Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Bits and Pieces of Our Days: What We've Been Reading


Ramona and I just finished The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate, Jacqueline Kelly's delightful* sequel to The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. We did it together as a read-aloud and were both sad to reach the end of our time with the Tate clan. And who needs a science curriculum with books such as these? Love them.

* ETA: Just fyi: It does tackle some serious themes, too, so some of you might want to preview it and/or be ready to discuss those. 

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While we're on the subject of science, though, we're working our way through Fruitless Fall together. If you've never fallen hard for honeybees, you need to pick up this book. 

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Betsy is doing some reading aloud with Ramona, too. Last night they finished The Son of Neptune, from Rick Riordan's Heroes of Olympus series. 

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Her own stuff: Ramona recently finished Andrew Clements' Things Not Seen, which she said was "fun, and interesting, and there was more to it" than she thought there would be. She recommends it. 

Then she moved on to Tanita Davis's A La Carte, which she desperately loved. It left her with a book hangover, drifting and unsure of what she wanted to pick up next. She just wanted more time with Lainey. 

She eventually moved on, though, and is currently reading The Importance of Being Earnest

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Last month I read The One-in-a-Million Boy, by Monica Wood, and it was lovely and sad and uplifting. Recommend, recommend, recommend. 

I just finished Connie Willis's newest book, Crosstalk. It's basically a romantic comedy, lightweight fun. I think the story could have been told in a shorter book, but I still enjoyed it. I've been told I need to read To Say Nothing of the Dog, so that's on the TBR list for lightweight Willis. I think Doomsday Book (not lightweight) is still my favorite of hers. 

Right now? I'm rereading Madeleine L'Engle's A Circle of Quiet. I adore her Crosswicks journals. 

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Final book note: 

Did you know that yesterday was, as my friend Beth at Endless Books calls it, the Literary Day of Days? November 29th is the birthday of Madeleine L'Engle, Louisa May Alcott, and C.S. Lewis. 

Why did I not have this day highlighted on my calendar? Why are there not banners and fireworks? I assure you, next year the Literary Day of Days will be celebrated to the fullest extent allowed by law and bloggery. 

For this year, I will simply rerun this picture of a note I received from Madeleine L'Engle many years ago. (The story behind it is here.) Happy Belated Literary Day of Days! 




5 comments:

Danae said...

How do you not have that letter in a gold frame??!!

Melanie Bettinelli said...

Oooh. I really want to read the new Calpurnia Tate book. I've go the first one on the red aloud slate soon. I think we'll start it after Carry on, Mr Bowditch. Though we might have to squeeze in Anne of Avonlea first. So many good books, so little time.

Beth said...

I'm so glad you plan to celebrate the Literary Day of Days! And I love seeing your letter from Madeleine. I have a handful of letters she wrote to me over the years, in response to letters I wrote to her. I think I wrote to her the first time when I was a teenager. She was always so gracious and encouraging about my writing aspirations.

I am starting to feel well enough to read again - slowly regaining my focus to both read and write more. So of course I love finding good book recommendations! I don't think my daughter knows there is a sequel to the first Calpurnia Tate book...I will have to let her know!

Tabatha said...

I just put The One-in-a-Million Boy in my cart -- thanks for the suggestion.
I liked Blackout and All Clear very much, but Doomsday Book holds a special place in my heart.
Very cool letter!!

Karen Edmisten said...

Tabatha, I feel the same way about Blackout and All Clear, with Doomsday Book holding that special place. :)

Beth, I am so heartened to hear you're reading again. I've been following your progress on your FB page, and you are in my prayers. I remember, too, your mentioning Madeleine's letters to you back when I first posted that letter. That is so cool! What a wonderful person she was!

Melanie, you're singing my song: too many books!

Danae, there's an idea.... :)