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Wednesday, October 07, 2020

A Welcome Surprise

Good morning! I didn't expect to post today because I shared my WIPs yesterday and one day later don't have much more to show, but I have finished a couple of books in the last week, so here I am to join up with Kat and the Unravelers.

 
I've heard Breathe: A Letter to My Sons compared to Between the World and Me, and I'd say it's a fair comparison. Addressed to her sons, who have the sometimes dangerous role of growing up as Black young men in America, Perry examines her experiences as a Black woman and her heritage, upbringing, education, and religious beliefs have shaped her. In many ways, this is a memoir, but it's also part political and social commentary, and the writing is simply exquisite. It's a short book that does not take a lot of time to read, but it deserves a slow read. I gave it 4 stars.



Just before bed last night I finished the 11th book in the Inspector Gamache series, The Nature of the Beast. I'd put a hold on it at the library as soon as I finished the previous book and was pleasantly surprised by how soon I received it. I have to say that I can imagine it's hard to keep things fresh and exciting when writing a series about one character (especially when that character is a homicide detective who retired from the police force in the previous book!), but Louise Penny has yet to disappoint me. This installment involved international arms dealers, espionage, and a serial killer -- in addition to the usual murder mystery and the delightful inhabitants of Tree Pines. I gave it 4 stars.


I'm currently reading The Women of Brewster Place and am nearly halfway through.

The surprise I hinted at in the title is a package that arrived yesterday. I was expecting it -- that wasn't the surprise -- but there was more inside the package than what I had ordered.


This past weekend would have been my favorite local fiber event, Indie Knit & Spin, which was obviously canceled as an in-person event like so many others this year. Rebecca of Dusty Tree had been posting about some special Halloween-inspired soaps, so I decided to place an order with her to stock up, considering how much we wash our hands (have you noticed how hard it's been to find liquid hand soap lately?). The surprise was the bonus package inside, containing an extra bar of soap (the delicious-smelling Latte Bubbles), a small skein of yarn, a set of stitch markers, a lotion bar, a lip balm, and a drawstring bag. Getting fancy soap in the mail was enough of a treat, so I was pretty blown away by the surprise gift. Rebecca is a delightful person who makes amazing soap and also dyes beautiful yarn (you may remember that I used her yarn in my Sky in the Stream shawl). I always feel good about supporting local small businesses, so it was so nice to not only get what I'd ordered so fast but to get a lovely hand-written note, too, thanking me for my business. I can also vouch for the soap, too -- it's great stuff!

I hope your Wednesday has some good reading and at least one good surprise in store for you!

13 comments:

  1. If that's not the most delightful package to receive in the mail, I don't know what is. I'm putting together a bundle of a postcard swap with folks in the Colorado Correspondence Coalition... You're inspiring me to include more than just my 5 requisite postcards!!

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  2. I have Breathe on hold and am now looking forward to it even more. It's always nice to receive a delightful and unexpected surprise, and yours from Dusty Tree looks wonderful! I've also had some trouble finding liquid hand soap, so it's time for me to check out Rebecca's bars!

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  3. Jennifer2:56 PM

    I'm curious to see what you have to say about The Women of Brewster Place when you finish it. I had to read it for a class several years ago, and I still haven't come to a conclusion on it. From time to time bits of it will pop back into my mind. I think because it told the stories of so many different women it really touched a nerve with me about the female experience.

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    1. I'm only about halfway through but am really enjoying it. I think it would be a book that would be great to read for a class and discuss!

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  4. That's a pretty sweet package Sarah! I've got to get going on Brewster Place...

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  5. Breath sounds super interesting, maybe my library has it as well! I'll look for it.

    The soaps look super awesome! I have to admit that I have had kinda mixed experiences with soap - once I was gifted a handmade bar that was incredibly slimy (uärgh), but I got some from my best friend and those were very nice! Maybe I should look into indie-made soaps more and hope to get lucky! (Also YEAH for the yarn!!! It's a super beautiful colour)

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    1. I don't know enough about soap to know what to look for, but I know that I like these so I'll stick with them. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who decide to try making soap but don't really know what they're doing.

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  6. What an incredible package! I need to look her up and send some business her way! Thank you for the heads up!

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  7. It's such a great surprise . . . to get a special anything in the mail! :-) What fun!

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  8. I saw that soap photo on IG and meant to go back later to write down the website ... now I don't have to! What a delightful package to open (and then use)!

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  9. It's so fun to get surprises in the mail - yay!

    I'm glad you're still enjoying the Armand Gamache series. I LOVE the villagers in Three Pines - they get funnier with each additional book. And I love that Reine-Marie moves more into focus as the series progresses.

    I just started Between the World and Me on audio yesterday. I'll look for Breathe at the library - thank you!

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  10. What a nice surprise. I haven't had any handmade soap for quite awhile. I am impatiently waiting for the latest Gamache mystery. At some point I plan to go back and read them. To date I have listened to them which has its own charms. The character development fascinates me.

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  11. Surprises in the mail are the best thing aren't they, yours looks amazing!

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