America America by Ethan Canin
Set in the1970s, Corey Sifter becomes a yard boy for the powerful Metarey family. And because he’s an exceptional young man, soon finds himself a student at a private boarding school thanks to the Metareys. Eventually he becomes involved with one of the Metarey daughters, and needless to say he leaves behind the world of his upbringing. Before long, Corey finds himself working for the great New York senator Henry Bonwiller, who is running for president of the United States. As the campaign gains momentum, Corey finds himself caught up in a web of events that eventually culminate in a tragic death.
I’m not a fan of political fiction, but this book is an exception. Even though the story was a classic “poor-boy-gets-taken-in-by-rich-family-and-falls-in-love-with-daughter” story, the characters were great, with enough turns and twists to keep me interested.
Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman
Private investigator Tess Monaghan lands an assignment with a movie company shooting a series in Baltimore. It seems the company has been haunted by a series of petty crimes and other mysterious incidents, and they’re concerned for the safety of the young female lead. Tess soon realizes she’s been hired as a body guard and babysitter to a spoiled movie starlet. It’s all pretty ho-hum until someone gets the axe.
Actually it’s pretty ho-hum all the way through. I’ve never read other Lippman books but they come highly recommended by her fans. That said – this one was not a great book. Too easy to figure out, too many clichés, and the characters would be great cartoon personalities but didn’t resonate in real life.
Entre Nous, a Woman’s Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl by Debra Ollivier
Ollivier is an American, married to a Frenchman, who spent ten years living in France -- so she knows a thing or two about the French. It’s no big secret (whether you believe it or not) that the world thinks French girls have it going on. So, how can an American girl tap into that mystic – a certain je ne sais quoi – that French girls are born with? Ollivier gives us lovely stories about fashion icons and fabulous food, French movies (watch and learn) and a list of must-dos. Thankfully, Ollivier's advice isn’t about buying more stuff. It has a hefty dose of making do with what you have, living life purposefully, defining your personal fashion sense and purchasing that one great item that’s meant to be worn for a long time. Quality not quantity. So refreshing! Every American woman should read this book -- it’s delightful with a plethora of great sidebars. ♥
Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper by Harriet Scott Chessman
Chessman undertakes a lofty goal – telling the story behind some of the most famous paintings ever done by a woman. The story is set in the 1880’s. American impressionist Mary Cassatt and her sister, Lydia live in Paris -- and the Paris art world is thriving. Lydia narrates the story and even though she is very ill with Bright's disease, and conscious of her impending death, she poses for five of her sister's paintings.
I enjoyed this book. Some may find it boring, but it matches Mary Cassatt’s paintings -- quiet, contemplative and beautiful – interwoven with the very real story of a woman looking at death while very much still alive. Historical art fiction.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo is different from other dogs. First and foremost he narrates a damn good book. He’s also a philosopher with an obsession with opposable thumbs. He’s educated himself by watching television and by listening to his master -- weekend race car driver Denny Swift. It’s through Denny he learns that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. We meet Enzo on a very special evening, as he looks back on his life, recalling all the sacrifices Denny made; and the unexpected losses along the way. In the end Enzo, well, never mind what he does– I’m leaving this intentionally vague because I don’t want to spoil this book for you!
A heart-squeezing but really and truly funny story of life, love, family loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is my new FAVORITE BOOK to recommend. A beautifully written story that explores the wonders and absurdities of human life from a dog’s eye point of view. ♥♥♥
9.18.2008
8.24.2008
Books Read in July 2008
A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas
When Thomas’s husband Rich, was hit by a car, his brain shattered and now he has no memory. His rages and hallucinations make it impossible for Thomas to care for him, and she sadly realizes he must live in an institution. This book is the blue-print of how she re-builds her life around a great tragedy that came from nowhere and changed her life. She does so with patience, grace; courage, and great guilt. Her new support system is composed of three dogs who keep her warm at night and moving during the day.
This little book reveals that you might not find meaning in disaster, but you might, with effort, make something useful of it.
