Books on Sunday: A Variety

After a good jaunt through the farmers’ market and an interesting breakfast at a place right across from where the Ace of Cakes is filmed, I headed to the Book Thing.

Much randomness at the Book Thing today, but a good group of books. First up is Tales of the Unexpected by Norwegian/Welsh author Roald Dahl. If you think that Roald Dahl is just the author of kiddie books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or James & The Giant Peach, this book will show you otherwise. These are short stories, each with a twist to the tale. I can’t wait! When I first moved to Wales, I worked at an antique store/haberdashery called “Tails and the Unexpected”. It was great fun.

I found the October 2009 issue of The English Home magazine. Of course, there are loads of gorgeous houses in there, any of which I’d love to have. Since I know this isn’t in the stores here in the States yes, someone must have brought it back with them from the UK. Dee Hardie is familiar to anyone who has been a reader of House Beautiful for a long time, as she was one of their essayists. I found her book of stories, Hollyhocks, Lambs and Other Passions. Mrs. Blandings, this one is for you, if you’d like it! Here’s a nice story she wrote for a local magazine some years ago. One of the real prizes is an early edition of Patrick Dennis’ Auntie Mame. I’ve seen the movie, know the songs, and now I can read the book. Some of the greatest actresses have played Mame, including Rosalind Russell, Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur. I love the pink and black cover! A final little book and something I am sure will be a quick read is The Diana I Knew by Mary Robertson, for whom Princess Diana was working when she became engaged to Prince Charles. The two women kept in touch until Diana’s death, and this should be an private glimpse into a public life. I also took a bunch of books back to Book Thing, which I sometimes use like a personal lending library. I keep the books I really want and return the rest.