Since February marks the birth of two of the United States' most revered presidents and houses the national day of remembrance for all U.S. presidents, the Second Monday Night Book Club decided to read about Abraham Lincoln. We opted not to choose a single book and, instead, gave each member the freedom to read the book of her choice. I was going to read Team of Rivals, but the size of the tome seemed a bit overwhelming. I knew that I wouldn't have much time to read anything but business-related documents during the last couple of weeks of January and the first couple of weeks of February, so I decided to wait until summer to break open that book.
Manhunt was recommended by my friend, Cherie. And, I can tell you, it was a great recommendation!
I will provide more comments after book club meets. I think they need to hear my review first.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Book review: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
I met Ann, a friend and former colleague of mine, for a breakfast a couple of weeks ago at the Good Earth restaurant in the Galleria Mall in Edina. The temps were well below zero, but braving the elements was well worth it. Over sips of Good Earth's wonderful herbal tea, we caught up on each other's lives (her son is a very talented actor and was auditioning for a rare spot in NYU or Yale's master's program in theater that weekend -- can't wait to hear the outcome), talked about mutual friends and acquaintances, and, of course, talked about books.
Ann introduced me to Ms. Winspear and the book with the title character, Maisie Dobbs.
After reading so many books that took place during or just after World War II, I was grateful to find that Maisie's story took place in the years just following World War I. Maisie is highly intelligent, quirky young woman who runs her own detective agency. The only daughter of a widowed greengrocer in London, Maisie is given a position as a maid in the household of a progressive upper-class household. She is discovered reading in the library in the wee morning hours by the lord and lady of the manor and is given the opportunity for an unusual education by someone who could only be described as a combination pathologist and psychiatrist. The story has a decidedly feminist undercurrent -- I love it when smart, strong women are central to the story. The book is a mystery with a bit of romance and war thrown in.
I found Maisie to be an original character and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Many have compared Ms. Winspear's writing style to that of Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I can easily see that comparison as I have enjoyed all of Mr. Smith's books because of the peculiarities of the characters, the gentle cadence of the language, the underlying commentary of a larger social issue.
I am going to look for other books by Ms. Winspear. I would readily recommend Maisie Dobbs to other readers looking for a deftly-told mystery.
Ann introduced me to Ms. Winspear and the book with the title character, Maisie Dobbs.
After reading so many books that took place during or just after World War II, I was grateful to find that Maisie's story took place in the years just following World War I. Maisie is highly intelligent, quirky young woman who runs her own detective agency. The only daughter of a widowed greengrocer in London, Maisie is given a position as a maid in the household of a progressive upper-class household. She is discovered reading in the library in the wee morning hours by the lord and lady of the manor and is given the opportunity for an unusual education by someone who could only be described as a combination pathologist and psychiatrist. The story has a decidedly feminist undercurrent -- I love it when smart, strong women are central to the story. The book is a mystery with a bit of romance and war thrown in.
I found Maisie to be an original character and thoroughly enjoyed the book. Many have compared Ms. Winspear's writing style to that of Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I can easily see that comparison as I have enjoyed all of Mr. Smith's books because of the peculiarities of the characters, the gentle cadence of the language, the underlying commentary of a larger social issue.
I am going to look for other books by Ms. Winspear. I would readily recommend Maisie Dobbs to other readers looking for a deftly-told mystery.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Book review: The Sisters by Lori Lansens
Ever since I opened a copy of the Guiness Book of World Records when I was in sixth grade and saw a photo of Eng and Chang Bunker, I have been fascinated by cojoined twins. I would read ever article, watch every television special, that followed the fragile life of two individuals connected by cells that opted not to split. A few years ago, while shopping at Target in Minnetonka, I saw the amazing Hensel twins -- the young women from rural Minnesota who each have an arm and leg, but share a torso. The story of these amazing young women has been well documented on Discovery Health and I was amazed to see a brief story on the AOL home page that noted the girls' 18th birthday. Needless to say, I was predisposed to like this story -- just on the basis of the main characters, Rose and Ruby Darlen, cojoined twins.
The Girls is a remarkable story. A blend of comedy and tragedy, the book looks at what it means to be different and to be proud of those differences. I loved it.
The Girls is a remarkable story. A blend of comedy and tragedy, the book looks at what it means to be different and to be proud of those differences. I loved it.
