I have an affinity for buying books, similar to my affinity for buying needlework/quilting paraphenalia and Poirot mystery DVD's. All of these things are lovely, in their own way, but need to be dealt with eventually because I am sure they have the ability to multiply themselves in the dark. So, here in the early days of 2008, I have been making time to participate in each of these activities -- at least a bit each day.
The Young Readers Challenge has been quite helpful in making me look at my collection of children's books that I have either never read or wish to read again. Unfortunately, it sent me to the bookstore to look for more which my one bulging bookcase can't handle.
As I looked at the bulging bookcase, the books resting there two deep, I became very aware of my reading "style". I tend to like books that are either historical fiction or that represent a cozy, homey sort of life that is found in a time or place that is different from that in which I live. The one notable thing about my selection of books is that they are mostly in series. Since I just finished the latest book by Jan Karon, "Home from Holly Springs", I was looking for something to follow it up with (while waiting for the next Karon) so I went to Karon's website and she suggested a couple of Miss Read books of the Thrush Green series. I went to my bulging bookcase -- noted as the BBC from here on -- and I found that I had a copy of the first Miss Read work from 1955. The title is "Tales of a Village School". Upon further review, I learned that there are two sizable Miss Read series -- the Fairacre series and the Thrush Green series. The book I have is the first of the Fairace series and that is where I will begin. (Note: www.fantasticfiction.co.uk has a listing of all the Miss Read books by series)
So, I have decided to begin my own reading challenge. I am going to challenge myself to begin the Miss Read books and see how far I go. If anyone would care to join me just let me know. There are no rules -- rules aren't fun -- just choose a book and have a go.
"Miss Read has created an orderly universe in which people are kind and conscientious and cherish virtues and manners now considered antiquated elsewhere...An occasional visit to Fairace offers a restful change from the frenetic pace of the contemporary world." ---Publishers Weekly
See, I told you I liked books from a different time and place than the one in which I live.
Happy Reading!
5 comments:
OK, I'll bite! I have placed the first three in the Thrush Green series on reserve at the library :)
Yay! Thanks for reading my blog! I was really feeling alone out here, nobody reads my blog :(. I am looking forward to these books, however and glad you are along for the ride!
Poor Cuzzie! I always read your blog. But you knew that. I've read the first 3 'Miss Read' Fairacre books, and I always intended to go back and read more of them - I think I've even got a few in storage. So maybe I'll try and dig them out and join the challenge.
JLSHall--
I know you read my blog and I am glad. It can be a lonely place out here in Blogsville!
Well, I have wanted to read the Miss Read books for a long time and this is a good excuse to do it. Not like I need an excuse but rather an inspiration.
I would like it if you would read-a-long-with-Cuzzie --- I mean, after all, you are the one that got me interested in the challenges and, actually, into blogging too.
So, let's go!
Lova ya,
Cuzzie
I started Thrush Green yesterday!
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