L V
It's been a few days since I've read this, and I am still disturbed by it! This story chronicles a cocktail party hosted by George, a history professor and his wife Martha, the daughter of the university's president. The party takes place after a celebration that is held at the university to welcome a new biology professor, Nick and his somewhat naïve wife, Honey.
As the couple awaits their guests, they drink and insult one another. Martha take jabs at George for being married to the university's president's daughter and still not managing to make much of himself as he is only an associate professor. George tries to hold back but gets some zingers in about Martha's age. This first act is strange because they insult each other and then seem to put it behind them as though they just get their kicks from the mudslinging. It feels like it's an uncomfortable game that they only understand and enjoy playing.
When the guests arrive, the insults escalate, and a look into Gorge and Martha's personal faults and failures are revealed. The guests feel uncomfortable but are somehow talked into seeing the night through. At this point, George begins to insult the guests as well. George seems insecure about Nick. He senses that Nick has motives to take over the university (and his wife!).
The third act takes an insane turn with more insults and drinking. I don't know whether I enjoyed the look into George and Martha's lives or not. The dialogue was razor sharp and witty. And if the goal of the writer was to make the reader feel uncomfortable then maybe I should've given this 5 stars. I think another GR reviewer put it best when she said, “This play is so f—ed. I don't know whether it's genius or madness. Probably both.”
The storyline focuses on 2 central characters whose upbringing should have never led them to the same path. Somehow their circumstances living in an unforgiving city bring them together. I was equally fascinated and disturbed at the length amusement park owners went through to bring in or create the illusion of the strange-but-true come to life in order to bring in customers and make a profit.
Hoffman delivers a backdrop of a younger NYC in a time in which the working class man takes a stand and helps shape our future through the development of unions. Added to this is the magical time of technology in which the use of electricity is still in its infancy. The detail and care Hoffman puts into recreating this era made me feel like I got my own private tour back in time. Had this book's sole purpose been to enlighten us about that period in time, I would've given this 4 stars. However, at its core, it is the story of Coralie and Eddie, and I felt that once their paths cross, they lose a certain dimension of their individual selves. I felt that their coming together felt rushed somehow. I also wanted to read more about the characters that help Coralie and Eddie along the way. I think Mr. Morris and Maureen deserve to be featured in their own story. Perhaps there'll be a sequel?
Overall, it is Hoffman's beautiful writing that is most magical and will make you want to keep reading on. I've heard her fans say that this is not her greatest work. This book has been my introduction to Hoffman and I really enjoyed her writing style. It did not disappoint and I look forward to reading her even finer works.
Socially inept Don is a scientist. In his world, schedules and logic rule. So when logic, according to him, dictates that it is time for him to seek a wife, he develops a huge questionnaire in hopes of finding a suitable match. If you're a fan of the Big Bang Theory, think of this as Sheldon seeking love. Don's naivete makes him so endearing. And his recounting of past dating disasters like the Apricot Ice Cream Disaster are absolutely hysterical. Though he tries to make sense of it all, Don learns a hard lesson: love ain't logical! The Rosie Project is definitely going on my “Favorite Books” shelf.
It's been a long while since I've read the perfect blend of sad and uplifting. Me Before You delivers just that.
A once corporate hot shot who loved loads of physical activities, travel, and women becomes a quadriplegic due to freak accident in which a guy in a motorbike rams into him. Two years pass, and Will cannot live with the physical and emotional pain anymore. He contemplates making arrangements for assisted suicide. The story brings forth a most uncomfortable topic in a sensitive yet straightforward manner. Will, and those who care for him, all share their points of view on the subject. The author does a magnificent job of not sugar-coating or pointing the finger at any of the points of view depicted.
It's a shame that the title and cover have a “chick-lit” feel to it because I think a lot of men would enjoy this read as well. Though it is infused with some humor, I did not find it to be a romantic comedy. The publisher should really rethink the blurbs and cover for the next reprint. Give it a shot, fellas.
