December really wasn't being a good month for reading - or at least not for finishing books - until I got Covid the week before Christmas. Once I was well enough to concentrate, but still not up to working, I spent most of my time reading old favourites. I think Teen seems to be quietly subverting my desire to read new books as an evening spent watching Little Women meant I had to revisit that series, and the very next day she put on Anne With An E. Sadly for me, that set was out in my study in the garden so I had to go exploring to retrieve it from the stacks of books under the spare desk. all ok all, after a slow start, I've managed to get through quite a few books this month - some old friends and some new discoveries.
Walking with Plato by Gary Hayden
This is a sort of travel-philosophy blend - perhaps unsurprisingly, given the title! Gary and his wife Wendy walked End to End - from John o'Groats to Lands End. In this book he summarises and briefly describes the route they took, and supplements this with reflections on walking, nature, philosophy and more. It's the kind of book the makes me want to go for a very long walk!
My Hair is Pink Under This Veil by Rabina Khan
The author, a first-generation British Muslim discusses the popular myths about Muslim women and why some of them wear the veil. She relates her own family history and experiences of racism and Islamophobia, and clearly explains the significance of the veil and what it may mean to women choosing to wear it.
Through the past few decades, British society has adapted, and adopted some aspects of Muslim life and culture, from the availability of halal foods, to modest clothing made by high-fashion brands. At the same time, what it means to be Muslim in British society has changed - it is no longer a tiny minority religion, but has followers in every town and city, although the racism and xenophobia of the mid-twentieth century are still far too prevalent in many places.
I found this book to be highly informative and very well written in a style that was easy to read. The combination of personal anecdote and experience with relevant statistical data and clear thoughtful explanation was very well crafted. Very strongly recommended.
Rowing without Oars by Ulla-Carin Lindquist
This is the story of Ulla-Carin's life after her ALS diagnosis, and the way in which she comes to terms with and prepares both herself and her family for her increasing disability and subsequent death. Moving, sensitive, and open about her fears, anger and resentments as well as her acceptance, hope and peace.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Having just rewatched the 2019 film, I needed to reread the books - treasured favourites from my childhood. Absolutely as wonderful as ever.
Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott
Second in the series about the four March girls. Moving and uplifting. Always worth rereading
Little Men by Louisa May Alcott
Third in the series and quite possibly my favourite. It starts a few years after Good Woves ends and covers the next few years of ups and downs at Plumfield. The school is established and flourishing, and the young boys in its care are growing and developing through testing times and joyous celebrations alike.
Jo's Boys by Louisa May Alcott
The final book about the March family. In some ways it's like a series of snapshots rather than a continuous story, but it's a very satisfactory conclusion to the series.
Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
What can there possibly be to say about this much-loved classic? If anything it's even better read from an adult perspective, as now I see the feminist perspective which as a teen was unnoticed by me. An absolute joy to re-read.
Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The second Anne book - again well deserving its status as a classic. A lovely book showing Anne as she grows up through her late teens and continues her education.
Anne of the Island by Lucy Maud Montgomery
As Anne goes off to college, she continues to have adventures and get into scrapes due to her impulsive nature and lovely imagination. Montgomery's feminism and keen support of the value of educating women is beautifully expressed.
Anne of Windy Willows by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I remain baffled as to why the Poplars of the original title had to be changed to Willows for the UK audience, but putting that aside, this is wonderfully evocative of late nineteenth century life in Nova Scotia. Anne's irrepressible spirit doesn't get her into many scrapes nowadays, but her imagination still brings her fresh adventures and her charm makes her new friends wherever she is. The vivid descriptions of people and places are lively and evocative - reading these books truly is escaping into a different world for me.
Cat Lady by Dawn O'Porter
This one was a Christmas present from my best friend who, if anything is even more of a cat lady than I am, with her having three cats to my two! We follow Mia as she discovers the truth about her relationship and herself, supported by the pet grief group she joins. Funny, touching, and poignant.
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