Hi bookworms. How was your week? Are you staying warm? We had another nippy week here and both my husband and I were sick with head colds (bahhh), which in addition to my knee recovery was not too fun. I hope we’ll be able to throw off the illness this coming week and get into the holiday spirit.
Has it even felt like Christmas yet? I’m not even sure because I’ve been quite sequestered at home. I have watched a couple drippy holiday Hallmark movies from the couch, lol, but I haven’t done much shopping, decorating, or holiday gathering yet. I’m not supposed to drive till six weeks post-surgery, but Monday will be five weeks so the end line is nearing. Santa might just come in the nick of time.
Meanwhile in book news, I just saw this article on the best literary or book podcasts for 2025 — none of which I knew about. Do you listen and like any book podcasts or book Youtubers? Sometimes I’ll listen to Sarah’s Bookshelves live podcast, or NPR’s Book of the Day. I might also check out Open Book With Jenna, the Book Club Review, or BBC’s A Good Read, or the NYT’s Book Review. But I’m open to hearing which you like either as a podcast or booktube; do you like any good ones? Here’s a couple more book podcast lists here and here.
And now I’ll leave you with a couple reviews of what I finished lately.
Pick a Color by Souvankham Thammavongsa /Knopf Canada /188 pgs /2025
3 stars. Granted this slim first novel has garnered much acclaim since it came out, including the 2025 Giller Prize, and there are several passages worth taking note … but overall the story didn’t do too much for me.
It takes place in a nail salon and follows the life of Ning, 42, the salon’s owner, who lives above the salon. She banters with a few of her hired girls who all wear the same black uniforms and the same length black hair. They work hard to give manicures and pedicures and drum up business to returning clients and walk-ins, who tell Ning about their lives though she likes her quiet. Her customers are often loud or uppity and Ning seems to mock them behind their backs with the staff in their foreign language.
She previously had been let go by a rival nail salon and that boss got under her skin. Much of her observations reflect on her own lonely life and you wish you knew a bit more to figure her out. There’s some intriguing passages of her former life as a boxer and what happened to her then and her coach’s tips to her that still come to her throughout the day. But unfortunately I found it a bit of work to stay invested in the day at the nail salon amid the ladies’ often snide banter that grows a bit wearisome. Still the setting felt ripe as an exploration of class and character interactions and blue collar lives on the periphery.
Shepherd’s Sight: A Farming Life by Barbara McLean/ ECW/ 240 pgs / 2024
4 stars. I enjoyed reading this nonfiction book about the author’s life as a sheep farmer for over 50 years, which is organized in the book by months and seasons. She has good info to share about her raising and caring for sheep, and as a weaver, and living on her and her husband’s farm in rural Ontario, Canada.
She has Border Leicester sheep — which are a bit different — known for their high-quality wool, which is prized by handspinners and weavers such as her. She uses the sheep mostly for wool on her farm but also sells them when they are no longer productive for their meat.
She describes about how when she first started out she and her husband (a doctor) bought the dilapidated farm — they named Lambquarters — but knew nothing about sheep farming or weaving wool and spent the first year just improving the house and facilities there. Her husband was away all the time delivering babies, while she learned the ropes from neighbors and agricultural courses about what to do. Over the years, she gained a remarkable amount of experience and knowledge about the sheep, which she closely monitors and are very dear to her.
The book entails much about the hard work (and also the joy) of raising and breeding sheep and keeping them healthy and safe from predators. The way she helps with breached lamb births and a variety of sheep ailments was eye-opening. I also marked many notes in the book and like how the author spoke about the agricultural changes she’s seen in farming over the years and the trends happening now. For instance, ploughing fields is used a lot less … and many farmers are farming into their 80s since younger people are moving to the cities … as small farms sadly can’t make enough for families to live on.
The author looks back on her life describing various farm incidents and droughts and storms that were particularly challenging. She also speaks about aging on the farm and worries that now in her 70s she won’t be able to keep going for much longer, but she loves it — the land they live on seems beautiful — and she doesn’t want to give it up. I sympathized with her and hope she will be able to stick with it for years to come. Her life and work from the book seem quite inspiring.
