, as well as for a new novel!

    Stinker is really the sweetest and most peaceful of the kittens, but she is also the most aloof.

    Kay -- It is a comfy place, especially when all the kittens are curled up and sleeping!

    Kailana - :)

    Sam -- Oh, yes, I love fresh starts! Got a bunch more library books yesterday...all awaiting my attention.

    Iliana - Well, you certainly need a place to practice your book arts! I'm still using my most recent of your lovely journals!

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  9. I can't believe January is almost over already. 14 books? That's great. I can't seem to win. If I read that many books, I barely blog. If I blog everyday, I read like 2 books.

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  10. Your little nook is awesome! And, so is Stinker. :)

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  11. Callista - I know! This month has just flown by. Blogging does take a lot of time, doesn't it? It is also a bit addictive...:)

    Bookfool - Stinker is such a peaceful companion. She usually stays on the bed; Edgar often perches on the top of the chair, switching out with Lucy every once in a while, but they tend to get rambunctious. Stinker is much more sedate!

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  12. Your reading nook is absolutely wonderful!!! I am so happy for you. It looks like such a warm and inviting place to get lost in a good book. And when you are sleeping you can just stand up and fall into bed!

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  13. Carl - :) I just love it, and it is perfect for falling into bed!

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  14. What a perfect corner. I love the kittens in all your recent pictures.

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  15. Lisa - Thanks! I love my reading nook.

    Fee took over the kittens after their mother was run over. There are plenty of homeless cats near his office. The kittens were so tiny then. I resisted, but finally gave in, and the Triad have brought more pleasure than I could have imagined!

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