I can't believe that it is April already, and an entire month has passed since my dad died. But the weather is warming, the trees and bushes are blooming and I am looking forward to writing about the four books I've just read this past week. Also, I am enjoying one of my favorite lunches, a bacon, turkey and avocado sandwich with lettuce and a bit of kosher salt. I am also having an "Opal" apple, which is crisp and sweet. So, forward, into spring reading!
This is a book that is on my Amazon "wish" list, and my mother has also expressed a desire to read it, so I think it is great that they're making a TV series out of it.
TV: The Library Book
Television rights to The Library Book http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ct/uz3642037Biz40234728,
the bestselling title by Susan Orlean, have been acquired by Paramount Television
and Anonymous Content, in association with Brillstein Entertainment, Variety
reported. Orlean is adapting the book for TV in addition to serving as
executive producer. James Ponsoldt (The End of Tour, The Circle) will executive
produce and direct the pilot.
"Susan has created a captivating narrative that is part
mystery, part magic, and part love letter to the dedicated stewards who fight
to keep these beloved institutions alive," said Nicole Clemens, president
of Paramount TV. "Each day at the library, the human drama that unfolds
among staff and patrons of every socio-economic level--funny, sad, inspiring,
unexpected--speaks to the highs and lows of our country right now."
Orlean commented: "I am so excited to see this book
leap from the page to the screen and tell the story of a place that's so
well-loved and complex and interesting. I've been a fan of James' since his
first film, and to have Paramount Television and Anonymous Content as our
partners, with their great respect for writers and writing, makes this my dream
team."
I remember reading Dreamsnake, one of Vonda's most famous books, twice. Once when I was a teenager and once again when I was in my mid 30s. I had good reactions to it both times, but I remember them being different reactions, as the second time I got more out of the subtleties of the book. I wasn't aware that she'd given Sulu a first name, but that doesn't surprise me. She was an amazing author, and she will be missed. Rest in peace.
Obituary Note: Vonda N. McIntyre
Award-winning science fiction author Vonda N. McIntyre http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ct/uz3642037Biz40258173
died April 1, File 770 reported. She was 70. McIntyre wrote novels, short
stories and media tie-in books, edited a groundbreaking anthology of feminist
SF, and founded the Clarion West Writing Workshop. She won the Hugo, Nebula and
Locus awards for her 1979 novel Dreamsnake, and another Nebula for her 1996
novel The Moon and the Sun.
In her obituary, Tom Whitmore wrote: "In media fiction,
she will probably be most remembered as the author who gave Ensign Sulu a first
name (Hikaru) in her Star Trek novel The Entropy Effect: that name was later
written into one of the Star Trek films. With Susan Janice Anderson, McIntyre
edited one of the first feminist science fiction anthologies (Aurora: Beyond
Equality, 1976)." She also founded Book View Café, an online publishing
collective for member authors to sell their e-books.
Nisi Shawl, a Clarion West board member, said, "Vonda
was one of Clarion West's founders, and has always been our fairy godmother,
bringing comfort and whimsy to class after class with her impromptu visits and
gifts of crocheted sea creatures. She was the Good Witch of the Northwest, a
fearless public reader and a stellar private writer who is missed by all."
Whitmore observed that McIntyre "did ten times as much
behind the scenes in the science fiction community than she did out in the
open. Her award-winning stories, her media tie-ins, and her editing were all
quite visible, and important: more important in the long run will be her legacy
of support for individuals and institutions.... She was a quiet, tireless force
helping bring women's voices forth in the SF community," which "lost
a major pillar today."
In a tribute on Krypton Radio, Susan Macdonald described
McIntyre as "one of the strongest and most unique voices in science
fiction http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ct/uz3642037Biz40258174....
It is hard to fully express how much Ms. McIntyre meant to
the science fiction community. Her generous and nurturing nature has helped
launch many a writing career, and she was a favorite at science fiction
literary conventions wherever she went. While we are saddened by the knowledge
that there will be no more pleasant conversations and chance encounters with
Vonda McIntyre, no more guiding words, and no more of her smiles, so long as we
remember her, she will never truly leave us."
Another amazing woman, Maya Angelou, will be getting a one woman stage play, which sounds fascinating. I imagine it will be hard to fit everything in her life into a two hour play, but I hope that her son manages it. I would love to watch it, preferably on Broadway.
On Stage: Phenomenal Woman
Maya Angelou's life and writings are being adapted for
"a one-woman stage performance with hopes for Broadway and the support of
her son Guy Johnson," Deadline reported, adding that the production will
also draw from private musings that have never before been made public. The producers
"have secured exclusive theatrical rights for key works from Angelou's
estate and signed Johnson to help develop the project."