This was my second nonfiction farming book in a row … the first being Sue Hubbell’s book A Country Life about her years as a beekeeper … and now this one about raising sheep. I’m enjoying learning a bit about the pastural ways of life, which is where we are living now. Here is a cool video of author Barbara McLean with her sheep.
That’s all for now. What about you — do you know these books and what do you think? Happy holidays.
I used to love reading Essie Summers’ books, many of which were set on sheep stations in New Zealand. I’ve been thinking about them lately because my sister and her family are going to New Zealand for Christmas and I think I am going to buy one on Kindle for my niece to read on the plane. Shepherd’s Sight sounds less romantic but just as entertaining (although before I read your post I thought it was going to be a Christmas book!).
Hi Constance. Funny a sheep Christmas book — that could be just what we need. And wow New Zealand for Christmas — that sounds like an adventure. A very far adventure … but how lovely. I have never been to NZ or Australia but someday I’ll make it there. I will look up the Essie Summers’ books now. Is she the Queen of Romance?
Awww, too bad about the head cold. I hope you are on the mend. My reading has fallen off the wayside; I had to return Sonia and Sunny 85% into it and now I’m waiting for my turn again to borrow anew. Haven’t finished a book yet in December and I’m already 2 books behind. I’m also waiting for Raja the Gullible to come through but whoever is reading it is taking its sweet time.
I still would like to read Pick a Color, if only to claim I read the Giller’s winner. I’ll temper my expectations though. Shepherd’s Sight sounds fascinating. Reading your review reminded me of a TV show my father used to watch—Dr. Pol—, about a veterinarian in a country setting where he tended all sorts of farm animals, skirting breached births and stuff like that. I think I could do that and love it, as I get on well with animals. Anyway, glad that you enjoyed the latter, if not the former so much.
Hi Carmen, Oh no! Sorry you had to return Sonia & Sunny ugh! Damn those due dates. You seemed so far or close to the end. Hmm. That can throw off a reading. Lately I received Heart the Lover and Seascraper (coming) from the library. But haven’t started yet. I ran out of time on due date for Flesh on audio so I know the beginning ugh. Will get it back. I think the print version is coming.
It’s fine to read Pick a Color — doesn’t take too long. See what you think.
Interesting to hear about the vet Dr. Pol — I don’t think I knew of that TV show but it sounds pretty good. The sheep book was interesting as I’m trying to learn more about farm animals a bit. I could take a class from that author!
Wishing you a good week. It’s a bit hard to have reading mojo now with the holidays and hoopla .. but it’ll come back.
Such a lovely photo, Susan. You sure get some gems in your area.
We had such a beautiful day yesterday, after so much rain the week before. Now it’s back to being gloomy and damp. Sure makes me appreciate the sunshine! At least it’s not too cold. Currently 53, which isn’t bad for December! Sorry to hear that you guys were sick with colds. I’m hoping we stay healthy this winter.
It’s feeling like Christmas around here. We hosted a small party (16 total) the other night and with three trees decorated, as well as the mantel and sideboard, it looked very festive. We even have some wrapped gifts under the tree! And, for the first time in a few years, I sent out Christmas cards. Whoohoo! 🙂
I used to listen to a couple of book-related podcasts, but quit since they were interrupting my audiobook time. I listened to What Should I Read Next and another one, but I can remember what it’s called. WSIRN is good, and I added so many books to my TBR list. Ok, I found the other, but it’s on hiatus. 🙁 He Read She Read.
Reading your review of Shepherd’s Sight reminded me of two books I read many years ago. Have you heard of Fifty Acres and a Poodle? The sequel is called The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family. They are memoirs and were written by Jeanne Marie Laskas. I loved those books. Links here and here. You might enjoy these.
Feel better soon!
Thanks Lesley, should be over this cold sometime this week. Fingers crossed.
You are sounding very Christmas-y this year. That’s wonderful — the holiday spirit has taken hold and you had a party. Very festive with decorations & cards too. We have a long ways to go here.
