Bookworms 2020

dolly84

FridaysChild - I've been reading the James Herriot books every few years since I was about 10 years old, I love them so much.

Rosa_Damascena

candygirl said:

am reading this at the moment,  about the mind/ body connection. Very interesting:)

Believe what it says without testing it's theories. I found out the hard way and had a difficult recovery, but in mid-life I am now fitter than I have ever been. I also decided my work / life balance would never again going to be screwed in favour of work: I can't be of use to others if I don't look after myself.

Fridayschild

dolly84 said:

FridaysChild - I've been reading the James Herriot books every few years since I was about 10 years old, I love them so much.

dolly84  There's something really special about finding an author and books that you never tire of, isn't there.  In uncertain times there is a level of reassurance and comfort in reading, especially something well-loved.  It's also worth noting that people were used to coping with really severe hardships and challenges back then, and we can learn a lot from there no-nonsense stoicism and gentle care for each other.  We may need these qualities in the next few months.

Stay safe and warm everyone.

FC

dolly84

Fridayschild - unfortunately there are just too many very selfish people around now who will go to great lengths to make sure they don't go without anything.  We have so much now that just not being able to buy a cucumber if you want one might tip us over the edge. 

Rosa_Damascena

Book 13:

8.5/10. I read this ahead of the WBC recording scheduled for the end of the month, and although short it unleashed such a range of powerful emotions in me. There were parts that were faintly comforting, and many bits that were confusing and outraging in equal measures - its almost as if some people are born to be cannon-fodder . A great insight into a life that I couldn't possibly understand and a useful reminder that there is more than one side to every story. 


Book 14:

Not really a book that you read end to end or rate, but I picked it up at the chazzer recently and had a quick flick through it last night. It took me right back to a time when vegetarianism was seen to be both exotic and healthy, proper brown-rice-brigade stuff! - and memories of wonderful trips to Cranks in London as student, before I was 100% vegetarian. The London branches folded over 20 years ago now, so this was a wonderful hit of nostalgia!!

(NB: a notable omission from the recipes was the signature Homity Pie, which I loved sharing with a friend).

Fridayschild

Rosa_Damascena    Cranks cookbooks are a real blast from the past.  I have a paperback version bought in the 80s and must admit that I don't use it much these days, as there is so much inspiration online and in some of my other books.  They were definitely trail blazers of the vegetarian movement though and the restaurant was really different from others at that time.

I have finally finished The Binding and it did get a bit better towards the end, but I can't say I would highly recommend it, even though the theme was an interesting one. 

I decided to go back to the remote Dales again for my next read.  Full of wildness, fresh air and open space. A year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess.  Many of you may have seen her on TV with her lovely family of Clive her husband and nine children.  They live and farm in an extremely wild and challenging location at Ravenseat Farm in the high Dales of Yorkshire (close to where Hannah Hauxwell lived, if that helps anyone!).  Her writings are influenced by the wonderful James Herriot and I would say her style is reminiscent of his books. Her upbeat and no nonsense approach to life is refreshing.  She is definitely not a "herd animal" and she and her family live what you could call an old-style life governed by the seasons and weather.

FC

dolly84

Fridayschild - I live in Yorkshire do you?  I like to watch the tv programme about that family, we could all learn something from them and Hannah Hauxwell.  I could listen to Hannah's voice all day, I remember being in tears when they moved her from her farm into town near the end, she wanted to live out her days at home.

Fridayschild

dolly84  No, I don't.  I have lived in the high weald of Kent for a long time now, but grew up on the lancs/yorks border near Skipton. It's very beautiful here too, but in a different way.  We don't have the wild places, mountains or moors but there are many ancient woodlands, deep cut lanes, paths, hedgerows and nut platts.  The weather is kinder and usually less wet, though not recently.

I am still drawn back regularly to the wildness of the Dales, the Forest of Bowland and beyond and expect I always will be, both in person and in the writings of others.  Like you, I was enthralled by Hannah Hauxwell and her life.  I read somewhere, that apparently she really loved the central heating and running water in her new village house, unsurprisingly! 

pollypenny

Many posters will know that I'm a retired English teacher and avid reader. However, I just cannot settle to read at all at the moment!  Like everyone else, I'm trying not to worry too much and be careful, but it's not working. 

With this confinement to the house, I've every excuse to put feet up and just read. 

Happycas

Polly penny

I was so relieved to read your post.  I thought it was just me!

 I could read before I went to school by all accounts . No one taught me but my very patient grandma read the same book to me over and over again and I must have gradually realised that ' words convey meaning'. 
Since then I have read and read.  But not for the last month.  I just can't get into books at all.

Hopefully it will return for us both