What I've Been Reading

All That Is by James Salter

James Salter is a novelist, screenwriter, short story writer and winner of the PEN/Faulkner award.  His latest novel, All That Is, tells the story of a young naval officer, Phillip Bowman,  who returns home from World War II and finds a position as an editor.  Bowman finds that he is very good at his job and fits easily into the literary lifestyle of entertaining clients, making deals, travels to Europe and dazzling social engagements.  Where he is not so successful is in love.  A failed marriage, a marriage that fails to take place and then a love that relationship that betrays him and sets him on a course he could never have imagined.

A bittersweet story of a man eluded by love in a time when a conventional world is experiencing radically changing social values.

Six Years by Harlan Coben

It's a thriller.  It's a love story.  Harlan Coben will keep you entertained and in suspense.  

It was six years since Jake watched the love of his life, Natalie, marry another man.  He kept his promise to leave her alone, but can he continue to keep his promise?  Is Natalie alive?  Is she in danger?  ...you'll have to read it to find out.

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

I have been waiting for a new book by Kate Atkinson and the wait is over.  I just downloaded Life After Life to my Kindle and started to read.  I've read everything she Ms. Atkinson has written and reviewed her Jackson Brodie books in a post you can read by clicking here.  I can't tell you anything yet since I just began to read but if you click here, you can see a review from the Huffington Post. 

What have you been reading?

Book Suggestion: Me Before You

I just finished reading Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes.  Once again my friend, Suzanne,  gave me a book recommendation and I highly endorse her suggestion.  This book has been high on the best seller charts in the UK and MGM has secured the film rights.  

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes at Amazon

"Me Before You" tells the story of two very different characters: Lou, a small town girl caught between dead-end jobs and Will, a high-profile, successful man who becomes wheelchair bound following an accident. Will has decided his life is not worth living until Lou is hired for six months to be his new caretaker. Worlds apart and trapped together by circumstance, the two get off to a rocky start. But, Lou becomes determined to prove to Will that life is worth living and as they embark on a series of adventures together, each finds their world changing in ways neither of them could begin to imagine. (synopsis)

This is a story of hopelessness, desperation, bravery and love.  You may chuckle, you may have a good cry.  You will not want to put the book down.  I loved the book and highly recommend that you read this book SOON.  Thanks again, Suzanne, for a wonderful suggestion.

Book: The Night Before Christmas in Paris

I recently purchased and read this book that is a parody of the famous poem by Clement Clarke Moore.

By Betty Lou Phillips and Roblyn Herndon Illustrations by Sheryl Dickert

In this version of the story, Mrs. Claus goes to Paris for Fashion Week but three months later, she has not returned to the North Pole.  Santa takes off to look for her, checking out all the famous landmarks: Champs-Elysees, Louvre, Musee, d'Orsay.  He looks at her hotel, The Ritz, but no Mrs. Claus.  Then he searches Laduree thining she may be having a sweet treat.  Finally he meets her at Angelina's where she is eating chocolate.  

After a delicious French dinner, they pack her Louis Vuittons into the sleigh and they take off for the North Pole.  Back home, Mrs Claus slips into Chanel to choose just the right toys for all the girls and boys.

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night.

This book is adorable and perfect for any fashionista you may know!

Quotidian Considerations

No, this is not a recipe post.  I just thought I'd share my latest photo submission for the online photography class I'm taking.  The assignment was to make your interpretation of a caprese salad and photograph it. I think this looks like a party on a plate with the chiffonnade of basil being confetti.  

Here's a book recommendation.

Amazon $15.96

I just finished reading this book and I loved it.  It was recommended by my friend, Suzanne.  I was traveling and had just finished the reading material I had taken with me and was desperate for something to read.  I checked my emails and there was a message from Suzanne with this suggestion.  I immediately downloaded the book and began to read...and laugh.  The book was written by Maria Semple, a comedy writer for television shows such as Mad About You and Arrested Development.  The story takes place in Seattle, a city Maria decided she disliked almost immediately upon moving there from Los Angeles.  Bernadette, the heroine of the book, disliked Seattle also.  Read the book to find out where exactly Bernadette went, and how IF they found her.  You can read the NY Times interview with Ms. Semple here and an NPR review here.