The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman
This is the story of three women, who are all in love with the wrong men. Madeleine is attracted to her sister’s fiancé. Frieda, a runaway, becomes the muse of a loser rock star. And Bryn, who is set to marry an Englishman, finds herself still in love with her ex-husband. Then there’s Lucy, who witnessed a tragic accident at the age of twelve, and spends four decades searching for the “Third Angel” who her Father insists is real.
Although it sounds like it could be a great book -- it was a dud. I waited for the stories to come smashing together and the Third Angel to rise and give me a big “ah-ha” moment, but alas (!) only got a mediocre “ho-hum.” Great cover art though.
So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger
Set in 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket is living the soft life, and can’t seem to get another book written. His best-selling first book is years behind him and he lacks inspiration. Enter Glendon Hale, outlaw, and wise old boat-maker. Hale’s looking for forgiveness and decides to find the wife he abandoned years ago. Becket decides to travel with him to the Wild West not only for adventure, but perhaps the inspiration he needs for a new book. But traveling with a fugitive has its challenges, and although he misses the quiet Minnesota life with his wife and son, he may never get home.
The tone of this book reminds me of writers Kent Harup and Mark Spragg. Unfortunately it’s not nearly as well crafted. It’s an adequate story but who wants to invest time for just adequate?
The Sister’s Mortland by Sally Beauman
Summer, 1967. 13 year-old Maisie and her older sisters are having their portrait painted by starving artist, Lucas -- who eventually becomes famous. All three sisters live with their Mother and Grandfather in a medieval abbey that has been in the family for generations. Of course no medieval abbey is complete without the ghosts of Nun’s and a history of recurring tragedy. The tragedy de-jour will haunt the family for twenty years until a close friend sets out to unravel what really took place that summer.
The writing is fine. It’s a perfectly acceptable read. If, however you only read three or four books a year save yourself for something better.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Kostova's first novel, ten years in the writing, is a pretty decent retelling of the ever popular Dracula tale. Late one night (it has to be, right?) a16-year-old girl discovers a mysterious book in her father's library and is launched on a journey to find her father who has mysteriously disappeared. As she searches, she begins to understand her family has a connection to Vlad the Impaler – and that could have something to do with why she’s never met her Mother. Appetizers anyone?
This is a well-written book, with absorbing history of the Impaler. I’m not a Dracula fan, but found it a good solid read. Dracula fans would love it. Also if you have the attention span of a spoon be warned – it’s a long, long book.
Fear of Fifty by Erica Jong
From the author of Fear of Flying (18 million copies in print worldwide BTW) this is Erica Jong’s midlife memoir and begins appropriately on her fiftieth birthday. It’s sprinkled with witty and honest glimpses into her life as a Jewish American princess, her rise to fame, her quirky and sometimes wild thoughts on sex and marriage (yes, even after all these years,) aging, identity, motherhood and family life.
When this book was first published in 1994 I was a mere 30-something – so it’s no wonder I missed it. Now at fifty-something, I can identify. Buy this book for all your women friends in the appropriate age-group and have a party.
The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
The hummingbird’s daughter is Teresita Urrea, the author’s aunt and ancestor. Teresita was a medicine woman of the Yaquis and Mayo tribes whose magical healing power was legendary in Mexico. She became Saint of Cabora, and during her lifetime inspires revolution in Mexico – sort of a Mexican Joan of Arc. Urrea spent 20 years writing and researching the story – which spans 1873 to 1906.
This is the kind of book you become so interested in, that once you’ve finished reading it you spend hours researching the characters, the history, and the landscape – anything to stay connected with the story. Great book.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson’s 1962 book started a new environmental movement in America. Her research was stellar, and her love of the natural world legendary. Thanks to her, ten years after the publication of Silent Spring, DDT was banned in the U.S. I re-read this classic as a belated tribute to Carson’s 100th birthday. She was born in 1907. Just call her the “Godmother of Green.”
When Thomas’s husband Rich, was hit by a car, his brain shattered and now he has no memory. His rages and hallucinations make it impossible for Thomas to care for him, and she sadly realizes he must live in an institution. This book is the blue-print of how she re-builds her life around a great tragedy that came from nowhere and changed her life. She does so with patience, grace; courage, and great guilt. Her new support system is composed of three dogs who keep her warm at night and moving during the day.
