Non-fiction books part 7

This is part seven in a series of non-fiction book reviews, based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me. Today we look at a new craft, take a little trip into my childhood and work on our mental health - with chickens(Quirky!) . All books are provided in electronic form by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Punch NeedleTattoo Designs: 18 Beginner-Friendly Projects and Over 25 Additional Patternswith Style - Punch Needle Embroidery Designs for Home Décor, Clothing, Pillows,Bags, and More Amy Buchanan

I've heard of punch needle embroidery, but didn't really know what it was. Since I have a fascination with all fibre craft, and tattoos as well, I thought this would be a good entry into learning about the craft.

It serves as a strong introduction, with information about how to begin and troubleshooting. The projects are varied, and give lots of choices. One of the strongest things about this book is that it is empowering. It gives techniques an ideas, but leaves the details in the hands of the fibre artist. So, did I try punch needling? It's a pretty low bar to entry - the punch needle tool is about 5 bucks, and I've already got an embroidery hoop and lots of yarn. I haven't tried it yet, but that's because I am quite busy with other crafts, but this book certainly tempted me, and I may yet try it.

Therapy Chickens: Let the Wisdom of the Flock Bring You Joy Tedra Hamel

This book is fabulous. Tendra owns backyard chickens and her affection for them is evident in both her words and her charming illustrations. This is not a self help book - there are gentle suggestions and observations. It would be a fun book to work through as daily meditations. I'd like to give a paper copy to my friend Anna, who also loves her backyard chickens, but this would be a fun gift for anyone who might benefit from a little bit more joy in their lives.

AsterixOmnibus, vol. 11 Albert Uderzo

When I was growing up my father worked next door to the Carringbush (Richmond) library. On occasion we would be at his office, so we would go and hang out in the library, waiting for him to finish work. The library had a display of Asterix and Tin-Tin comics, next to a carpeted step and my brother and I would sit there and read them. I always found the Asterix comics pretty silly. Still when I had the chance to request this from NetGalley (I'm not sure why, since this seems to have released in 2019) I took the opportunity to wander down memory lane. And yes, this book is still pretty silly. I will say that this is presumably being sold as a paper copy, it's pretty challenging to read on a tablet.

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Linky Wednesday - the one with the pause

In meditation it's said that the pause between the in breath and the out breath is a gap, a space to rest. Well, I'm in that in-between space for reading, listening and knitting. This is a random photo of a highlight of my week - I filled up my lolly jar. These are just supermarket party mix. During the lockdowns, we sources a great pick-and-mix delivery service, but at some point they started sending from the UK, which is a bit silly. Rachey messaged me a new one she found, and I impulsed purchased a kilo of mixed lollies, and then she sent me a link to the biggest lolly shop in Melbourne, which also delivers sweets by the kilogram, so i think I'm sorted for the rest of the year! In reading I've just finished The Beckoning Lady by Margery Allingham . It's the second last book in the Summer of Mystery, and I have to admit, having now read nine Margery Allingham books, that they are OK. I wouldn't have read them if they were not connected to this club, but on...

Geogradiant MKAL Part 1 - that was unexpected (spoilers)

Stephen West released the first MKAL clue on Thursday night. I started knitting it without looking at spoilers. When I got up on Friday he had sent through an "alternative" clue one. I then went and had a look at the spoiler thread to try to work out what was going on. Which was that some people thought the pattern looked like a "German hate symbol". I knit on anyway, since I was half-way through. Then he took down the original clue, replacing it with a mitred square in garter stitch. The Ravelry forums and Instagram are a complete shit-show, even though Rav is being moderated. It's been a bit disheartening, having something that is usually quite light and fun weighed down with all this. I admire Stephen's quick and sensitive response to this drama. I also feel that anything can look like anything if you squint. To me this looks like a Celtic knot. I think mine is pretty, and I'll knit on through all crises.

Unravelled Wednesday - the one where it's ordinary

This week I finished my first book for the 2025 When Are You Reading? Challenge , which was The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker , which covered the pre 1200 time period. I loved it, it's a retelling of the siege of Troy from a feminist perspective. I haven't worked out what I'm reading for the 1200-1399 time period. Suggestions are welcome. I'm currently reading Central Station by Lavie Tidhar , which is science fiction set in a future Tel-Aviv. It's good, but there are loads of characters and I'm not overly invested. Although at least I'm having no problems telling the characters apart, they are very district. I just don't overly care what happens to them. I'm listening to a NetGalley review copy of Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski , which is the story of a woman unravelling. It's very different from Mischa's other books, but quite compelling. I'm not sure what's next, probably something from Kobo-Plus, perhaps Regrets...

What I made, by Sharon

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