A little summer reading. A light novel for carrying around and dipping into whenever I have a spare minute. Although it's actually quite heavy to carry. I like to have a paperback in my bag for those occasional quiet moments. In fact I've just about finished it now and I think I'll read 'Love, Nina' next. I've seen mixed reviews but I shall give it a go.
The novel outlining book is a good one. I often have ideas as I read through it. And in fact I've been reading that and making outlining notes more than I have been reading.
I'm reading 'Northern Lights' to the children. It's one of my favourite books and I've waited a long time for them to be ready for it. I really didn't want them to have it too soon, before they were ready, and not enjoy it. But they're loving it, and I'm loving re-reading it. Philip Pullman is one of the best storytellers ever, I am such a HUGE fan. He has that magic touch.
Finally, Nigel is there helping me with the fruit glut. Mostly figs at the moment, but apples and pears will be along shortly. No-one eats the figs except me and I can't keep up. One a day is plenty really. Nigel has a few suggestions, but I still can't interest the others in them, even in a tart or with a good cheese. I just eat them raw. I prefer them just before they're perfectly ripe, with a little bit of a fresher taste and texture. If I had a dehydrator no doubt I could dry them for Christmas. Maybe Santa will bring me one.
How is everything with you? Enjoying these summer days I hope. They do seem to evaporate with very little to show for them except a light dusting of sand everywhere, scraped knees and a hundred outside adventures. As it should be. Tell me all, and any summer reading I should know about. CJ xx
Elly Griffiths - Ruth Galloway novels. I'm racing through them. Forensic archeologist who is very down to earth and gets involved accidentally with police investigations. She's a very likeable character as is her best friend Cathbad the Druid. Figs don't like me which is a shame because I like them. Happy reading :o) xx
ReplyDeleteI want to read Truly Madly Guilty, it is on my list. I am reading the James Patterson Women's Murder Club Mysteries series. I am new to them although they were first written years ago. I think the latest one just came out in print. I read a whole book while my son was in the hospital, it helped with the time. Have a wonderful week CJ.
ReplyDeleteMust admit, I am a Kindle convert I usually but about £10 worth of books at a time from the 99p or £1.99 selection this way I find new authors that I like.
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a light summer novel set on Nantucket Island - "Secrets in Summer" by Nancy Thayer. I love Nantucket and descend from a man, Tristram Coffin, who with 7 other men bought the island in 1659. I think it's wonderful that you're reading a book that you love to your boys. You're a great mom! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteMy children were already grown up when Philip Pullman hit the scene so I didn't get to read his books to them but maybe I should try just for myself. I'm wondering if you could dry the figs in a really low oven? And I enjoyed Love Nina... the perfect book for dipping in and out of when you you have the odd spare minute.
ReplyDeleteLovely post and pictures. I'm sorry to say that I don't like figs.
ReplyDeleteI have a new gardens book to read and review, but not until after the local horticultural society annual show the weekend after next where I'm helping, stewarding and showing.
Happy reading. xx
you could try fig jam, it is great ! xxx
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your reading and I hope you can solve the fig saving conundrum! Just enjoy eating as many as you can in the meantime!
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ReplyDeleteI'd love to eat your figs. One day I'll move to a climate where I can grow more than just cabbage and thistles.
ReplyDeleteI am new to all the books you have read here. My boys don't enjoy books I read to them, they prefer audiobooks read by a professional narrator :-( It must be my accent. Have a lovely week xx
Hello,
ReplyDeleteSummer is a little strange for me this year. I keep missing the good weather, and feel cheated that every time I take some time out, the heavens open and we have the biggest downpours. Just yesterday we returned from a soggy four days in the Yorkshire Dales which saw us ducking and diving trying to miss the heavy showers. It was a shame as I really wanted to get out and about.
At home in Leicestershire the pear tree is laden with fruit and I am the only one who eats pears! When they ripen in September I will be taking them around our neighbourhood.
I'm not reading much right now, it's more about dipping in and out of books. Currently, I'm reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, it's fascinating. I'm listening to podcasts, mainly on writing and life and happiness.
I'm hopeful for some warm summer days when I can sit outside in the garden when I get back from work.
Your books look like good choices. I wonder why I haven't read any Philip Pullman books with my kids. Perhaps they came out after our days of reading together were over. I might have to give this one a go just to see what we missed. At the moment I'm reading The Tent, the Bucket and Me. I haven't ever laughed this hard reading a book. For anyone who has ever gone camping or on holidays with their children, only to have them end in disaster, this is a must read. My one caution would be that the language is not the best in places.