Wednesday was one of those gorgeous autumn days that you wish wouldn't end.

I'm busy making jewelry for the holidays.  I think this one of my favorites.  

Very simple but I love a collection of all types of bangles on my arm.

Have a lovely day.

Midweek Musings

I love a great, cheap find.  

Just $10 at Marshall's.

About 10 inches X 8 inches, this bowl is perfect in my kitchen.

I highly recommend this book.

The Light Between Oceans

A beautifully written book where justice for one is another person's tragic loss.  

I hope your week is going well.  I'm busy making holiday ornaments and jewelry for the galleries that carry my work.  'Tis the season...not quite but I did see holiday decorations for sale at Target just one aisle from the Halloween decorations.  Yikes!!  I'm not ready for that yet.  I'm still enjoying being able to wear flip flops (and a sweater...the best of both worlds)

Enjoy your day

Book Suggestion: Broken Harbour

I just finished the latest book by Tana French, Broken Harbour.  

If you love a good mystery-thriller, this is your book.  Don't wait to read this...make an effort to get it NOW.  I loved this book and now I can't wait until Tana writes her next thriller as they only get better.  This is Tana's fourth book and features Mick Kennedy, the detective from her book Faithful Place.  

Jenny and Patrick Spain are childhood sweethearts, devoted to one another and their two children. The Spain family buys a house in Brianstown, a housing development that sprung up at the end of the economic boom of Ireland.  A short while after moving to Brianstown, Patrick looses his job.  Within a few months money is short and bills aren't being paid. The developers abandoned the half-built community and left a depressing mess.  That is where the horrific murders of Patrick, Emma and Jack take place and leave Jenny barely clinging to life.  

Enter, Mick Kennedy, the detective assigned to the biggest case of the year.  Mick knows the area of Brianstown well but from the days when it was called Broken Harbour and his family spent two magic weeks each summer there by the sea.  Mick's memories turned dark however, by the tragic event that occurred the last time the family took their caravan to the seaside community.

Richie Curran, a rookie, is assigned to the case with Mick.  Mick and Richie are convinced this case will be an easy solve but certain things just don't add up starting with the confession of the alleged killer who happens to be a childhood friend of one of the murder victims and his severely injured wife.  Why are the children smothered in their beds.  Why are all the holes punched in the walls of the otherwise pristine house and why are video baby monitor cameras pointed at the holes?  

Ms. French plays up the relationship between the two detectives as the experienced versus non-experienced and their good cop/bad cop interaction.  The author introduces Mick's sister Diana, an emotionally unstable person who was effected by the family tragedy that occurred at Broken Harbour many summers ago.  She is distraught by the recent events at Brianstown (Broken Harbour) and causes Mick worry for her mental and physical well being.  She eventually causes a significant turn of events in the case.  

This book is as much about Mick Kennedy as it is about the murder case.  Mick's personal life is tangled in the solving of the case.  There are lots of layers to this book.  You won't know "who dunnit" and the motive until the end.  

You WILL love this book.  Give it a read.

Book Suggestion: What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

What if you lost 10 years of your memory and didn't realize you had children, had filed for divorce and then looked in the mirror and saw an older version of you?  That's what happened to Alice.  While working out at the gym, she fell and hit her head and developed amnesia.  Alice woke up from her trauma thinking she was 29, pregnant with her first child and madly in love with her dear husband.  She also learned she went from a chocolate lover   and non-exerciser to working out regularly and shunning empty calories.  It also seems from what her sister tells her, that Alice has become a bit of a regimented control freak. 

Alice's three children are spending the weekend with their dad.  They are to return on Sunday night and Alice wonders if she will remember them or even like them.  And why would she want to divorce sweet, wonderful Nick, the love of her life.  