This little book reveals that you might not find meaning in disaster, but you might, with effort, make something useful of it.
The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman
This is the story of three women, who are all in love with the wrong men. Madeleine is attracted to her sister’s fiancé. Frieda, a runaway, becomes the muse of a loser rock star. And Bryn, who is set to marry an Englishman, finds herself still in love with her ex-husband. Then there’s Lucy, who witnessed a tragic accident at the age of twelve, and spends four decades searching for the “Third Angel” who her Father insists is real.
Although it sounds like it could be a great book -- it was a dud. I waited for the stories to come smashing together and the Third Angel to rise and give me a big “ah-ha” moment, but alas (!) only got a mediocre “ho-hum.” Great cover art though.
So Brave, Young and Handsome by Leif Enger
Set in 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket is living the soft life, and can’t seem to get another book written. His best-selling first book is years behind him and he lacks inspiration. Enter Glendon Hale, outlaw, and wise old boat-maker. Hale’s looking for forgiveness and decides to find the wife he abandoned years ago. Becket decides to travel with him to the Wild West not only for adventure, but perhaps the inspiration he needs for a new book. But traveling with a fugitive has its challenges, and although he misses the quiet Minnesota life with his wife and son, he may never get home.
The tone of this book reminds me of writers Kent Harup and Mark Spragg. Unfortunately it’s not nearly as well crafted. It’s an adequate story but who wants to invest time for just adequate?
The Sister’s Mortland by Sally Beauman
Summer, 1967. 13 year-old Maisie and her older sisters are having their portrait painted by starving artist, Lucas -- who eventually becomes famous. All three sisters live with their Mother and Grandfather in a medieval abbey that has been in the family for generations. Of course no medieval abbey is complete without the ghosts of Nun’s and a history of recurring tragedy. The tragedy de-jour will haunt the family for twenty years until a close friend sets out to unravel what really took place that summer.
The writing is fine. It’s a perfectly acceptable read. If, however you only read three or four books a year save yourself for something better.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Kostova's first novel, ten years in the writing, is a pretty decent retelling of the ever popular Dracula tale. Late one night (it has to be, right?) a16-year-old girl discovers a mysterious book in her father's library and is launched on a journey to find her father who has mysteriously disappeared. As she searches, she begins to understand her family has a connection to Vlad the Impaler – and that could have something to do with why she’s never met her Mother. Appetizers anyone?
This is a well-written book, with absorbing history of the Impaler. I’m not a Dracula fan, but found it a good solid read. Dracula fans would love it. Also if you have the attention span of a spoon be warned – it’s a long, long book.
Fear of Fifty by Erica Jong
From the author of Fear of Flying (18 million copies in print worldwide BTW) this is Erica Jong’s midlife memoir and begins appropriately on her fiftieth birthday. It’s sprinkled with witty and honest glimpses into her life as a Jewish American princess, her rise to fame, her quirky and sometimes wild thoughts on sex and marriage (yes, even after all these years,) aging, identity, motherhood and family life.
When this book was first published in 1994 I was a mere 30-something – so it’s no wonder I missed it. Now at fifty-something, I can identify. Buy this book for all your women friends in the appropriate age-group and have a party.
The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea
The hummingbird’s daughter is Teresita Urrea, the author’s aunt and ancestor. Teresita was a medicine woman of the Yaquis and Mayo tribes whose magical healing power was legendary in Mexico. She became Saint of Cabora, and during her lifetime inspires revolution in Mexico – sort of a Mexican Joan of Arc. Urrea spent 20 years writing and researching the story – which spans 1873 to 1906.
This is the kind of book you become so interested in, that once you’ve finished reading it you spend hours researching the characters, the history, and the landscape – anything to stay connected with the story. Great book.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Rachel Carson’s 1962 book started a new environmental movement in America. Her research was stellar, and her love of the natural world legendary. Thanks to her, ten years after the publication of Silent Spring, DDT was banned in the U.S. I re-read this classic as a belated tribute to Carson’s 100th birthday. She was born in 1907. Just call her the “Godmother of Green.”
