I haven't done a Book Chat post in forever, and thought it might be time to do one as I have a bit to catch up on. I also want to tell you about 2 books, that I have been reading throughout this year; and by that I mean I pick up once a month or when the mood suits. These are some gorgeous gift editions as well, so I do feel a sense of smugness seeing them on my shelf. So let's get started shall we?

A Poem for Every Night of the Year edited by Allie Esiri

Plot (from the Back)

This beautiful book contains a poem for each and every night of the year. It will take you on a journey through history and the seasons, and tells of festivals and traditions from many different countries, cultures and traditions ....This inspirational collection will keep you company every night of your life.

I treated myself to this just after Christmas as it felt like the perfect book to read in those dark, spooky winter months. First thing to say, is it is a children's book, but I do believe adults can enjoy this as well. I read hardly any poetry, I am ashamed to say, but I loved it. This book would make a wonderful gift for a child either to read by themselves or with an adult reading aloud with them. I would say 8+ years would enjoy the book.

The book is set out by each day of the year and poetry comes from a who's who of poets ranging from Spike Milligan to William Shakespeare to more modern poetry such as Carol Ann Duffy. Each poem has a small introduction, either about the author, the subject or the language. And then you are into the poetry itself. I've discovered long lost gems from my childhood as well as new works, I've found out about festivals and folklore. It truly is lovely. If you enjoy this book, the author has gone on to edit further anthologies including 'A Poem for Every Spring Day' and 'A Poem for Every Day of the Year'. They are beautiful editions and perfect for gifts'

The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2021 by Lia Leendertz

Plot (from the Back)

Reconnect with the seasons with this month-by-month guide to the world around us - including key dates, garden tasks and moon phases, meditations, migrations and pilgrimages, sunrises and tide timetables, shanties and seasonal recipes.

A very pretty book, I tend to read this at the start of every month This months theme is migration, movement and celebrating the culture of the Romani. I love seeing the changes in sunset and sunrise as well as learning all about gardening by the cycle of the moon. This book reminds me to slow down and be in nature more, which I am sure we have all learnt over the past year!

Between the Covers

No, I'm not suggesting something naughty here. Calm yourselves! The second series of the BBC's Between the Covers has now finished. This year they decided to change the format slightly as the Panel discussed a 'Big Hitter', a book published to huge success and a 'newly-published book' If you missed any of this, both series are available on the BBC iPlayer and the list of books discussed is below.

Week One

• Newly-published book: The Fine Art Of Invisible Detection by Robert Goddard
• Big hitter: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Week Two

• Newly-published book: Should We Fall Behind by Sharon Duggal
• Big hitter: The Lying Life Of Adults by Elena Ferrante

Week Three

• Newly-published book: Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan
• Big hitter: The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Daré 

Week Four

Newly-published book: Another Life by Jodie Chapman

Big hitter: Agent Running In The Field by John le Carré

Week Five

• Newly-published book: The Last House On Needless Street by Catriona Ward
• Big hitter: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell 

Week 6

• Newly-published book: The Frequency Of Us by Keith Stuart
• Big hitter: Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart

Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year

You know I love to read my crime books.! This shortlist for the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Novel of the Year 2021 has been announced. The six books making the shortlist are:

• The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths
• Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton
• The Last Crossing by Brian McGilloway
• Death in the East by Abir Mukherjee
• We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
• The Man on the Street by Trevor Wood

The winner will be announced on the opening night of Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival, Thursday 22nd July 2021. You can find out how to vote and all about the festival here. Good Luck to all the shortlisted authors.

And that is it from me today. I hope you've enjoyed the post. I'll be back on Tuesday with a review of our family Book Group choice. It was a good one.

Have a great weekend. xx