An Open Book: October 2024 Reads

Another month has begun, so it's time to link up with An Open Book to chat about what's crossed my bookshelf! In October, I read a delightful mix of fiction and non-fiction as I walked through the final weeks of pregnancy, and I enjoyed a lot of what I read. Let's dive in! 

Eat Like a Heroine, by Lorilee Craker and Jenny Williams

In this delightful book, Craker and Williams discuss various ways that food and hospitality are explored by classic literary heroines. The authors also include practical tips for imitating these heroines, and they even include some recipes. There are a couple points early on when the authors reference a heroine or two without stating any kind of information about her (like what book she's from), and this was mostly fine, but some of the heroines or authors were new to me, so I wish they had introduced the heroines more clearly. But, this book was upbeat and conversational and a very fun read! 

Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves, by Nicola Twilley

In this fascinating book, Twilley brings together personal interviews and extensive research to discuss the history of refrigeration and its cultural and environmental impact. This book was absolutely fascinating, and it made me start to think more about the vast cold warehouses that cover, and wonder if expanding the cold chain is really a good idea. It was also sobering to read about how some of the food we buy from the grocery store that seems so "fresh" has, in actuality, been sitting in a cold warehouse for several months! I really enjoyed this book, although it took a while due to its length, and think it brings up many good points that most people--like myself--probably have not thought of before. 

The River, by Gary Paulsen

In this follow-up to Hatchet, Brian is approached by officials about replicating his experience in the woods, so that people can better learn about survival tactics. Although he is initially put off by this idea, Brian ultimately agrees and ventures into the woods yet again--but this time, in the company of a man who is observing Brian's survival tactics. In only a matter of time, though, tragedy strikes and Brian needs to embark on a true journey of survival as he strives to safe the life of his companion. Although I didn't like this sequel as much as I enjoyed Hatchet, I still really liked it and appreciate the way it explores Brian's processing and life after the events in Hatchet. 

Winters in the World: a journey through the Anglo-Saxon year, by Eleanor Parker

In this researched-but-approachable book, Parker dives into the agricultural and liturgical calendar of Anglo-Saxon England. As she explores this topic, she draws from Old English poetry and history to describe how people have viewed time, nature, God, and the seasons. I learned a lot (there was a period of time when the English people observed the new calendar year in March!), but I especially loved the reflection at the beginning of the book on time, and how people viewed time. In our modern world, it's easy to think that people have always been ruled by digital clocks and public school calendars, but historically--as this book reminds us--this has not been the case, and for most of human history, the sense of time has been much more fluid. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it especially to people who love history or want to learn more about the different historical practices of the Christian liturgical year. 

The Last Camel Died at Noon, by Elizabeth Peters 

When Amelia Peabody Emerson and her husband receive a mysterious message and map about a long-lost Englishman, they head to Egypt in search of this man. As they try to unravel the mystery, they are faced with lots of danger, intrigue, suspicious individuals, and a hidden civilization. I hadn't read an Amelia Peabody book in a long time, and it was so fun to pick up the series again. Seeing the relationship between Amelia and her husband is delightful, and the adventures are always really fun. I also just love the style that these books are written in. This was definitely a fantastic comfort read! 

Thanks so much for joining me this month! If you have any recommendations, please drop them in the comments! I'm currently immersed in more Amelia Peabody books as I soak up newborn snuggles, but I'll need more reading material once I've finished those ;)