tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post5888313860245699242..comments2024-03-28T15:00:12.581-04:00Comments on Letters from a Hill Farm: The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday by Alexander McCall SmithNanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-22844741359479092342009-10-28T18:36:10.554-04:002009-10-28T18:36:10.554-04:00Val, I will be so interested to hear what you thin...Val, I will be so interested to hear what you think. I liked the Harriet B. too, and would have loved reading it to my kids. I listened to a few of the Isabel D. books read by Davina Porter, and they were wonderful.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-44180813955617641262009-10-28T11:02:47.802-04:002009-10-28T11:02:47.802-04:00Thanks for the link Nan, I've just ordered the...Thanks for the link Nan, I've just ordered the first novel from the library ...as a talking book so there is a good chance of a nice listen...reading (grownup) books is a bit of a challenge when the children are young isn't it...I've only read his 'Harriet Bean' stories and also one Akimbo story sofar! But must admit that they are fun reads.Valhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03003915263556622215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-55811675985481583372009-10-27T14:47:06.967-04:002009-10-27T14:47:06.967-04:00Bonnie, thank you for saying that! I love the weat...Bonnie, thank you for saying that! I love the weather connection. Have you read the ones before this book?<br /><br />Oh, yes, I'm sure, Margaret!! I think in either the 44 Scotland Street series or this one, he mentions walking past Rankin's house - I seem to recall a courtyard perhaps? I can't wait for your photos of your new home and area, esp. since I've read a few books set in the Borders. <br /><br />Elaine, that's just like I feel. I adore the Scotland Street books but they have a very different flavo(u)r :<) don't they? More slapstick almost with more outrageous characters and a first person narrator dog. I'm so looking forward to Compliments. I've thought of getting all the books and reading them again, one after the other.<br /><br />Susan, lucky, lucky you! What a nice thing to go with your sister. Well, what a nice thing to have a sister, period. :<) I'll have to check out The Giant's House again. I know you've mentioned it, and the author before, and I do recall liking it, though I seem to remember there being a little fantasy - over the top section???<br /><br />Patricia, I'm so glad you read and liked Fortnight. The Scotland Street books are fun (see what I wrote to Elaine above) but they have such a different feel, in general. <br /><br />Debbie, that's just how I feel when I find out an author I love has written more books which I haven't heard of! Corduroy Mansions may be fun for you too.<br /><br />Staci - I wondered if you'd read this post. :<) Let me know if you ever try again. I'll be interested.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-65875831305818404862009-10-26T20:30:23.428-04:002009-10-26T20:30:23.428-04:00Nan,
you've so made me re-think whether or not...Nan,<br />you've so made me re-think whether or not I gave this book a fair shake. I think I may have been in a wrong frame of mind while reading the first one. I won't rule them out!! :)Stacihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07600979915661464945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-85101056505629081982009-10-26T16:39:00.352-04:002009-10-26T16:39:00.352-04:00I love this series too. I don't always agree ...I love this series too. I don't always agree with her moral code but find her interesting anyway. I love the Ladies Detective Agency series too. I like books that are slow. It gives you a chance to get to know the characters and think through things with them. I haven't heard of his 44 Scotland Street series. Oh boy!debbie baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02479699000203333679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-4172740361759732502009-10-26T00:40:08.605-04:002009-10-26T00:40:08.605-04:00I so enjoy Alexander McCall Smiths writing and hav...I so enjoy Alexander McCall Smiths writing and have just finished the second in the 44 Scotland Street series. I look forward to also reading about the adventures of Isobel Dallhousie.<br />Nan,I too have a busy brain which rarely stops! Thinking, pondering etc and yes, trying to get things right. You couldn't have described it better! <br />I have been to Edinburgh and it is a beautiful city.<br /><br />While I'm here. I really enjoyed The Fortnight in September.