Continuing the 2024 theme of a banned book a month, a knitting book, some mystery.
Brazen: Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu It's easy to see why this book was banned, even though it was not written for children. It's a graphic non-fiction biography of dozens of women who challenged the times they lived in. Some were great warriors, unabashedly leading troops into war and not feeling remorse (no one ever thinks a great Roman or Chinese general should be faulted for not showing remorse at their actions, but so be it). Some were explorers, some fought for scoaif justice, some were authors, some were scientists, some were lesbians, some were devoted tot heir husbands, some were sold as child brides. It's a great book and I'm so glad I learned about so many amazing women. My one quibble: explorer Delia Akeley died at 95, yet the author says she lived to be 100; dates are given for each woman, so it's a glaring mistake. Utterly enjoyable, and suitable for teenage girls and adults.
Elemental Knits by Courtney Spainhower Lavishly illustrated book of knits for the four seasons, utilizing natural tones and yarns and named after foreign words for seasons and natural elements such wind. scattered throughout are the designers original drawings for the patterns, which is a lovely artistic touch. Most tops are bottom up, although there are a small number of top down tops, as well as accessories. Lovely book for accomplished knitters who like a natural palette.
Patchwork Quilt Murder by Leslie Meier I hadn't read a Lucy Stone mystery in years, so I thought I'dread this one and see where the series characters were and if the stories had improved. Well, it's still not on my list of series to follow. I find Lucy a bit cold, and her children, now grown, are not particularly close nor do they show much grief when the family dog dies, although initially neither does Lucy, although she finally does admit to missing Libby. The mystery centers on the disappearance of the unusually highly paid director of the new community center. The number one suspects appears to be Lucy's friend's son, who suffered a nervous breakdown and has returned home after hospitalization to complete his recovery. Although there are some fictional small towns I'd love to live in, I'll pass by Tinker's Cove, even if it is in Maine. (NetGalley)