The beginning of this book made me think that I would be reading fluff or a beach read, but the author deals with deep subjects such as divorce, death, lying, betrayal, and lack of communication.  Alice is able to look at the present without the baggage of the past 10 years.  When her memory returns, she can also look at the forgotten time with the eyes of time.  Alice can evaluate events and situations with a renewed sense of what really matters and is important.  

The author also weaves the stories of Alice's sister, mother, and friends into the book.  Moriarty conveniently ties up all the loose ends and everyone lives happily ever after, but you really hope they do any way.  

I highly suggest reading this book... on the beach or anywhere else. 

Book Suggestion: A Town Like Alice

My friend, Sue, recommend A Town Like Alice since she knew I had just been to Australia.  She had just read the book and thought it was a great read.  I agree and want to share it with you.  

by Nevil Shute

The author also wrote, On the Beach which was made into a movie.  

Jean Paget is a young English girl working in Malaya on a rubber plantations when the Japanese invade and capture the people on the plantation.  The men are sent to prison camps and the women are forced to march for months from place to place.  Along the way, many of the weak succumb to disease and die.  Jean, who speaks the language of the Malayan people, becomes the translator for the group as well as their level headed leader.  After months of marching, the group encounters some Australian men being held prisoners by the Japanese.  Several of the Australian men, attempt to aid the women.  Jean becomes friendly with one man in particular.  

When the war is ended, Jean returns to England and tries to reintegrate into life in England.  She learns that she has inherited quite a sum of money from an all but forgotten uncle.  She decides to return to Malaya to build a well in a town where the people were good to her and the women with whom she was made to march.  In that town, the women had to walk a mile to get fresh water.  Jean knew that a well would make their life much easier.  It was during the building of the well that Jean learned that her Australian male friend had survived the war and returned to Australia.  Jean decides to use her inheritance and travel to Australia to see her friend.  At that same time, he was looking for Jean in England.  


Yes, they do reunite in Australia.  While Jean is waiting for him to return from England, she visits the Town of Alice(Springs)  This is a bustling town in the middle of the continent and essentially the dessert.  Jean goes on to meet her friend, Joe at his cattle station.  This location was desolate and no place for a woman however, Jean and Joe rekindle their friendship which leads to love and marriage.  Jean is a very strong woman and decides she can make the nearby town into...a town like Alice.  Jean uses her entrepreneurial talents and her inheritance to accomplish her goals.  This is a truly amazing part of the novel.  


The book is narrated by Noel Strachan, the solicitor who is one of the trustees of Jean's inheritance.  He is kept apprised of Jean's plans and releases money and advises her on her endeavors. 


This is a book full of adventure, history, romance and a very strong female character.  The book has been a popular book club selection and was adapted into a movie in 1956 and a television miniseries in 1981.   


If you enjoy historical novels, or anything about Australia or a strong, heroic female character, I highly suggest reading A Town Like Alice.

Book Suggestion: The Expats

It has been a while since I've read a book that I don't want to can't put down.  In fact, as soon as I finish telling you about this book, I am going to go back to reading.  Hubby may need to make dinner tonight.

The book is, The Expats by Chris Pavone

Amazon

A young couple relocates to Europe with their two young children.  Kate, the wife, quits her job when she moves and her husband, Dexter, takes on a high-paying new job.  If you read any reviews of the book, you'll know that Kate is former CIA, so I'm not really giving anything away.  Kate has lots of time on her hands with a husband that works late hours and travels quite a bit and with her children in school.  She does the usual "expat" things like lunch with the other expat wives, works out at the gym and explores her new surrounding.  Still bored, her imagination is in overdrive and her espionage skills lead her to believe that some new acquaintances are not who they say they are and that maybe even her husband has a secret life.  Kate begins to dig deeper and layers of deception are uncovered. 

Some reviews say that relationships aren't developed adequately and that Kate thinks like a man rather than a woman.  I may tend to agree but I don't care, Chris Pavone is telling a great story...and I'm going back to finish it right now.

