The Year in Books: August

Perching on the edge of a camping stool, curled up next to the log burner in a tipi, snatched early morning moments amongst the dew; finding time to read this month has been relatively easy, and I have devoured a number of books as a result. I might have mentioned previously that I've been reading in preparation for a new book club with friends and I've just finished Khaled Hosseini's And The Mountains Echoed as the first book we've chosen. My opinions changed over the course of reading this, and it was one of those books that you can't quite work out until you get to the end and then every loop joins together and you have a moment to reflect and think, yes, that was an intense but incredible read.

I've also made my way through A Croft in the Hills - the fascinating tale of Katharine Stewart's life in the Scottish hills and her family's attempts to live self-sufficiently. Her simple yet evocative descriptions of the area made me want to up sticks and move north of the border - although perhaps not in the winter months without running water or electricity, as she first experienced.

Finally I've been reading last month's choice for The Year in Books - Shatter Me With Dawn (Sally Russell) - and although I found it somewhat less accessible than A Croft in the Hills, it was nevertheless an eye-opening read filled with country life with a strong focus on the animals Russell kept on her farm.

For this month's choice I've selected a book on a similar theme - A Year in the Woods: A Diary of a Forest Ranger by Colin Elford. I will be throwing my tweed blanket over my toes and sipping hot cinnamon tea whilst reading as the cusp of autumn arrives.

What have you been reading this month? As always, for more recommendations or to take part in The Year in Books, head over to the link-up at Circle of Pine Trees and while you're there, catch up on the other lovely posts written by Laura.

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Tuesday.