book rambles and a giveaway

There's something about a change in the weather that shifts the energy. Lately I've found more time for reading and I thought I'd share a few of the books that have worked their way to the top of my stack.

• Hope in the Dark, Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities, by Rebecca Solnit has been on my list for months. First published in 2004, it is now in its third edition, and according to Maria Popova, it is "...a book that has grown only more relevant and poignant in the decade since." 
• You may recall that Mary Oliver's Devotions is part of what I call my "survival kit" for 2018. Like walking on the road, sewing by hand, steeping and enjoying herbal tea, Mary's poetry  provides me with an active way to meditate...a way to center and find peace. Her book sits on my night table, ready to calm me when I am restless in the darkest hours. It really is a gem.
• Anne, who blogs at My Giant Strawberry recommended The Late Bloomers' Club to me. I had read Louise Miller's debut novel, The City Baker's Guide to Country Life and enjoyed it. I just finished Miller's newest, The Late Bloomers' Club and I think I liked it even better. Both novels are charming escapes from current events and are filled with true Vermont characters. Light reading for heavy days. Thanks for the recommendation, Anne!
• My book club has hits and misses, and this month's selection was a fun read. Less, by Andrew Sean Greer was published in 2017 and won the Pulitzer Prize. The committee was perhaps looking to honor something comic and distracting for a change. This romp was slow to start and I got a little lost in the middle, but the story came together nicely at the end. GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY...if you would like to find my pre-read copy of Less, in your mailbox, please leave a comment below or send me an e-mail. I apologize in advance...due to postage costs, this is open only to domestic readers. I will select a winner on Wednesday, October 24th.
• Our book club selection for next month is small great things, by Jodi Picoult. This is another book I have been wanting to read, although I've heard it is a difficult read. Have any of you read it?
• Folks who have been reading this blog for years may remember that I recommended Winter Morning Walks: one hundred postcards to Jim Harrison, by Ted Kooser. The dated poems begin on November 9th, so you have time to find a copy. I invite you to join me in reading our way through the book again. I will occasionally post a photo here at sewandsowlife, inspired by Kooser's words.

• Last, but not least, I've been a mender for as long as I can remember (modeled for me by my true-blue-Yankee paternal grandmother, who I had the honor of growing up next door to).  Just this week a wonderful book about mending was published, authored by Katrina Rodabaugh. Filled with mini essays written by some of my faves...Jen Hewett, Sonya Phillip, India Flint and others. There are also reflections written by the author, alongside her clear instructions for many sewing projects. If you are interested in "slow fashion", handcraft heritage, Japanese wabi-sabi and extending the life of your garments, this is the book for you. Mending Matters is a gem. (Looks like I have my work cut out for me with this pair of Batman's jeans!)

How about you? Do you have any book recommendations for us?