Have you heard of The Handsell, run by Ron Hogan? You list three to five books you like, and Ron and a guest — an author or a bookseller — will offer a recommendation based on your list. You enter your list of books here. A week or so ago, I entered my list, and today, this video appeared with my recommendations. Kind of fun!
I’m happy with the recommendations, although I suspect the recommendation Ron’s guest made — James Salter’s All That Is — wasn’t based on my list but was just a book he happens to like a lot. But still, I’ve been meaning to read Salter for a while now and haven’t gotten to it yet. I may start with A Sport and a Pastime, though, which is what I have on hand. Ron’s recommendation is more appropriate to my list — Iain Sinclair’s Ghost Milk: Recent Adventures Among the Future Ruins of London on the Eve of the Olympics. Sinclair is someone I’ve been aware of for a while but haven’t read yet. Ron’s description sounds perfect: the book is a mix of memoir, history, walking tour, and discussions of the city. It’s exactly what I’m looking for — unclassifiable, voice-driven nonfiction.
I can’t post these days without a baby picture or two, so here they are, first, a picture that makes clear what Cormac thought of his vaccinations yesterday:
And then a happier picture, with Muttboy in the background:
Of Books and Bicycles 
Poor Cormac–I know just how he feels!:) Glad he was having happier times later–he’s a cutie and I’d want to share lots of photos, too. I’m going to have to check out The Handsell–sounds like fun. Not that I need more reading ideas or anything….
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I know — who among us needs more reading ideas? But they are still impossible to resist, particularly hand chosen, thoughtful ones.
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He is such a sweet boy! I hate for babies to hurt, but when Persephone pokes out her bottom lip and makes the “very sad” face it is too precious!
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I know — Cormac’s frowns make me laugh, which is maybe a little mean, but I can’t help myself!
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That frown pic is priceless!
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I’m so glad we caught that one, although Cormac may not think so when he’s older! 🙂
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Such an expressive face for a little guy… he’s adorable!
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Thanks! I can’t help but agree that he’s adorable 🙂
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I’ve not heard about The Handsell, will definitely be checking it out! Poor Cormac, I feel like that too after a shot. But what a dapper little fellow he is in the happy photo!
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I’m glad to spread the word about The Handsell. It’s a fun program. Isn’t Cormac a very expressive little boy? 🙂
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Oh that first one is a treasure – and who could blame him? Being vaccinated sucks. But generally he is such a happy little chap isn’t he, and quite adorable! Will be very interested to hear how you get on with the Sinclair. As you know, I’m on a creative non-fiction kick at the moment.
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Yes, Cormac is definitely generally a very happy baby. His upset episodes don’t tend to last very long at all. I will make sure to report on Sinclair, and I’ve been enjoying your creative nonfiction reviews.
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The Bears are full of sympathy. They don’t like having things stuck into them either. I’ve not heard of The Handsell, but I can’t resist something like this that might just turn up a gem I would otherwise have missed. Does Muttboy feel his nose has been put out of joint?
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Many thanks for the sympathy! Muttboy has been sick, poor dog, so he’s struggling a bit. He does well with Cormac, and although I think he gets a little jealous, he handles it well like the mature dog that he is. He’s a real trooper!
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OMG that first pic of Cormac is precious but sad all at once! Glad he recovered quickly from the vaccines; when my niece went in for her pre-kindergarten ones, the doctor freaked out at her reaction & epi-penned her, then rushed her in an ambulance to another hospital. 😮
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Oh, your poor niece! I hope she’s all recovered and has completely forgotten the experience.
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I know I’m terribly late in stopping by but I just wanted to say Cormac is just beautiful! Poor little thing, those shots are not fun. I hope you and your little family are doing great!
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Thanks, Iliana! We are doing very well, and I hope you are as well.
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