My Ideal Bookshelf
January 17, 2013
I love the artwork of Jane Mount and have shared it here previously. (Visit this blog entry to refresh your memory.) Now Ms. Mount has taken her beautiful bookshelf brushwork to a new venue: a book!
This coffee table book offers the visual delight of Jane’s paintings of the personal shelves of 100 writers, musicians, designers and other “creatives” along with their equally colourful notes and thoughts collected by Thessaly La Force.
“The paintings are accompanied by first-person commentary drawn from interviews with editor Thessaly La Force, which touch on everything from the choice of books to becoming a writer to surprising sources of inspiration. This exquisite collection provides rare insight into the creative process and artistic development of today’s most intriguing writers, innovators, and visionaries.”
This is a wonderful collection – interesting and beautiful while also satisfying a particular curiosity we have about the books one chooses to read, and their influence on our personal journeys.
Enjoy!
Oui Oui Oui all the way home …
November 6, 2012
When your travel plans are no more exotic than a journey to the grocery store and back, why not page your way to Paris? There are shelves and shelves of Parisian accounts; it is a city that inspires creativity and romance in almost all of its visitors. Its charms and lasting impressions prompt wonderful records as those who’ve experienced its grasp are motivated to share. Here is a petite selection of non-fiction titles, some recently rolled out, and others which are becoming classics.
Le Road Trip is delightful. Long time readers know I love a little watercolour with my words – this has gorgeous painterly illustrations and wisdom to boot. Just click on any of the book covers to be taken to their full description. A bientot!
Busy Brat-Packers
October 23, 2012
If the movies Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, St. Elmo’s Fire or Pretty in Pink resonate with you, you likely know of the Brat-Pack actors that starred within. Three of those actors, who arguably defined an era, have recently appeared on the bookshelves as writers.
Molly Ringwald explored writing in her 2010 Memoir/Lifestyle Guide called Getting the Pretty Back- Friendships, Family and Finding the Perfect Lipstick. She clearly has a sense of humour. Now she has written an ambitious “novel in stories”, When It Happens to You. Released in August, this collection has received many positive reviews:
“Writing with a deep compassion for human imperfection, Ringwald follows a Los Angeles family and their friends and neighbors as they negotiate the hazardous terrain of everyday life — revealing the deceptions, heartbreak, and vulnerability familiar to us all.”
Rob Lowe’s memoir, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, was apparently considered by the publishers to be so well-written that he’s been extended a contract for a new memoir to continue the story.
“A wryly funny and surprisingly moving account of an extraordinary life lived almost entirely in the public eye. Never mean-spirited or salacious, Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who shaped our world over the last twenty-five years. These stories are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.”
Andrew McCarthy, of the three, has most significantly reinvented himself as a writer, a multi award-winning travel writer in fact. He is presently an Editor-at-Large of National Geographic Traveler magazine. This one makes the cut for me; I’ve put it on my to-read list.
“This is a perfectly balanced combination of travel diary and documented introspection. While he travels the world, visiting destinations from the Amazon to Mount Kilimanjaro, McCarthy is wondering what in him leads him to keep the people he loves at a distance. That’s the short version. Set against exotic backdrops most of us will never visit, this is a man trying to figure himself out, and having the courage to write it down; that the man is famous is of no consequence.”
Beyond his book, I encourage you to visit McCarthy’s website and sample some of the articles he’s written. He is certainly a gifted writer. This excerpt is from “Courting Vienna”, an article in The National Geographic Traveler.
“Despite her sensible shoes, her granite-stern features reveal a constant, low-level strain. She is well past 50— perhaps well past 60. Her arms sag under the weight of her burden; each tray she carries threatens to be her last. But when she breaks into a rare smile, her face lights up with unguarded delight. Her name is Annelies, and she, not Mozart, nor Beethoven, nor even Empress Sissi, has come to embody Vienna for me.
Annelies works as a waitress at Café Sperl, on Gumpendorfer Strasse. The Sperl has become my base, Annelies my anchor.”
And We’re Back!
October 14, 2012
It’s been a while … the last post was … hmmm let’s see here … August 29th?!!! Time flies. You may think I’ve been tied up in the pages of Fifty Shades of Grey or I’ve “Gone Girl” but no, just enjoying a very busy back-to-school season and some incredibly good weather which enticed me to play outside. Now that I have more of a grip on the daily schedule (kinda-sorta) and the rains have started, I am back to thinking about cuddling up with a good book.
