Books read in October 2020

1. Tortall: A Spy's Guide, by Tamora Pierce, Julie Holderman, Timothy Liebe & Megan Messinger (2017)

Odds and ends about this fictional universe - only for the serious Tortall fans, probably (and even then not all of it will necessarily be of interest).

2. Drinking: A Love Story, by Caroline Knapp (1996)

This memoir was a bit repetitive - which reflects the reality of alcoholism, I think- and I adored the chapters about recovery (happily, more than just a cursory epilogue!). I was sad to read that she died of lung cancer while still rather young.

3. Goddess Spirituality Book: Rituals, Holydays and Moon Magic, by Ffiona Morgan (1991)

I love the homemade community gift feeling of this, and it was denser than I anticipated (because of the highly specific ritual suggestions). From the creator of the outstanding Daughters of the Moon feminist tarot deck.

4. Sandry's Book, by Tamora Pierce (1997)

More magic-focused, and younger in feel than the Tortall books. A reread, of course.

5. A Maze Me: Poems for Girls, by Naomi Shihab Nye (2005)

I really love how many of these are musings about growing up, what to keep from childhood, what to hope for from adulthood, etc., and I always love this poet's work, since always. I didn't realize I had already read this. I think I will buy it for my oldest niece next year.

6. Womankind #5: Ireland, edited by Antonia Case (2015)

The best magazine for when you want thoughtful and interesting and eclectic but also want lots of lovely images and for nothing to be very long. Blessedly ad-free. This one was lightly Halloween-themed.