Bookish pet peeves

This post about bookish pet peeves got me thinking. What are my pet peeves about books?


Library books - I would love to be able to check out and read books at the library, but try as I might, I can't. So many people who check out books smoke that, because of my allergies, I can't read them. I can bring them home, but can't get them read because as soon as I open them it's impossible to breathe without sneezing. That just irritates me, literally and figuratively.
Books in a series - I inevitably get a book that's part of a series, but is not the first book in the series. I hate that. I like to read stories in the order in which they are written, so finding myself in the middle is rather annoying because I then put that book off until I can start the series in the proper way.
Mysteries that can't be solved - A mystery should be able to be solved by the reader if they pay close enough attention to the clues provided. There shouldn't be some unknown clue that you find out about  as the mystery is revealed. That's cheating.
People that think you're a snob because you read classics - What's wrong with reading Austen, Bronte, Dickens, or whoever? That does not make me some kind of elitist. I just like reading different things and the classics are high on my list.
People who don't use a bookmark, but leave the book open upside down - That's just not good for the book and it never closes properly again. It makes me slightly nuts when I see it. Use a sticky note or a piece of paper or something.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day - Winifred Watson

Summary: Miss Pettigrew is a down-on-her luck, middle-aged governess sent by her employment agency to work for a nightclub singer rather than a household of unruly children. Over the period of 24 hours, her
life is changed forever 


Comments: I must admit I saw this movie before I read the book - which is not at all what I typically do. The movie was lovely especially with Ciaran Hinds (he can't do anything wrong in my book), but Frances McDormand stole the show - she was funny and charming and practical all at the same time - which is exactly what Miss Pettigrew is in the book. Smart, maybe not worldy, but full of common sense and quick on her feet. She's the kind of friend you would want in a tight spot. And nightclub singer Delysia Lafosse (don't you just love that name) is apparently always in some fix or another as she is juggling several men at one time - including the one that is just right for her. In addition to helping Delysia out of whatever jam she's in at present, Miss Guinivere Pettigrew does her best to assist Delysia's friends and in the process meets Edythe DuBarry and her older boyfriend Joe Bloomfield. For a book that takes place during the period of only one day, so much happens and so much of it is just pure fun, this is a easy and great read. I'm surprised it took so long before it was made into a movie. But read the book first - that's always the best way to do it.

Georgette Heyer: The Alastair Trilogy - Devil's Cub

Summary: Dominic Alastair, Marquis of Vidal, is the rakish, hot tempered son of the Duke of Avon. Vidal is a chip off the old block, following in his father's wild exploits of youth. Forced to depart for the continent after wounding a man in a duel, he fancies taking some company along with him. This young, beautiful little miss, Sophia Challoner, he correctly surmises will willingly accompany him.
Mary Challoner, the practical older sister, sees the great impropriety in this situation that her sister is so willing to agree to involve herself. She is determined to remedy this problem and separate Vidal from Sophia forever. She accompanies Vidal through a disguise in her  sister's place expecting to be released once the hoax is up. But has Mary risked her own future and reputation in an attempt to save her sister.


Let's continue to party on at AustenProse

Thought {Spoilers}: To date, this is my favorite book by Ms. Heyer. I've always said that I like her heros most when they are bad and Vidal does not disappoint in the least.
Had it not been for the common sense (perhaps not best applied) of Mary Challoner, her vapid sister Sophia would have brought them family into ruin. After the switch is exposed Vidal shows every bit of his reputation as a "young fire-eater." Furious with the deception, he deems Mary a easy woman and plans to take advantage of her virtue. Until he realizes at the end of a gun, that she is earnest in protecting her virtue and finding some way out of this most awkward situation.

Mary Challoner is smart, level-headed and unwavering, but she is also kind, caring and endearing. Slowly (slowly) Vidal comes to see these qualities that make her an extraordinary woman -  Perhaps one too good for him.  When he realizes that by honor he should marry her to save her reputation … she says no, much to his surprise and aggravation.

Mary would like to attempt to stay in France where she is unknown to make her own way, no matter how modest that may be. Finding that a school friend of hers, Juliana Marling, is Vidal's cousin and currently in Paris, she persuades Vidal to take her there hoping Miss Marling can help her find some work so she may free herself from Vidal. All the while Vidal is attempting to find an English priest to marry them. Miss Marling has a suitor that has followed her from England, but she has spurned him in a fit of spoiled girl bad temper. Her suitor, Mr. Comyn is a true gentleman and realizing the trouble Mary is in, and with a bit of spite at the rebuff from Juliana, offers to take Mary to Dijon where Vidal expects the English priest to be so they can marry. Mary accepts.

And the chase, as you can imagine, is on. I'd love to spoil the ending, but shall not. There are two scenes I have read over and over again since I finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago. One involves a duel ; the other a long conversation over supper with and unknown (at least to Mary )gentleman of her own country.

I realize I have only read 14 books by Miss Heyer so far, but this is far and away my favorite.

Read. This. Book!

Georgette Heyer: The Alastair Trilogy - These Old Shades and thanking authors I enjoy.

I made a point of reading the Alastair trilogy in order and I'm glad I did. It's not that you couldn't read it out of order, but it's just easier to follow along if you start at the beginning, as they say.

Summary: Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, is called "Satanas" by all who know him and he certainly deserves it. He is known in both London and Paris as a rake of the first order and can be a dangerous man to know be you male or female. He can hold a grudge long, but he has a  quizzical eye and is mischievous as well.  When an ill-treated boy tumbles into Justin in the streets of Paris he takes it upon himself to purchase the child from a unkind brother to serve as his page. His new page, Leon, becomes useful and dedicated despite a wicked little temper, and there is something in his look that reminds Justin of his long hated enemy Comte de Saint-Vire. 