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!  I hope you had a weekend of recreation and relaxation.  

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Deborah on Pinterest

How true is this quote?  I think I'm really drawn to this Pinterest Pick because of the image!  But it is apropos for me as I have just started another online photo class.  I like a challenge and a goal.  

I started reading The Hunger Games.  Everyone I talk to has read it and loved it and now that the movie is out I figured it was about time I read it.  I'm just getting started but I can see how you can get hooked on it.  The writing is quite simplistic but that will make for a quick read.  Have you read the books or seen the movie?

On Friday I picked up this awesome scarf at The Gap.  It goes with just about anything except red or purple.  I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of this one.  

I hope today is a great start to your week.  Happy Monday.

Book Suggestion: Spies

I was doing a bit of spring cleaning yesterday.  

I tackled the bookshelves in the loft; removing each books, dusting it and the shelf and then replacing.  I sorted out some books to donate and some to sell.  I came across a book that I enjoyed and thought I'd share with you.

Spies   Michael Frayn

Spies opens with Stephen, now in his 70's, planning a trip to his childhood home.  He needs to go back to remember and think about secrets and a childish game gone wrong.  As he walks down the street of his childhood home, a familiar smell of a shrub triggers memories and takes him back to "that time".  

Stephen and Keith, his friend, were young boys during World War II, living in a London suburb.  One day when playing, Keith remarks to Stephen that his mother is a German spy.  Thus sparks a new game; spying on the purposeful comings and goings of Keith's mother.  Keith's mother does have secrets but not what the boys imagine.  Her secrets are personal and ones she would like to hide.  The boys interfere and sabotage her endeavors.  The final chapters unwind rapidly, almost too much so, that the reader is left reeling and astounded by the revelations. 

The story is about boyhood friends, war time, families, imagination, secrets, betrayal but mostly about memory and it's accuracy and truth.  

This author is well regarded and his book Headlong was on the short list for a Man Booker Prize in 1999. 

I think you would enjoy this book.  It really keeps your attention and reads quickly.  Thoughtful too.

Monday Musings

Happy Monday dear readers.  I hope you are rested and relaxed from the weekend.  I enjoyed a slower pace and some quality time with hubby that started with a nice dinner out at one of our favorite spots.

A delicious pomegranate cosmo

I booked several vacations for guests at our Bahamas house.  I wish I was there myself but in the meantime, I'm glad others can enjoy this idyllic spot.  I did spend some time planning vacations for hubby and me later in the year.  

Oscar and Lucinda

Do you love shopping on Amazon.com?  I do, and I did.  I had this book downloaded to my Kindle.  It is a prize winner and was made into a movie starring Ralph Fiennes and Cate Blanchett.  I'll let you know how I like it when I finish reading.

Sunday night we had a dinner party to welcome some new neighbors.  A great way to end the weekend.

Have a pleasant Monday.

Book Suggestion: The Sense of an Ending

I have a book suggestion, The Sense Of An Ending.  

The Sense Of An Ending  Julian Barnes

If you are in the mood for a contemplative read, please think about reading The Sense Of An Ending.  Not a beach read or action-packed thriller, this is a thoughtful read.  At just 163 pages, this brief book is a tightly written novel by British author, Julian Barnes.  This is the author's fourteenth novel and his first Man Booker award win. (2011)

The story it told to the reader by a divorced, middle-aged man, Tony Webster, who is retired, volunteers and is still friends with his ex-wife.  For all intents and purposes, he has an uneventful life.  This changes when he receives a  bequest of 500£ from the mother of a college girlfriend.  This causes Tony to get in touch with the long-ago girlfriend, Veronica, and to explore relationships of the past.  His memory is challenged for what actually transpired and how he perceived the past to have been.  Did he really love Veronica?  How genuine were his relationships with his boyhood friends?  Inquiries about the bequest of money leads Tony on a mystery to find out why he was to receive money and the promise of a friend's diary. What had become of Veronica, his old school mate, Adrian and other classmates?  How had his words made life changing decisions for his friends?  

