16 Comments
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Sarah Trivuncic Maison Cupcake's avatar

I read 150 books in one year a couple of years ago and it really expanded the breadth of what I read. I think it fried my eyeballs a bit though and I've switched to Audible and podcasts lately! Love the Christmas crib pieces, I have a lovely set that came from Sainsbury's of all places about ten years ago but they're really special and I enjoy unpacking each figure wrapped in tissue when Christmas decorating comes around... possibly this weekend x

Judith's avatar

It is great to focus on reading. I do love my cribs. The red Mexican one came from the shop next to Westminster Cathedral, it was Fairtrade and each piece was wrapped in Mexican newspaper. I think it’s about 30 years old. The white, Italian one from John Lewis, 25 years ago and the little (Fairtrade again) Vietnamese one from Oxfam 20ish years ago. I love them all.

Kate Roxburgh's avatar

I am really interested in your reading list for next year. I’ve found some of the modern novels I’ve read this year disappointing.

And at Winchester Cathedral, I loved the Gormley in the crypt

Judith's avatar

I must toddle down to the crypt! I know exactly what you mean, some newly published novels are quite off putting! I will share the list, I’m enjoying compiling it, and delighted to find 60 female authors (I have read books by some, I hope the ones who are new to me will be good too.)

Changing-pages's avatar

Really looking forward to your reading list too

Laetitia Maklouf's avatar

My father and brother have birthdays on December 10 and 11 respectively...Christmas cannot begin until after that!

Judith's avatar

My eldest son is the 11th. I’m not sure if I’ll see him tomorrow as he has plans with his wife and his friends, but we will talk. I can’t believe this time 39 years ago I was waiting patiently for him!

Valerie Vago-Laurer's avatar

Reading your December letter is always a lovely nudge toward Christmas, Jude.

Judith's avatar

Thank you Valerie x

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

Yes 150 is an amazing amount of books. Are they audio and print? Those pies look amazing. Had you thought of posting your mincemeat recipe on Substack? No snow in Ireland yet 😔 ❄️

Judith's avatar

Thank you Lucy. I’ve read all the books, a combination of hardbacks, paperbacks and my kindle. I tend to listen to collections of plays on audio, which I love, perfect to listen to whilst doing those never ending chores or cooking in the kitchen. Fingers crossed for snow in Ireland, though I hope the roads stay clear!

Paola Bassanese's avatar

150 books read this year is a huge achievement! Glad your Thanksgiving meal went well and have a lovely time during your Jane Austen getaway!

Judith's avatar

It’s the first time I’ve ever recorded the books I have read, I’m sure in the past there were years when I read more, before all the distractions that surround us. It was lovely to focus on gratitude, I’m fortunate to have so much to be thankful for, and it’s great to go into winter in a positive state of mind.

Francey's avatar

Just lovely Judith 🌟

Judith's avatar

Thank you Francey.

Changing-pages's avatar

There is so much I love here Jude. The Christmas nativity Tableau sounds wonderful, and a beautiful thing to do on Christmas Eve. 150 books is truly impressive, thank you for the mention, and I am glad my list helped you reach your total! As you know I adore Miss Read and the Thrush Green series is delighful.