Book review: The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes
There is one thing that has always bugged me about this book. I always thought that if a word ended in the letter "s" and you wanted to demonstate a possessive, that you merely added an apostrophe. But, the editor of this book added the apostrophe and another "s". Huh? Shouldn't it be The Mistress' Daughter? Am I really that screwed up with my punctuation. Oh, well.
Regardless of my issues with the title, I found this memoir to be absolutely beguiling. It's the true story of a woman -- given up for adoption by her single birth mother some 30 years before -- and her quest to find her true identity and truly define family. It makes you think about self-defination - are you defined by your environment or your genes?
The book is charged with emotion. So well crafted that you will experience the author's anger, profound sadness, and elation. It will move you.
Regardless of my issues with the title, I found this memoir to be absolutely beguiling. It's the true story of a woman -- given up for adoption by her single birth mother some 30 years before -- and her quest to find her true identity and truly define family. It makes you think about self-defination - are you defined by your environment or your genes?
The book is charged with emotion. So well crafted that you will experience the author's anger, profound sadness, and elation. It will move you.
Book review: Candy Girl by Diablo Cody
Just about everybody is aware of Diablo Cody today, thanks to the success and kudos that came with her screenwriting of the film Juno. The same wit and charm evidenced in Juno comes through in Candy Girl, Cody's memoir of the year she spent as an exotic dancer. The book is both fascinating and repulsive. When she describes her job working in a booth at Sex World, a Minneapolis XXX-rated book store, you can't help but go EWWWWWWWW. So gross. Too graphic in parts. But, I have to admit that I couldn't put it down. And, I did love her opening lines, "Nobody comes to Minnesota to take their clothes off, at least as far as I know. This ain't no nightclub. Here in the woebegone upper country, Jack Frost is a liberal, rangy sadist with ice crystals in his soul patch." Love those lines.
Definately not a book that you'd want to share with your mother. But, put it a plain brown wrapper, take it on vacation, and you're bound to have some fun. Especially if you have a couple of pops and then start reading passages aloud to your partner.
Definately not a book that you'd want to share with your mother. But, put it a plain brown wrapper, take it on vacation, and you're bound to have some fun. Especially if you have a couple of pops and then start reading passages aloud to your partner.
Book review: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
I read this wonderful, riveting book last summer and my positive verbal reviews meant my copy of Water for Elephants was making the rounds from beach bag to backpack to purse as my friends traveled to locations near and far. Gruen is a masterful writer and I was captivated by her story of love, murder and an amazingly large heroine. It's clear by the number of endorsements that this book has received that many other readers enjoyed Water for Elephants as well.
This book is strongly recommended. Would make a great book club read.
This book is strongly recommended. Would make a great book club read.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The visitor
My husband is a very generous man. Especially when it comes to opening our dog-friendly home to the occasional canine guest. I am more than happy to welcome the visting dog when the weather is warm and bowzer can enjoy the great outdoors and the luxury doggie condos that are connected to our garage. But, tonight, my spouse pushed my naturally good-natured hospitality to the edge.
My beloved agreed that we would take care of our German shorthaired pointer's daughter for a week. Fine, I said. It's going to be frigid so she'll be unable to stay in the outside dog kennel. Fine, I said. You're going to have to take her into the vet so she can get spayed while her owners are on vacation. What the -- fine, I said. She might be coming into season. Swell. And, oh yeah, I have to go away on business so you'll have to care for them. Yippee.
With that as backdrop, you can only imagine the greeting I received when I finally got home tonight after a two-hour commute in the snow. One husband chatting on the phone while our two male canines (a 3 year old and a pup) worked themselves into a frazzle competing for the attention of the female. Barking. Running. Chasing. Chewing, Licking. Humping. Peeing. And the constant ring-a-ding ding of the bell hanging on the back door to alert us if the dogs need to go out. I need to go out. Bark. I need to come. Ding. I need to go. Bark. I need to come in. You get the picture. This evening, I found it all to be extremely irritating. Maybe I'm just crabby. Nah - couldn't possibly be the case.
I am happy to host dogs for overnight stays. I just want to host on my terms. Too much to ask? I don't think so.
My beloved agreed that we would take care of our German shorthaired pointer's daughter for a week. Fine, I said. It's going to be frigid so she'll be unable to stay in the outside dog kennel. Fine, I said. You're going to have to take her into the vet so she can get spayed while her owners are on vacation. What the -- fine, I said. She might be coming into season. Swell. And, oh yeah, I have to go away on business so you'll have to care for them. Yippee.
