Mrs Blackwell’s November Reading Log

In the bookish Instagram circles I follow, November is #NonfictionNovember. This reading theme comes at good time, as I usually read mostly fiction in July, August and September while I try to get through the Booker Prize lists.

I didn’t read all nonfiction in November, but let’s start with a look first at one of the nonfiction books I really enjoyed:

‘Less - Stop Buying So Much Rubbish: How Having Fewer, Better Things Can Make Us Happier’ by Patrick Grant

I’ve never seen 'The Great British Sewing Bee,' but I’m told Patrick Grant is a popular judge. He’s a Savile Row tailor and started a clothing brand that focuses on locally made, high-quality British goods. While the author’s background didn’t draw me to this book, his expertise kept me engaged. He clearly knows what he’s talking about regarding retail and our connection to quality.

One of my favourite quotes (and there were many) was about how well-made items age over time:

"High quality objects are made from materials that will age in a way which gives increasing pleasure to the user. They will develop more character, a more beautiful, rich and nuanced patina. A well crafted object gives pleasure each time we hold it, wear it or use it."

Regarding leather goods, this reminded me of my Traveler's Company journal covers:

"An object made from wood, or leather or natural textiles will develop character, it will mold and soften and acquire new form and a new patina with the life you pass onto it through its use."

Currently available in hardcover, this book would make a fantastic gift for anyone looking to improve their relationship with their belongings. I would also highly recommend it to my retail friends, as it covers the history of physical stores and the growth of online shopping, including sites like Temu.

The author does a wonderful job with the audio edition, and we have hardcovers available in the store. Thanks to my friend Gina for the tip!

Next, a couple of works of fiction which I really enjoyed this month:

‘Peggy’ by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison

Even if you're not into art, you likely recognise the Guggenheim name from the famous museum in New York. It’s named after Solomon, Peggy’s uncle, but she also had a significant impact on the art world, using her personal fortune to support artists in the Dada and Surrealist movements.

The story covers her entire life, starting with her childhood in New York—where her father was a Titanic victim—then her schooling, and later living in London, France, and finally Venice. This fantastic historical fiction offers a really interesting glimpse into her life. The author passed away before finishing the book, and her friend and fellow author completed it.

‘The Mighty Red’ by Louise Erdrich

Set in 2008 in a North Dakota farming town feeling the pinch of the recession, most residents work in or support the sugar beet industry. The main story revolves around a love triangle among three local teens, intertwined with a dark event affecting many young people in the town, which unfolds as the story progresses.

Alongside this, parents engage in their own dramas and antics! Although set in the Red River Valley (where North Dakota meets Minnesota), the story felt like it captured the essence of many rural communities worldwide. If you haven’t tried Louise Erdrich before, this would be a great place to start.

‘Six Walks - In the Footsteps of Henry David Thoreau’ by Ben Shattuck

Struggling with a breakup, the author attempts to retrace one of Henry David Thoreau’s documented walks in New England. As the title suggests, this leads to five more Thoreau walks.

Midway through, the author tells us he’s paused the project for a couple of years. When he resumes, his tone has shifted from heartbroken wanderer, to a sense of homely comfort, as he has found a new life with actress Jenny Slate during COVID lockdowns.

The author is also a professional artist so there are many of his black and white drawings throughout. While I didn’t connect with the author as I had hoped, I would still recommend this book to anyone enjoys books about walking and nature.

‘Watercolour Workbook’ by Sarah Simon

This book is part of a three-book series by Sarah Simon, also known as The Mint Gardener on Instagram.

Each volume starts with lessons on techniques and colour mixing, and then proceeds to templates set up for you on high-quality watercolour paper. You start each project by following a light outline with a waterproof pen, and Sarah provides colour mixing suggestions for each design. It’s really a case of colouring-in with watercolours, but I found it a relaxing way to continue learning new techniques and colour combinations.

‘Small Things Like These’ by Claire Keegan

When 'Small Things Like These' was published in 2021, I felt like I’d had enough of stories about the hardships faced in Irish convents and Magdalen laundries for unwed mothers.

Last month, a book group I belong to picked 'Celebration' as the theme for December and wanting a short read, so I chose this novella.

Set in a small Irish town before Christmas, it follows a coal merchant named Bill and his family during their busy season. One morning, while delivering coal to the local convent, Bill finds a girl locked in the coal shed who has been there for some time. This discovery reveals insights into Bill’s past and his internal struggle regarding the situation at the convent.

That’s it for November, see you again in December 👋

PS. Looking for a friendly Wairarapa Book Group? New people are always welcome at the monthly Feathy Bookclub meetup.