lists – Jane Rosebery

Thursday Reading Links #66

July 9, 2020July 8, 2020by Jane2 Comments

Hi, there! So, I bought the audio book for The Heir Affair from Audible. It’s the sequel to The Royal We. Have you read it? It is partially inspired by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but completely fiction. I enjoyed the first book so much. Apparently the whole world did as well, which is why there is a sequel. Hooray for fun sequels!

I’m currently reading The Grimaldis of Monaco. It is so good!! It reads like historical fiction, except it’s all real. Those Princes of Monaco were bad boys. I’m simultaneously reading Paris to the Moon, a collection of essays inspired by the author’s time of living in Paris.

Coronavirus isolation: How to be alone, during a pandemic or anytime. This was really interesting to read. I love staying home, but I take for granted that it can be hard for some people to be alone or stay at home for extended periods of time.

The truth about Christopher Columbus. It’s possible he had two identities.

How to take afternoon tea like a Brit. I’ve been stirring my sugar all wrong!!

21 Writers on Their Favorite Children’s Books.

xoxo, Jane

reading links

Thursday Reading Links #65

July 2, 2020July 1, 2020by Jane1 Comment

I’m not sure how good June was to you, but I sure hope July will treat you better. Remember, wear a mask, wash your hands and stay safe! Here is a mix of reading links, not all are related to one or the other, but interesting nonetheless.

Inside Story: Handbags That Made History.

How To Start An Online Library Book Club.

Black Lives Matter.

This Victorian painting depicting two women in love was nearly lost forever.

What Is Owed. “As we focus on police violence, we cannot ignore an even starker indication of our societal failures: Racial income disparities today look no different than they did the decade before King’s March on Washington.” A very powerful essay by Nikole Hannah-Jones for The New York Times.

French history lovers check this out, French Revolution: remains discovered in walls of Paris monument.

My recent book haul, always a happy moment.

xoxo, Jane

reading links

Thursday Reading Links #64

June 25, 2020June 24, 2020by Jane

I have to admit, I’m surprised at how many confederate statues there are. Every day there is yet another story of protestors tearing down a statue. I say, good for them. Tear them down faster.

I don’t understand people who say you can’t learn about history (and the Civil War) without the racist statues. To them, I say: I’ve learned so much about so many countries and world events without ever setting foot in those countries. It’s called reading.

I’m writing a book where Nikita Khrushchev loiters in the background. I’ve never seen a statue of him (nor was I able to invent a time machine and travel to the USSR circa 1959) yet I know who he was and what he stood for.

Have you learned anything about something without visiting the country where the event took place?

A travel writer contemplates a less mobile future.

Speaking of reading, what does it mean to be well read?

The Brooklyn Book Festival is going completely virtual.

Have you seen this video of Ken Burns talking about the monuments? The video begins with a poignant interview given by James Baldwin.

DW has a really cool series of short videos called Meet the Germans. It’s all about German culture as discovered by a British woman living in Germany with her German husband. Super fun and interesting!

xoxo, Jane

reading links

Thursday Reading Links #63

June 18, 2020by Jane

Another week is drawing to a close, though each week seems to melt into the next. This weekend is the official start of summer and I plan to celebrate it. I don’t know how quite yet (maybe a scenic drive) but I will do something to commemorate it. Also, I have a new thing I’m doing. I listen to the ocean sounds while I work. Sometimes it’s the rainforest or a waterfall. It helps with stress and makes for a nicer work day.

How are you?

xoxo, Jane

The best short stories for every taste and mood.

Your daily dose of joy: Dog ‘adopts’ nine orphaned ducklings.

Interesting read! As a consumer, how can you tell if companies support Black Lives Matter? Do companies really support Black Lives Matter?

Black Owned Tea Brands! This tea lover says: Yes, Please.

reading links

Thursday Reading Links #62

June 11, 2020by Jane

Hello! I hope you’re doing well under the circumstances. Here are a few reading links that caught my fancy.

Inside the Culture of Racism at Bon Appétit.

Muriel Bowser and Black women are going after Trump. And they’re winning. And may they keep on winning!

If this doesn’t melt your heart, I don’t know what will: A teen who spent ten hours cleaning up after a protest in Buffalo is rewarded with a car and a college scholarship.

A Brief Feminist History of Bike-Riding.

Parents must teach their children to oppose racism.

And last, but never ever least: Black Lives Matter.

Be well and stay safe! xoxo, Jane

books, reading links

Thursday Reading Links #60

May 28, 2020May 27, 2020by Jane

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Hello, there. How are you?

Today’s readings links are brought to you by yours truly.

This was an interesting read about how boredom can spark creativity. I do love being bored and having a lot of downtime. Though it hasn’t resulted in a masterpiece yet. Here’s hoping.

Just when I was telling you that I’m not going to buy any more of the Penguin Clothbound Classics, look what I found: this Sanditon edition. Of course, I couldn’t resist ordering it and it’s on the way. Yippee!

Photo Essay: Bookstores Are Opening, Cautiously, Across the Country.

20 Must-Read Free Classics You Can Find on Project Gutenberg.

In case you missed it, yesterday I wrote about my thoughts on Francesca Wade’s Square Haunting.

This is so cool. Roman mosaic floor found underneath vines in northern Italy. I can’t believe how beautiful (and new) the recently discovered Roman mosaics look.

Have a great day!

xoxo, Jane

books, reading links

Thursday Reading Links #59 (Cold War Edition)

May 21, 2020by Jane

I don’t have any appropriate pictures for this post, so let’s just pretend this trail from my walk is a dead drop.

I’m working on a series of novels (Book 1 is in the editing phase, Book 2 needs to be rewritten and Books 3, 4 and 5 are in the draft outline phase) set during the Cold War. So, I thought I would make today’s reading links all about the Cold War.