I discovered some wonderful books this summer, some from my Summer Reading List and some shared by friends. Have you enjoyed these ones? I always struggle with “favourite book” status but these are certainly contenders.
There are lots of big literary stars coming to the theatre – Anna Karenina, The Hobbit, The Life of Pi, Wuthering Heights, Les Miserables, and On the Road among others. One bookish movie that was reviewed favourably this summer but strangely didn’t spend much time in our local cine, was The Words. It stars Bradley Cooper and its themes of plagiarism and misrepresented truths are timely and thought provoking. A good Book Club outing if you can still find it anywhere – otherwise, watch for it to be released to DVD.
I’ve alway been out with the jury when it comes to e-readers but was recently gifted an iPad (how’s that for a nice surprise!) so now have the potential to read electronically. (For the record, I will always remain a devotee of the touchable tome) I will give it a whirl for sure though am a bit hog-tied as to what my first selection should be. Something big and fat that I won’t have to carry around? Something fresh off the presses which might be tricky to locate at the book store? Or something wonderfully trashy that no one will know I’m reading because they can’t see the cover? (A contributing factor me-thinks to the recent rash of provocative titles reaching unprecedented readership) Have you crossed over to the electronic side? What was your first download?
So … that’s my latest. What’s yours? Any lovely literary surprises to share? The Autumn brings an onslaught of new titles every year … I’ve been taking note – we’re back to talking books.
Thrillin’
August 29, 2012
Thrillin’, chillin’, and spine-tinglin’ … are you a fan of Suspense novels? As I primarily read at night before sleep I am cautious about entering the domain of the Thriller (bit of a scaredy-cat!) but I do enjoy the genre very much. It always impresses me when a writer can create such an emotional response in a reader simply by piecing together the right words. There are a few of you out there (Lisa C!) who are devotees and encouraged me to post about some “must-reads” in the category.
The BIG thriller this summer that readers are most raving about is definitely Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Have you read it yet?
“On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick Dunne’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love.”
Another word-of-mouth success story has been S.J. Watson’s Before I Go to Sleep. I was riveted!
“Christine wakes up every morning in an unfamiliar bed with an unfamiliar man. She looks in the mirror and sees an unfamiliar, middle- aged face. And every morning, the man she has woken up with must explain that he is Ben, he is her husband, she is forty-seven years old, and a terrible accident two decades earlier decimated her ability to form new memories.
Every day, Christine must begin again the reconstruction of her past. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more un- believable it seems.”
A reliably entertaining and accomplished writer, Ian McEwan, has a new release which appears in this category, Sweet Tooth.
Set in Cold War 1971, “MI5 sends Serena, a compulsive reader of novels, on a secret mission that brings her to Tom Healy, a promising young writer. First she loves his stories, then she begins to love the man. Can she maintain the fiction of her undercover life? What is deception and who is deceiving whom? To answer these questions, Serena must abandon the first rule of espionage — trust no one. Ian McEwan’s mastery is more dazzling than ever in this superb story of intrigue, love… and mutual betrayal.”
John Grisham has become the go-to guy for Legal thrillers. He also has a new release ahead, The Racketeer.
“Given the importance of what they do, and the controversies that often surround them, and the violent people they sometimes confront, it is remarkable that in the history of this country only four active federal judges have been murdered. Judge Raymond Fogletree just became number five.
His body was found in the basement of a lakeside cabin he had built himself and frequently used on weekends. When he did not show up for a trial on Monday morning, his law clerks panicked, called the FBI, and in due course the agents found the crime scene. There was no forced entry, no struggle, just two dead bodies—Judge Fogletree and his young secretary.
I did not know Judge Fogletree, but I know who killed him, and why.
I am a lawyer, and I am in prison.
It’s a long story.”
There are a number of popular (and prolific) writers in the Thriller genre. Do you have any recommendations? Any suggested reads guaranteed to tingle? Do share!
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
August 13, 2012
“Laughing through tears” – an exquisite state of being, n’est-ce pas? When I heard this new novel described as being responsible for such a condition in several different reviews, I promptly placed it on my “to-read” list and thought I’d share the news with you. If you get to it before I do, let us know if it’s as enchanting as it sounds.