<br /><br />PatriciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-56913082499646574522009-10-25T14:58:30.439-04:002009-10-25T14:58:30.439-04:00My sister and I are planning (our first!) trip to ...My sister and I are planning (our first!) trip to Scotland next year with a concentration on Edinburgh - think this is a series I should take up...It is something when you really identify with how a person thinks in a book...I remember reading The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken and parts of that book felt like my own thoughts, how I might have reacted etc. Not all of it, of course, but it is a fascinating "click" when it happens.Susan Moorheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06744130110550636177noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-69860839473450628372009-10-25T02:20:31.514-04:002009-10-25T02:20:31.514-04:00Out of all the Alexander McCall Smith books, and t...Out of all the Alexander McCall Smith books, and there are loads out thre as we know, these are my favourite. I do like the Ladies Detective Agency, but there is something about these that sooths my soul. I always feel a quiet satisfaction after reading about Isabel and her life. Have just read her latest one, The Careful use of Compliments and, as always, loved it.Elainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17739410242766153431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-59824707383644762542009-10-25T01:24:31.721-04:002009-10-25T01:24:31.721-04:00I haven't read any of these books, but I can s...I haven't read any of these books, but I can see I'm missing out! It sounds as though McCall Smith paints a very different picture of Edinburgh than Ian Rankin does. <br /><br />I've visited Edinburgh twice and of course I didn't see the seamier side! I did the tourist thing, travelling on a tour bus and then visiting some of the museums. As my son lives near there now and we're moving to just south of the Scottish borders (in England) I'll be going more often and will take photos to post on my blog.Margarethttp://www.booksplease.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-1276808552237207462009-10-24T14:32:23.534-04:002009-10-24T14:32:23.534-04:00Nan,
I just picked up this book at the library as...Nan,<br /><br />I just picked up this book at the library as it was raining. Hope I can get to it today. The sun has come out and the skies are clearing BUT the morning's rain was a punctuation to the title! Again,<br />thank you for your wonderful book titles to curl up with.Bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03944984613918619990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-55224906647908261722009-10-24T10:20:43.458-04:002009-10-24T10:20:43.458-04:00Geranium Cat, that was such a wonderful comment. I...Geranium Cat, that was such a wonderful comment. I loved every word. I've never studied ethics or even read about it. I'm learning from Isabel. :<)<br /><br />Kay, thank you. I thought it might be fun to put my computer on the blog header for a while.<br /><br />Kailana, If I don't enjoy a book or author, I just give it up. There is so much out there to read!<br /><br />Scriptor S. I wonder if I'll ever get there. If so, I might not want to leave!Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-22066789468980456712009-10-24T04:15:34.505-04:002009-10-24T04:15:34.505-04:00I've only been to dinburgh twice and both time...I've only been to dinburgh twice and both times only briefly but I absolutely loved it. And the Elizabeth Dalhousie series are wonderfully true to the place.Scriptor Senexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17795521284516432520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-32767370772864739392009-10-24T02:30:28.846-04:002009-10-24T02:30:28.846-04:00Alexander McCall Smith has been really hit or miss...Alexander McCall Smith has been really hit or miss for me. The last was a miss so it has been a while since I tried anything, but I should try again!Kailanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11136262232046813471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-39671423002935298672009-10-23T21:18:16.895-04:002009-10-23T21:18:16.895-04:00I love your cosy header photo, Nan.I love your cosy header photo, Nan.Kayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461569436322815787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-79901809825431597762009-10-23T11:47:44.777-04:002009-10-23T11:47:44.777-04:00Didn't you just love the letter Isobel write t...Didn't you just love the letter Isobel write to a pushy journal contributor (I think it's in The Careful Use of Compliments) and her deliberation over whether to send it? I've studies Ethics and worked on a journal, so as you can imagine, I identify with her too. Oh, and I worked in Edinburgh for 15 years. You would love it, Nan. I do agree about good people, too - the combination of Isobel's carefulness with her tendency to get involved makes her a compelling character. She feels like a real person.Jodie Robsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02442935205880334932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-46020190217401006402009-10-23T10:42:23.976-04:002009-10-23T10:42:23.976-04:00Linda, I think he is just the author for you right...Linda, I think he is just the author for you right now. Uplifting, interesting, cheerful, good people. If you go to fantastic fiction, you may see all his series in order:<br /><br />http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/alexander-mccall-smith/<br /><br />Carole, I so wish you had a blog. I love what you have to say about books. You very often talk about aspects I haven't read anywhere else or thought about. You are an excellent writer. What you said about AMS and good people is really a big part in the books I choose. I do read some darker mysteries, but even they must have a 'good' detective for me to stay with a series. (and I like it we are both reading about Isabel, too)<br /><br />Darlene, he is full of wonderful words!