Phenomenal Woman: An Evening with Maya Angelou http://www.shelf-awareness.com/ct/uz3642037Biz40291942
is being developed and produced by Corstoria's David Michael Rich, who was
Angelou's representative for more than 11 years, and by Branded
"My mother lived an extraordinary life," Johnson
said. "She brought a sense of passion to living and invested herself
wholly in it. What she wanted most was justice for all human beings, and the
freedom to experience joy and laughter. We hope to capture her joie de vivre.
We're going to include some private anecdotes that will be a revelation to audiences."
Chronicles of a Radical Hag (With Recipes) by Lorna Landvik is a delightful read that was right up my alley. As a former journalist, I empathized with the newspaper columnist Haze Evans, who had the luxury of working at a small town Minnesota newspaper back in the 60s, when everyone read the local paper and reporters were not seen as the enemy,or as dinosaurs in a dying industry, as they are today. That said, the newspaper Haze (her brother nicknamed young Hazel "Haze" and it stuck) works at has a cast of characters typical of small local newspapers, not unlike the MI Reporter where I worked, and this book not only tells Haze's life story, it dips into their stories as well. The prose, as with all of Landvik's books (I've read nearly everything she's written) is pitch-perfect and allows the plot to glide along like a bullet train heading for the station. Here's the blurb:
A bittersweet, seriously funny novel of a life, a small town, and a
key to our troubled times traced through a newspaper columnist’s
half-century of taking in, and taking on, the world
The curmudgeon who wrote the column “Ramblin’s by Walt” in the Granite Creek Gazette
dismissed his successor as “puking on paper.” But when Haze Evans first
appeared in the small-town newspaper, she earned fans by writing a
story about her bachelor uncle who brought a Queen of the Rodeo to
Thanksgiving dinner. Now, fifty years later, when the beloved columnist
suffers a massive stroke and falls into a coma, publisher Susan McGrath
fills the void (temporarily, she hopes) with Haze’s past columns, along
with the occasional reprinted responses from readers. Most letters were
favorable, although Haze did have her trolls; one Joseph Snell in
particular dubbed her “liberal” ideas the “chronicles of a radical hag.”
Never censoring herself, Haze chose to mollify her critics with homey
recipes—recognizing, in her constantly practical approach to the world
and her community, that buttery Almond Crescents will certainly “melt
away any misdirected anger.”
Framed by news stories of half a century and annotated with the town’s chorus of voices, Haze’s story unfolds, as do those of others touched by the Granite Creek Gazette, including Susan, struggling with her troubled marriage, and her teenage son Sam, who—much to his surprise—enjoys his summer job reading the paper archives and discovers secrets that have been locked in the files for decades, along with sad and surprising truths about Haze’s past.
With her customary warmth and wit, Lorna Landvik summons a lifetime at once lost and recovered, a complicated past that speaks with knowing eloquence to a confused present. Her topical but timeless Chronicles of a Radical Hag reminds us—sometimes with a subtle touch, sometimes with gobsmacking humor—of the power of words and of silence, as well as the wonder of finding in each other what we never even knew we were missing.
Framed by news stories of half a century and annotated with the town’s chorus of voices, Haze’s story unfolds, as do those of others touched by the Granite Creek Gazette, including Susan, struggling with her troubled marriage, and her teenage son Sam, who—much to his surprise—enjoys his summer job reading the paper archives and discovers secrets that have been locked in the files for decades, along with sad and surprising truths about Haze’s past.
With her customary warmth and wit, Lorna Landvik summons a lifetime at once lost and recovered, a complicated past that speaks with knowing eloquence to a confused present. Her topical but timeless Chronicles of a Radical Hag reminds us—sometimes with a subtle touch, sometimes with gobsmacking humor—of the power of words and of silence, as well as the wonder of finding in each other what we never even knew we were missing.
I agree with the blurb that there is warmth and wit aplenty in this novel, though it doesn't really have an HEA, per se, it's still a very satisfying read, especially to those who love Fanny Flagg's books, or Elizabeth Bergs fine tales. My only small nitpick is that the son, Sam's voice doesn't come off as authentic...he's too innocent and "sensitive" to sound like a real teenage boy (and I should know, I raised one, who will turn 20 this November). I'd give this concise and insightful book an A, with a recommendation to anyone who enjoys quirky character-driven stories.