Yeah I can understand about podcasts taking time away from audios. Lately without driving, dog walks, or yardwork, my audiobook listening has been pretty nonexistent. But I’m sure next year they’ll be big again. Thx for the podcast names … as well as the Jeanne Marie Laskas books. I don’t know these! … so I’ll be checking them out. 50 acres sounds good to me. Thx for the links. I’m liking these kinds of books right now and find them filled with good info.
Wishing you a great week. I heard Washington State got a ton of water.
What a beautiful view in that photo! I do a lot of my shopping online. So I don’t think being not able to drive would hamper my shopping much, haha! I hate going into stores for the most part. Although, I do love going to a hardware/farm/feed/clothing place in Montana called Murdoch’s! They have a little of everything for country life. Cute clothes and boots, too. My son-in-law bought a pair of pretty powerful binoculars for me to use at the house there for birding last time we were there and I love them. Mine at home aren’t nearly as powerful. I think I’d enjoy both of the pastural non-fiction books you’ve read and featured. I hope you and your husband feel better! Head colds are the worst!
Thanks Rachel, we’re almost over the sickness – hopefully this week.
I’m trying to shop locally this year but we will see …. Murdoch’s sounds like a great store … I looked it up and they have quite a few locations in the U.S. Next time I’m in Montana – maybe Kalispell I’m going to check them out. I wish you luck with your online shopping, which is good if you have to mail a lot. Luckily I’m not this time. And strong binoculars are wonderful to have especially for bird watching. Wishing you a great week.
I’m sorry you’ve been sick in addition to recovering from knee surgery! We’ve been sick with head colds and a sinus infection for most of the month, too. Just this weekend I cancelled out of two holiday gatherings. On the plus side, there has been plenty of reading. I’m getting nervous about the shopping though…
Pick a Color has been on my radar, but I think I’ll give it a miss. Too many other books vying for my attention right now. Hope this is a better week for you!
Thanks JoAnn. I believe we are on the mend. And I hope you are too. It’s too festive a time of year to be sick, argh! Sounds like we’ll both need to put the pedal to the metal on shopping this week. Either online or locally it’s now or never this week. Good luck – fingers crossed.
And yes I’m sure your pile of reads might be more interesting than Pick a Color. I was hoping for a bit more. Have a good week too.
One of my dad’s neighbors in East Texas raises sheep, and I’ve always been fascinated with the life of that family. I think I may look for Shepherd’s Sight.
I would imagine that the Los Angeles Review of Books podcast would be good.
Sorry you and your husband are suffering with a cold. Hope you are better soon!
Thanks Deb. I think we’re on the mend now. Not a good time to be sick.
I’m going to try the LA Review of Books podcast — that’s new to me.
I think you might like Shepherd’s Sight …. the woman thinks back on her life a bit and her love of raising sheep. I’d be curious too of the farm & flock in East Texas. Sheep seem like lovely animals. There’s one farm I pass here with them and a few goat farms. Have a great week.
The woman in the family made the wool from the sheep into yarn, and then she made a lot of things from the yarn. The sheep seemed content with their lives.
Good to know. Yeah the farm there seems similar to the one in Shepherd’s Sight — they shear the sheep and the woman uses the wool to weave clothes. It would be cool to visit.
You’re the second blogger whose said Colors is not the great. I added to my TBR list because I liked the cover. Ha! I am going to remove it from the TBR list. Life is too short to read even s0-so books.
I’m sorry you and your husband have had colds. I hope you are both on the mend.
Thanks Olivia, we’re starting to get better now. We’re never sick, argh.
Yeah I thought Pick a Color was so-so but the cover is very good, lol. There’s too many other books to read. Have a great week.
Pretty view, you could use that photo to make cards. I hope things are improving with the knee and getting rid of the colds.
Bummer about the Pick a Colour book but the one about sheep farming sounds interesting. You may like the James Rebanks books about sheep and farm life as well. His first book tells about his growing up and how he ended up in farming, taking over from his father after a rebellious period but I liked it. The second one is almost all about the farming and natural ways.
I think I need to start a new email thread with you as it’s hanging up during typing. I will type (such as I can two fingered) and nothing happens, then the words slowly fill in. Probably too long a thread and with photos to boot. Will write this morning!
