cover image An Extraordinary Year of Ordinary Days

An Extraordinary Year of Ordinary Days

Susan Wittig Albert, Univ. of Texas, $24.95 (236p) ISBN 978-0-292-72306-1

Known for such popular mystery series as China Bayles and the Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter, Albert now invites readers to share her 69th year through daily journal musings. Her ordinary days are filled with gardening, cooking, and chores on her Texas hill country farm, but her real business is writing, and Albert discusses the creative process, negotiating new contracts, technology, and public appearances. She is invested in the world completely, and expresses serious concern about the deepening recession, climate change, the tumultuous political landscape of recent years, and methods for reducing her own carbon footprint. Her journal reads as smoothly as a letter written to a dear friend; a treasure trove of quotes from favorite authors and suggested readings on relevant subjects enhance each page. More than the rudimentary musings of a popular author who has grown with the times, this multi-faceted journal serves as a valuable overview to the way we were. (Sept.)