Litsy

The Asheville Christmas Cabin | Hope Holloway, Cecelia Scott

pick

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book, from its captivating cover to its enchanting Christmas-themed narrative. Each of the main characters was endearing and easily relatable. I appreciated how the unique conflicts faced by each sister were also relatable to one another. The scene descriptions were absolutely beautiful, painting vivid pictures of the setting.

Full Review abookandadog.com/blog/the-asheville-christmas-cabin

49 likes

Robotswithpersonality

The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm | Rosamund Young

pick

Some of it is prosaic, truly a snippet of a day in the life as much as more profound life lessons, but I kept getting slapped by the sudden elegance in a turn of phrase.
I think I just wanted more, ditch the regular quotes and poems featured from other authors, and give me more first hand experience, more of those striking sentences. Also, more of the gorgeous woodcut style illustrations by Joanna Lisowiec. 1/?

Robotswithpersonality 2/? Unfairly, yes, I do want to read more about marveling at nature, at being enchanted by animals at play or sharing empathy than I do about the rougher fortunes that come with keeping a family farm afloat, though speaking on that importance of bioiversity, small-scale farming, organic practices, I appreciate. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 3/? Despite this petulant preference, I recognize there is honesty and value in the contrast of sweet and sour moments. If nothing else, admiration for everything survived and accomplished, and hopefully no romanticizing the business-driven decisions that may affect an animal's lifespan (farm, not sanctuary, though certain choices are emphasized as ending suffering. 🫤) 3d

Robotswithpersonality 4/? I do want more details, similar to books on rewilding, of the move from earlier farmsteads and being a farming family for generations, to the current location as an organic farm, more details hinted at in the early passages mentioning a hankering for sheep, transitioning into the farm with an established flock.
Again, not what a book providing snippets from journal and memory, is set up to do. I will seek out this author's other book though, 3d

Robotswithpersonality 5/? because at this point I'll take what can get!

⚠️
A bit fervent on the topic of organic food, farm living, understandable, but I don't love the championing of unpasteurized milk.
Admires animals' ability to sample various plants and self-medicate, but is obviously not too 'naturopath or bust' as she regularly describes the modern medical care that was essential to treat injury and illness for herself and her family. 3d

Robotswithpersonality 6/6 ⚠️ Author relays experience of being the primary caregiver of a mother with a chronic illness lasting decades, as well as the crueler realities of a working farm 3d

8 likes5 comments

Robotswithpersonality

The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm | Rosamund Young

“...streaks of vital light laughing the season in.“
That one's going to stay with me. ☀️

8 likes

Robotswithpersonality

The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm | Rosamund Young

Just a field of grass...on an organic farm.
Modern agrochemicals and industrial farming = threat to biodiversity.

10 likes

Robotswithpersonality

The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm | Rosamund Young

Gambolling by moonlight 🥰🐑

11 likes

Robotswithpersonality

The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm | Rosamund Young

Ever-luminous sheep. 🐑🌟

Nebklvr Are they radioactive? 3d

Robotswithpersonality @Nebklvr I do like the idea that they glow in the dark, hopefully in an innocuous glow-stick-at-a-rave-way. 😁Alas, I fear it is the far more banal, 'white thing in fading light in contrast to all dark-coated beasts beside it' phenomenon, with poetic language (and licence) attached. (edited) 3d

9 likes1 stack add2 comments

Robotswithpersonality

The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm | Rosamund Young