Let’s have a book chat today. Once again this time, I have a mixture of non-fiction and fiction. There are only four books on the review today because two were more than 500 pages! Amazon links are provided in case you want to read further synopses. Thank you for using my links when you can. I’ll start with the non-fiction, with a wonderful book for sewists who desire to put more of their own design into their clothes.

Building Patterns Ultimate Guide to Designing Clothing Patterns by Suzy Furrer – The book begins with a chapter of pattern making tools and vocabulary. It then goes through details of making a pattern for a skirt, bodice and darts. It includes adjustment instructions for designing high waist vs low waist, adding pleats and linings, and more. The discussion of style and silhouette was very good and enlightening for those wanting to design from scratch as well as alter existing clothing or patterns for a different look. Details like collars, necklines and sleeves are all treated separately. Finally the author tackles pants and pockets. Each chapter contains exercises to enhance understanding, and clear illustrations. Extensive tips and advice are sprinkled throughout the chapters, with worksheets for the reader to add their own measurements. The book is well written with clear instructions for the reader to get a precise fit with a chosen design. If you’ve ever wanted to design your own clothes, this is an essential reference.

1421: The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies – This book is the amazing presentation of evidence that China had circumnavigated the world 70 years before Columbus found the Caribbean, drew accurate maps of the world continents, and had perfected an accurate way to calculate latitudes, 300 years before Europe figured that out. The research included finding traces of Chinese influence and maps in other parts of the world. It has a detailed description of the author’s research into the world travels of the Chinese sailing ships, and the evidence that they went around the globe in the early 1400s. The research includes a partial history of China at that time, the desire of the emperor to have all the countries of the world pay tribute to China, the travels of his ships bringing back goods, and taking trade to South America, along with islands in the Atlantic and Pacific. There was a change in ruling dynasty in China while the ‘treasure ships’ were sailing from 1421-1423, which resulted in China turning isolationist, and destroying most records of their voyages upon their return. The reason was the emperor’s palace was struck by lightening, and taken as a sign from God that China should stop exploring and turn inward, become isolated. Subsequently, all the records in China regarding world maps and world exploration were also destroyed. The author has pieced together the evidence by sailing around the world himself, finding evidence in written records in other countries, and examples of other things like species of Chinese chickens in Africa along with stone carvings in Africa with Chinese writing, shipwrecks of Chinese junks off the west coast of the USA , maize from America coming to China, and other crops traveling to other continents in the early 1400s. He found evidence that Magellan had a map of the straight that now bears his name prior to his voyage that only could have come from Chinese exploration. The book is over 400 pages of fairly easy reading of the author’s travels and discoveries, with another 100+ pages of supporting references and documentation. Overall it is fascinating, and a strong case that our world history needs a revision. Available in hardback, paperback and audiobook.

Now to the fiction, starting with one that I am very ambivalent about recommending. It was much different and darker than I expected from the reviews I read on one of my book review sites.

The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki – This 546-page novel of a 13-year-old boy’s tragic descent into schizophrenia after the traumatic death of his father will not be for everyone. In many ways it reminded me of The Goldfinch by Donna Tart, and if you liked that one you might like this one. Benny Oh is a mixed race child with a hoarder mother, and begins hearing voices after the death of his father in the alley behind their home. The story follows about a year of his life in a character study plot, as he meets a strange girl and a hobo, trying to find his way back to mental health. It is told from several points of view, one of which is a book that Benny hears talking as it narrates his life, and helps him to remember things. A bit strange, so be prepared if you decide to tackle it.

Lastly, a novel that was sent to me months ago by reader Julie who thought it would be a good October read. So I saved it for now. And she was right!

The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James – Set in 1920s England, in a small hamlet, this is a story of a very angry ghost bent on revenge. A lonely woman, Sarah, is hired by a paranormal researcher, Alistair, who needs a woman for the job of investigating the haunting. Sarah turns out to be very sensitive to the ghost, Maddy, and soon is caught up in a struggle with the her formidable powers. As Maddy takes over all three researchers in different ways, all must figure out what she wants and discover the truth before Alistair is lost forever. Absolutely enjoyable, and fun read for this time of year.

What are you reading this month?

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Today only, Milk Street has their amazing Dutch Oven on sale for 30% Off! Check out the new items on clearance too.