With that as backdrop, you can only imagine the greeting I received when I finally got home tonight after a two-hour commute in the snow. One husband chatting on the phone while our two male canines (a 3 year old and a pup) worked themselves into a frazzle competing for the attention of the female. Barking. Running. Chasing. Chewing, Licking. Humping. Peeing. And the constant ring-a-ding ding of the bell hanging on the back door to alert us if the dogs need to go out. I need to go out. Bark. I need to come. Ding. I need to go. Bark. I need to come in. You get the picture. This evening, I found it all to be extremely irritating. Maybe I'm just crabby. Nah - couldn't possibly be the case.
I am happy to host dogs for overnight stays. I just want to host on my terms. Too much to ask? I don't think so.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Book review: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is the January book club selection for the Second Monday Night Book Club. It also happens to be a selection for the Oprah Book Club -- that moniker usually guarantees that the book will be one to which I have a mediocre reaction. In the past, I thought her book club picks always were somewhat predictable tales of woe and misery. The more the main character of the book would fight for her existence and dignity, the more Oprah praised it. It was the same premise, over and over again.
This story has an original story line. Edgar, a mute boy, lives with his parents in rural northern Wisconsin where they raise a unique breed of dog. A tragic turn of events results in family turmoil and the grief-stricken Edgar runs away from home in the company of three of the dogs. Edgar's bewilderment and sorrow is at the core of much of this story. It is ultimately a story of relationships and betrayal.
I actually kind of liked this book. Didn't love it, but liked it a lot. I think it could have used some sharper editing in parts. It also is a bit too melodramatic for my taste. Nevertheless, a solid debut novel by Wroblewski. I will be interested in hearing the reactions of the other members of the Second Monday Night Book Club.
This story has an original story line. Edgar, a mute boy, lives with his parents in rural northern Wisconsin where they raise a unique breed of dog. A tragic turn of events results in family turmoil and the grief-stricken Edgar runs away from home in the company of three of the dogs. Edgar's bewilderment and sorrow is at the core of much of this story. It is ultimately a story of relationships and betrayal.
I actually kind of liked this book. Didn't love it, but liked it a lot. I think it could have used some sharper editing in parts. It also is a bit too melodramatic for my taste. Nevertheless, a solid debut novel by Wroblewski. I will be interested in hearing the reactions of the other members of the Second Monday Night Book Club.
Book review: One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
Several years ago, I suggested to the Second Monday Night Book Club that we read Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I thought it was a terrific murder mystery; the rest of the group disagreed. They did not like the writer's style, her characters, or the nature of the crimes described in the book. When Atkinson came out with a sequel to Case Histories, I picked up a copy One Good Turn and started to read it. I liked it. But not as much as her first book.
There are many characters, interesting twists and turns...but, I just couldn't get into it.
There are many characters, interesting twists and turns...but, I just couldn't get into it.
Book review: Comfort Me with Apples by Ruth Reichl
Food writer Ruth Reichl's first book, Tender to the Bone, was such a fun romp through the world of food. It was hilarious and instructive (there were a few recipes included, after all). Comfort Me with Apples is Reichl's delightful sequel. This memoir follows her early years as a food critic. Such fun! Once you begin reading this book, you will be unable to put it down -- it is truly delicious. And, of course, Reichl spices up this book with a few recipes as well.
I bought this book for myself, but would consider it a great gift for a friend who enjoys fine food.
I bought this book for myself, but would consider it a great gift for a friend who enjoys fine food.
Book review: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
Every so often, there are times when I am halfway through a book when I pause and ask myself, was the author's motivation to write a novel or to create something that she could sell as screenplay? The Friday Night Knitting Club is definately one of those books.
I liked the first half of the book, as characters were introduced and the knitting club was created. But then, things changed. All I could think was that Julia Roberts (likely the most famous of the knitting celebs) is going to buy the rights to this book and create a movie out of it. A movie with politically correct relationships...the right amount of tears...etc. It would be an opportunity for her to star once again with Denzel Washington and die on screen. The entertainment pubs would eat it up. I would boycott the film.
When I started the book, I thought I would enjoy the entire read. By the time I finished it, I thought it was pretty dumb.
