Not Mine, But His by Emma S. Pratt

This lovely book was next on my books to review, and it is fitting that I post it today, Easter! The story is about Mary, a young woman who is endeavoring to live rightly. This is a common theme in late 19th century fiction, one reason I find these so fascinating and interesting! One of … Continue reading Not Mine, But His by Emma S. Pratt →

Yesterday’s classics speaking into today’s world

The only palliative for the errors of our modern world is to keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds, and this can be done only by reading old books C.S. Lewis I have saved a number of quotes to share about the value of reading classic books. Now, I’m asking … Continue reading Yesterday’s classics speaking into today’s world →

Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire

A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire →

Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history

Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history →

Best Books Ever at Project Gutenberg

I can't say enough about the riches found in Project Gutenberg! I have found, downloaded and happily read loads of their books in Kindle format, online, or in pdf form--ALL for FREE. Here I want to whet your appetite by pointing you to some lists of books. But before you delve into the lists below, … Continue reading Best Books Ever at Project Gutenberg →

Calgary Book Sales May 2022

Two worthy organizations, Calgary READS and RESET Society of Calgary, are holding their fantastic book sales again! Both are now looking for volunteers and donations. Calgary READS The curling rink transforms into the Calgary READS sale! (You'll find me at the far, far bottom left part of the photo in the special VINTAGE BOOKS section!) … Continue reading Calgary Book Sales May 2022 →

Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow

It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow →

Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature

Of all the revived, republished classic books available, the 4 Hedgerow Tales are my favorites. These were ahead of their time, "retold" back in the 1980s, forerunners of the latest trend. The illustrations by Sandra Fernandez are exquisite and appear on almost every page. (Note that these Hedgerow Tales are not related to Enid Blyton's … Continue reading Hedgerow Tales, Mrs. Gatty’s Parables of Nature →

Holiday Gems

One of the joys of the holiday is settling down after all the energetic activities to read inspired holiday fiction. You are no doubt familiar with some of the well-known holiday books and short stories… Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol… The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson… Eugene Field’s The First Christmas Tree… O. … Continue reading Holiday Gems →

Fun and Frolic: Stories for the Young from the 1800s

Such a pleasant peek into the simple family life of the late 1800's Ah, the simple innocence of that era. It makes one want to time-travel there for a day, or a year! Obviously, not everyone in 1888 had the leisure shown in this book, there were certainly just as many who had hard and … Continue reading Fun and Frolic: Stories for the Young from the 1800s →