Speaking of well-told tales, Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg, which is the sequel to her wonderful and popular "The Story of Arthur Truluv," serves up a helping of delicious small town characters as well. Though I wept a lot while reading the story, I also laughed and fully enjoyed Berg's wry and dry sense of humor. Here's the blurb: The feel-good book of the year: a delightful novel of friendship,
community, and the way small acts of kindness can change your life, by
the bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most. “Elizabeth Berg’s characters jump right off the page and into your heart” said Fannie Flagg about The Story of Arthur Truluv. The same could be said about Night of Miracles, a heartwarming novel that reminds us that the people we come to love are often the ones we don’t expect.
I loved that Berg made Lucille's "death" into a clumsy figure whom she regularly tells to go take a hike, as she's not ready to go just yet! Now that takes a certain amount of chutzbah, to put off a deity like death. Still, I think only Berg could make the raggedy angel of death come off as somewhat frazzled and adorable. I was gratified to see that Maddy and Nola, her child, come back into the picture as well (they were main characters in Arthur Truluv). Nola is adorable and smart, as is the new neighbor boy Link, who learns to bake and gains insight into the world at the same time. Great story with Berg's usual exquisite prose that propels her swift and page-turning plots. A definite A, with the recommendation that anyone who has read Arthur Truluv MUST read this follow up book, ASAP. Berg will not let you down, trust me.
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most. “Elizabeth Berg’s characters jump right off the page and into your heart” said Fannie Flagg about The Story of Arthur Truluv. The same could be said about Night of Miracles, a heartwarming novel that reminds us that the people we come to love are often the ones we don’t expect.
I loved that Berg made Lucille's "death" into a clumsy figure whom she regularly tells to go take a hike, as she's not ready to go just yet! Now that takes a certain amount of chutzbah, to put off a deity like death. Still, I think only Berg could make the raggedy angel of death come off as somewhat frazzled and adorable. I was gratified to see that Maddy and Nola, her child, come back into the picture as well (they were main characters in Arthur Truluv). Nola is adorable and smart, as is the new neighbor boy Link, who learns to bake and gains insight into the world at the same time. Great story with Berg's usual exquisite prose that propels her swift and page-turning plots. A definite A, with the recommendation that anyone who has read Arthur Truluv MUST read this follow up book, ASAP. Berg will not let you down, trust me.
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick was the second book of hers that I've read, after reading last year's The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper with my library book group. I felt right away as if the title were a misnomer, as it is really not a library of lost and found objects or people as much as it is a library run by a very insecure, neurotic woman who can't seem to say no to anyone who takes advantage of her good nature. Martha Storm, the protagonist, is a complete wimp when we meet her, without an ounce of spine or self esteem. She grows a spine during the course of the book, which is great, but even then I felt her character lacked authenticity. Here's the blurb: Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books
than people—though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of
how to help others in her superhero-themed notebook. And yet, sometimes
it feels like she’s invisible.All of that changes when a book of
fairy tales arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication
written to her by her best friend—her grandmother Zelda—who died under
mysterious circumstances years earlier.
Filled with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and vivid characters, The Library of Lost and Found is a heartwarming and poignant tale of how one woman must take control of her destiny to write her own happy ending. Publisher's Weekly: An introverted librarian opens a book into a fantasy world that also reveals secrets from her grandmother’s past in this pleasing novel from Patrick (Rise and Shine). In addition to volunteering at the library, Martha Storm also helps the people in her small, unnamed seaside village with small tasks. With her parents long dead, she lives in her childhood home, surrounded by her neighbor’s stuff that she has promised to mend and store. One evening, after returning from the library, she finds a small package at her door containing a book of fantastical short stories. Inside is a handwritten inscription from her grandmother Zelda, who died under mysterious circumstances years before the date of the inscription. Martha sets off to discover where the mysterious book came from and what happened to her grandmother, the one person who ever encouraged her to explore her creativity. Along with a handful of quirky supporting characters—including divorcée Brenda, bookseller and fellow book lover Owen, and lovesick Suki—Martha breaks out of her shell as she starts to piece together her grandmother’s life in the small village. With a happy ending that is hinted from the beginning, Patrick’s novel is just the kind of charming story Martha loves to read.