Well, you'll just have to read and find out, won't you?  

Book: An Object of Beauty

Maybe you received a Kindle or ipad for Christmas or an Amazon gift card.  Now that the holidays are over you will probably have more time to read.  I have a book to suggest.

Amazon.com  from $10.19

I just finished this novel by Steve Martin.  It is grown-up and sophisticated "chick lit" but a very worthy read. It tells the story of a young woman's relationships, career and how she manipulates people and situations for her personal gain.  The result of  her unsavory dealings catches up with her later on and alters her future and the reputation of her good friend, the narrator of the story.  The setting is the art world of New York City: art, artists, galleries and the business of buying and selling art.  

Here is a review from the NY Times.

At the center of this novel is Lacey Yaeger, a fabulously callous, uninhibited heroine.  As she ascends the heights of the Manhattan art world, in the 1990's, her ultimate goal is not marriage but a gallery in Chelsea.  "An Object of Beauty" includes reproductions and engaging commentary on de Kooning, Warhol and others.  NY Times Book Review, December 25, 2011.

Read, Recycle, Remuneration

I love to read and I love my books but sometimes enough is too much.

my library

My brother recently graduated from college and had textbooks he knew that he would never use.  He set up a seller account on Amazon.com and immediately began selling his used books.  Not only did he get them out of the house, he recycled and made some cash.  

With some gentle prodding, I decided to try it for myself.  It takes less than 10 minutes to set up the count and start selling.  Amazon does all the hard work, you just have to take the books to the post office.  I sold 2 books priced at $75 each and on Monday I sold 3 more books.  

Consider an Amazon.com seller account  to rid yourself of books (you don't want to be a hoarder!) and make some cash.

Books: State of Wonder

Our couples book club recently discussed State of Wonder by Ann Patchett.

The newest novel by the author of Bel Canto.

Our book club met on Sunday evening to discuss State of Wonder.  The setting for the majority of the book is the Amazon jungle so to enhance the spirit of the book, our hosts dressed for a jungle expedition and served food from the rain forest.  

A quick synopsis of the book:  Pharmaceutical researcher, Dr. Maria Singh, is sent from her workplace in Minnesota to the Amazon to find the remains of a colleague who was reported dead while checking on a research project in the jungle.  The research project revolves around a tribe's reproductive habits, where women are conceiving and giving birth well into their 7th decade.  The head of the research project in the Amazon, Dr. Swenson, rarely communicates with the pharmaceutical company funding her research and for that reason, the company has sent staff to find the project director and monitor the progress of the venture.  Dr. Singh is also a past medical student of Dr. Swenson.

Patchett does a wonderful job of setting up the meeting between Dr. Singh and the elusive Dr. Swenson.  We are introduced to Dr. Swenson's guardians who protect her from intruders that would keep her from her work.  The descriptions of the tropical conditions will have you reaching for a towel to wipe your neck and a bottle of clean water to replenish your thirst.  You'll be feeling the bugs flying into your eyes and the searing sun on your skin.  You will be fascinated by the premise of the research and the work on the fertility miracle drug.  You'll encounter an anaconda, cannibals, emergency C-sections as well as loss and recovery of loved ones.  

Yes, the book is a bit far-fetched.  Some of the characters are hard and unlikeable.  You may have figured out the ending or never had a clue.  This book is well written and a good read.  

Please also consider reading Bel Canto if you have not yet read this best seller.

I happened to pick up the audio version of I Don't Know How She Does It at the library the other day.  I wasn't thinking about the movie adaptation being released this weekend.  Now that I'm listening to the book, I can't wait to see the movie.  

I Don't Know How She Does It: The Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother

Any woman could relate to this book.  As women we juggle work, home and family, and that can take many forms depending on age, marital status, work, child responsibilities or parental responsibilities.  This is a story of struggle for balance between work and family.  

  

The movie is a comedy and I don't know how the reviews will be but I'm sure Sarah Jessica Parker will be wearing some amazing clothes.  

