I've had a lot of luck with good things to read lately. I don't know if y'all know this about me but I usually have three books going at one time: an audio book in the car, a fiction book by the bed, and a nonfiction book in the sitting room. I just finished reading a delightful memoir called Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden by Emily Whaley. This book was entertaining from start to finish.
It's more than just a book about a garden and a gardener in her eighties. It's a wonderful glimpse into the life of a southern woman raised in the country during the early part of the twentieth century. It's also a celebration of that life and the people around her. She gives credit to all those folks who where important in her life including her dog, Rosie.
What is really fabulous about this book is the style of writing. Its really more of a conversation than anything else. And Mrs. Whaley's voice, and her opinions, are loud and clear. This lady tells it like it is! I found myself nodding my head and chuckling more than a few times at her sage advice.
Really folks, it's an easy, short read that is thoroughly delightful. You can read more about Mrs. Whaley's garden over at the Stencil Library's blog.
Thank you for the lovely recommendations on the book! I will have to check it out as I am always reading something!
Also wanted to let you know that I am having a big giveaway on the blog and sign-ups last until Sunday night! The giveaway was given to RTH by the ever-inspiring author of Craft Nectar. Hope to see you there! :)
http://reclaimingthehome.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kristin | September 18, 2009 at 02:54 AM
I love Charleston and it's beautiful gardens. My favorite gardening author died about a year ago, Margot Rochester. Her books felt like a walk in her garden, with her there to explain things. She wrote Earthly Delights and Down to Earth. She's so missed.
Posted by: Bede Sisters | September 18, 2009 at 08:38 AM
Thank you for the good book suggestions! I think i will look this one up!
Posted by: mare | September 18, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Oh, this is one of my favorite books on gardening; I'll have to read it again! Another one you might like is: Passalong Plants, by Steve Bender and Felder Rushing... a bit funny, and a conversational style.
Posted by: Jennifer | September 18, 2009 at 02:00 PM
I was lucky enough to visit Mrs. Whaley's garden and the picture that I took of it sits on my desk as my muse. If you would like I could down load it for you.
'Mrs.Whaley Entertains' is also a lovely read. For a delight for the eyes google artist Marty Whaley Adams she is the 3rd daughter of Emily Whaley.
Aunt sis's garden
Posted by: Aunt Sis's Garden | November 23, 2009 at 08:51 PM