Thanks to my political addiction and to the fact that I am finally catching up with Downton Abbey, I am almost finished with my orange child-sized rollneck sweater. (Is it bad that I am calling it my “Orange Sunshine” sweater? I can’t find another phrase that captures the color as well.) All I need to do is knit the neck and weave in a few loose ends and I’ll be done. All sweaters look awkward at this stage, but I think I’ll be really happy with it when it’s done. Now to plan another project with this same gorgeous yarn. I wonder if it’s still on sale…
I’m still wrapping up Disturbing the Peace, which may be Richard Yates’ most unfortunate novel ever – not because it’s bad but because it’s basically Mad Men. Now everyone who forgets to check the copywright page will think Yates is plagiarizing (this may also be the reason this novel came back into print a few years ago, however). I’ve read the first 10 or so pages of The Anvil of the World, a recommendation and birthday gift from my godmother, lifelong friend, and PFP reader Maria. I am still new to fantasy literature and am enjoying learning what’s out there. This novel is set in a grain-growing region where everyone suffers from asthma and emphysema because there is always so much dust in the air from all the grain, but the residents are so proud that they provide the food for other regions that they view their breathing difficulties as badges of honor. I am still getting to know the characters and the larger context of this fictional world. I’ll be back to tell you more soon.
Yarn Along is hosted by Ginny on her blog, Small Things.
Postcards From Purgatory 
I think that’s a perfect name for that adorable sweater! I love planning what to knit next.
Thanks — me too!
The sweater looks great! I hope you like the book. It really isn’t set in that region, by the way. 😉 This is what I think of as an unusual fantasy book.
That’s interesting – so far it does not seem unusual (but I am not very far at all, and I haven’t read enough fantasy to know what is usual and what is not. I have several busy days coming up and probably won’t make much progress until next week, but I’ll definitely let you know!
Hello! (It’s Maria’s daughter Ruth!)
Mama retweeted your photo & I was so excited to see you reading The Anvil of the World that I had to stop over & say so. It is one of the my absolute favorite fantasy books – and I have read a lot of fantasy; some dreadful, some mediocre, and some excellent. As Mama says, The Anvil of the World is not at all your standard Sword & Sorcery high fantasy book, though this becomes more apparent as the story progresses. And now I won’t say any more, because you should be able to read the book unspoiled.
If you find yourself looking for more fantasy books, I’m happy to provide recommendations for books that are actually well-written and don’t feature the tiredest of fantasy tropes (Wise Elves; worlds ruled by Fate, Destiny, and The Ancient Prophecy, etc etc until one wants to throw the entire genre out a window.)
Also, that orange yarn is indeed really beautiful.
Ruth, yes — I would love some fantasy recommendations, even though I do have a long backlog of books to read. I am in the odd position of having just written a fantasy novel (though I am told it’s more correctly called “literary with fantastical elements”) having read almost nothing in the genre. All suggestions are welcome, especially those without wise elves.
Also, I know you having a baby in a few months and am so excited for you! I can’t wait for the Facebook photos. 🙂
Orange Sunshine is a perfect name. It is lovely!
Thanks!