7.15.2008
Books Read in June 2008
A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs
Burroughs is every boy – just wants the love his father. Unfortunately we know this family from Running with Scissors and the love ain’t there kiddo. Besides a wacko Mother, he’s strapped to a philosophy professor father who has alcoholic rages, and stays in his downstairs bedroom most the time. Mooning for a Dad (any Dad) he crafts a ‘surrogate’ with pillows and discarded clothing. Sad-sad-sad.
This is another jaw-dropping Burroughs memoir – sans the signature humor – but it has way too much wining. One can only hope this book is a healing balm for Burroughs and he starts to explore his creativity and expand his repertoire. Enough of the family.
Earth: The Sequel by Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn
Finally -- a book that gives us a little hope! American entrepreneurs work best when unfettered and with a big pay-off looming, so why not give those smart folks some incentive?? Lot’s of people around the globe are working on innovative technologies that will help solve the energy/pollution/global warming crisis.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
Playing For Pizza by John Grisham
What does an NFL quarterback, aka “has-been,” who single-handedly loses the game that will take his team to the Super Bowl do? If you’re Rick Dockery, recently out of work and fodder for late-night jokes, you take the first job your agent finds. In this case that’s playing for the Parma Panthers in Italy. Definitely not the same standard as the NFL, but slowly Rick understands he’s not the same snob who left the good old USA either.
Great descriptions of Italian villages and trattorias. Fast read, and even though I’m not a huge football fan it was a decent read.
River God by Wilbur Smith
Oh, goodie – historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of the Hyksos invasion of Egypt, this is a story of war and love circa 1780 BC. Be prepared to fall in love with Taita -- inventor, artist and keeper of Lady Lostris, a beauty who becomes Queen of Egypt even though her true love (and the Father of he child) is NOT the Pharaoh.
This is an old-old book but I loved it years ago and loved it just as much this time around! Smith has written thirty novels, all extraordinarily researched, and he’s a master story-teller.
River of Heaven by Lee Martin
Sammy Brady's quiet life revolves around his basset hound, Stump. All that changes when the next door neighbor, becomes a widower and manages to weddle himself into Sammy's world. Soon they’re building a ship-shaped dog house, and attending cooking classes. Things are good until a reporter shows up to write a story about the dog-house. Alas! The reporter is related to Dewey Finn, Sammy's childhood friend who mysteriously died on a railroad track. Like any good reporter he dives into the un-solved mystery and things get complicated. Not enough? Enter the orphaned grandchild, wayward brother, and sleazy antique dealer.
I’m not a fan of this one. The characters are going in too many directions, people die off and/or disappear for no apparent reason. Maybe I’m getting cynical in my old reading age, but is there anything out there that’s great?? HELP!
The Man Who Fell In Love with the Moon by Tom Spanbauer
This tale of love and loss is told by Shed, a half-breed bisexual Indian, and son of a prostitute, who, at age 12 is raped at gunpoint by the man who then murders his mother. He’s raised by Ida Richilieu—proprietress of the local whorehouse and mayor of Excellent, Idaho.
I read this book when it was first published back in 1992 and it was bizarre. These many years later I find it’s still bizarre, but poetic in a weird sort of way and I can almost guarantee this book is unlike anything you’ve ever read before. Weird sex, strange family connections, weird racial interactions. It’s a captivating, and be warned, bizarre book, but one you won’t be able to put down.
The Last Cowgirl by Jana Richman
Dickie Sinfield is 52, and, well that’s the time you look back on your childhood and realize it was crappier than you care to remember. At age seven, Dickie’s family moves from the suburbs and she’s forced to become a cowgirl. At 18, she takes off, becomes a Salt Lake City newspaper reporter and hardly looks back. But when her brother is killed by poison gas at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Grounds, she comes home for the funeral -- where she faces her father's anger, her mother's infidelity, her best friend's betrayal, and her long-lost love, Stumpy Nelson.
What should have been a great book was a huge disappointment. The story had so much potential but Richman delivered a whiny memoir contrasted with a hard look at the government’s handling of chemical accidents. Read The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle instead.