I enjoyed this very short read very much. I am not a fan of the British Royals and don't keep up with their every move like others do, but I enjoyed imagining the Queen Mother shirking off responsibilities to catch up with her new found love of reading. The book is infused with that delicious dry, British humor which I love so much. I think I would've given it another star had I read and known some of the references mentioned in the book. A great, short read for book lovers.
Whenever my friend and I happen to stumble upon a conversation about Tropper, we often share opposing views on his body of work. My friend insists that Tropper is a one-trick pony and that every main character in the book is pretty much the same. I agree, but that's exactly what I love about his books. Tropper has found his niche in depicting awkward family moments and showing the brutal and tender sides to those dynamics. And though the main character is usually a 30-something screw-up, I like visiting his books and knowing the familiarity of that character because even though most of the scenarios depicted haven't happened to me, they could very well happen. He depicts realistic situations that I can always picture myself in.
I received this book as a Christmas gift (thanks, Emily!) and know I will treasure it always. It chronicles the history of the making of the first animated Peanuts film. It's a great behind-the-scenes of an American classic that almost didn't happen at all!
Excerpts from Charles Schulz interviews and the rest of the collaborators piece together the story of how they all came together to work one of my favorite Christmas specials. According to those who worked with him, Schulz seemed like such a nice guy. And the rest of the team got along as well. It was just one of those things that was just meant to be and came together.
What makes this such a great gift is that not only do you get a better sense of the people who created the animated film, you also get to see the process. Loads of sketches and storyboard pics are included as well as the music and lyrics to Christmas Time is Here and Linus & Lucy. But my absolute favorites are the original ads and commercials used to promote the cartoon and the Vince Guaraldi Trio albums. And each corner of the lower right-hand pages contains a single still from the special which forms a flip book of the opening scenes from the cartoon special. And I can't forget to mention that the illustrated cells and script to the entire show are also included!
I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway
This is a very inspirational story about a music teacher who held very high standards for his students. With such a no-nonsense teacher instructing them, you can bet that those standards were met!
The story is told through the voices of Mr. K's daughter and her friend, both students of Mr. K's. They tell their stories so well that you almost feel like you are in the room with them listening to them tell you their accounts first hand. But this is not only the story of the girls and how Mr. K pushed them to be the best they could be. It's Mr. K's life story as well – puzzle pieces that provide a glimpse into why he did the things that he did. This is not just a book about music, it's about setting goals and meeting them, seizing opportunities instead of taking them for granted, facing what comes your way with courage and dignity, and being a good friend.
My favorite Mr. K quote: “Circumstances have forced me to learn self-mastery.”
This is a beautiful account of a NYC writer and her correspondences with some staff from an antique bookshop based in London. The letter writing begins on October 5, 1949 and continues for over 20 years. The relationship that develops between the letter writers blossoms. As they begin to feel more comfortable with one another, the dialogue becomes quite witty and amusing. What I loved most was getting a glimpse into how the times gradually change through the eyes of the writers (from QE II's coronation to Beatle-mania, etc.).
The story is quite moving without meaning to be – a true testament to the fact that you do not have to live near someone or even know them to show him/her decency and kindness. It also made me feel a little guilty of how out of touch I am with people that I care for deeply, despite the luxury of such technological advancements such as email and video-conferencing! The work has everything I love in a story – the only thing I would have liked is maybe a couple of snapshots of some of the friends Hanff made along the way.
The telling of the fever epidemic is very informative, but by no means dry or technical. The author paints a colorful picture of old Philadelphia and the historical figures included in the storytelling come to life once again. It's great to be reminded of how far we've come in terms of medical advancement. The remedies and medicines considered to be effective in that time are shocking. I love how in the epilogue the author describes some of the tools, medicines, etc. that today's reader may not be familiar with. A little book packed with lots of info and great storytelling.