I liked the first half of the book, as characters were introduced and the knitting club was created. But then, things changed. All I could think was that Julia Roberts (likely the most famous of the knitting celebs) is going to buy the rights to this book and create a movie out of it. A movie with politically correct relationships...the right amount of tears...etc. It would be an opportunity for her to star once again with Denzel Washington and die on screen. The entertainment pubs would eat it up. I would boycott the film.
When I started the book, I thought I would enjoy the entire read. By the time I finished it, I thought it was pretty dumb.
Recipe: Girly Shrimp
It's girly shrimp because it is made with sugar and spice and everything nice...
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 large clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 1/2 inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and mined
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground tumeric
2 Tbsp flour
vegetable oil for greasing baking sheet
24 jumbo shrimp, peeled with tail left on, deveined
juice of 1/2 lime
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. In mixing bowl, combine the sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, cayenne, allspice, tumeric and flour. Grease large baking sheet.
Dredge the shrimp, a few at a time, in the sugar mixture and place on baking sheet. Bake until sugar is caramelized, especially on the bottom, about 10 minutes.
Remove the shrimp from the oven, turn over with a spatula and squeeze the lime juice over them. Place on platter and serve immediately.
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 large clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 1/2 inch slice fresh ginger, peeled and mined
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground tumeric
2 Tbsp flour
vegetable oil for greasing baking sheet
24 jumbo shrimp, peeled with tail left on, deveined
juice of 1/2 lime
Preheat oven to 500 degrees. In mixing bowl, combine the sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, ginger, cayenne, allspice, tumeric and flour. Grease large baking sheet.
Dredge the shrimp, a few at a time, in the sugar mixture and place on baking sheet. Bake until sugar is caramelized, especially on the bottom, about 10 minutes.
Remove the shrimp from the oven, turn over with a spatula and squeeze the lime juice over them. Place on platter and serve immediately.
Recipe: Grilled spicy-citrus chicken thighs with corn and green onions
1 cup fresh lime juice
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (yes, I know -- it's my least favorite herb! but it works here)
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 tsp dried crushed red pepper
16 large chicken thighs with skin and bones (about 6 lbs)
16 green onions
8 ears of corn, husked
Whisk the first 7 ingredients in bowl. Season marinade with salt and pepper. Place chicken thighs in large resealable plastic bag. Place green onions and corn in extra-large resealable plastic bag. Divide marinate equally between bags; seal bags, turn to coat. Chill both bags for 4 hours, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill. Medium heat. Remove chicken and vegetables from marinade. You can toss the marinade. Grill chicken until charred and juices run clear when pierced with knife, turning occassionally and rearranging on grill for even cooking. Takes about 25 minutes. Grill onions and corn until charred on all sides, about 6 minutes for the green onions and about 13 minutes for corn. Transfer all to platter and serve.
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (yes, I know -- it's my least favorite herb! but it works here)
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 tsp hot pepper sauce
2 tsp dried crushed red pepper
16 large chicken thighs with skin and bones (about 6 lbs)
16 green onions
8 ears of corn, husked
Whisk the first 7 ingredients in bowl. Season marinade with salt and pepper. Place chicken thighs in large resealable plastic bag. Place green onions and corn in extra-large resealable plastic bag. Divide marinate equally between bags; seal bags, turn to coat. Chill both bags for 4 hours, turning occasionally.
Prepare grill. Medium heat. Remove chicken and vegetables from marinade. You can toss the marinade. Grill chicken until charred and juices run clear when pierced with knife, turning occassionally and rearranging on grill for even cooking. Takes about 25 minutes. Grill onions and corn until charred on all sides, about 6 minutes for the green onions and about 13 minutes for corn. Transfer all to platter and serve.
Recipe: Anise pot roast
Anise pot roast
4 lb (or whatever they have at the store) chuck roast, fresh or frozen
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
large pinch of 5 Spice (found in the Asian section of the supermarket)
1 heaping tsp. minced garlic (from jar)
2 Cloves Star Anise (cannot substitute regular anise)
1/4 cup water
Put chuck roast in a large crock pot. Whisk together remaining ingredients
and pour over roast. Cover and set crock pot to high. Cook for
approximately 5 - 7 hours). Remove meat and shred. Remove star anise from
crock pot and put meat back in. Serve on hard, crusty rolls.
Note: This recipe comes from my sister’s friend’s mom. Instead of making it in a crock pot, she would simmer it on the stove for 3 hours. Instead of serving it on
rolls, she would remove the beef and slice it like pot roast. While the
meat was out, she would simmer peeled hard boiled eggs in the juice. The
roast was then served with the hard boiled eggs and boiled spinach.
