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Home ยป Blog ยป A Few Great Books

A Few Great Books

by Sarah Turner Books, Clover Lane

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The Shoemaker’s Wife: A Novel

Another great immigrant story….my favorite kind of book.  Perfect for picking up and putting down all day long.  Or starting and falling asleep 5 minutes later, in spite of the fact that you have looked forward to reading it all day long.

After I read that book, I went on a Adriana Trigiani kick, and read these two which I loved just as much.

I own this non-fiction book by Trigiani I picked up for a Christmas present for myself last year, but re-read it…it is a memoir of sorts of both her grandmother’s lives, which all these books were based on.  SO much old-fashioned wisdom, examples of the strong work-ethic that existed long ago and practical advice.  I turned down even more pages than I had the first time.

I found such inspiration in this book-I wish I could have known my grandmothers better, talked with them more, and gleaned from them their own thoughts and feelings and no doubt deep wisdom on family and work and life in general.  I love this generation’s reminders-I know it’s good for me to hear them sometimes too.

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July 25, 2012 ยท 22 Comments

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  1. Magnolia Verandah says

    July 25, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Definitely pinned this and will look out for them while I am out and about. Sent my mother in Uk A lantern in her Hand and she loved it. I am reading it myself now. Love your recommendations.

    Reply
  2. Kelly says

    July 25, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I'm with you, I love all of her books. She has a series of books that you would probably love, too.

    Reply
  3. Kelly says

    July 25, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I'm with you, I love all of her books. She has a series of books that you would probably love, too.

    Reply
  4. Sleen says

    July 25, 2012 at 10:45 am

    My kids hear me say, "Don't sing at the table" every dinnertime ๐Ÿ™‚

    I'm going to look for that one right NOW. Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Laura Lee says

    July 25, 2012 at 11:19 am

    LOVE Adrianna Trigiani! Her Big Stone Gap Trilogy is wonderful also. Trigiani is such a wonderful writer that her characters truly feel like old friends. LOVE your blog Sarah, you too feel like an old friend. Look forward to each post. Thanks for sharing your life and wisdom.

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    July 25, 2012 at 11:57 am

    Well said. The work ethic and devotion to family from generations past is something so lacking at times in our society.

    Reply
  7. Unknown says

    July 25, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    I can't wait to check these out. I always love your recommendations . I even finished A Fortumate Life and was so glad I did . I only checked it out and renewed it twice ! I'm reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and it will go on my list of all time favorites right behind To Kill A Mockingbird. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.

    Reply
  8. dee says

    July 25, 2012 at 12:31 pm

    I just finished her BIg Stone Gap. Loved it! Now, I am in the middle of Big Cherry Holler and next will be Milk Glass Moon. So glad my friend introduced me to Adriana Trigiani!

    Reply
  9. lulusparkles says

    July 25, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    She is my absolute favorite author! I have read every one of her books. Rococo is her best.

    Reply
  10. Amy says

    July 25, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    Don't miss out on her Big Stone Gap series either – wonderful!!

    Reply
  11. Katiebee says

    July 25, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    I just started Big Stone Gap on a suggestion from our librarian. I'm on the second chapter & I'm hooked!

    Reply
  12. Maria (also Bia) says

    July 25, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    When the Shoemaker's Wife came out, Adriana Trigiani had a limited offer through facebook in which if you sent her names, she would autograph bookplates. So, I purchased three books (one for me, my sister, and my mother) for Mother's Day and presented them with the autographed bookplates!

    Reply
  13. Amy says

    July 25, 2012 at 1:48 pm

    Loved the Big Stone Gap series (now there are 4 books in that collection) that I wish I hadn't read them…so I could read them again! Also read both Valentine books. When I find an author I love I have to read ALL their work! I have done the same thing with Elizabeth Berg…she's amazing!

    Reply
  14. Shari says

    July 25, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    This post has perfect timing! I am currently without a book and it makes me sad because that 's what I look forward to at the end of every crazy day when my house is finally quiet. And, we were planning on going to the library today. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Here's hoping I can find one of those!

    Reply
  15. dianneo says

    July 25, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Ditto the other comments and your post! I love Adriana Trigiani. I too recommend the Big Gap series. They are great and what got me hooked on reading her books.

    Reply
  16. Carrie says

    July 25, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    I just placed a hold on The Shoemaker's Wife with my library. Thanks for the recommendations. I love to find new authors! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  17. Holly says

    July 26, 2012 at 12:06 am

    I loved Lucia, Lucia. I'll have to check out Don't Sing at the Table.

    Reply
  18. Unknown says

    July 26, 2012 at 2:55 am

    I love Adriana Trigiani's work. I've read almost all of her books except for the latest. Her books are wonderful. I so agree with you.

    Reply
  19. Jennifer says

    July 26, 2012 at 5:22 am

    These sound like great recommendations…I'm particularly interested in the "Life Lessons from My Grandmothers". I agree with you…I wish I had spent more quality time with my grandmothers and great-grandmothers. Asked more specific questions about their lives and the challenges they faced. It's amazing how as we get older, we feel such a deeper connection and appreciation for our ancestors. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Thanks again for sharing these recommendations.

    Reply
  20. kara_a_cullen says

    July 26, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    Trigiani is one of my favorites. If you haven't read Lucia, Lucia, read it. It's a quick read and SO good!

    Reply
  21. Melissa Heeney says

    July 27, 2012 at 2:07 am

    Just finished "The Island" by Victoria Hislop. If you like Trigiani I think you'll like this one. Multi-generational story of a Greek family with an interesting twist…

    Reply
  22. Christa @themeandminebook says

    August 10, 2012 at 9:12 am

    I came across your blog while reading some blogging 101 tips on Living In Yellow.
    I'm looking forward to reading much much much more and to stopping by your cheerful little place a lot more often.
    But for now, I'm off to bed.
    Far too late.
    And tomorrow I'm checking into getting a book by Adriana Trigiani!!
    So happy to find someone else that LOVES immigrant stories too!!!!
    I'll let you know what I think.

    Reply

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Welcome!

Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. ๐Ÿƒ
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
๐Ÿƒ
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
๐Ÿƒ
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
๐Ÿƒ
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
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I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
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Clip on bed lights save space. 
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A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
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When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
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All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
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When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
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More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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