The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen
From Goodreads: We see notebooks everywhere we go. But where did this simple invention come from? How did they revolutionise our lives, and why are they such powerful tools for creativity? And how can using a notebook help you change the way you think?
In this wide-ranging story, Roland Allen reveals all the answers. Ranging from the bustling markets of medieval Florence to the quiet studies of our greatest thinkers, he follows a trail of dazzling ideas, revealing how the notebook became our most dependable and versatile tool for creative thinking. He tells the notebook stories of artists like Leonardo and Frida Kahlo, scientists from Isaac Newton to Marie Curie, and writers from Chaucer to Henry James. We watch Darwin developing his theory of evolution in tiny pocketbooks, see Agatha Christie plotting a hundred murders in scrappy exercise books, and learn how Bruce Chatwin unwittingly inspired the creation of the Moleskine.
On the way, we meet a host of cooks, kings, sailors, fishermen, musicians, engineers, politicians, adventurers and mathematicians, who all used their notebooks as a space for thinking and to shape the modern world.
My Thoughts: Is it too early to say this may be my best non-fiction read for the year? This is a fascinating look at notebooks, but so much more. He even manages to make the development of the general ledger enjoyable! My favourite chapter was the one on intensive care patients’ diaries, where nurses keep a diary for their patients—5-star read.
Here by Dragons (Welsh Prince #1) by Sharon Penman
From Goodreads: This is an absorbing historical novel of power and betrayal, loyalty and political intrigue in thirteenth-century England, Wales and France, centring on King John of England, younger brother to the brilliant Richard Lionheart, Joanna, his illegitimate but recognised daughter and Llewellyn Ab Iowerth, Prince of Gwynedd, a bitter opponent of English ways, laws and encroachment into Wales who becomes Joanna’s husband.
My Thoughts: This book piqued my interest in Wales, and since we will be visiting in May, I decided to reread it. It was just as good as I remembered. Penman meticulously researches the history and then crafts a great story—5-star read.
Sandwich by Catharine Newman
Reviewed by Nicole, J and Jamie … and probably others that I didn’t note down.
From Goodreads: For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, sunny days, great meals, and messes of all kinds: emotional, marital, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient plumbing—septic too.
This year’s vacation, with Rocky sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents, promises to be just as delightful as summers past—except, perhaps, for Rocky’s hormonal bouts of rage and melancholy. (Hello, menopause!) Her body is changing—her life is, too. And then a chain of events sends Rocky into the past, reliving both the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers.
My Thoughts: I enjoyed this, the family chaos, the absurdities of menopause. It was laugh-out-loud at times. I could relate to all that. The only downer for me was the overly intimate relationship she had with her kids. It felt borderline creepy to me. 4-star read.
Did you read some good books in January? Have you read any of these?
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