Personally, I think that my sister’s way is much more appetizing.
4 lb (or whatever they have at the store) chuck roast, fresh or frozen
2 Tbsp. Sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
large pinch of 5 Spice (found in the Asian section of the supermarket)
1 heaping tsp. minced garlic (from jar)
2 Cloves Star Anise (cannot substitute regular anise)
1/4 cup water
Put chuck roast in a large crock pot. Whisk together remaining ingredients
and pour over roast. Cover and set crock pot to high. Cook for
approximately 5 - 7 hours). Remove meat and shred. Remove star anise from
crock pot and put meat back in. Serve on hard, crusty rolls.
Note: This recipe comes from my sister’s friend’s mom. Instead of making it in a crock pot, she would simmer it on the stove for 3 hours. Instead of serving it on
rolls, she would remove the beef and slice it like pot roast. While the
meat was out, she would simmer peeled hard boiled eggs in the juice. The
roast was then served with the hard boiled eggs and boiled spinach.
Personally, I think that my sister’s way is much more appetizing.
Recipe: Christmas morning egg dish
Christmas morning egg dish
2 ½ cups seasoned croutons
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 pounds Jimmy Dean bulk breakfast sausage (1 spicy, 1 regular), browned and drained
6 eggs
¾ tsp dry mustard
2 ½ cups milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup plus ½ cup milk
The night before:
Grease 9 x 13” pan. Put croutons in greased pan. Place cheese on top of croutons. Add browned and drained meat.
Beat eggs, 2 ½ cups milk and mustard together. Pour over meat.
Refrigerate overnight.
Next morning:
Preheat oven to 300°F. Combine soup and ½ cup milk. Pour over top of egg mixture. Cover with foil, bake for 1 ½ hours. (Remove foil for last 15 minutes.)
2 ½ cups seasoned croutons
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 pounds Jimmy Dean bulk breakfast sausage (1 spicy, 1 regular), browned and drained
6 eggs
¾ tsp dry mustard
2 ½ cups milk
1 can cream of mushroom soup plus ½ cup milk
The night before:
Grease 9 x 13” pan. Put croutons in greased pan. Place cheese on top of croutons. Add browned and drained meat.
Beat eggs, 2 ½ cups milk and mustard together. Pour over meat.
Refrigerate overnight.
Next morning:
Preheat oven to 300°F. Combine soup and ½ cup milk. Pour over top of egg mixture. Cover with foil, bake for 1 ½ hours. (Remove foil for last 15 minutes.)
Recipe: Sarah's stromboni
Sarah's stromboni is so yummy! Cut it into small diamonds to use as an appetizer or larger squares to serve, along with a salad, as a meal.
2 (8 oz) cans of crescent rolls
1/4 lb imported ham, thinly sliced
1/4 lb Provolone cheese, thinly sliced
1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 lb Swiss cheese thinly sliced
1/4 lb large pepperoni slices
1 (12 oz) jar roasted sweet red peppers
3 large eggs
Ground black pepper to taste
3+ Tbsp grated Romano cheese
Spread 1 can crescent roll dough on the bottom of a 9 x 13 x 2 inch pan
lightly coated with Pam. Layer ham and next 4 ingredients over dough. Top
with peppers.
Whisk together eggs, black pepper and Romano cheese. Pour over peppers.
Top with remaining can of crescent roll dough. Cover with foil.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until
center is set adn top is lightly browned (I ususally have to leave mine in
for longer).
Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
2 (8 oz) cans of crescent rolls
1/4 lb imported ham, thinly sliced
1/4 lb Provolone cheese, thinly sliced
1/4 lb Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 lb Swiss cheese thinly sliced
1/4 lb large pepperoni slices
1 (12 oz) jar roasted sweet red peppers
3 large eggs
Ground black pepper to taste
3+ Tbsp grated Romano cheese
Spread 1 can crescent roll dough on the bottom of a 9 x 13 x 2 inch pan
lightly coated with Pam. Layer ham and next 4 ingredients over dough. Top
with peppers.
Whisk together eggs, black pepper and Romano cheese. Pour over peppers.
Top with remaining can of crescent roll dough. Cover with foil.
Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until
center is set adn top is lightly browned (I ususally have to leave mine in
for longer).
Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe: Tomato Company Cups
Tomato company cups are a favorite appetizer at our house. The recipe comes courtesy of my sister. Enjoy!
9 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup (3 oz) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)
1 tsp dried basil
1 (10 oz) can of refrigerated flakey biscuits
Preheat oven to 375
Combine first 6 ingredients
Separate each biscuit into 2 or 3 thinner ones. Press biscuit pieces into
miniature muffin pan cups. Fill biscuit shells with tomato mixture (do not
over fill)
Bake at 375 for 10 - 12 minutes or until bubbly.
9 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3/4 cup (3 oz) shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayo (not Miracle Whip)
1 tsp dried basil
1 (10 oz) can of refrigerated flakey biscuits
Preheat oven to 375
Combine first 6 ingredients
Separate each biscuit into 2 or 3 thinner ones. Press biscuit pieces into
miniature muffin pan cups. Fill biscuit shells with tomato mixture (do not
over fill)
Bake at 375 for 10 - 12 minutes or until bubbly.
Book review: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
A few years ago, I picked up a copy of Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay and could not put it down. I loved the story of two young Jewish men making their mark in the fledgling comic book industry. So well crafted. I could easily see why it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
My reaction to The Yiddish Policemen's Union is very different. While the critics called it "gripping" and "terrifically funny" and "dazzling" - I find that I just couldn't engage with the book. I've picked it up and put it down dozens of times. After a couple of months of the book sitting on my bedside table, I haven't been able to get past page 109. I'm not sure I'm going to finish it.
I just haven't figured out why I am unable to connect with this piece of literature. All of the ingredients for what I would normally find appealing in a book are there: quirky characters, a little mystery, a bit of a love story, and Yiddish phrases. Perhaps I will pick it up again in the spring. For now, it's going off the bedside table and back to the family room shelves.
My reaction to The Yiddish Policemen's Union is very different. While the critics called it "gripping" and "terrifically funny" and "dazzling" - I find that I just couldn't engage with the book. I've picked it up and put it down dozens of times. After a couple of months of the book sitting on my bedside table, I haven't been able to get past page 109. I'm not sure I'm going to finish it.
I just haven't figured out why I am unable to connect with this piece of literature. All of the ingredients for what I would normally find appealing in a book are there: quirky characters, a little mystery, a bit of a love story, and Yiddish phrases. Perhaps I will pick it up again in the spring. For now, it's going off the bedside table and back to the family room shelves.
Book review: Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea
I picked up this book at the Barnes & Noble in midtown Manhattan last fall. I truly judged the book by its cover. Didn't even take the time to skim the first chapter as I normally do. I was taken in by the phrase on the back cover, "Imagine Sex and the City, if the city in question was Riyadh."
Now, I never watched Sex and City (mostly because both the premise of the series and the characters made me gag - and seeing how people transferred the fashion sense of the size 0 actresses to normal people...well, that is fodder for a different blog), but somehow, when thought about in terms of contemporary Saudi Arabia, it became fascinating to me. What makes this book even more astounding is that it was first published in Arabic and only recently translated to English. After reading the book, I imagine it caused quite a sensation in the Mideast.
The book follows four young women as they literally and figuratively shed their traditional garb and pursue their lives in contemporary Saudi Arabia. I felt like I was invited in to their homes to see a part of Saudi life that I never could have experienced any other way. I grew to like these four women, dislike some of the other people in their lives and appreciate the uniqueness of their culture. This is truly a view under the veil.
Now, I never watched Sex and City (mostly because both the premise of the series and the characters made me gag - and seeing how people transferred the fashion sense of the size 0 actresses to normal people...well, that is fodder for a different blog), but somehow, when thought about in terms of contemporary Saudi Arabia, it became fascinating to me. What makes this book even more astounding is that it was first published in Arabic and only recently translated to English. After reading the book, I imagine it caused quite a sensation in the Mideast.
The book follows four young women as they literally and figuratively shed their traditional garb and pursue their lives in contemporary Saudi Arabia. I felt like I was invited in to their homes to see a part of Saudi life that I never could have experienced any other way. I grew to like these four women, dislike some of the other people in their lives and appreciate the uniqueness of their culture. This is truly a view under the veil.
