Brickyard and Books
January 03, 2018
Brickyard is only a couple of inches from the finish line. I've enjoyed knitting this pattern and have high hopes of having a beautiful sweater in the near future. Kim's yarn is has been a joy (as usual), plus I don't remember ever knitting a pattern that was so well written.
I've been reading well outside my usual genre, as the last few books would be classified as sci-fi or dystopian. I went right through the His Dark Material's series lickity-split! I LOVE The Golden Compass, but think it's worth reading all three books (back to back). Then I read Ready Player One which was just a kick as it took me back through the 1980s via 2045. I didn't understand some of the gaming references, but who doesn't remember Pac-Man?
Then on a whim, I listened to The Power by Naomi Alderman. I was BLOWN away! I couldn't stop listening it was, well, SO powerful! I highly recommend this book even if you think you don't like sci-fi, because it isn't aliens or UFOs, it's current day problems and politics, but with a big twist. This book had as much impact on me as Handmaid's Tale did when I read it in the 80s. And, just to push my case, President Obama picked it as one of his Top Books of 2017. (I also like many of his Song of the Year choices.)
My book group pick of the month is Never Let Me Go, which I read when it was first published. I don't remember the ending well, but it's another disturbing dystopian tale. After this, I think I'll read a classic.
Sadly, I missed capturing a screen shot of My Books of 2017 from Goodreads, but here's a shot of some of my favorites from the year. I'd recommend any and all of the books you see here. I'm joining Kat and friends for Unraveled Wednesday. Tell me what are your favorite books of 2017 is and if you've made a reading goal for 2018.
Hey, Margene, here's the link to look at your year in books. https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/1114-2017---see-your-year-in-books
I had trouble finding this page as well! I think that my favorite book this year was News of the World in fiction, and The Art and Science of Aging Well in nonfiction. I wasn't blown away by a lot of books this year. I think it was just me and my state of mind. I will have to get The Power. It sounds right down my alley. I can hardly wait to see your sweater!
Posted by: Becky | January 03, 2018 at 07:11 AM
Brickyard is beautiful, and I'm very happy to hear about The Power. I saw it on Audible, and I think it will be my next listen. I can't go wrong with combined recommendations from two great readers I trust - you and Obama!
Posted by: Bonny | January 03, 2018 at 07:15 AM
I can't wait to see your Brickyard on you!!
Posted by: Kim | January 03, 2018 at 08:21 AM
I've added The Power to my want-to-read list, thank you for the recommendation! I think my favorites last year were Lincoln in the Bardo, 4321, News of the World, and South of Broad.
Posted by: Carole | January 03, 2018 at 08:39 AM
I cant wait to see this on you - it is beautiful
Posted by: Monica Scozzare | January 03, 2018 at 08:42 AM
I cannot wait to see your Brickyard!! The color is amazing.
Posted by: Vicki | January 03, 2018 at 08:48 AM
Adding The Power to my 2018 to read list...I made a return to fiction in 2017 and my fave: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. I listened but I liked so much I also bought a print edition...
Added Brickyard to my Ralvery queue...yours is lovely and I look froward to seeing you in it.
Cheers~
Posted by: Honore´ | January 03, 2018 at 10:03 AM
The Hate U Give and The Girl Who Drank the Moon will both be on my top ten list when I publish it this weekend. Reading more poetry is on my list for this new year.
Posted by: sprite | January 03, 2018 at 12:02 PM
I'm going to have to look into The Power. And Brickyard - gorgeous!!
Posted by: Vera | January 03, 2018 at 12:42 PM
I have that book to read! I like dystopian the more I read it and who knew?? Glad you are making progress on your knit!!
Posted by: karen | January 03, 2018 at 12:54 PM
I will be reading the pattern for Archer and hopefully knitting it. That is the fingering weight version of Brickyard. Your Brickyard looks lovely and I love the color.
Posted by: Cris | January 03, 2018 at 05:56 PM
Oooh, I'm going to check out The Power and His Dark Materials ... One of my favorites from 2017 was Towle's A Gentleman in Moscow; I'm going to be re-reading it next month because I chose it for bookclub in March. I also really loved Auster's 4 3 2 1. I think you'd like both of those.
Posted by: Mary | January 04, 2018 at 03:58 AM
Okay, you are the second person to talk about Elizabeth Doherty patterns recently. I am looking seriously at knitting up her latest pattern in Kim's yarn. And, your book reading is always inspiring!
Posted by: AsKatKnits | January 04, 2018 at 06:00 AM
Yay for a sweater almost finished! :) I was definitely intrigued by President Obama's music list.
Posted by: Chris | January 04, 2018 at 12:55 PM