DEARIE: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF JULIA CHILD by Bob Spitz

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I vaguely remember Julia Child's television program from my childhood. And I certainly remember Dan Akroyd's famous Saturday Night Live impersonation. But she didn't really register on my radar until Julie Powell's JULIE AND JULIA experiment came out along with the following movie.  Meryl Streep's interpretation of Julia Child seemed so charming and exuberant and I really wondered if the real Julia Child was even close to that.  Since this year marks what would have been Julia's 100th birthday, I thought it very appropriate to read Bob Spitz's new biography.

It took me awhile to get through this book.  Spitz is extremely thorough and filled the book with details about much more than Julia's life.  I learned about the early days of public television and the early years of Pasadena and its first families.  I learned about the ins and outs of the publishing business.  Even more than that, however, I learned a great deal about Julia Child that both surprised and charmed me.  I marveled at her liberal political leanings and her late marriage and late career start.  I also never knew how involved she was with Planned Parenthood and also in establishing American-based culinary schools. I gained a new appreciation for the work she put into her cookbooks and the level of testing and detail that went into them.  I loved the fact that Julia always remained true to herself and never stopped working. The way she built her empire was fascinating.  There is so much to admire about Julia Child and this biography inspired me to look for her cookbooks and try some of her recipes. 

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended.  While this biography is dense and slow-going, it is also fascinating and filled with interesting detail. Spitz crafted a book about much more than Julia Child. It is also the story of the American housewife and the changing attitudes towards food and homemaking along with the influence of television in the lives of Americans.  A fascinating look at a fascinating woman. This would make a great Christmas gift.

END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB by Will Schwalbe

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

At first glance, this looks like a book about a young man watching his mother struggle through cancer and eventually succumb to it.  It will draw inevitable comparisons to books like TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE.  However, it is much much more than that. This isn't a sad, maudlin account of the end of someone's life.  It is the story of the connection forged between a man and his mother through their passionate love and books and how those books shaped and affected their lives. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever loved a book. Bibliophiles will recognize kindred spirits in Will Schwalbe and his mother.

When Will's mother is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he beings accompanying her to her treatments and they begin a "book club" to pass the time.  Both of them have always been passionate readers but books take on a new significance for them.  Each book that they read brings up questions about faith and courage and gratitude and what makes a life well lived.  It is through reading these books that Will and his mother are able to broach issues that may have been difficult for them to approach otherwise.  The books become a method of communication for mother and son.  The two of them learn a great deal about each other through their book club.

These are two people who understand the power of the written word. They understand how books can connect us and teach us and open our minds to new ideas. They see how books never stop allowing us to learn and grow---even at the end of our lives.  END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB is moving and funny and sad and heartwarming all at the same time.  I found myself underlining passages and making a list of books for myself based on what Will and his mother were reading. (There is a master list at the back of the book.)  This isn't just a story about dying or a story about a life well-lived. It is a story of the relationship of a mother and son and their love of books.  As CS Lewis said, "we read to know we are not alone."

BOTTOM LINE:  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. One of my favorite books this year.  If you consider yourself a bibliophile, this one must go on your reading list.

A WORKING THEORY OF LOVE by Scott Hutchins

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

After Neill Bassett's father committeed suicide ten years ago, he left behind thousands of pages of secret journals that are as detailed as they are banal.  There are no hidden revelations or secret thoughts in these journals. They are simply the day-to-day accounts of a country doctor.  However, these journals provide the perfect ingredients for an artificial intelligence project that Amiante Systems is working on.  As not only the owner of the journals but also as a reasonable interpreter of them, Neill manages to parlay his father's legacy into a job with Amiante. Outside of work, Neill struggles to navigate various relationships following his divorce soon after his honeymoon.  He can't seem to connect with anyone except for the artificial version of his father that Amiante is cranking out.  As "Dr. Bassett" becomes more complex, Neill begins to trick himself into thinking that he can find closure with his father through his interactions with the computer.  He just has to find the missing ingredient that will pull everything together.

I thought this book had a clever premise.  It felt very timely considering the fact that more and more of our relationships are carried out through electronic devices.  It becomes harder and harder to establish authenticity and real connection.  As Neill discovers, it can be easier to to engage with artificial intelligence than deal with the complexities of real people.  That being said, the book lacked genuine feeling for me.  I found it difficult to connect with the characters. (in much the same way that they have difficulty connecting with each other)  I think Hutchins had some really good ideas but the whole thing just didn't gel for me.  Something was missing and I can't quite put my finger on it.

BOTTOM LINE:  Not recommended. A great idea that didn't quite get there. I think most readers may have a hard time getting through the story although Hutchins does have a lot of clever and interesting ideas.

UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY by Rachel Joyce

 

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

Although I am a fan of mysteries and books filled with action and suspense, I find that more and more I value quieter books that focus on unlikely heroes in unusual circumstances.  THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is one of those books.  Retiree Harold Fry lives in a quiet life with his wife Maureen in a small English village.  With the exception of his wife's apparent growing irritation with him, Harold's days pass quietly with little change.  One day, Harold receives a letter from his old friend Queenie Hennessey. Harold hasn't seen Queenie for many years and now she is in hospice and writing to say goodbye. The letter stirs something in Harold.  He writes a response and heads to the post office but can't bring himself to post the letter. Instead, he starts walking.  He decides to walk the 600 miles from his home to the hospice where Queenie resides.  He becomes convinced that as long as he walks, Queenie will live.  Along the way, Harold meets a variety of interesting characters and learns a great deal about humanity and himself.  His pilgrimage begins to have far-reaching consequences both for Harold, his wife and the people who become a part of it.

This is a lovely story about a quiet man driven to do something extraordinary.  Harold's motivation doesn't really become clear until the end of the book but his story reveals something about how every person has a story.  It reminded me of the Plato quotation, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."  We cannot know what stories of quiet desperation the people around us are concealing.  Sometimes, we have to slow down in order to connect with others. This is a beautiful and moving story and will probably end up being one of my favorites this year.

BOTTOM LINE:  Highly recommended.  A very sweet and moving tale that reminds us of how everyone has a story and that one of the most profound things we can do is listen and connect. 

THE TWELVE by Justin Cronin

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

Last year, Justin Cronin came out with his critically-acclaimed postapocalyptic novel THE PASSAGE which introduced us to a terrifying world of zombie-like creatures and the intrepid survivors struggling to fight them.  I had a mixed reaction to THE PASSAGE.  Cronin is a great writer and his story is compelling but I often felt that the book plodded along as Cronin struggled to set the stage for his sweeping tale.  With the second book in the trilogy, THE TWELVE, Cronin gets to continue his story in a much more effective and intriguing way.

THE TWELVE allows us to see several different parts of the story at once. In the present day, we see what happens in the days following the collapse of the government project that caused the nightmare.  We also move 100 years into the future where we catch up with Amy and her friends as they continue to fight for humankind's existence.  Cronin uses several clever plot devices to bring the reader up to speed including a far-into-the-future biblical-like account of the events.  I loved how he filled in many of the gaps left by the first book.  To me, learning about the days following the initial disaster were especially compelling.  Much more so than reading about the survivors living in the Colony in the first book.  I had a hard time connecting with the characters in the first book. I had no problem doing so in the second book.  With THE TWELVE, it seems Cronin has achieved the perfect blend of storytelling.  I had a very hard time putting this book down and hurried through it over the course of a few days.

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended.  Fans of THE PASSAGE will love this second book in the trilogy.  Readers like me who were on the fence with the first book will be pleasantly surprised.  THE TWELVE is a wonderful read and succeeded in getting me excited for the final book in the trilogy.

HOW DOES SLEEP COME? Giveaway!!!!

HOW DOES SLEEP COME? by Jeanne C. Blackmore has such lovely, gentle illustrations.  I think my very favorite part of the book is when Blackmore says,  "Sleep comes softly. Like a cloud that drifts through a bright summer sky and sweeps a cool shadow across the land."

Doesn't that bring to mind a lovely summer day? 

I asked Noodlebug what his favorite part of the book was. He couldn't choose. He said he liked all of them.

I am especially partial to this illustration:

Read my extended review of this book here.

I am so happy that I get to share this lovely bedtime book with you by giving a copy away!!!  Leave a comment about how sleeps comes for YOUR family.  Make sure and include a way for me to contact you.  This giveaway is option to residents from the US and Canada and closes on Friday, September 28.

HOW DOES SLEEP COME? by Jeanne C. Blackmore

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

Many families love to read together right before bedtime. It is the perfect way to spend a little time snuggling and winding down. I am always on the lookout for new bedtime books to read so I was really excited to have to the opportunity to review Jeanne C. Blackmore's new bedtime story HOW DOES SLEEP COME?

When Jacob asks his Mama, "How does sleep come?," the two of them embark upon a wonderful bedtime journey.  Mama comes up with a variety of lovely similes to describe how sleep comes.  With each page, sleep reveals a new aspect of itself as the little boy is drawn further and further into sleep.  Noodlebug and I each had our favorite pages.  With its beautiful illustrations and lovely descriptive imagery, this makes a very sweet and peaceful bedtime read.