What I Learned From Women Who Were Prisoners of the Gulag.

The Long History of the Red Scare as an American Political Tactic, an interview with Kathryn Olmstead, professor of history at the University of California, Davis.

Capitalism’s Baby Mania.

Nazi who arrested Anne Frank became a spy for West Germany.

Activist or spy? The curious case of a Cold War nuclear scientist.

Four Books about the Cold War.

My life under surveillance after I married a KGB agent.

Not about the Cold War, but set during the Reagan administration: Dee Snider on PMRC Hearing: I Was a Public Enemy. Dee Snider of the band Twisted Sister talks about his senate hearing. It’s a fascinating read because he is being brutally honest and doesn’t mind calling people on their hypocrisy. I had no idea that this was even an issue in the 1980s. Sometimes I wonder if politicians create drama and waste taxpayer money because they have too much time on their hands. (Sounds like Dee would agree with me.)

Let me know what you think of the articles.

xoxo, Jane

books, reading links

Thursday Reading Links #58

May 14, 2020May 13, 2020by Jane

Today’s reading links are brought to you by Mother Nature. Enjoy! Have a great day!!

The debate: how many books should you have on the go at once?

This was really fun. Highly recommended to take the quiz. This Soothing Quiz Will Tell You What Feel-Good Book To Read.

Our new lockdown game: judging famous people by their bookshelves.

Ok, I loved this! I own the same books as a duchess. Footnotes: The Duchess of Cambridge’s viral bookshelf.

This article is old but it still applies, especially now. The Guardian view on the joy of books: time for guiltless pleasures.

And in case you missed it, pairing books with tea (Emma).

xoxo, Jane

reading links

Thursday Reading Links #57

May 7, 2020May 6, 2020by Jane

Earlier this week, I reviewed The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

And if you’d like to read more about this book —> everything you need to know about The Tales of Beedle the Bard.

Virtual Book Events for 2020.

Why Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ Still Intrigues 200 Years Later. I finished Emma recently, but I haven’t seen the latest film yet. Admittedly, I’m not sure I feel intrigued by her or the plot. She is definitely my least favorite Austen heroine thus far. Though I still need to read Mansfield Park. What are your thoughts?

A New Bookstore in the Latin Quarter is Selling Poetry By the Gram.

Also, an earlier post: What to read when you need an escape.

xoxo, Jane

Weekly Recap

May 2, 2020May 1, 2020by Jane2 Comments

An old picture of St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. from the days when being a tourist was allowed.

Happy Saturday, dear friends. May your Saturday (and all your days) be without stress and with good health. Just for fun, here is a round-up of this week’s blog posts.

Pairing books with tea (Tea with Mr. Rochester)

Did I really need more Jane Austen books? Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes. They are so beautiful to look at it. I’m thinking of pulling a Duchess of Cambridge and placing them on my desk.

Small Moments of Happiness: April 2020

Thursday Reading Links #56

My Favorite Museum Guidebooks

xoxo, Jane

reading links

Thursday Reading Links #56

April 30, 2020April 29, 2020by Jane1 Comment

I have been enjoying Belgravia very much. No surprise there. It’s the highlight of my week. (Sad, but we are living through some intense days.) The Armchair Anglophile published recaps of each episode. They are funny, insightful and snarky. Highly recommended. Just don’t read ahead to the recaps you haven’t seen the episodes for. (Unless you don’t mind spoilers.)

If you’d like to burn hours on the internet, may I recommend the military maps of George III? Happy browsing.

13 Books Where the Earth Comes Alive. I’ve only read one from this list, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Fashion Plates. I’d love a modern version of this dress.

A Brief Tour into the World of Cozy Mystery Authors.

Which languages are easiest for native English speakers to learn? Insightful!

The Economics Behind Grandma’s Tuna Casseroles. This was fascinating to read. I’m not going to make fun of 1950s American food ever again.

xoxo, Jane

Joy

Small Moments of Happiness: April 2020

April 29, 2020by Jane1 Comment

Another month is drawing to a close. I truly hope that your April was better than March. Was it?

Here are a few things that brought me joy in April.

The Andrea Bocelli Music for Hope Concert

I thought it was so nice of Andrea Bocelli to do this concert for the world. It really brought me hope and made me feel like we really are in this together. I also found the cathedral stunning. Andrea Bocelli has the voice of an angel.

Audible

Like most of us (I know that readers of this blog are like-minded individuals) I find comfort in books. I mentioned earlier on the blog that I signed up for the Audible membership. I’m really pleased with it. It comes with one credit per month towards a free audiobook, no matter the length or cost. After that, the audiobooks are discounted for Audible members. It also comes with several free monthly Audible Originals. So far, most of April’s Audible Originals weren’t my cup of tea, but I’m hoping May will have a few that are more my style. Before I signed up for Audible, I used my library for digital audiobooks (which I will continue to use for when I don’t want to purchase audiobooks). I would start with your library before committing to a paid membership.

Tea on a rainy April day. A glorious cup of tea makes for a joyful morning.

The Great Courses

I listened to a Great Course via my library’s digital collection. If you need an educational diversion, then I recommend The Great Courses. They have courses on literally every subject on the planet. My course was about espionage which I highly enjoyed.

TV adaptation of Belgravia

I’ve already mentioned this on the blog, but period dramas are seeing me through this pandemic. Belgravia is doing a nice job of keeping me going. I also watched Doctor Thorne (Anthony Trollope adaptation) on Amazon Prime. Loved it.

What have you been enjoying?

xoxo, Jane

I leave you with this picture of tulips from a few years ago. (Maybe I should have also mentioned that another thing that brings me joy is scrolling through my flower photos from years gone by.)