Chicago has turned white with snow, Christmas lights adorn the streets and little holiday fests are popping up in the different neighborhoods. This weekend Cait and I walked down to the square for a little shopping and a peak at the local christkindl mart. When we came home I made some chili and mulled cider to take the chill off our bones. Cait settled in with the first season of Dexter and I polished off The Shipping News by Annie Proulx.
Annie Proulx's novel is wonderful from start to finish. A beautifully crafted story with engaging and unique characters, The Shipping News is so full that the reader almost becomes a part of the story. I can't recommend this book enough...
Now I'm working on Alison Gopnick's non-fiction book, The Philosophical Baby. For so long people thought that our children were simply not capable of advanced thinking. In the last ten years the research has shown us that the first five years are the most developmentally productive of a human life.
As it says on the cover copy, "In a lively and accessible tour of the groundbreaking new psychological, neuroscientific, and philosophical developments, Gopnik offers new insight into how babies see the world, and in turn promotes a deeper appreciation for the role of parents in shaping the lives of their children."
Ok Ok Ok. I am not a parent- nor am I CLOSE to being a parent, BUT I AM someone working in Early Childhood, looking toward advancing my education AND well... I think baby brains are awesome and totally interesting. Can't wait to share all that I learn from Gopnik's book.
I've also decided to re-read all of the Harry Potter books-- and OH, IS IT A JOY!!! When working through all the HP fun, I recommend taking a trip down to the North Center/ Lincoln Square Bar, THE BAD APPLE , and grabbing a Butter Beer (with a side of the cheese curds, because they are simply delicious.) :-)