Jeanne C. Blackmore grew up in a family of storytellers and shares her inspiration for this book:

I am the youngest of four children, and grew up in the 1970's.  Thus, most of my recollections are viewed through the cultural lens of that time period.  As you might imagine, in every recalled scene, my siblings and I are wearing bellbottoms.  Mine feature red, white and blue vertical stripes.  My brothers all have long hair with windswept bangs, and my sister's long hair hangs down to her waist, pin straight. What I remember most about my childhood is words.  In my family, for every situation, we relish finding and using the best words.  The process of finding the words is as enjoyable as presenting them once they are found.  We cannot help ourselves.  Words are the currency in which we trade, the ocean in which we swim, the place we feel most at ease.  I recall my childhood dinner table conversations as a beehive of words buzzing back and forth across the table, each person trying to get their words in edgewise, to grab the stage and tell the funniest story or turn the cleverest phrase.  As the youngest, there was always the stress of trying to outdo my older siblings.  They were so much faster and smarter!  It was impossible to keep up.  On the flip side, they were so funny!  Most especially, my brother Marc could tell stories that would make me laugh so hard my sides would ache and leave me begging for more.  Just one more!  And, I guess, that sums up what it is like to grow up in a family of storytellers.....you always want one more story.  And it better be as good as the last one.

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended.  This is a lovely book that appeals to both adults and children alike.  A perfect bedtime read.

 

Check back here on Tuesday, September 18 for a giveaway opportunity when Noodlebug and I share our favorite parts of this book!!!!

 

 

Where are the Reviews?

Hello fellow bibliophiles!

You know what makes it difficult to read? Vertigo.  I have been having a terrible problem with vertigo and dizziness for about two months now. I will finally get to see a specialist on Friday and I'm hoping to get some relief.

I owe you review on:

THE TWELVE by Justin Cronin
THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY by Rachel Joyce
A WORKING THEORY OF LOVE by Scott Hutchins
DEARIE: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF JULIA CHILD by Bob Spitz
THE END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB  by Will Schwalbe

I promise they are forthcoming. I'm just a little behind.  Tomorrow, I will have a special children's picture book review for you.

I hope you are all reading wonderful books right now.  Fall and Winter are my favorite reading months!!!

On another note, it escaped my attention that it is Book Blogger Appreciation Week!  I read very few book blogs and my favorites are in the sidebar.  I have read Bookfool for a long time and so appreciate the very sweet "shout out" she left me on her blog.  Go over and say hi!  You'll love her.

MRS. QUEEN TAKES THE TRAIN by Willian Kuhn

 

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I must admit that I have always been something of an Anglophile.  There is just something about that island and its people and rich history that fascinate me. I'm also a great admirer of the Queen. It amazes me to think of all that she has seen and done during her reign.  The English monarchy was forever changed by the divorce of the Prince and Princess of Wales and Diana's subsequent death. The classic "stiff upper lip" mentality didn't seem to suffice anymore.  Kuhn's book provides a sympathetic imaginary portrait of the Queen as she grapples with her own bout of depression.

After feeling low for quite some time, the Queen tries to figure out what would make her happy. She wanders down to feed the horses in the Mews and gets caught in inclement weather.  A stable girl lends the Queen her hoodie for protection from the weather which has the suprising and unexpected effect of also offering the Queen a bit of anonymity.  When the Queen finds herself outside the castle walls, she decides to make her way to one of her happy places in Scotland.  When it is discovered that the Queen is missing, some of her closest staff come together to try and find her before the press is alerted to her absence. What follows is an enlightening and introspective day out for the Queen and her staff that may very well change them all forever.

I thought this was a particulary charming book. It is a quick and easy read and I loved the parallels between the Queen's day out and Shakespeare's Henry V.  I thought Kuhn's portrayal of the Queen was both gentle and sympathetic.  I also enjoyed the characterizations of the staff and how Kuhn attempted to depict the everyday difficulties these individuals go through in the course of their service to the Crown.  While none of the characters are well fleshed out or of any particular depth, they are all quite likeable and entertaining. The Queen, however, takes center stage. As well she should.

BOTTOM LINE:  Recommended. A very sweet contemporary tale of the Queen in the tradition of Roman Holiday.  While this is not a particularly literary tale, it is charming and pleasant and would make a lovely vacation read. 


You won't understand how funny this image is until you read this book but I have to admit this really gave me a chuckle:  LINK.

A New Kind of Book Club

I am in the middle of reading Will Schwalbe's END OF YOUR LIFE BOOK CLUB and I am really really enjoying it.  I was reading it over my lunch break and I got so lost in the story that I was shocked to look up from the book and see that I was sitting in a restaurant.

Favorite quotation so far:

"One of the many things I love about bound books is their sheer physicality. Electronic books live out of sight and out of mind. But printed books have body, presence.  Sure, sometimes they'll elude you by hiding in improbably places: in a box full of old picture frames, say, or in the laundry basket, wrapped in a sweatshirt.  But at other times they'll confront you, and you'll literally stumble over some tomes you hadn't thought about in weeks or years.  I often seek electronic books, but they never come after me.  They may make me feel, but I can't feel them.  They are all soul with no flesh, no texture, and no weight.  They can get in your head but can't whack you upside it."