When confronted with a birthday in a week I will remember that a book can be a really good present, too. — Stephanie Pearl McPhee, At Knit’s End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much
I finally began those socks again… and this time I decided to use a toe up sock pattern… sort of. I will do increases until they are wide enough for Steve’s feet and then knit on. Fortunately he does not like tall socks, so once I get to the heel all the hard work will be done! That is if I get through the fiddly bit of the toe! Ha! I need to get them done because a birthday book would not be at all appreciated, lol!
However, what I am focused on is a sweater! Yes, I am back on Sleeve Island again this week. This time I am knitting away on Purl String sleeves. This sweater will be the perfect thing for spring so the urge to get it done is strong. However complicated the knitting of the sleeves are… there are decreases every X rounds, and something else happening every Y rounds. Which means there is lots of counting… sigh.
And who besides me has been drooling over the latest MDK Field Guide? I want to knit all.the.things!
It was a most excellent reading week!
Snow by John Banville
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A priest has been murdered and, of course, there are a collection of suspects. DI Strafford (Sinjin) begins the task of unwinding the lies and alibis… but does that lead to the killer? An excellent and well-told story.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t remember what directed me to read this book but I am so glad I did! If you need something to take your mind off Pandemic Times… this.is.the.book! The Life and Times of Ignatius J. Reilly are something to behold. I laughed… lots. The characters in the book are just magnificent – I loved the fallibility of them! I hate to say this, but boy… I have one or two of these characters in my life! I highly recommend this glorious book!
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read this book after I watched the Netflix series, but that did not diminish this story at all. It is brilliantly crafted, it pulls you in from the opening sentence and carries you along to the very last page. I know less than nothing about chess but that did not diminish the story either. I loved all the bits with Beth strategizing. I fell in love with Beth and all her faults! If you have not read this book, you should…now!
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Yet another Brown book that I need to purchase so I can re-read parts as needed. I especially loved the parts on allowing oneself to be happy… to find joy… to live. I highly recommend this book!
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What a wonderful week of reading. A Confederacy of Dunces has been on my radar and I really need something funny, so thank you for the recommendation! And of course, Brené Brown is such a wonder… I’m glad you’re enjoying her work.
Purl Strings is so close! And it’s going to be so lovely – enjoy 🙂
I love your socks and your Purl Strings! In my ongoing efforts to finish some wips I dug a partially completed sock and started working on it again. I had forgotten how nice it is to knit socks, and once I remembered how to turn the heel it was really fun. I also loved The Queen’s Gambit and I think I will have to look for that Brene Brown. (I remember being happy in the Before Times…)
Looks like it was another great week for you Kat! Purl Strings is coming along and is just so pretty. I do like the yarn for Steve’s socks. I keep thinking I will try a toe-up design…but then I stick with what I know! I read Confederacy of Dunces decades ago and loved it – it may be time to drag it out for a re-read!
I love all the texture on your sweater, Kat! And it’s great to have a good-reading week, isn’t it? (The yarn for the socks is just gorgeous! Love the colors.)
That sweater is going to be so perfect for spring! I hope you can power through those sleeves!
You’re the second person who’s raved about The Queen’s Gambit. I really enjoyed the series, so I guess I really need to read it, too!
I knew I could count on you for the beginning of a new booklist! As always….thank you!!!
Thanks for all of the great book reviews! I have been looking for books to add to my reading list and this really helped!
Your sweater is looking great! And you read some excellent books, too. I love the newest MDK Field Guide, the timing is great for thinking about Lopi and Iceland and Hannah’s wedding!
Oooo, that sweater is going to be perfect for Spring and love the yarn color! Have put on hold two books you recommended today, thanks!
The texture in that sweater is lovely. It will be fun to wear this Spring. Best of luck with the socks.
I enjoy seeing your posts, I get them emailed, but the link in the email never works for me.
That sweater is lovely! What yarn?
I love that sweater and the stitch detailing. You always pick the prettiest patterns to knit up!
Very nice.I like