S is for Shamrock by Eve Bunting

by Carol1 Comment
S is for Shamrock by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Matt Faulkner (Suggested reading level: Age 4 - Grade 3) Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did you know that St. Patrick wasn't born in Ireland? He was actually born in Wales or maybe France around 385 and was named Maewyn, but he grew to love Ireland. That's just one of the tidbits of Amber (10) and I learned from S is for Shamrock. We read the book together last night and it was an enjoyable book. Each letter stands for a person, concept, folktale or event associated with Ireland. For each there is a 5-line verse, with further information in the sidebar. We read all of the verses and only the sidebars that interested us, which turned out be be most of them. U is for Ulster Ulster is a province in the North of Ireland. On its flag it's plain to see a red and bloody hand. There's trouble still in Ulster. It's very sad to see Irish fighting...
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Cotillion by Georgette Heyer

by Carol16 Comments
Cotillion by Georgette Heyer The word "classics" tends to bring to mind long, boring books, the kind you just have to wade through. I'm not sure why that is. The classics I've read over the last several years have, for the most part been, been wonderful, some of my favorites. I almost wish I could refrain from referring to them as "classics," simply because for so many people the word is such a turn-off. Cotillion was published in 1953 and is one of many Regency Romance written by Heyer. To be honest, I haven't quite finished reading it yet. I could have rushed through I guess, but I'm finding it a delightful story and want to take my time with it. Kitty, the heroine, is a charming young woman. She is to inherit a fortune from her guardian, but only if she marries one of his great-nephews. Kitty is not appalled by the plan, but wants the right nephew to propose - Jack,...
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What can happen in a month?

by Carol5 Comments
"Whatever happens, I shall have had at least one month in London." "Yes, but that's just it," said Freddy, knitting his brows. "Seems to me you've got a devilish queer notion of London! What do you suppose will happen?" "Good gracious, Freddy, anything might happen!" (pg. 89, Cotillion by Georgette Heyer) I have to love Kitty. She's headstrong, impulsive, naive, but simply charming. London, for her, is full of possibilities and new experiences. Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Play along. I cheated, but the rules are easy. Grab your current read, open to a random page, and give us two teaser sentences. Remember, no spoilers. I borrowed my copy from the library and the above is my honest opinion. I am an Amazon associate....
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After the Race by James Joyce

by Carol7 Comments
"After the Race" by James Joyce I have never read anything by Joyce that I remember. It seems unlikely that I didn't read at least an excerpt from something when I was in college, but if I did it didn't stick with me. "After the Race" is from Dubliners, first published in 1914. The story begins with a car race through Dublin and tells the story of Jimmy Doyle, a young Irishman who is riding with a Frenchman, Segouin, the rich owner of the car who is starting motor business. Jimmy is the son of a wealthy merchant, well-educated and well-provided for. He is aware of how much work it was for his father to attain his success and considers his investment with Segouin to be serious, although it did meet with his father's approval. Jimmy and his father want to associate with the higher social classes and Jimmy, after the race, joins the Frenchman and several friends for dinner. It's a delight,...
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National Napping Day

by Carol11 Comments
Today's National Napping Day! Apparently the unofficial holiday started in 1999 and serves as a reminder to us all that sleep is an essential and healthy part of our daily routine. I love a nap. There are few things better than taking time out in the middle of the day to lie down and go to sleep. Forget about the chores, ignore the kid, keep the dog out of the bedroom. It's refreshing, puts me in a good mood. My family knows that every Sunday afternoon, I get to disappear into the bedroom for an hour or so for a nap, no disturbances. I wish I could take a nap this afternoon, but no, I have to be at work. And I have to walk home for lunch and then walk back since my husband accidentally took my car key with him, so no time to sneak one in. So, what about you? Are you a napper?...
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