Progress continues — two steps forward, step-and-a-half back — on Carbeth. Funnily enough, I am not bothered at all by having to rip and reknit repeatedly, probably because the knitting, on US#10-1/2 needles, goes so fast. Plus, I got to learn German short rows, which are a big improvement over wrap and turn.
What I really want to talk about today, though, is reading — specifically, Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews. This is by far the best spy novel I have ever read; I have been recommending it to everyone who might be remotely interested. The author was a CIA operative — a real spy! — for 33 years, and the novel is filled with authentic detail, including Russian idioms and adages. And, of course, lots of spy stuff.
As soon as I finished Red Sparrow I requested the next book in the 
trilogy, Palace of Treason, from the library. It was a bit clunky in the first few pages but then settled down to being as fabulous a read as book one. And I have requested book three, hoping that it will arrive by the time I finish book two.
I know there is a movie out based on the first book. Based on the Atlantic’s review, I think I will avoid it. But I highly recommend the book if you are at all into thrillers.
Aside: this Guardian article from 2016 goes along with Red Sparrow quite nicely. Another article here. Clearly, I need to watch The Americans. (Yep, just requested Season One from the library.)
kmkat & her kneedles 
I agree it is an EXCELLENT book! I am on the wait list for books two and three!
I need to adopt your attitude about rip and reknit as I’ve also been having to do that. I just get aggravated, leading to another mistake. I requested Red Sparrow from the library since you and Kat have recommended it so highly. After reading some reviews I’m not sure if the premise is really for me, but hey, at least I’ll get some new recipes even if sexpionage isn’t my thing!
Hope to start it today – Red Sparrow is in my Audible library…..
Good for you for the rip and reknit attitude. It is also a money saver…lol
Tom read the Red Sparrow when it first came out several years ago, and has been reading each new installment as it was released. He LOVES them, and agrees that they are among the best of the genre. (They are not, however, MY genre. . . so I have not been tempted.) Anyway, as soon as we saw the trailer for the movie, Tom said, “Newp.” (Besides, it got terrible reviews.)
Can’t wait to see your finished Carbeth!
XO
Oh, interesting! I love it when spy thrillers are written by people who actually know what they’re talking about. I’ll have to look into this one.
Adding these to my list!
Thanks!