Hi Tina, I’m glad you reminded me about the James Rebanks books you read. I’m going to put those on my new farming list TBR. It appears my library has three of his books. One of them called The Place of Tides. Do you know that one? It appears separate from his shepherd books. I’m looking forward to starting Seascraper with you. Cheers.
Oh I feel for you. I hate being sick. And during the holiday season.. that is the worst.
Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks Hena. I’m close to being over it. And I hope you have recovered as well. Happy holidays.
Such a lovely photo, Susan! Loved it, but glad I’m not there ‘enjoying’ it in person. Sigh. I’m just not a cold weather soul. We did have some cold wind and lower temps yesterday and I knew it was coming (the wind). I’m allergic to cedar pollen and every winter I get to have a fun time with that. Happily, there are lot more things that can be done for this as opposed to how it was when I was a kid and literally sick every Christmas. Do hope you and your husband are getting better by the hour after your colds. Also, hope you have a good week. We’re looking forward to Christmas and hosting family here. No little kids, but we do have a good time visiting, eating, and playing games.
Hi Kay, I understand about the aversion to cold weather. And no fun to have allergies either. I grew up with asthma in SoCal so I battled that for years. And thanks we are almost done with the head colds.
I hope you have a great Christmas with your family there. It sounds fun and festive. We’re already so close! Enjoy.
A cold and knee surgery recovery sounds just awful. I do hope you are starting to feel better. The holiday lights and activities will help, I hope.
I’ve decorated, gone out light-gazing, and have done my shopping. Ok, that sounds so impressive, but we did Secret Santa this year so I only had to get one thing (lol).
Have a great week!
Thanks Helen, things are becoming more Christmas-y this week. And we’re almost done with being sick. So hooray. Doing a bit of shopping online.
It sounds very festive there … keep it going! I need to get out a bit more but will soon. Happy holidays.
I hope that you are feeling better. That is a lot to go through. I have had a cold the past few days and it was not fun at all. Lol. And I also watched quite a few Hallmark movies!
Shepherd’s Sight: A Farming Life by Barbara McLean sounds fascinating! I have been obsessed with sheep lately. Not sure why.
Get some rest, and feel better!
Hi Erin, thanks. Ha, Hallmark Christmas movies are perfect for cold weather & sickness, lol. The goopier the better. My husband sort of laughs at me.
If you’re into knowing about sheep … this book is pretty informative. But I also hear James Rebanks has a couple sheep books too. I might get them from the library later.
I hope you feel better too! Happy holidays.
I love your photos of snow but am happy to enjoy them from afar.
I have purchased a copy of Pick a Color, and hope that I enjoy it more than you did. I will let you know, when I get to it.
I am having a hard time believing that Christmas is so close. We don’t get out a lot and I have not experienced a lot of Christmassy stuff around. We plan to watch movies all day and eat my husband’s Christmas spaghetti, so the day will be fun.
Hi Tracy, thanks, we’ve had some wild weather lately. First a huge wind hit & melted all the snow away … then today a big wind hit and delivered more snow. It’s been topsy-turvy … between snow & no snow & back again.
Perhaps you’ll like Pick a Color more than I did. It could’ve just been me. My mind wandered a bit but I got the gist of it.
Christmas has come quickly and I’ve not been onboard yet either … but hopefully I can get in the spirit soon. I guess it’s time for the Christmas carols. Hope you have a lovely week … and watch a lot of good movies! Cheers.
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear you haven’t been well, and about your recent knee surgery too! I hope you recover in time to enjoy Christmas! You haven’t been missing much, if that’s any consolation. I’ve also been keeping myself indoors out of the cold and wind, but I’m a wimp when it comes to the cold!
Shepherd’s Sight sounds really interesting and I’m adding it to my TBR. I’m planning to join a nonfiction reading challenge in 2026, so I guess it’s good timing!
Hi Haze, great to hear from you. Yeah it’s really been freezing outside and I haven’t been out much. Sounds like you neither. We’re trying to get ready for Christmas but late this year — we’ll see. But I’m feeling a bit better now.
I think if you like sheep or farm life — then Shepherd’s Sight might interest you. I’m looking to read more nonfiction next year too. Good luck with your challenges. And Happy holidays!