Filled with Phaedra Patrick’s signature charm and vivid characters, The Library of Lost and Found is a heartwarming and poignant tale of how one woman must take control of her destiny to write her own happy ending. Publisher's Weekly: An introverted librarian opens a book into a fantasy world that also reveals secrets from her grandmother’s past in this pleasing novel from Patrick (Rise and Shine). In addition to volunteering at the library, Martha Storm also helps the people in her small, unnamed seaside village with small tasks. With her parents long dead, she lives in her childhood home, surrounded by her neighbor’s stuff that she has promised to mend and store. One evening, after returning from the library, she finds a small package at her door containing a book of fantastical short stories. Inside is a handwritten inscription from her grandmother Zelda, who died under mysterious circumstances years before the date of the inscription. Martha sets off to discover where the mysterious book came from and what happened to her grandmother, the one person who ever encouraged her to explore her creativity. Along with a handful of quirky supporting characters—including divorcée Brenda, bookseller and fellow book lover Owen, and lovesick Suki—Martha breaks out of her shell as she starts to piece together her grandmother’s life in the small village. With a happy ending that is hinted from the beginning, Patrick’s novel is just the kind of charming story Martha loves to read.
SPOILER, I knew from the moment that we met Zelda that she was gay, and her caregiver was her lesbian lover...I mean it was obvious. What wasn't obvious, and what bothered me about this story was how hideous Martha's father was, and how abused her mother Betty was and yet she never left the controlling bastard, who dominated and emotionally abused her for their entire marriage. Also, Martha's sister Lilian is a complete B*tch, who acts much like their father (Martha finds out later that the bastard wasn't really her father, something she should be grateful for) and is condescending, dismissive and controlling toward not just Martha, but everyone else in her life. These two wastes of oxygen should have been ejected from Martha's life ASAP, but instead they make excuses for their father (he was lonely, apparently...well duh! Anyone who is that abusive, prejudiced/homophobic and vile isn't going to have many friends, other than the women in his family whose spirits he crushes). Martha even takes care of her crushed, spineless mother and her Nazi-like father when they become ill, caring for them until their deaths and giving up her chance at having a family and career for herself. Lilian the snobby b*tch is nowhere to be found, of course, when her sister and her parents need help. This makes Martha look even more stupid and spine-free, but eventually her horrible sister apologizes (insincerely, in my opinion) and Martha forgives her terrible parents their trespasses. There's a modified HEA ending, which is only partially satisfying, and though the prose is decent, there are times when it meanders and makes the plot slow to a crawl. Still, I'd give this book a B, and recommend it to those who like lifestyle makeover stories and tales of middle aged women who reinvent themselves.
A Dangerous Collaboration by Deanna Raybourn is the 4th book in the Veronica Speedwell steampunk mystery series. I really enjoy Ms Raybourn's spiffy and bright prose and her twisty and fascinating plots, which never flag and always keep me turning pages into the wee hours. Here's the blurb: Lured by the promise of a rare and elusive butterfly, the intrepid
Veronica Speedwell is p ersuaded by Lord Templeton-Vane, the brother of
her colleague Stoker, to pose as his fiancée at a house party on a
Cornish isle owned by his oldest friend, Malcolm Romilly.
But Veronica soon learns that one question hangs over the party: What happened to Rosamund? Three years ago, Malcolm Romilly’s bride vanished on their wedding day, and no trace of her has ever been found. Now those who were closest to her have gathered, each a possible suspect in her disappearance.
From the poison garden kept by Malcolm’s sister to the high towers of the family castle, the island’s atmosphere is full of shadows, and danger lurks around every corner.
Determined to discover Rosamund’s fate, Veronica and Stoker match wits with a murderer who has already struck once and will not hesitate to kill again.
But Veronica soon learns that one question hangs over the party: What happened to Rosamund? Three years ago, Malcolm Romilly’s bride vanished on their wedding day, and no trace of her has ever been found. Now those who were closest to her have gathered, each a possible suspect in her disappearance.
From the poison garden kept by Malcolm’s sister to the high towers of the family castle, the island’s atmosphere is full of shadows, and danger lurks around every corner.
Determined to discover Rosamund’s fate, Veronica and Stoker match wits with a murderer who has already struck once and will not hesitate to kill again.
Though this book keeps to some very old tropes (like the butler did it, though he actually didn't) I enjoyed the unmasking of the deep feelings that Stoker and Veronica have for one another, and the truth about Stoker's brother's romance with Romilly's bride. Stoker's brother, Lord TV, is a cad and a jerk, in my opinion, and this book has done nothing but confirm that for me. Still, I would give the book a B, and recommend it to anyone who likes strong female protagonists and handsome aristocrats born on the wrong side of the blanket...and butterflies. I've long been a fan of butterflies, and this book gives some excellent bits of information on them, though the butterfly Veronica is after is, sadly, completely fictional.
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