ReplyDeleteThose figs!! I so want to make something with them although we only have the store bought ones. We have nothing here (good markets) at the cottage and no one to really eat it except moi!
ReplyDeleteI think it's wonderful that you are reading such a helpful book and taking notes, even highlighting paragraphs is so worth the effort. Perhaps you'll find more time to work once the kids are back in school.
I actually starred journaling again! I was methodical about it from my teens until a few years ago. Again, not enough hours. I came upon an article on a website that is called Three Page Journaling. That's it, three pages of written words. I was amazed by the actual writing method with pen to paper. All I actually 'write' is lists and notes. I'm surprised I remember! And it's gratifying. Do you keep a journal?
Reading is something I need to get into more. I've so fallen behind. The column writing is swallowing me up and when I finish up each week, I just want to be free mentally. I have to figure out a happy medium.
Reading to your children is wonderful. I read to both my girls every single day. They are big readers to this day. Abigail is an English teacher. I read recently--on the web, of course, that reading to kids helps keep them mentally sharp and true listeners in school and beyond. Bravo to you!
Hot and humid here in Michigan. Going home Thursday and may take a little reprieve before the Labor Day festivities. Fall is beautiful here in the country so I believe I'll be here even more through September and October.
Hugs,
Jane x
Hey CJ,
ReplyDeleteI Sen to have read rather a lot this summer. I think my favourites were Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier, Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve, The Tin Man by Sarah Winman and The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce. I love 'Love Nina' so much. Not sure why. It's delightfully shrewish at times, and perhaps that's part of the appeal!
Summer holidays falling through my fingers here. We're at the not getting dressed until lunch time stage.
Leanne xx
Oh what a lovely blog, and oh what a gorgeous puppy, cheeky and cuddly. Bet he can tire you out! I found you, in case you were wondering, via Teresa Kasner's blog, on the lookout for new blogs to read. As for my reading... well, I read a lot, have two periods in the day/evening which I set aside for reading - I am an OAP (OLDER Aged Person) so am allowed all this reading time. Current reading is The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce, one of my favourite authors, and From The Heart by Susan Hill. I read 'LOve Nina' too, since I am known as Nina I couldn't/can't resist books with a Nina in them, nor can I resist books set in bookshops, fact and fiction. I hope to follow and be back.
ReplyDeleteCould you try jam or chutney for the figs? I could imagine their heady, earthy flavour would make great chutney. How wonderful to have a glut of figs though! I've heard Love, Nina is excellent although I haven't read it yet. I am trying to persuade Bella to try Northern Lights since she enjoyed Harry Potter so much, but she's not biting yet. Maybe she's not ready. xx
ReplyDeleteA fig glut - how wonderful! We've had plums and gooseberries here. And I love Nigel Slater's books. Much more than just a recipe book, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteThe weight of a book even when it's heavy, is a good weight in one's hands. Not one's bag, ha! but I do love the feel of a good book. I have done very little reading. It is how things are now, but dipping in when you can sounds lovely, as do your figs! I wish I was there to share them with some tasty cheese. Oh that sounds great! My Mother in Law who normally gets a decent batch didn't and my good friend had her harvest ransacked by racoons!
ReplyDeleteLove having a neb at other people's book piles and haven't read any of the titles in yours (have to admit, not a fan of Nigel as can never trust a cook who looks like a good wash wouldn't go amiss). Currently knee deep in Nordic Noir and solving serial murders here. Well, me and Harry Hole. Envious of your fruit glut. Have had to buy strawberries and damsons to make jam.....ooh, fig jam!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely photos, I always enjoy your posts. Is that your own apple? Looks wonderful. I'm reading the Penguin Lessons but Tom Michell at the moment for my reading group. Not my thing at all but light and charming if you can ignore the anthropomorphism which I hate.
ReplyDeleteI've never read 'Northern Lights', I'm guessing I really should. How fun to share one of your favorites with you kids. I can't wait to read Island of the Blue Dolphins with my mine someday. I'm glad you're having such a nice summer CJ. I am reading This is How It Always Is, which has been so interesting. I think you would like it a lot, but I don't want to give too much away about the plot. I think it reads better that way. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIs there no way to preserve the figs as a relish or conserve? Our harvest season is all over the place this year. Our Victoria plums came and went before the season should have started and yesterday I pulled up our tomato plants because they, too, are done and dusted. Most of my time at the moment is spent processing runner beans, which are one of my favourite veg. The butternut squash are almost ready, too: again, a bit early.
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