Comments: This is most decidedly a character driven novel and Justin Alastair is a most intriguing character that I have read so far from Heyer. He's equal parts devilish and sporting. You're never sure what he really means and it's almost impossible to read him, which makes him draw you into the book. Personally, I don't think he's evil, just selfish -- someone who concerns himself with only what will please him, but I do so like him ... the sort of slow way he speaks and the inferences he suggests. As much as I adore his grace, I do have a slight crush on Hugh Davenant, a friend of Avon's,  who is just a decent fellow and perhaps guides his grace more than Justin realizes. Heyer, in all her power here, is so descriptive of clothing, of language... again, I'm wondering if she actually lived the life and was reincarnated... she's masterful. Of course we know, about mid ways, how the story will go, but you just have to go along with it. {spoiler} Leon is, um, a girl, and a very beautiful one at that - Leonie has captured the old rake's heart, but ... ah, it's a Heyer novel and all, through its twists and turns, ends well. What a lovely book. I do think I prefer the books where the hero is a little bit of a bad boy and chooses to do the right thing, but perhaps that's just me. 
 I only wish I had known Ms. Heyer (and Miss Austen) when she was alive and could have told her how much I enjoyed her writing. So now I would like to say to the writers I'm reading now how much I enjoy reading their works. 


Thank you: 
Alexa Adams (some of the best short stories on the web and I love Janeicillin (for which I must thank you - it keeps me sane some days) and I'm starting First Impressions today!)
Mary Lydon Simonsen (WWII and Austen could it be better? And Anne Elliot w/a spine -- and saying all the things I want to say - hot damn. My comments will be forthcoming,)
Laurie Viera Rigler (Love time travel or something like it - but I'm a BIG fan of Dr. Who - wonder if he ever met Miss Austen because we know he met Agatha Christie, right? And you must watch the videos -- too amazing funny - when will there be a movie? There has to be a movie! Again comments forthcoming - Everything Austen II)
Beth Pattillo (Jane Austen ruined all of our lives in some way or another, at least I'm guessing. Everything Austen II)
Margaret Sullivan (Mags - There Must be Murder (how can you not love McGuffin??) is so good that I think it's part of Northanger Abbey - you're wonderful! BTW - let's get out the cluebat of Janeite Righteousness. Bring it.)
Tracy Kiely (all I need is a good murder (ah, this girl does love a murder) ... and a little bit of a love story)
Jane Odiwe (oh Willoughby, but you know... it's Brandon that makes it real)
Monica Fairview (I mean, did  you just make up your name? It is just too perfect. Loved the Darcy Cousins, but I read your books out of order which I do not like to do. That said, The Other Mr. Darcy is on its way as part of Everything Austen II. Can't wait!)


You guys (ladies) are great!

My Georgette Heyer Thing

Jane Austen has one serious flaw - only one, but it's kind of bad - Only 6 complete novels. Now I read them all, once a year or so and occasionally watch a BBC version, but that's not much when you really get down to it. So this past year (2009), I found and began reading and buying Georgette Heyer novels. Most are Regency romances and truth be told they are formulaic, but still engaging. The majority of her heroines know how to speak their mind - very 21st century of them.  Her knowledge of the period makes me wonder about time travel and or reincarnation - was she really alive during the Regency era? She has a sharpness of wit and a flourish of style in her writing that I enjoy. Her ability to describe a scene or a dandy or the ton is spectacular.


So far, I've read, Why Shoot the Butler?, The Toll Gate, The Corinthian, Black Moth, The Reluctant Widow, False Colours, The Convenient Marriage, The Grande Sophy, and Frederica. So I haven't yet made a dent. Additionally, I have a small stock waiting for me to read. Obviously she's not Jane, but with 50 novels including a few murder mysteries (oh goodie) and some historical fiction, it's a pretty good deal.

Make Do .... and books

Use it Up
Wear it Out
Make Do, Or
Do Without


This was posted on Not Dabbling in Normal today and made me think about the fact that I do this for some things, but not for others. I do wear clothes out - I'm not a clothes horse to begin with, but I'll wear something until it's done - largely because I hate shopping for clothes.
I do a good bit of making do ... I try not to buy unitaskers, esp for the kitchen, but I start a lot of things and don't finish them - which is a rather annoying habit... kind of depressing too when you think about it. Part of it is space - I like being downstairs w/the guys not off in my office - but my office is right now a huge mess ... so it's a vicious little cycle.


The hardest part about doing w/out is that I am fascinated with books - esp. of late Georgette Heyer and always - cookbooks.
I've gone though all the local library cookbooks - and all the downtown library preserving books and most of the cookbooks and garden books - so what's  a girl to do but order from Amazon too often.


Just received from Amazon yesterday: In a Cheesemaker's Kitchen: Celebrating  25 Years of Artisanal Cheesemaking from Vermont Butter & Cheese Company (obligatory cookbook). I so want to learn how to make cheese, but just love the idea of a small cheese farm/store (just like Sweet Home Farm - sigh). 


Georgette Heyer books - These Old Shades and An Infamous Army: A Novel of Wellington, Waterloo, Love and War. 


These Old Shades and An Infamous Army because I had already purchased Devil's Cub and didn't realize it was part of the Alastair trilogy. So now I have the whole trilogy and can read it in order ... hate reading books out of order - it's irksome.