Did you see these photos in Vogue?

Real life SJP with hubby Matthew Broderick.

SJP in Chanel and Manolos

Wearing Michael Kors

The girl can certainly wear clothes!

Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie Books

If you aren't familiar with author Kate Atkinson and her mystery novel series, taking place in Edinborough, Scotland and  featuring Jackson Brodie, then let me encourage you to give them a try.  Jackson is a former soldier and policeman turned private investigator.  Jackson seems like a tough guy but inside he is a sympathetic and understanding and he can't resist rescuing the underdog and thereby attracting colorful and dysfunctional characters as clients and friends.  His ability to connect comes from his own tragic childhood that still haunts him.

I have gotten hooked on these books, having read three of the books, in sequence,  and I'm about to start the fourth.  And the really good news is that the book, Case Histories, has been adapted into a TV series and will be appearing on Masterpiece Mystery! for a three week run starting October 16.    

Case Histories: A Novel

In this book, three crimes are presented, each involving a female.  More than a decade after the crimes are committed, Jackson Brodie is hired to find the killer of one of the victims.  Seeming an impossible task after so many years, Jackson is able to solve the mysteries surrounding not only that case but the other two crimes as well.  The telling of the stories of each victim and their circumstances is action-packed and gripping.  

One Good Turn: A Novel

One good turn did not lead to another for the main character in this book but a chain of unfortunate events does.  The enigmatic Jackson Brodie is present when the car accident occurs that spurs an incident of road rage.  As the story unfolds, the random group of onlookers turn out to be connected.

When Will There Be Good News?: A Novel

This book opens with an horrific crime.  A crazed murdered kills a mother and two of her three children.  Fast forward thirty years to the life of the survivor, Joanna, who goes missing just after her family's killer is released from prison.  Joanna's baby's 16 year old nanny literally stumbles across Jackson Brodie and the two team up to find the vanished Joanna.  Detective Louise Monroe, a character from One Good Turn, reappears in this novel and is a great addition, and love interest.

Jason Isaacs plays Jackson Brodie in the TV series.

My friend who introduced me to the Jackson Brodie books, admits to having a bit of a crush on Jackson.  I'm a bit smitten myself.  

So get reading and be ready for the TV series.  OR listen to the audio books.  You'll love the Scottish brogue.

Beach Read for the Weekend

For most of us, it will be too hot to do anything very productive this weekend.  I don't know about you but my agenda includes reading a book by the pool.

Groundswell

I've been reading Groundswell by Katie Lee.  This novel is entertaining and may help keep your mind off the heat.  The author, Katie Lee is not new to writing books but this is her first novel.  Her other books are cook books.  She hosted the first season of Bravo's Top Chef and writes food and lifestyle columns for various publications.  

BUT, I think Katie Lee draws more from her life as former wife of Billy Joel for her initial novel offering.  The protagonist of the book, Emma, is a likable character who goes from rags to riches when she meets and then marries a famous movie star.  The book chronicles her move from a "nobody" to finding her way in the celebrity world.  Does she live happily ever after?  

You'll have to read for yourself.

Happy Weekend 

Parisian Mystery Series

I saw this sign for a detective agency in Paris and it reminded my of the fiction series of books about Aimee Leduc, a PI in Paris.

Each book takes place in a different part of Paris with titles such as Murder in the Palais Royal, Murder in the Marais, or Murder in the Sentier.  

Cara Black is the author of this mystery series.  She grew up in San Francisco and attended a French Catholic school where she learned to love all things French.  She says the best part of her job is her research which of course she conducts in Paris.  

Aimee Leduc, the protagonist of the books,  is her alter ego.  Aimee is a vintage clothes horse wearing flea-market Valentino boots and kohl-rimmed eyes.  She rides a Vespa and sprints across cobblestone streets in stilettos while solving crimes.  Her partner is a computer whiz dwarf.  Yes, dwarf!  

If you've ever been to Paris or wish you have, try the Cara Black series featuring Aimee Leduc.