Book review: Espresso Tales by Alexander McCall Smith
This is the type of book you could share with your mother and feel confident that she won't be offended by its content. Espresso Tales is actually the third in a series, the first of which was 44 Scotland Street, a book that shares the challenges, loves and life experiences of people who live in the same apartment building in Edinburgh. The Times describes the book "as warm as cocoa, as cozy as thermal underwear, and just what the doctor ordered for cold winter evenings." I couldn't agree more.
I especially like the subplot about Bertie, the child prodigy, and his desire to go fishing and play rugby instead of going to yoga and wearing pink pants (prescribed by his doting mother who wants to make sure that he is not trapped in traditional male stereotypes).
The author is a former professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh. He's clearly made a masterful jump to fiction with his award-winning series, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and this gentle, enchanting series.
I especially like the subplot about Bertie, the child prodigy, and his desire to go fishing and play rugby instead of going to yoga and wearing pink pants (prescribed by his doting mother who wants to make sure that he is not trapped in traditional male stereotypes).
The author is a former professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh. He's clearly made a masterful jump to fiction with his award-winning series, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and this gentle, enchanting series.
Book review: I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
I found this collection of essays to be hilarious. The author offers a fresh, irreverant voice. Her style is enchanting and just a little bit naughty. Think of Mary Richards (the main character of the 70s sitcom played by Mary Tyler Moore) but with more spunk, punk and funk. Crosley's essays may seem frothy at first, but they actually say a fair amount about family relationships, falling in and out of love, and first jobs.
Besides, you have to like it when the author readily admits that she "...wrote the cover story for the worst-selling issue of Maxim in the magazine's history."
Besides, you have to like it when the author readily admits that she "...wrote the cover story for the worst-selling issue of Maxim in the magazine's history."
Book review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This turned out to be an absolutely delightful read. I was so pleasantly surprised. I am usually not a fan of books that are written as a series of letters and other correspondence between characters, but the authors provided some genuine and unique "voices" for the people who populate the book. It felt much more like accidentally stumbling upon a shoebox of letters in one of my great aunts' closets than a book. If only the pages had been loose and tied with a faded ribbon...
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is set in post-World War II England. Juliet, a writer, is pondering the subject of her next book when she receives a letter from a stranger who found her name on the flyleaf of a used book about Charles Lamb. Letters are exchanged and she finds herself intrigued by the experiences of the stranger and his neighbors during the German occupation of the English Channel island of Guernsey. You will soon find yourself thinking about the characters as your friends and neighbors. They are a wonderful collection of people.
I also am fond of this book because if was written by an aunt and her niece. Since I have close relationships with two of my nieces (both of whom are creative, gifted writers), I like thinking that perhaps I could do the same some day.
I would strongly recommend this novel for a book club or as a vacation read.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is set in post-World War II England. Juliet, a writer, is pondering the subject of her next book when she receives a letter from a stranger who found her name on the flyleaf of a used book about Charles Lamb. Letters are exchanged and she finds herself intrigued by the experiences of the stranger and his neighbors during the German occupation of the English Channel island of Guernsey. You will soon find yourself thinking about the characters as your friends and neighbors. They are a wonderful collection of people.
I also am fond of this book because if was written by an aunt and her niece. Since I have close relationships with two of my nieces (both of whom are creative, gifted writers), I like thinking that perhaps I could do the same some day.
I would strongly recommend this novel for a book club or as a vacation read.
Book review: The Snowball: Warren Buffet and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder
I found the most interesting parts of this biography about Warren Buffet were those sections that dealt with his personal relationships. His singular focus on business and money created wacky family dynamics. Pay special attention to his life with wife, Susie, and later how she hand selects someone to care for him when she opts to pursue a singing career.
As someone who spends the majority of her time worrying about the reputation of a publicly-traded organization, the parts of the book that deal with public perceptions were fascinating. I applaud Buffet for recognizing that a reputation can be extraordinary asset, but damaged within a blink of eye. I like that he is more concerned about the erosion of reputation than dollars, as a reputation is earned over an extended period of time by marrying up both words and actions.
Buffet has certainly built a reputation for himself - shrewd, hamburger-eating, Cherry Coke drinking, rich dude from Omaha. Reading this book will reveal just how eccentric and demanding he is. Yet, you'll still walk away from the tome liking the guy. He is, indeed, a paradox on multiple levels.
Don't let the size of this book intimidate you. It is a fast and easy read.
