Hello, my friends! I have two messages for you, and both derive directly from my necessary but rather impactful corrective foot surgery. Said surgery will improve my life, I am assured, but for the mo’ it has me: 1) reading a TON because I can’t walk; and 2) needing help all the time when I am one who detests seeking assistance. I’ll save #2 for my next blog; but overall you’ll cheer with me, I think, for what happens when you bravely say “help.” Here’s a wee preview though: a) my husband does not know the difference between wool and cotton; b) no one in my home knows the nouns for basic household items necessary to locate what I’m asking for, e.g., foyer, bureau, a side table versus a coffee table, a drawer versus a cabinet, a backpack, an interior pocket, a key fob, a box versus a bag. Oh, I have more. Plus, they are not strong on direction words like left/right/over/under/top, middle, bottom. You laugh!? Have you ever tried directing someone to a specific item in your house?! Tune in for my next blog.First though — wow, am I putting in hours reading and I am of course particularly well-suited to a sofa-dwelling, book stacks on the side tables lifestyle (YOU understand what a side table is, don’t you??) All that to say:My list for Champagne & Daffodils (our March 25th book recommendation party) is one I feel most proud of in all my 10 years heading Prairie Path Books.Here’s why: I had time! Plus, I’ve been existing a bit outside the swirl of commercial “BookLand” clatter, meaning I had only myself to ask for my next great read. In selecting for my stacks I started with writers known for their writing. Authors that I’ve always heard are musts from readers I respect. Then I winnowed to find their “best” novels (a nuanced undertaking to be sure.) Then I winnowed a bit more to midwest-associated authors — ish, I mean, you know me, I tangented here and there as is my wont. Oh, and when I felt blinded by brilliance (have you ever heard of Stendhal Syndrome? I got it reading Jim Harrison. Just astonishing — each sentence of his, truly. It reminded me of being overcome — nearly unable to continue, halfway through the first floor of the Louvre. I sat down in a daze and I remember that I was not alone on that bench, all of us stunned and struggling to imagine processing more glory.) Well, in my recent reading scenario, easy-pleasy reads provided that bench for me to gather myself and so far, I have two that I think are truly tops in that fun genre. As ever, Carrie is all over the new releases, and we can’t wait to welcome you.Oh hey, we sold out for our January recommendation bash, and we will have to limit attendance by about half that number so we can fit inside Prairie Path Books.That means y’all need to sign up quick-like.If you’re there I may need to re-create for you the outfit my Tom picked for me right after my surgery when I tried to direct him through what I wanted from my closet upstairs. It was so hilarious that it’s a shame so few were able to witness it. See you soon, friends.
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