The tale begins with: “It was an ordinary morning in mid-April that smelled of clean washing and grass clippings.” Yum. If a writer is supposed to hook a reader in the first paragraph, consider me caught! (It doesn’t always take high drama to snag me.) On that morning, Harold Fry is replying by post to the news that an old friend is very ill. Rather than dropping his note in the mailbox, he spontaneously decides to hand deliver it to the patient instead. And here’s the catch: she is situated some 600 miles across England. Sounding a little like something Forrest Gump might do, he sets off at that very moment with no preparation whatsoever. A long walk allows for much consideration of one’s place in life and the relationships with those who populate it. And so the story begins to unfold. Author Rachel Joyce herself, describes her writing voice as “celebrating the ordinary, linking laughter and pain.” There is a wonderful interview in Chatelaine magazine which my writing buddies among you will particularly enjoy. Plunk your mouse on this link: Chatelaine interview with Rachel Joyce. As usual, click on the book cover above to learn more about the story – the link is to Rachel Joyce’s website and it is terrific reading unto itself!
I’ve had a great summer of reading so far and hope you have as well. Feel free to let us know about any pleasant surprises (or warn us about the duds too!) Along with the Back to School flyers I’ve been noticing a number of promotions for the new season of book releases. (I’m just that nerdy) Things are looking bright ahead!
Paddington Bear has Olympic Fever
August 6, 2012
A zest for adventure, deep loyalty and devotion, a charming naïveté, a genuine desire to help others, self-deprecating humour … all qualities Paddington Bear (affectionately known as “Paddy” in our household) displays with his own brand of loveable flair. It surprised me to learn that our earnest and sticky-pawed friend has been around since writer Michael Bond first introduced him to us in 1958. Paddington is a treasure with whom we’ve grown up and been able to enjoy again with our children and perhaps even grandchildren. Twelve chapter books were published between 1958 and 2008 with many incarnations of each issued in picture book formats as well. In 2012, old Paddy Bear couldn’t resist the excitement of Olympic Fever and has come out of hibernation to hit the track running.
It may impress you to know that Michael Bond, now 86 years old, has written prolifically beyond the realm of Paddington. He is responsible as well for the equally charming Gastronome Sleuth, Monsieur Pamplemousse and mischievous guinea pig Olga da Polga. In all, Bond has written more than 150 books and shows no sign of slowing down. In a recent BBC interview he indicated Paddington may have a few more “jams” ahead of him to be recounted in a new book or books.
I simply cannot do justice to the extent of Paddington’s endeavours – he is one busy, busy bear! He has served as a diplomat (was the first offering to the French by the British when the Chunnel connected for the first time), has flown with Richard Branson on speed record seeking missions, been honoured by the Queen with Mr. Bond, Michael Bond, and has seen his image manifested on everything from PJs ( Marks and Spencer’s best-selling ever!) and bed sheets, to tea bags and wall paper. He will always be my favourite “teddy” bear – I cherish mine while my boys have their own. For an entertaining peek into the world of all things Paddington take a few minutes to visit his website here.
And now for even more breaking news: Paddington is going to the movies! We will have to wait until 2014 but meanwhile according to The Guardian:
Harry Potter producer David Heyman is behind the film, described as “a modern take” on Michael Bond’s best-selling books which have sold more than 35 million copies.
He said: “Paddington Bear is a universally loved character, treasured for his optimism, his sense of fair play and his perfect manners, and of course for his unintentional talent for comic chaos.
“Michael Bond’s books offer such wit and wonder, and I am so delighted at this chance to bring Paddington to the big screen.”
We didn’t see Paddington among other literary characters at the Opening Ceremonies but if Twitter tweeters have their way, Paddington might be invited to the closing ceremonies. They believe Aunt Lucy would be pleased!
Maeve Binchy: “All Round Good Egg”
July 31, 2012
News broke this morning that beloved Irish author Maeve Binchy had passed away, yesterday, at the age of 72. A Binchy-Book will always be equated in my mind with a cosy and decadent descent into blissful and effortless reading. Her novels were often set in busy little Irish villages populated with families, friends, neighbours and shopkeepers, going about their entangled every-days with challenges and successes, and yes, a little lurve here and there too. From Light A Penny Candle to the most recent, Minding Frankie, each was a delightful voyage, as a good story should be.
Maeve Binchy embraced her Irish homeland and shared the good-natured ways of its people with her readers. Donal O’Donoghue wrote the following in the RTE of Ireland describing a visit with Maeve:
“In the picturesque Dublin village of Dalkey, there’s a pretty cottage that looks deceptively bijou. That is until you step into its book-lined interior. Like C S Lewis’ wardrobe, this is a way into another world. Maeve Binchy, best-selling author and all-round good egg, lives here. Upstairs is her work room and you get there by a glass elevator. With her arthritis worsening and a dicky heart, Maeve is not as mobile as she once was. “But I hate people talking about their ailments and illnesses”, she says. My father had a great statement. He used to say that the words ‘how are you?’ is a greeting, not a question about your health.” So at 70 years of age, MB remains resolutely young at heart, a tonic and a trouper. “I have a great friend who is a retired judge now and whenever we meet, we say to each other: ‘what will we do when we grow up?'””
