Welcome to twitterature, where we share short and sweet reviews of what we’ve been reading lately on the 15th of every month.
This month, by pure coincidence, I’ve been reading some seriously gorgeous books. If you’re making your Christmas list, take note. These books are pretty enough to earn a permanent place on your bookshelf. They would also make terrific additions to your Christmas gift list or holiday wish list.
Here’s what I read this month (aside from FINALLY finishing Outlander—but I’ll save those thoughts for another day!)
Heidi (Puffin in Bloom)
I never read Heidi as a kid, but since Sarah's reading it for English Lit this fall, I bumped it up the reading list. You know, just in case she needs my help with her homework. This Puffin in Bloom edition is so pretty that any excuse will do. (Not my favorite classic, but I'm glad to finally know what the fuss is all about.)
More info →The Blue Castle
This was one of my favorite Montgomery novels as a kid, but I haven't read it in twenty years. This new edition, illustrated by Canadian artist Jacqui Oakley, was just released last spring, and provided the perfect opportunity to revisit an old favorite. Highly recommended for Green Gables fans.
More info →God Made Light
This inspirational children's book is meaningful and fun to read. I can't describe it any better than Lisa Jo Baker, who said it's "like Dr. Seuss meets Genesis." Gift alert: Dayspring has a small product line to go with the book, including encouragement notes for kids, a nightlight, and a floor puzzle.
More info →Texts from Jane Eyre: And Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters
I can't tell you how many MMD readers have told me about this brand-new book, just out this month. First, the bad news: most of you are gonna hate it. The good news: if you're in the target audience, this is a great addition to your coffee table. You'll love this book if you have a serious—and thorough—love of classic literature, don't mind a few f-bombs, and pride yourself on your snarky sense of humor. Lavery lampoons Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Edgar Allen Poe and The Yellow Wallpaper, Medea and King Lear. A great Christmas gift or coffee table addition for the right reader.
More info →Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
I've been eagerly awaiting the next Ina Garten cookbook and this one doesn't disappoint. It's classic Ina, this time tackling the #1 food problem people write to her about: "Can I make it ahead?" Packed full with recipes I can't wait to make, like pork tenderloin with apple chutney, stuffed zucchini, spanish tapas peppers, and coffee granita.
More info →One Pot: 120+ Easy Meals from Your Skillet, Slow Cooker, Stockpot, and More
This lovely cookbook aims to help home cooks get delicious, easy, healthy meals on the table on a daily basis. (It’s also a good fit for those like me who love to cook but hate to clean up.) Recipes I can’t wait to try include whole poached chicken with asian flavors, provençal vegetable tian, mexican-style lasagna, giant almond crumble cookie, and the myriad fresh takes on the roasts, braises and stews that are perfect for this time of year. Lots of pretty pictures.
More info →Jane of Lantern Hill
I've heard many L. M. Montgomery fans praise this as her best novel, but because it's been out of print for years, I've never read it—until now. I'm so glad I did, and next I'll be strategically placing it on my kids' night tables. If that doesn't work, we'll read it together.
More info →Collectors and Christmas shoppers, take note: Jane is one of the four titles recently re-released by SourceBooks in their new L.M. Montgomery collection, along with The Blue Castle (above), Magic for Marigold, and A Tangled Web, Pat of Silver Bush, and Mistress Pat.
30 comments
Thanks for the reviews! The Blue Castle and the cookbooks will go on my list.
This makes me more curious about Jane of Lantern Hill and Heidi. Thanks for the reviews and linkup fun, Anne! 🙂
I like the new format for the linkup! Pictures make things extra fun.
I really enjoyed Heidi. I thought it was such a comfort read. I feel terrible that I’ve yet to read any of L.M. Montgomery’s work. There are actually a lot of classics I haven’t read. I’ve been trying to strike a balance between them and newer books. (I feel like I should be up to date on newer books simply because the patrons ask about them so much.) So much reading, so little time…
For a short while I tried to talk Noel into Valancy as a name, because of the Blue Castle, but he thought it sounded like curtains. 🙂
Curtains? Ha!
I haven’t read Heidi for years, but that new edition is gorgeous. And Jane of Lantern Hill! One of my faves. I love Jane – she’s so practical and kind.
I might check the local library for Jane of Lantern Hill. Can you believe that will be the first Montgomery book I’ve read?
Actually I can believe it, Tim! Hope you’ll go straight to Anne of Green Gables next — lest your life become “a perfect graveyard of buried hopes” for lack of doing so.
Put your trust in Jeannie, Tim. She knows what she’s talking about. 🙂
Anne, I just had the surreal experience of scrolling down your post and mistakenly thinking that your description of “Texts from Jane Eyre” applied to the Ina Garten cookbook (f-bombs? that seems strange ….). The Ortberg book does sound like one I would like, though.
Bwahaha!
Thanks so much for the book reviews, Anne, and for hosting! I just realized there is supposed to be a character limit from looking at another blog in the linkup, will make a mental note of that for next time. Please pardon me for exceeding it this time. I did make an effort to keep the reviews on the short side, but where books are concerned I could go on at great length. Happy Saturday!
Nah, no character limit. If there ever was one I’d clearly be way over it!
Oh thank goodness! I would have trouble limiting my book enthusiasm so strictly!
I so want to add those L.M. Montgomery books to my bookshelves stat, but for the gorgeous covers and the fact that they’re by L.M. Montgomery. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to share in my obsession.
So glad i found your blog..I love to read too. This will be fun, I hope i can contribute something soon.
I love the Heidi design! I would love to get it as a print. And I joined in on twitterature for the first time. Alas, my reviews were 140+ characters. 🙂 Thanks for your reviews and everyone else’s, so excited to add some great books to my list!
I’m interested in the Texts From Jane Eyre book. I wonder why you say most MMD readers are going to hate it? I wrote my senior paper for college on King Lear.
The book is based off a series of “texts from” posts the author wrote for The Toast website. Take a look and see if it’s up your alley. Here’s the “texts from Emma” post, which appears in the book unchanged: http://the-toast.net/2013/10/29/texts-emma/
Read Euphoria by Lily King this weekend, which is fantastic.
Woops! After a crazy week, I completely missed the linkup. For my own sake, I’m adding mine down here anyways 😉
Books, Lately [November]: http://jennakristine.com/2014/11/19/books-lately-november/