I am so happy to share that I can move some things from in-process to completion: The Goldfinch is finished, as is Written in My Own Heart’s Blood, and Indigo Cones is finished, except for the button selection.
I loved, loved, loved The Goldfinch and really wished it would not end, despite the length of the book. I truly was enamored of young Theo. He tugged at my heartstrings, made me laugh at some of his antics, and at times I wanted to wring his neck! The writing was really perfection, as well. Donna Tartt’s turn of a phrase was ingenious. I give this book a 5-star rating!
Twenty-five years ago I read and LOVED Outlander and quickly read the two subsequent novels in the series that Diana Gabaldon wrote. So, I really thought I’d like Written in My Own Heart’s Blood. I could not be more wrong. I did not like it at all. How curious that one’s taste can change so dramatically in that amount of time. I kept hoping that if I just read one more chapter, I would like it. Sadly, it did not and I only gave it 2 stars.
That means I have 2 squares crossed off on my Book Bingo Card!
Up next in my reading queue is The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo and in my ears is Still Life (Book One of the Inspector Gamache series).
I also have completed an item from my Summer Knit Along List – Indigo Cones that I started some 2 years ago is off the needles! I know – even better, I have the entire summer to wear it! Button selections to commence shortly. I made some modifications to the project, and you can see all the details of it here.
I completed Clue Two on Kirsten Kapur’s Mystery Shawl and I am ready to start knitting Clue Three (which is out this morning) I am also working on finishing up the edging on Aestlight – this will be done quickly, I hope, but at least they are short rows!
Hopefully your knitting is progressing well and that you have some things that you are finishing! But, what I really want to know is what are you reading next! Want to see what the other Yarn Along-ers are up to? Head over to Ginny’s and see! There is rain here today (thankfully) so I am going to make like BooksCatsYarn and queue up Chef’s Table in Netflix and knit clue #3.
P.S. I made some jam yesterday. OMG, the jam! Really. The.Best.Jam.EVER! Really. Thanks, Judy! And, the color – seriously! Deep, intense, dark red jam with flavor that is amazing. I used balsamic vinegar and fresh rosemary from my garden. I made half the recipe and the jam was thickened in about half the time. No pectin used at all and this is the thickest, most perfectly set jam I have ever made. But, really – I am telling you that you need to make this jam! ASAP!
So many good things are happening here – great books, beautiful knitwear and delicious food! Love the cardigan – you will wear it a lot this summer!
your knits are especially beautiful….you are in a whole different knitting place than i. i especially love the blue sweater, that is a perfect summer sweater.
i am not a reader, can’t help you out there!!!
wow. have you been busy!!!! great knits, great reads,…..and awesome cooking going on. The trifecta!!!
Congratulations on all the finishes. I know tons of people who loved The Goldfinch, but not I. I couldn’t even finish it. 🙁
The sweater is gorgeous and perfect for summer. I love picking out buttons.
I’m making my way slowly through North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell and really enjoying it. Next up is The Water Knife by Paulo Bacigalupi.
I love the color of Indigo Cones and the almost-architectural look of Clue 2 — really lovely! Since you liked The Goldfinch, you might also enjoy Tartt’s The Secret History. No Theo-like characters, and some of them are downright unlikable, but I still found the book quite compelling.
I have to say – I can not get into the Outlander series. I read, I listened, I watched. It’s just not calling to me. I’m in the middle of the Blossom Street series. Great for summer reading. I love your sweater. It is just beautiful!
love your sweater 🙂 and the mystery shawl is coming along quite nicely! your photos are so summery good!
I read the first two Outlander books several years ago but got interrupted from the series (probably started having babies!) and when I went back to it and reread the first one this spring I was so disappointed! I wasn’t enjoying it at all! Alas, I didn’t go on with them.
Your jam looks delicious and your finished knit is really beautiful!
Thanks for all the goodness: you have been on a roll! Love everything you shared book and knit wise and would love to taste that jam…it looks so. good! (I may also be a tad hungry – had a dental appt this am and haven’t eaten much. Timr for lunch…)
Knit and Read on.
CheersAA}
Lots of fun stuff! I love all your knitting projects. Especially the mystery shawl. How fun! The jam looks delicious!
I love the Outlander books although I haven’t read the newest one. Do you think you might have enjoyed it more if you had read all of the others in the series first? Love your sweater and your shawl! I am reading LaRose (listening to that) and also The Queen of the Night. I was having a hard time getting into that one but now I think it’s going to be very good.
I read Outlander when it was first published. Since I have fallen in love with the TV series, I must revisit the books.
Gorgeous knits you’ve got there. Such vibrant colors.
And THE JAM–looks so good I wanted to lick the screen. 😉
Yay!! I finished TTL Clue 2 last night and am now tinking back the first row and a half of Clue 3 to figure out what I did wrong! Yours is looking fantastic, and I love Indigo Cones!