<br /><br />Margot, I think you will love them. They soothe the soul and enrich the mind. Yes, the quilt is mine. It was made by my aunt in 1927. I mentioned it a long time ago (before we 'met'):<br /><br />http://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2007/06/book-reportapricots-at-midnight.html<br /><br />Thanks, JoAnn. I couldn't resist the whimsy of including my own boots. :<) The computer desk can be really neat because this is all I do there!<br /><br />J.G., you and me both!!<br /><br />Les, I can't even compare them in my mind. To me they are each perfect in their own special way. I also love the 44 Scotland Street books, and look forward to Corduroy Mansions, and La's Orchestra Saves the World. He is one of my favorite authors, and I'm so grateful for his work.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-46195082717313854292009-10-23T07:06:23.353-04:002009-10-23T07:06:23.353-04:00This sounds like a wonderful series. I think I'...This sounds like a wonderful series. I think I'd like it better than the Mma Precious Ramotswe books.Leshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08345657431432380804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-56402938953199403962009-10-22T21:41:38.202-04:002009-10-22T21:41:38.202-04:00I will soon be branching into these, having devour...I will soon be branching into these, having devoured all of the <i>No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency</i> series. Guess that means I really enjoy "slow."J.G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02806805528636359436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-28799338944314556752009-10-22T20:40:52.386-04:002009-10-22T20:40:52.386-04:00Nan, your pictures are just perfect - both the &qu...Nan, your pictures are just perfect - both the "muddy Saturday" book with the rain boots and your new banner. The quilt is lovely...and your desk is so neat!JoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691864361197071517noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-69851465666016990232009-10-22T20:02:12.165-04:002009-10-22T20:02:12.165-04:00I have the first book in this series but haven'...I have the first book in this series but haven't read it yet. I didn't realize there were so many. I'd better get going. I like slow stories as you describe these. <br /><br />I like your cover picture today. The quilt at the top caught my attention right away. I hope it's yours.<br /><br />While I'm at it - I love reading the Gladys Taber quote about potatoes in your sidebar. (I want to go to the same heaven!) What book did that come from?Margot at Joyfully Retiredhttp://joyfullyretired.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-27707867533353964652009-10-22T19:26:14.499-04:002009-10-22T19:26:14.499-04:00I'd love to read these books at some point. I...I'd love to read these books at some point. I knew Alexander McCall Smith would be for me when a co-worker said that in one of his novels he refers to 'beige' as 'distressed oatmeal'. I love that!Darlenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07415316482631852565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-2608241828904616242009-10-22T18:13:43.305-04:002009-10-22T18:13:43.305-04:00I only recently found Isabel, like you I identify ...I only recently found Isabel, like you I identify with her, and pondering the moral and ethical questions alongside her is like the best sort of conversation. I am reading book 4, The Careful Use of Compliments, at the moment, the last 2 are lined up.<br />Alexander McCall Smith is such a refreshing writer in that he makes good people really interesting, so few writers even try to do this, let alone manage it.<br />I don't know Edinburgh very well, but reading the stories jogs my memory, such a wonderful city.<br />Nice coincidence that we are both reading the same writer, I like that.<br />CaroleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-70477396196912533492009-10-22T17:49:05.758-04:002009-10-22T17:49:05.758-04:00Hi Nan! I am going to the book store this weekend...Hi Nan! I am going to the book store this weekend....I will look up her series! I love reading and especially series! Thank you so much for your well wishes! I have my highs and lows (mostly highs) and feel so blessed to have such great friends in blog land! I will let you know what I find at Boarders!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02274892067256359414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-79571501295993597842009-10-22T16:22:31.688-04:002009-10-22T16:22:31.688-04:00I've never been, and I'd so love to go.I've never been, and I'd so love to go.Nanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15547916206007733970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6049626897935912366.post-43644719057045309462009-10-22T16:14:49.753-04:002009-10-22T16:14:49.753-04:00And Edinburgh is such a lovely place to visit.And Edinburgh is such a lovely place to visit.Pamela Terry and Edwardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12746603636884819522noreply@blogger.com