Maeve Binchy wrote some fifteen novels as well as short stories and plays. I’ve enjoyed all I’ve read. A special one on my shelf is her non-fiction guide for writers called: The Maeve Binchy Writers’ Club. Her warmth and wit is just as evident when she’s offering guidance as when she is storytelling. Tried and true advice but in Maeve’s version of write-what-you-know she is quoted as saying, “You see, I’ve never been at an orgy and I wouldn’t know where legs should be and arms should be.”
While it is indeed sad to think Maeve won’t be writing any new stories to entertain and comfort us, the good news is she leaves us with one more to savour, A Week in Winter, to be published in October 2012. I can already anticipate a quiet week-end this winter, with a last precious Binchy-Book to warm my heart.
Some final words from Maeve Binchy – words that resonate:
The happiest moments of my life are connected with family and friends. There is a great comfort about being with people who knew you way back when. There is a mental shorthand, an easy-going feeling that life doesn’t have to be explained or defined; we are all in more or less the same boat. To have a community around you in a changing and unstable world is invaluable and nothing can beat the feeling that there will always be people out for our good.
Going for Gold
July 21, 2012
Bust out your patriotic gear – the Summer Olympics are almost here! Let the Games begin in six short days, on the 27th of July, live from London. It’s only taken a few athlete profiles in recent media to remind me to stock up on tissues – I am a sucker for those inspiring back stories of grit and sacrifice and loving support … and inevitably I’m impressed to tears. Now wait, good stories? (check!) emotional engagement? (check!) adventure, challenge and love? (check!) – aren’t these the qualities we want in a great book? A-ha!
Here are four new-ish releases – just in time for the Summer Games – all with an Olympic theme.
The Underwater Window by Dan Stephenson (June 11, 2012)
Swimming is the sport and rivalry and friendship spark the emotion. The novelist was/is a competitive swimmer so knows of what he writes.
The Secret Olympian by Anon (June 26, 2012)
Secret? Anonymous? Here is clearly the titillating non-fiction entry in the list. Reviews aren’t stellar but it might just be perfect for the beach while waiting for the North American and European time zones to coincide. “Anonymous” is a former British Olympian sharing stories from competition and the Olympic Village (“Dorm sports” are apparently medal worthy) extricated from his journals.
Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron (January 9, 2012)
This sounds like a winner! Award-winning itself, (The Bellwether Prize for Fiction) the novel tells the tale of a young boy – a Rwandan Tutsi runner – and his drive to compete and survive within the political conflict that surrounds him. Despite the challenges, he maintains his dream of being an Olympian for Rwanda.
Gold by Chris Cleave (June 5, 2012)
Due to Cleave’s enormous success with his previous release, Little Bee, this novel is being welcomed enthusiastically and covered broadly. You’ve no doubt seen the bright yellow cover in every book shop window. The sport is Cycling and the athletes are women balancing “ambition, loyalty and love”. Another athletic writer, Chris Cleave knows cycling and is being commended for his ability to capture the speed and intensity of the racing.
Summer Reading
June 3, 2012
A few of you kind souls have shared with me that you visit Bedside Table Books on your phones when you’re standing in front of the bookshelf in a store or library … that you drop in to the site to find a few recommended titles. If this sounds like you, then bookmark this entry. I dedicate the following list to the shelf-stalkers!
It’s that time of year again – the Summer Reading Lists are emerging everywhere in the media, on-line and off. I’ve been collecting titles that have piqued my interest in some way for months now and thought I’d just post the whole darn catalogue here for you to ponder along with me. Now a few of these are sooo fresh off the press that they haven’t quite made it to the shelves yet so be patient – a list this long is going to take us a while to get through, maybe until next summer! Some seem plain old fun (beach worthy) and some seem thought-provoking (for rainy days) – the whole gamut. So dust off ye olde beach bag and start packing!
Please feel welcome to add your own recommendations and discoveries in the Comments! (As always, click on the cover to learn more about the book)
Remember Beachy Book recommendations from last year? Refresh your memory here.