A very wide range of themes are played out throughout the stories. Without giving anything away, one story reminded me of a combination of 2 books: [b:Flowers for Algernon 18373 Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367141311s/18373.jpg 3337594] and [b:Harrison Bergeron 10176119 Harrison Bergeron Kurt Vonnegut https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1323130675s/10176119.jpg 15074968], and another was reminiscent of Sedaris's fable-esque stories from [b:Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary 7857195 Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk A Modest Bestiary David Sedaris https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1279831428s/7857195.jpg 10995406]. I love writers that are able to infuse humor and wit into their gut-wrenching tales, and this writer does so without skipping a beat. The stories all conveyed strong, emotional qualities and made me question several times over “What if that were me? What if I were put in that position, what would I do?” I am certain that some of the stories will stay with me for quite some time.
- I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*
A mom and her children are left homeless after the daughter, who has suffered sexual and verbal abuse from her dad, sets the house on fire while he sleeps. Mom makes a huge sacrifice by parting with her children and leaving them in the care of Shakers. Meanwhile, she sets out to claim the land before the greedy, rich villain of the town gets his hands on it. The faith of believers and non believers alike are tested. Told through the point of view of several of the main characters, the reader is challenged to think what is right and what is wrong. Nothing is ever black and white. And in the words of the Shaker that befriends Polly, the daughter, “Is anyone who we think they are? Are you?”
“We seldom know what echo our actions will find, but our stories will most certainly outlast us.” [b:TransAtlantic 16085517 TransAtlantic Colum McCann https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1367929787s/16085517.jpg 21887216] is the Butterfly Effect at its finest. Not only is this a story about how America's history connects to Ireland's, it is also a tale about how generations from the past can still have an effect on us today. Though not as moving as [b:Let the Great World Spin 5941033 Let the Great World Spin Colum McCann https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1320561164s/5941033.jpg 6113503], McCann's beautiful prose and evidence of painstaking research is there. Told through the POV of four women over several generations, the book describes the hardships they and their families overcame to make their mark in history. Hannah puts it best as she reflects on her life and thinks to herself, “The world does not turn without moments of grace.”
The story kicks off with Bessy walking down a long way to Castle Haivers in the hope of landing a job. On her way there, she sees a girl of about her age cackling to herself and dragging a metal box behind her. Bessy finally makes it to Castle Haivers to find the mistress of the house chasing after a pig. The house is a bit in disrepair and it is clear that someone (it turns out it is Morag, the girl Bessy saw in her travels to Castle Haivers) intentionally left a mess inside of the house.
Bessy is hired to be the house maid. During her stay there she grows fond of her mistress. Little by little the mistress begins to request odd things from Bessy. Later on Bessy discovers a book which she calls The Observations. The mistress is secretly writing a book about domestic help and their behavior. Bessy also discovers that Nora, the maid that preceded her, was dearly loved by the mistress, and clues in the book lead Bessy to believe that something suspicious surrounds the disappearance of Nora. Secrets about Nora and others in the community are revealed. However, I was most intrigued by the minor character of Morag, and was disappointed that the character played such an insignificant role in the plot. Where did she head off to? What was she dragging with her? Why didn't she share what she witnessed with others? I would've loved to have read her point of view on the matter surrounding her ex-mistress and her time spent at Castle Haivers. With that said, Bessy was a delightful character – one that's rough around the edges, shoots from the hip, but has a great, big heart.
A heart-warming short read which reminds us that no matter how much we might think it's too late to turn our lives around, or that happiness is not meant for us, happiness could be waiting for us around the bend, just not in the way we imagined it would come. I loved the small town feel and all of the lovable characters. The story was brief and full of love and hope without being over-the-top sappy. Recommended to those searching for a quick little read that will get them in the holiday spirit. Recipes for treats referred to in the story are also included.
* I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*
After a mundane and low-paying job as a typist, Vera , a nice Jewish girl from humble beginnings models jewelry on the side to make ends meet. They dress her up in the nicest clothes and most expensive jewelry and have her model in the swankiest hotels. Vera dreams of living the high life and longs for the glitz and glamour of it all. She gets more than she bargains for when she meets and falls in love with two rival Chicago gangsters.
