Kiwillow Reads and Crafts

So, I have finally finished The Amber Spyglass and the last of the Dark Materials trilogy. I have loved discovering these books as an adult rather than as a child.  I honestly do not think I would have enjoyed these as a child or even understood them.  But as an adult I have been immersed in the worlds that Philip Pullman has created. It took me much longer to read The Amber Spyglass than the other two in the series and it was my least favourite of the three but overall I think the trilogy was fantastic.  I cannot wait for the second part of the series to come on the BBC in the Autumn. Now to read the Book of Commonwealth.  I read the Belle du Savauge last year even before I read the Dark Material books and I can't wait to discover Lyra now that she is older. Have you read these books?  Are you looking forward to the new series? In terms of reading in September, I'm going to take it easy and not set a TBR and see what takes my fancy.  I've ma...

Any one who knows me knows I adore Nigel Slater.  He is pure comfort and joy.  I absolutely love his writing and I was surprised that I wasn't aware of this little gem of a book before.  (It was published in 2007). As stated from the book, Eating for England is Nigel Slater's personal portrait of the British and their food.  A celebration of the glories, humour, eccentricities and embarrassments that make up that extraordinary thing that is the British table. This a collection of mini essays celebrating such delights as Faggots and Gravy, Murray Mints, Oxo Cubes, Fruit and Nut, Frys Five Centres, Boiled Brussels Sprouts , Quality Street, Colmans Mustard and Sarsons Vinegar to name but a few. This book is nostalgic, funny, and is a delight to read.  As usual when I read anything by Nigel, I hear his voice in my head, as if he is personally reading it to me. I loved this and gave it 5 stars. Happy reading Love Lesley xx  

So to get myself out of my reading slump, I have decided to return to an old favourite author of mine and start re-reading her books again.  I love Adriana Trigiani and Big Stone Gap was the first book of hers I read.  Her books are so cozy, full of characters and she just writes so beautifully. Big Stone Gap is the first in her Big Gap series and I have decided to start with this lovely book.  Hopefully it will kick start my reading again. I'll let you know how I get on. Happy Reading Love Lesley