It has been quite a while since I last started a round of Fabric and Fiction. Somehow the autumn months went by and it just never happened. With the beginning of the new year, I have been reading a lot. I think it feels good to slow down after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. So far this year I have read Icy Sparks, by Gwen Rubio and The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.
These two books couldn’t be more unalike. Icy Sparks, an Oprah book club pick from about 15 years ago, is a dark but somewhat humorous look at a girl growing up in the 1950’s in Kentucky. She suffers from Tourette’s Syndrome which wasn’t well understood at that time. This feisty girl lives with her doting grand parents and suffers the wrath of her school mates, mean teachers and others who taunt her endlessly. It made me sad to read it in part but I will tell you I liked the ending (I’m not saying more than that though!) She befriends a very obese woman in town and they support each other as best they can, empathizing with each other as outcasts in their community.
The other book, The Undomestic Goddess, is a book about a high powered attorney who makes a mistake with one of her clients. Horrified and not knowing what to do, she runs away and takes a job as a housekeeper for a ditzy but wealthy couple. She hasn’t a clue how to cook, clean or do laundry and it is fun to read about her mistakes. Of course there is a sweet love story built in as well.
Remember Amelia Bedelia?
Kinsella’s book reminds me of a grown up version of Ameila Bedelia. Did you read that series as a child? I loved it. There were over twenty Amelia Bedelia stories written from the 1960’s through the 1980’s. I believe the original author, Peggy Parish, passed away and her nephew has written more Amelia Bedelia books since her death. Anyway, The Undomestic Goddess is somehow similar, very light, lots of fluff, and a bit predictable but I really enjoyed the story. Not everything I read has to be deep and carry life altering messages. Sometimes it is just fun to read and be entertained.
Since I skipped the fall book share, let’s go crazy and do two books this time! Here is my plan. I will open two book shares. Six people can sign up for each one. It might be best if you only sign up for one book so more people can participate. If we don’t get up to six people for either of the books, then you can sign up for the second book.
In case this is new to you, the way it works is I will send the book and three fat quarters of fabric to the first person on the list. That person reads the book (please don’t keep the book any longer than three weeks or it takes forever for the book to go around) and then chooses three fat quarters and sends them along to the next reader. It has proven to be too expensive to send the book out of the country so I think it is best to limit this to the US. (I’m sorry about this!) When you choose the fat quarters, try to select fabrics that relate to the book in some fashion. Include a quick note about how the fabric made you think of the book (without telling too much and spoiling the book for the next reader!)
I have really enjoyed this book club of sorts and hope you will join in! To throw your name in the hat, leave a comment and please tell me which book is your top choice. I will try to create groups of six with you getting your book of choice, if possible. It is first come, first serve. Please, if you are reading this on Bloglovin, click through to my actual site and leave your comment there. It is hard to track who was first to comment, between the blog and the Bloglovin reader comments. If you have questions, leave them in the comments.
Thanks for sharing books with me in this way. I love hearing from the group and finding out what each person thought of the book! Now that I have finished the two books featured here, I am reading The Things We Keep, by Sally Hepworth. It is a great read so far. Maybe we will share it next time around! What are you reading these days? Share with us by leaving a comment.
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I was a HUGE Amelia Bedelia fan as a kid. I even bought the books for my own kids when they didn’t know what I was talking about. Sadly, all 5 boys didn’t love them nearly as much as I did. I love that you mention books you are reading. I’m currently reading an excellent book about old Korea called Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. I’m only about 100 pages in and can’t wait to read more when I have some time. I hate putting this book down. Thanks for the smile that I got when I saw you’re an Amelia fan like me!!
I’m in, these are so much fun! I’d opt for the Kinsella book, but I’m good with either if need be.
Sounds good! Thanks Wendy. ☺️
I’m intrigued by the Kinsella book. I would be interested in reading that one if I can be at the bottom of the list for the rotation. 🙂
My kids LOVE Amelia Bedelia. Lots of laughs over those books at our house. 🙂
I’ve just started rereading The Quilter’s Apprentice. It’s the first in the charming Elm Creek Quilts series by Jennifer Chiaverini. Have you ever read them?
Perfect- I’m happy you are joining us. I will pat you down for the last slot. I feel like i read one book in that series but I’m not positive. Glad you guys enjoy Amelia. Those are great books.☺️
This sounds like fun! Icy Sparks sounds interesting to me!
Great. I will put you on the list Lee. Thanks. I’ll send out a group email in a day or two. 🙂
Hi, I didn’t count six, but I’d love to read Undomestic Goddess if there’s room.
I used to use Amelia Bedelia books to teach English concepts in 4th grade. The kids loved Amelia from their younger years, so it was fun for “playing” with figurative language!
I’ve been reading Sue Grafton’s last book in the alphabet mystery series. After A through Y I mourn Grafton’s death in December. Her semi-autobiographical book (?) Is also an insightful read.
I hope I’m in, or on a waiting list!
Hi- we haven’t chatted for a while. You are in!
I haven’t read any of Sue Grafton’s books but I know lots of people are fans! Happy to hear from you ☺️
I would love to join in! I love Sophie Kinsella’s books but I’m OK with either one!
Perfect. You are on the list.☺️
How fun! I’d like to give this a try. My first pick would be Icy Sparks but either us ok. I love reading! Currently I’m on book #2 of the Hunger Games series.
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Oh, that was such a good series. I really enjoyed it. You are on the list for Icy Sparks. Thanks for joining us!
I would LOVE to read Icy Sparks…..I like “dark”…. :)……..
….right now I’m re-reading Sarum for the 4th time….It’s a really great (and lonnnnggggg) read. I read it first in 1988….and about once a decade feel the need to re-read it.
I haven’t read Sarum. Too long for me. 🙂
Sounds good Kathy! You are on the list.
Bernie I would love to read Icy Sparks if there is still a spot! I am currently reading StephanieePearlMcFee Casts Off as I’ve been into knitting more this winter. I find her sarcastic humor hilarious. Thanks, Pam
Sounds good Pam. You are on the list for Icy Sparks. I will look into the McFee book. I love sarcastic humor too. Thanks for the tip.
Thank you! I’m excited to share our love of reading and stitching!
I would like to read either book if there is still room! I didn’t count 6 for each book, so maybe I made it this time! 🙂 In about 6th grade I did a series of videos with my gifted class. It was supposed to help students with following directions & such. One of the videos was based on the Amelia Bedelia character & I played the part! : D
You’re in! I’ll put you down for the Undomestic Goddess since you can relate to Amelia Bedelia so well. That is a cute story Kristie!
Yay! I’m so excited I made it in time this year! 😀
I’ll take either one. This is a fun way too share a book.
I am reading A Handmaid’s Tale. Very interesting.
Ooh, I haven’t read that yet. I am putting up in the Icy Sparks group. Thanks Judy and nice to hear from you!
Alas I am in the UK so I can’t join in the fun. I did join the first ever round of Fabric and Fiction though and loved it. I totally understand about the restriction, it was indeed very expensive for shipping and the reason I wouldn’t join in again if it was available to me. Have fun Ladies.
Totally agree with you Kate. It isn’t worth it, makes reading an expensive habit! We are already spending enough on fabric for our other expensive habit!!
I would love to read Icy Sparks if there is still room on the list.
Hi Carol – you got the last spot for Icy! I will be sending an email to the group in another day or so. Thanks for joining in!!