November 2011 Stats

Books in progress: 13
Books read: 7
Pages read: 2,421

November was a busy month, and I fell a little behind in my reviewing. The same thing happened last November too; maybe I should plan on a less ambitious schedule for November 2012? In any case, I’m almost all caught up now. Thanks for bearing with me!

Books reviewed

This month, I read some great historical fiction. I liked both Vivienne Schiffer’s novel Camp Nine and Caroline Moorehead’s work of nonfiction, A Train in Winter, for tackling fascinating but little-known aspects of World War II. Another historical novel, The Printmaker’s Daughter by Katherine Govier, was set in nineteenth-century Japan; however, though I loved the detailed descriptions of the insular Japanese culture, I found the story itself to be a little flat.

I loved Peter Sís’s intricate illustration of the ancient epic poem, The Conference of Birds. I doubt the pictures I’ve posted do the art much justice; this is a book that you need to feel in your hands.

The final book I reviewed this month, The Chicktionary by Anna Lefler, was quite funny, if a little one-dimensional. This and Sís’s book would both make for good gifts, albeit to different people. (Or not!)

Top Ten Tuesday

I made a vow that I really hope I don’t break: By this time next year, I will have read all ten books on my eternal TBR list. The only one I’m really worried about is The Two Towers…

I had a lot of fun listing my top ten cookbooks in honor of the authors I would love to host at my Thanksgiving feast. And I reference The Office. What could be better?

Wordless Wednesday

October went out like a lion, and I posted a few pictures of Tinker playing in the early snowfall. Kizmet, the latest addition to our increasingly furry family, made her debut this month as well. Thankfully, she’s getting to be much less shy–even venturing out of her room while Tinker is in the house!

Jack was super romantic this month, giving me flowers and toe shoes for my birthday and treating me to a puzzle when we couldn’t take a weekend away. What a guy!

Subscription Saturday

This month, I read and critiqued Vanity Fair and Bitch magazines. I was impressed by the prose in both of them. I ended up subscribing to Bitch, and I’m keeping my eye out for future issues of VF that look interesting; the issue on the newsstands now, though, is of Lady Gaga, so I think I’ll pass.

Giveaways

In November, I was able to give away three copies of Donia Bijan’s delicious memoir, Maman’s Homesick Pie. Congratulations to the winners: Katherine Feredjian, Elizabeth Faubert, and Jessie Nicole Paul!