books books books

Ah, time for another quarterly review in my year-long book diary. I haven't read as many books in this period, not sure why. Anyway here is my list of books, picking up where the last list left off ~

1. Rendezvous with Rama Arthur C. Clarke
2. Vile Bodies Evelyn Waugh
3. Fiery Cross (gave up half way through) Diana Gabaldon
4. Under Enemy Colours (surprisingly good, hope the sequel is out soon) Sean Thomas Russell
5. Drums of Autumn Diana Gabaldon
6. Voyager Diana Gabaldon
7. Dragonfly in Amber Diana Gabaldon
8. Mr Midshipman Fury G. S. Beard
9. Wish Me Luck Margaret Dickinson
10. A Town Like Alice (stayed up till 5am reading this) Nevil Shute
11. A Promise to Keep Lilian Harry

And the books I want to read next ~



Scoop Evelyn Waugh

Lieutenant Fury G. S. Beard
Sharpe’s Eagle Bernard Cornwell
Submariner Alexander Fullerton
Butterfield 8 John O'Hara

The Light Years Elizabeth Howard
Star of the Sea Joseph O'Connor
Kydd Julian Stockwin
Put Out More Flags Evelyn Waugh
Decline and Fall Evelyn Waugh
The Mammoth Book of Men O War various
Bright Young People D. J. Taylor
The Hidden Dance Susan Wooldridge
The Great Lover Jill Dawson

Beyond the Blue Event Horizon and sequels Frederik Pohl

Sylvia’s Lovers Elizabeth Gaskell

Everard Mariner of England v1 Alexander Fullerton

green indicates books I might buy as a treat on payday

But, this isn't all, oh no, this is barely the beginning. I've decided I want to read every book on the SF Masterworks list. Yes, all 73 books. And, all the books on the Fantasy Masterworks list. That would be 50. This is inspired by my latest read, the brilliant Rendezvous with Rama, and time spent working in my favourite section within my department at work. No clues, its the SciFi and Fantasy section. (History is unfortunately on a different floor, as is creative textiles) So, that's at least 140 books, but, I have not set myself a deadline, which I think is a good idea.

So some basic statistical analysis. Well I seem to favour three broad genres:

1. Age of Sail/Royal Navy/Ships fiction and non-fiction
2. 1920s-1940s set fiction and non-fiction
3. SciFi/Fantasy fiction

I've read 33 books in the past 6 months, averaging 5.5 a month, or 1.2 a week. But I've read only 18 authors.

one more poster

Bonnie

I finished the bonnie lace cowl, I managed 2.5 repeats of the 12 row lace pattern, then cast off, blocked, and seamed. I used 5mm needles and rowan tapestry in moorland, which self stripes in blue and sand colours.

Another lemon cake, just two layers of sponge this time, and one layer of lemon curd, and stars for a bit of glitz.

monday is my weekend

I always work right through the weekend, so Monday is usually my day to lounge about at home. Its nice to have some peace, with HH at work, though I often feel like I've bunked off school. Anyway, how to make the most of this day all alone?

a) brunch (because I had a lie-in of course)

basic pancakes with a teaspoon of dijon mustard added to the batter, and poached eggs, and tea

b) a film

Tea With Mussolini ~ gentle 1930s set film

c) knitting

Bonnie, from Heartfelt, I don't think I've enough yarn to make the hat, so I was thinking of making it into a cowl instead, for those drizzly english summer days.

beach bag

Last night we planned a day trip to the beach, and I made me a new beach bag.

This is slightly more sophisticated than the ruffle tote, because the bag and strap are lined, and it has an interior pocket. It took me about 3 hours from start to finish.

Funnily enough, this was also inspired by Gap bags, I especially like their new yellow striped one. But, why buy if you can make it at home?

So, all I need now is the beach...

Vintage 1940s Makeup and Hair Advice

Fan of vintage style? You absolutely must watch this wonderful tutorial from the 1940s...

mini-engagement present

For friends Dan and Vicky, who just announced they are going to be wed next summer. Vicky was taken to Italy for a surprise proposal, the lucky thing!