Burroughs is every boy – just wants the love his father. Unfortunately we know this family from Running with Scissors and the love ain’t there kiddo. Besides a wacko Mother, he’s strapped to a philosophy professor father who has alcoholic rages, and stays in his downstairs bedroom most the time. Mooning for a Dad (any Dad) he crafts a ‘surrogate’ with pillows and discarded clothing. Sad-sad-sad.
This is another jaw-dropping Burroughs memoir – sans the signature humor – but it has way too much wining. One can only hope this book is a healing balm for Burroughs and he starts to explore his creativity and expand his repertoire. Enough of the family.
Earth: The Sequel by Fred Krupp and Miriam Horn
Finally -- a book that gives us a little hope! American entrepreneurs work best when unfettered and with a big pay-off looming, so why not give those smart folks some incentive?? Lot’s of people around the globe are working on innovative technologies that will help solve the energy/pollution/global warming crisis.
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.
Playing For Pizza by John Grisham
What does an NFL quarterback, aka “has-been,” who single-handedly loses the game that will take his team to the Super Bowl do? If you’re Rick Dockery, recently out of work and fodder for late-night jokes, you take the first job your agent finds. In this case that’s playing for the Parma Panthers in Italy. Definitely not the same standard as the NFL, but slowly Rick understands he’s not the same snob who left the good old USA either.
Great descriptions of Italian villages and trattorias. Fast read, and even though I’m not a huge football fan it was a decent read.
River God by Wilbur Smith
Oh, goodie – historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of the Hyksos invasion of Egypt, this is a story of war and love circa 1780 BC. Be prepared to fall in love with Taita -- inventor, artist and keeper of Lady Lostris, a beauty who becomes Queen of Egypt even though her true love (and the Father of he child) is NOT the Pharaoh.
This is an old-old book but I loved it years ago and loved it just as much this time around! Smith has written thirty novels, all extraordinarily researched, and he’s a master story-teller.
River of Heaven by Lee Martin
Sammy Brady's quiet life revolves around his basset hound, Stump. All that changes when the next door neighbor, becomes a widower and manages to weddle himself into Sammy's world. Soon they’re building a ship-shaped dog house, and attending cooking classes. Things are good until a reporter shows up to write a story about the dog-house. Alas! The reporter is related to Dewey Finn, Sammy's childhood friend who mysteriously died on a railroad track. Like any good reporter he dives into the un-solved mystery and things get complicated. Not enough? Enter the orphaned grandchild, wayward brother, and sleazy antique dealer.
I’m not a fan of this one. The characters are going in too many directions, people die off and/or disappear for no apparent reason. Maybe I’m getting cynical in my old reading age, but is there anything out there that’s great?? HELP!
The Man Who Fell In Love with the Moon by Tom Spanbauer
This tale of love and loss is told by Shed, a half-breed bisexual Indian, and son of a prostitute, who, at age 12 is raped at gunpoint by the man who then murders his mother. He’s raised by Ida Richilieu—proprietress of the local whorehouse and mayor of Excellent, Idaho.
I read this book when it was first published back in 1992 and it was bizarre. These many years later I find it’s still bizarre, but poetic in a weird sort of way and I can almost guarantee this book is unlike anything you’ve ever read before. Weird sex, strange family connections, weird racial interactions. It’s a captivating, and be warned, bizarre book, but one you won’t be able to put down.
The Last Cowgirl by Jana Richman
Dickie Sinfield is 52, and, well that’s the time you look back on your childhood and realize it was crappier than you care to remember. At age seven, Dickie’s family moves from the suburbs and she’s forced to become a cowgirl. At 18, she takes off, becomes a Salt Lake City newspaper reporter and hardly looks back. But when her brother is killed by poison gas at the U.S. Army's Dugway Proving Grounds, she comes home for the funeral -- where she faces her father's anger, her mother's infidelity, her best friend's betrayal, and her long-lost love, Stumpy Nelson.
What should have been a great book was a huge disappointment. The story had so much potential but Richman delivered a whiny memoir contrasted with a hard look at the government’s handling of chemical accidents. Read The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle instead.
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