As someone who spends the majority of her time worrying about the reputation of a publicly-traded organization, the parts of the book that deal with public perceptions were fascinating. I applaud Buffet for recognizing that a reputation can be extraordinary asset, but damaged within a blink of eye. I like that he is more concerned about the erosion of reputation than dollars, as a reputation is earned over an extended period of time by marrying up both words and actions.
Buffet has certainly built a reputation for himself - shrewd, hamburger-eating, Cherry Coke drinking, rich dude from Omaha. Reading this book will reveal just how eccentric and demanding he is. Yet, you'll still walk away from the tome liking the guy. He is, indeed, a paradox on multiple levels.
Don't let the size of this book intimidate you. It is a fast and easy read.
Book review: T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
Okay, I have to admit that I love, love, love this series by Sue Grafton. For those of you who loved Nancy Drew as a kid, you are sure to enjoy Grafton's heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Kinsey is smart, courageous, curious and loves the occasional Big Mac. Plus, she's a wisecracker. How can you not be drawn to her?
T is for Trespass is a fast-paced thriller based on the very current and serious topics of elder abuse and identity theft. I think it is one of Grafton's best books in the series. Her writing seems sharper than ever. The last few chapters held me in complete suspense. I was completely transfixed.
While you could pick up T is for Trespass without having read the previous books in the series, I would strongly urge you to start with A is for Alibi. It is fun to read about Kinsey as she develops as a character and a sleuth.
Great series to start reading while on vacation.
T is for Trespass is a fast-paced thriller based on the very current and serious topics of elder abuse and identity theft. I think it is one of Grafton's best books in the series. Her writing seems sharper than ever. The last few chapters held me in complete suspense. I was completely transfixed.
While you could pick up T is for Trespass without having read the previous books in the series, I would strongly urge you to start with A is for Alibi. It is fun to read about Kinsey as she develops as a character and a sleuth.
Great series to start reading while on vacation.
Book review: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
I have been haunted by this story ever since I finished reading it on New Year's Eve. At the core of the book is the roundup and deportation of Jewish adults and children in Paris to French concentration camps during World War II. I must admit that I never knew that the horrors of the Holocaust had extended into France. And, when I read de Rosnay's account of the roundup of thousands of French Jews and their children, I cried.
Sarah's Key is a beautifully written book; de Rosnay tells a compelling, yet painful story. She cleverly intertwines the travails of Sarah, a young Jewish girl torn from her family during the roundup, and Julia, an American journalist living in Paris, who investigates this terrible event in French history and finds that it links back to her current life. The book goes back and forth between Sarah's experiences 60 years ago and Julia's life in contemporary times.
I was given Sarah's Key as a gift. While my book club has not selected it for discussion, I think it would make a great pick. The paperback version comes with a discussion guide.
Sarah's Key is a beautifully written book; de Rosnay tells a compelling, yet painful story. She cleverly intertwines the travails of Sarah, a young Jewish girl torn from her family during the roundup, and Julia, an American journalist living in Paris, who investigates this terrible event in French history and finds that it links back to her current life. The book goes back and forth between Sarah's experiences 60 years ago and Julia's life in contemporary times.
I was given Sarah's Key as a gift. While my book club has not selected it for discussion, I think it would make a great pick. The paperback version comes with a discussion guide.
Book review: Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Mister Pip is one of those books that you cannot wait to share with others. It is a poignant, deeply affecting story of a young girl who lives on a war-torn island in the South Pacific and how one quirky outsider's telling of the Charles Dickens' classic, Great Expectations, gives strength to her and her peers during a tumultuous time. The outsider, the only white man on the island, truly transforms the life of this girl through the gifts of literature and imagination.
The book is beautifully crafted, almost poetic at times. Jones' ability to weave elements of the classic Dickens novel into the lives of this characters is wonderful.
This novel was a Second Monday Night Book Club read. This is one of the few books that the group unanimously adored. It prompted long, intense conversations about civil unrest, the role of teachers, the ability of literature to point out the horrors of war and uplift at the same time.
I highly recommend that you go to your local library and check out this great book by Lloyd Jones.
The book is beautifully crafted, almost poetic at times. Jones' ability to weave elements of the classic Dickens novel into the lives of this characters is wonderful.
This novel was a Second Monday Night Book Club read. This is one of the few books that the group unanimously adored. It prompted long, intense conversations about civil unrest, the role of teachers, the ability of literature to point out the horrors of war and uplift at the same time.
I highly recommend that you go to your local library and check out this great book by Lloyd Jones.
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