A Friday Reads full of bangers

A Friday Reads full of bangers

The week in review:

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Time stamps (scroll down for Goodreads links):

00:00 Introduction
01:57 Mystery guest
29:37 Week in Review
30:52 Thanks for another generous donation
32:19 This Bright Dust by Nina Berkhout
36:07 Odd Girl Out by Elizabeth Jane Howard
38:50 Graft by Li Peifu
40:52 Luck by David Carpenter
41:57 Queen Mary and Others by Osbert Sitwell

Books mentioned:
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Malice Aforethought by Francis Iles

Antwerp: The Glory Years by Michael Pye

This Bright Dust by Nina Berkhout

Odd Girl Out by Elizabeth Jane Howard

Graft by Li Peifu
James Trapp (Translator)

Luck by David Carpenter

Queen Mary and Others by Osbert Sitwell

Mystery guest: Roland Allen

The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen

Where else to follow me:
@shawnmooney on Litsy and on Twitter
@shawnbreathesbooks on Instagram and Threads

[lindysmagpiereads]

Purple eyeglasses, a history of notebooks, Japanese stationery, This Bright Dust, pee-your-pants hilarity… I want it all! 😅

[cubanita]

Very interesting guest. Almost made me go buy a notebook and start using my fountainpens.

[marionagnew]

Wow, I've been seeing The Notebook everywhere and now I have to move it up my "to buy" list. And how fabulous, your time with Sharon Butala! I was at a Creative Nonfiction Collective conference during the pandemic, so by zoom, and she was on a panel. She mentioned that she'd moved into a city and found it difficult to meet people, and many folks at her session chimed in in the comments, "I wish I lived near you!" I'm sure she appreciates spending time with perceptive readers.

[josmith]

Roland sounds like he had such a good time researching his book, it sounds wonderful and I agree with him that we seem to be moving away from noting everything down digitally - something I’m pleased about as I’m unable to trust my devices not to lose things. 😉I’m shocked that someone moved your carefully curated pile of books!! 😱😉Love the glasses and the way they match your blouse 😍

[melaniereed]

Love your new eyeglasses Shawn - very striking. I am currently reading Roland Allen's book and it is very interesting. I found his ideas around the significance of the paper notebook fascinating. Nice interview, thanks.

[ReadBecca]

Aggressive progressives! 😄 I like the color, perfect for such a bright, standout person.

[Mumblindeafro]

I loved Graft. I reviewed it for The Irish Times I think.

[ameliareads]

The glasses look fantastic!
So jealous that you've watched Small Things Like These since I adore Cilian Murphy's acting talent. Still haven't managed to watch it yet.
I will never be able to read all the interesting books your mystery guests add to my list!

[knaveofhearts]

Also, the eye glasses - absolutely fantastic!

[janethansen]

It's not often you have a non fiction mystery guest, but how interesting. I presume the history of notebooks would run somewhat parallel to the history of literacy? I love a notebook myself. I very much enjoy your glasses.

[cloudybooks]

Wow, Lindy said it best - want all of it too. Please let us know how you like the new journal. You inspired me to find my old blank one that’s waiting patiently somewhere for my scribbles.

[FMsukina]

I LOVE your new glasses - gorgeous! Also, is it weird that I saw Roly Allen's book mentioned and put it on a WRITTEN LIST of books to buy for my partner (Allan) for either his birthday or Christmas?!? Allan and I love writing in notebooks, and when I saw Roly's book, I knew that Allan would love it!! I'm so excited that he's your mystery guest and have shared your video with Allan...Although now he could possibly see that I want to buy him Roly's book, LOL! Oh, well!

[MarilynMayaMendoza]

Love your new glasses. I still use bifocals mainly because that’s cheaper. Aloha friend.

[Comrade_Anka]

Love your new glasses! Thank you for the interview, I have this book on my shelf but haven't started it yet. It was a huge hit in the planner/journalling community.

[myreadinglife]

I love the new glasses and they go so nicely with the blouse!

[NatalieMeree]

I would describe your glasses as perfect 🤩