I have a somewhat love/frustration relationship with my library. No sooner do I settle in with what I think will be a fine book, than I discover something I've put on reserve has become available. (If I don't grab it....it might be months before it crosses my path again!) It happened again this week. So, I put the current read on hold to launch into On Looking: eleven walks with expert eyes by Alexandra Horowitz.
The author (trained as a cognitive scientist) walks the city streets of her Manhattan neighborhood; in spite of her training as an 'observer', she found herself lulled into 'not seeing' what had become ordinary and commonplace. She located 11 'experts' to lead her in walks---seeing her surroundings from their perspective: she walked with an entomologist and discovered a whole world of tiny creatures, she walked with her 19 month old child---and rediscovered shapes and letters and how you can move through them--an artist, a blind friend, a physician, a geologist, an urban sociologist, an acoustic engineer.........and finally her dog. (Freddy has definitely benefitted from this reading--our walks are a bit longer; I'm a bit more patient; I'm noticing a whole lot more.) I got a little bogged down with all the scientific whys, but basically thoroughly enjoyed the premise.
From audible, I downloaded Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter; a love story that hops across continents and decades. I'm enjoying it immensely as I've been stockinetting away on solo--for what seems like miles. Maybe about 1/2 way to the finish line--with both book and scarf!
joining Ginny for yarnalong and Tami for WIP Wednesday. Hop on over there for inspiration!
sounds like a brilliant book stephanie, seeing through others eyes could be a way to enlightenment and world peace! happy ss knitting, looks so pretty!
Posted by: lori | 01/30/2013 at 01:52 AM
I think your book concept is something I am going to use in a lesson with Alex, love the idea of seeing through someone elses eyes.
What yarn are you using for your solo? I really like the lime green [that's what it looks like on my screen].
Posted by: Tracey | 01/30/2013 at 04:53 AM
What an interesting book! Love the colors of the scarf, when I click on the link it doesn't go to a page (I get the rav sheep). Love love love that green!!!!
Posted by: karen | 01/30/2013 at 05:15 AM
Wow, I think I have to pick up that book in the foreseable future - sometimes I feel like I'm walking around with my eyes closed to all the wonders around me.
(And there's nothing but a good audio book for helping you along through miles and miles of stockinette.)
Posted by: reWOLLuzza | 01/30/2013 at 09:57 AM
that book sounds really interesting. i feel like i am forever moving and yet not really seeing anything. i think it is so easy for that to happen in modern society.
knitting looks great!
Posted by: heathermama | 01/30/2013 at 10:42 AM
I'm very intrigued by your book, what a lovely idea. I will be looking into if my own library has it available!
Posted by: Kathy | 01/30/2013 at 12:04 PM
You are so good about utilizing your library. I'm afraid, I'm terrible about doing the same.
Posted by: Michelle | 01/30/2013 at 01:10 PM
i'll be curious to hear what you think of beautiful ruins. i really enjoyed it, loved how masterfully he interwove the multiple story lines between past and present as well.
Posted by: amanda {the habit of being} | 01/30/2013 at 02:41 PM
That scarf is going to be gorgeous but I can't imagine how long it will take to knit...you'll finish much quicker that I ever would.
Posted by: Melissa | 01/30/2013 at 03:46 PM
What a gorgeous scarf. Eager to see it done. I also had the same problem with holds. Then the library showed me a trick. I can put my holds on a freeze. I still move up the line, but the hold is not released to me until I unfreeze it. I can sit at #1 and the book will go to the next person until I am ready. Does that make any sense?? Just see if your library has something similar.
Posted by: Heather | 01/30/2013 at 05:49 PM
That happens with me at my library all the time! I actually have a stack of about 15 books sitting here. There is no way I'll be able to read them all before they are due :-/ the yarn you are using for your solo is gorgeous! I love it!
Posted by: Jen | 01/30/2013 at 05:50 PM
That book is officially on my reading list - it sounds so good! And I am in love with the way that yarn looks - I might have to keep my eye out for some at my LYS!
Posted by: tess | 01/30/2013 at 06:39 PM
Love the three colors that you are using for the scarf. I have been thinking of adding Beautiful Ruins to my reading list.
Posted by: Tien | 01/30/2013 at 07:36 PM
Love your yarn...beautiful colors together! Also, the book sounds interesting....thanks for the rec - I need some new good reads!
Posted by: Kristen | 01/30/2013 at 10:26 PM
Sounds like a gret book!
And beautiful colours in your knitting :)
Posted by: Hege | 01/31/2013 at 12:47 AM
I really need to stay away from your Yarn Along posts Steph, the libraries here are not that good and in consequence I am spending far too much buying online from Amazon ... On Looking was just added to my basket!
Posted by: Annie @ knitsofacto | 01/31/2013 at 08:47 AM