The carefree days of the Jazz Age and sinister Prohibition crime wave come to life in this read. At first Vera seems like a one dimensional character, but when she is forced to do for herself, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. This one is more a 3 star read, but I'll give it a 4 for the realistic depiction of how Chicago used to be in the Roaring Twenties.
- I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*
After a mundane and low-paying job as a typist, Vera , a nice Jewish girl from humble beginnings, models jewelry on the side to make ends meet. They dress her up in the nicest clothes and most expensive jewelry and have her model in the swankiest hotels. Vera dreams of living the high life and longs for the glitz and glamour of it all. She gets more than she bargains for when she meets and falls in love with two rival Chicago gangsters.
The carefree days of the Jazz Age and sinister Prohibition crime wave come to life in this read. At first Vera seems like a one dimensional character, but when she is forced to do for herself, she becomes a force to be reckoned with. This one is more a 3 star read, but I'll give it a 4 for the realistic depiction of how Chicago used to be in the Roaring Twenties.
::Sigh::
You will not be able to not think about your first true love as you read this book. The butterflies in the stomach, how long the days seem when you are apart, the awkwardness and self-doubt, it's all there. And true to life, the course of things sometimes just lead you in different directions, and though that may mean never seeing each other again, it doesn't mean that you will ever forget your first true love and the magical time you spent together.
The premise of this fictional novel is based on what the author claims to be a historical fact in which a Northern Cheyenne chief, in hopes to assimilate his people and finally bring peace between the tribe and the U.S. gov't, proposes to gift the U.S. 1,000 horses in exchange for 1,000 white women. Whether this is true or not (I couldn't find any evidence to support the author's claim), the story is a fascinating tale of the Native people's perseverance in the face of all the painful challenges dealt to them, as well as an insightful look of how the assimilation program might have shaped our world today. The book was engaging from beginning to end – so much so that I have taken up an interest in learning more about the Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Crow. I didn't want the story to end and miss the characters dearly.
What an absolute FUN read! Mr. Penumra's 24 hour bookstore is my dream book store, but. Mr. Lemoncello's library is my dream library! Part [b:Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore 13538873 Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore Robin Sloan https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345089845s/13538873.jpg 6736543], part [b:Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 232187 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket, #1) Roald Dahl https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388202803s/232187.jpg 2765786], with a dash of [b:The Hunger Games 2767052 The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1) Suzanne Collins https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334s/2767052.jpg 2792775] (minus the violence) thrown in, this story illustrates what fun a library can be if you take advantage of the wealth of knowledge is has to offer AND share it with others. My favorite part: the rebus!
The idea of a hateful and hideous looking woman bearing a scent that brings any man to his knees and causes him to do whatever it takes for a mere glance from the woman, could make for a very comical tale. And although this story had its moments, the plot and characters (one of which is a main character) were too underdeveloped for me to give this anything higher than 2 stars.
This is a short, dark story about an illiterate farm-girl who is sent by her father to work for the vicar as he needs help tending to his beloved sick wife. The family is good to Mary, the vicar even takes the time to teach Mary to read. In exchange for learning to read and write, Mary has to give something in return. The storyline had all the potential in the world to take hold of me emotionally and mentally, but somehow it just fell flat. Very disappointing...
- I received a copy through a First Reads giveaway*
The story alternates between the lives of Vivien who lost her boyfriend in the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and Claire, a 1960s housewife. Both women mourn their loves and what could have been. Since his remains were never found, Vivien refuses to believe that David has passed away and searches for him for years on end. On the other hand, Claire seems to have it all: a beautiful house, a family, and a husband with a very good job. However, Claire mourns the passion that once was and is torn between playing Happy Families and running away and finally living her life on her own terms.
Though their stories were a bit predictable, the writing and historical references were spot on. I also loved the device the writer uses in beginning each chapter with an Emily Post etiquette tip on how to deal with those in grief. It's especially poignant as it relates to the woman's role of Vivien and Claire's times.