tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post4513475744477812334..comments2022-07-19T07:48:28.683-04:00Comments on Belle, Book, and Candle: In Which I Make a Plan to Keep My Spirits UpBellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04335523622158333456noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post-78376605794339926632017-01-24T12:47:15.415-05:002017-01-24T12:47:15.415-05:00Yes, Kathy, Bill Bryson is always good for a laugh...Yes, Kathy, Bill Bryson is always good for a laugh. I would love to meet him but I think he has moved back to England so I don't know if he will be doing any touring in America anytime soon.<br /><br />"Heartbreaking"? Avoid at all costs.<br /><br />I am familiar with Persephone books. I thought at one time it offered a subscription service but I checked the website and don't see anything like that. The online catalogue is gorgeous. Worth a trip to London?Bellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04335523622158333456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post-67886722021025078582017-01-23T11:52:49.760-05:002017-01-23T11:52:49.760-05:00I have only read a couple of the books on your lis...I have only read a couple of the books on your list, and I haven't read the Bryson--something for me to look forward to, also. I do love his writing, and I'm pretty sure I'm at least a couple of books behind. My husband is reading Notes From a Small Island right now, and he keeps reading passages and phrases out to me, and we both laugh.<br /><br />I know what you mean about book descriptions, also. I try to avoid reading books that are "heartbreaking" as well. <br /><br />Are you familiar with Persephone Books? While I've never actually bought a Persephone, I think they have a lot of books that are mid-century domestic novels, like Joan mentioned. I know they have published at least one book by Dorothy Whipple. She's on my to-read list, too. Kathy A. Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01499969787028085716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post-49205741942421290472017-01-22T14:25:59.348-05:002017-01-22T14:25:59.348-05:00Penny, your CD passing back and forth makes for a ...Penny, your CD passing back and forth makes for a bit of comic relief in my day. Creates quite a picture! I don't know why I sometimes put off reading a book that I know for certain I will enjoy. There is something to be said for delayed gratification, but I have been holding on to 'One Summer' for years now. I think I have delayed my enjoyment long enough!<br /><br />Thank you and take heart.Bellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04335523622158333456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post-13815786038713191872017-01-22T14:19:51.246-05:002017-01-22T14:19:51.246-05:00Hi, Joan. I am not familiar with Ms. Whipple (is s...Hi, Joan. I am not familiar with Ms. Whipple (is she any relation to Mr. Whipple of Charmin fame? heehee). My library apparently has not heard of her...nothing in its collection. I will keep a look out at used book sales. But your mention of domestic novels makes me think of Barbara Pym. She might be a welcome addition to My Happy Pile. Bellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04335523622158333456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post-85483091335259016822017-01-22T09:06:33.040-05:002017-01-22T09:06:33.040-05:00Ah, Belle; Bryson and Nichols always perk me up an...Ah, Belle; Bryson and Nichols always perk me up and give me at least a giggle, if not a good laugh. <br />I read "One Summer . . . " via audiobooks this past summer. I had finished the first CD as I was pulling in the driveway. My husband, having a particularly challenging day, was pulling out. I shouted out "Wait. Listen to this". He did, and the next week was a long exchange of CDs being passed back and forth, and much lively, often humorous conversations over the dinner table. <br />PS Thank you for your kind words. Hanging on here, and appreciating good blogs like yours. Penny O'Neillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14665025558373015362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9148557807474310110.post-55148210444272479922017-01-21T11:03:51.950-05:002017-01-21T11:03:51.950-05:00I've read quite a few of your Happy Books pile...I've read quite a few of your Happy Books pile. I think they will make you happy. I've just discovered that I really enjoy a genre I'd previously shunned: mid-19th century British domestic novels. I'm late to the game, but I'm currently enjoying Dorothy Whipple's The Great Mr. Knight (which seems to be the American title of They Knew Mr. Knight). I've just bought another of hers, anticipating another pleasant novel.joan.kylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17015342608992682333noreply@blogger.com