Almost all my holds came in at once. At first I thought it was a very eclectic mix and then I looked and saw some key themes which are also repeated on this site.

on Travel:
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
A nice short book which stops to think about why do we pack our bags and go some place else? What happens when our Romantic vision of a destination does not fit the reality? I really enjoyed reading it and wish that our bags could be packed and en route to places we dream of. Two quotes struck me:
“What we find exotic abroad may be what we hunger for in vain at home.” (p 77)
and
“A danger of travel is that we may see things at the wrong time, before we have had an opportunity to build up the necessary receptivity, so that new information is as useless and fugitve as necklace beads without a connecting chain.” (p 122)

on Knitting:
Family Knits by Debbie Bliss… in general I like her designs, but for some reason this volume did not speak to me. I like the rib and cable cardigan, but think that it could have some nicer shaping to better fit. I do not find the photographs of it very flattering to the model (though the colour is perfect) [a nice granny smith apple]

Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave edited by Ann Budd
I’m not sure what there is to say on this book. That it contains many of the more popular sock patterns that appeared in various IK issues through the years. I love that it lists in what issue the pattern first appeared. It is still on my list to add to my collection. I’m thankful the library had it so I could really look through and digest it. As I own several of the back issues (purchased for embossed leaves socks, in particular) I’m not sure if I can totally justify purchasing this book on my own. It is nice knowing that it exists!

Teach yourself visually knitting design : working from a master pattern to fashion your own knits by Sharon Turner
This was not what I thought it would be, and if I had read the subtitle I would have been clued in. At first there was disappointment, then I began reading the book, and realize that it is grossly mistitled (in my opinion). It is a very useful book for those who wish to substitute yarns! It reminds me of Ann Budd’s Handy Books.. I do like the “Teach Yourself Visually” series.

Boho Baby Knits: groovy patterns for cool tots by Kat Coyle.
Ok, this was a surprise that followed me home today. I made the “mistake” of walking into Strand today and this was sitting there within reach. I’m generally not one for “trendy” anything (my flute teacher in elementary school called me square on several occasions) but I LOVE these patterns. The “Woodland Fairy Wings” in particular totally sold me the book and I am excited to perhaps have found a gift for two little girls who keep growing, and the remaining lace I have from the swallowtails (since I bought two skeins of each because I was newbie and *scared*). I might have to knit myself a pair!

on Learning:
Rashi’s Daughters, Book II: Miriam by Maggie Anton.
Ms Anton has done a spectacular job and the wait for book two was worth it. I could not put this down. I think she did a great job researching. I wish she had put footnotes instead of “here are the sources I cited” at the back. I am inspired to learn more about medieval French Jewry, particularly for women.

on Food:
The Flexitarian Table: Inspired, Flexible Meals for Vegetarians, Meat Lovers, and Everyone inBetween by Peter Berley
What not to say about this book, don’t read it hungry! It is soo yummy. It is also now on my “books to add to my shelf” list. I made the soup and penne for Shabbat and it was wonderful. Tonight I’m going to attempt to complete my todo list in time to make soft polenta (aka grits) with roasted broccoli and white beans with brown butter. I hope I do (the beans are soaking)!

Flavors Of Korea: Delicious Vegetarian Cuisine (Healthy World Cuisine) by Deborah Coultrip-Davis and Young Sook Ramsay, Young
This was a present from my inlaws. It is soo yummy! I haven’t yet had a chance to try the ginger drink (I own lots of kitchen things which are waiting for the renovation to be completed before the come out of hiding), but will probably see how thing my shredder or a vege peeler slices later today. I would say perhaps 90% of the recipes are gluten-free so that is very exciting. Once I get the Flexitarian Table out of my system I know I have a wonderful resource.