Skip to main content

Organic Granny Reviews "Stop What You Are Doing And Read This" by Carmen Callil et al

Stop What You Are Doing And Read This!Stop What You Are Doing And Read This! by Carmen Callil

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was deeply into a detective-mystery novel when my husband ruptured my thrall (twice!) to suggest that I might want to read this book of essays on the power and joy of reading literature. I was irritated and made rude dismissive gestures.

However...

I ran out of something to read and decided to pick this up.

I apologized to my husband for my unspoken assumptions. This slim and quickly read book contains eleven essays by twelve esteemed writers talking about their individual love stories around reading. It was a little like stepping back into an English Lit class at University nearly 50 years ago, but, really, a great pleasure to have the rich experiences and rewards of books and reading reiterated in a time when the electronic media would sometime make "old school" literature and literary pursuits seem outdated and without value in a changing world. Not so.

Since reading this book my husband has pitched to our younger grandchild (11 years old) that we would like to read to her at least weekly. Online of course, since she lives in another province. She was highly receptive, even thrilled, and suggested that our reading aloud to her would be "soothing", which was not exactly the descriptor we expected, but given her very stressful young life, the word is fitting. She even suggested a couple of her favorite books. Her teen sister has not returned our call yet-- she might be a harder sell.



View all my reviews

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Current TOP of the POPS

🌿Growing Asparagus Sustainably + 3 Irresistible Vegan Recipes

  When the lilacs bloom and the asparagus spears appear, We know that Spring is really here! Welcome to your seasonal guide on how to grow your asparagus sustainably in raised beds or planters, and enjoy it in three delicious vegan dishes. Let’s dig into the gardening tips first, then reward your green thumb with a casserole and two other tasty recipes! 🌿 How to Grow and Care for Asparagus in Raised Beds or Planters Why Raised Beds? Asparagus loves well-drained soil, and raised beds provide ideal drainage, aeration, and earlier spring warming. Plus, they make gardening easier on your back! Planting Basics: Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours/day) Soil: Rich, well-drained with a pH of 6.5–7.5 Spacing: Plant crowns 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart Crowns vs. Seeds Crowns (1-year roots) are easiest and produce faster. Seeds take longer and need indoor starting. Container Tips: Use a deep container (at least 12–18 inches/30–45 cm) Choose long, rectangular planters for multiple plants Season...
Post a Comment
Read more

🌿 Purple Plant Power: What Gives Plants Their Purple Hue?

  The purple color in plants is primarily due to anthocyanins, a group of water-soluble pigments belonging to the flavonoid family. These pigments range in color from red to blue, depending on the pH level within the plant tissue. Anthocyanins serve several roles: Attract pollinators Protect against UV radiation Act as natural antioxidants 🥗 Nutritional Advantages of Purple Plants Purple vegetables are not just eye-catching—they’re health-boosting: High in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins It may help reduce inflammation Support heart and brain health It may help lower the risk of some cancers Promote better vision and skin health 🍆 Fruits & Vegetables with Purple Varieties Many everyday produce items have purple counterparts. Here's a list, along with notes on whether they are natural, selectively bred, or hybridized. Other vegetables-- some not common in North America-- are listed below the types we are more familiar with: 1. 🍅 Tomatoes Purple Variety: Indigo Rose, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

💥👑Canadian Women Named Victoria👑💥

  As Canadians prepare to celebrate Victoria Day this weekend, it's a perfect time to reflect not only on the monarch who inspired the holiday, but also on the Canadian women who share her name and have left a lasting impact on our nation. 🌺 What Is Victoria Day? Victoria Day is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the Monday preceding May 25 each year. In 2025, it falls on Monday, May 19. It originally honored Queen Victoria, the monarch of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, under whose reign Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire in 1867. Victoria Day marks the unofficial start of summer in Canada, with fireworks, parades, and garden planting traditions. 🌎 Where Is Victoria Day Celebrated? Canada – the only country where it is a statutory holiday Some parts of Scotland observe it informally Other Commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand may recognize Queen Victoria's legacy, but do not celebrate Victoria Day. 👑 Is King Ch...
Post a Comment
Read more