The Necklace
January 23, 2011
A reader and a friend loaned me the book The Necklace last week and I’m most grateful for the experience. An entertaining read, this is a non-fiction account of a group of women and a diamond necklace. The first, of what grew to become thirteen women in the group, had admired a spectacular diamond necklace in her neighbourhood jewelry boutique. Spontaneously she tried it on and learned its price: $38,000.00. Well beyond her budget and yet … she was so inspired by the beauty of the piece that she began to consider how it could become part of her life. (This isn’t a heist tale!) Creatively she thought, “what if I gathered a group and we each purchased an equal share in the necklace and took turns wearing it and being its custodian?” And there begins the tale that was featured in People magazine, covered by Katie Couric and eventually became this book. The story is as much about the inner workings of a group of “fifty-something” women as they set goals and guidelines and grapple with differing opinions and strong personalities as it is about the necklace. Quickly given a name of its own, the necklace becomes the tie that binds the group and leads to the women’s personal growth and involvement in a number of philanthropic causes and adventures. Each chapter focuses on a single member of the group, gives her personal history and explains how she became a participant in the necklace “experiment”. It’s a diverse group and there will be at least one who will remind you of yourself or someone you know well. A quick read but a fun one that will get you thinking. If read with a group of your own gal pals it will surely prompt animated conversation … and possibly even a shopping excursion!
Can’t do this with a Kindle!
January 16, 2011
I’ve noticed a trend in decor lately and it’s related to books. I’ve mentioned already how lovely I think it is when a home proudly displays its read and to-be-read volumes in a place of importance among the rest of a family’s artefacts. As impressive as this trend of shelving books according to colour may be it strikes me that it might take up some valuable reading hours to create the effect. I personally shelve mostly according to the school of willy-nilly. I do keep my already-reads separate from the yet-to-be-enjoyed . . . my book club choices have a shelf (ok make that shelves) of their own but beyond that there is no evidence of any strategy whatsoever and Dewey clearly remains unacknowledged. How do you shelve? Are you tempted to sort by colour and let rainbows emerge from the spines of your library? I know a few of you at least are a Kindle, Kobo or iPad happier after the holiday … can you stock your shelves as colourfully? Do send photos if you are already embracing the trend!
If You Liked …
January 8, 2011
The new year brings with it releases of some new titles by writers of some of our old favourites. These all look terrific to me and will no doubt be big book club hits. If you haven’t yet read the old ones, you have time to get caught up. So …
if you liked … you’ll be delighted by the new ….
Still Alice by Lisa Genova must be one of my most frequently recommended books in recent years; its poignancy has remained with me long after the last pages were read. While Still Alice followed Alzheimer’s from the perspective of the patient, Left Neglected, (released on January 4th, 2011) features the sufferer of a traumatic brain injury. (left neglect or hemi-spatial neglect refers to a lack of awareness of the left side of one’s body as a result of an injury to the right side of the brain) Not light stuff but as a Harvard Neuroscientist the author is more than prepared to shine some fascinating light on the world of the brain. She wrote that her first book wasn’t just about the illness but also “… about identity, about living a life that matters, about family and what a crisis does to relationships.” In telling a story of the recovery of a Type A over-achieving working mother after a life-altering accident, Left Neglected promises to do the same.
I read The Memory Keeper’s Daughter while snuggled up in a ski cabin in a snowstorm which was suitable considering the opening scenes of the story take place in a wild snowstorm. Now I’m off to find a cabin by a lake as it appears a lake plays a pivotal role in Kim Edwards’ latest tale. The Memory Keeper’s Daughter explored controversial and ethical decisions and their impact on a family in an absolutely enthralling way. A father decides to conceal the birth of his child with Down’s Syndrome and is thereafter haunted by his actions and the related actions of others.The Lake of Dreams (released on January 4th, 2011) also examines family and secrets and is apparently just as successful in creating memorable characters and evocative imagery. A young woman returns home, obsessed by her father’s earlier death and finds herself engaged in conflict and intrigue with her remaining family. Apparently there are secret letters and artefacts revealing a mysterious family past. Do tell.
I haven’t encountered a reader yet who wasn’t captivated by Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. In Loving Frank we followed a fictional account of the relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. A fascinating story made all the more interesting by the times in which it took place. In the new The Paris Wife by Paula McLain (to be released February 22,2011) we are drawn into the relationship between real life characters Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley Richardson. The story is written from the fictional perspective of Hadley during their time together, based mostly in Paris, during the 1920’s. According to Goodreads: “The city and its inhabitants provide a vivid backdrop to this engrossing and wrenching story of love and betrayal that is made all the more poignant knowing that, in the end, Hemingway would write of his first wife, “I wish I had died before I loved anyone but her.” Insert deep sigh here.
Another novel will also draw us back in history in an exciting way. Clara and Mr. Tiffany (to be released on January 11, 2011) is written by Susan Vreeland, known for Girl in Hyacinth Blue and Luncheon of the Boating Party, both successful fictional stories based in the real world of art of yore. “Clara” in the new title refers to one Clara Driscoll, an artist and designer for the famous Tiffany Studios in the late 19th century who until recently was unrecognized publicly for among other things, her creation of the Tiffany lamp and its iconic designs. Knowledge of her influence surfaced only with the discovery of three collections of revealing letters in 2005. Susan Vreeland was inspired and recounts her first introduction to Clara: “Here was the lively, sometimes rhapsodic voice of a woman who bicycled all around Manhattan and beyond, wore a riding skirt daringly shorter than street length, adored opera, followed the politics of the city, and threw herself into the crush of Manhattan life–the poverty of crowded immigrants in the Lower East Side as well as the Gilded Age uptown.” With a character like that to follow this is bound to be fun! Vreeland has proven herself with her previous books to be a solid researcher and a gifted fiction writer so be prepared to learn a great deal and enjoy the process immensely.
Don’t mind me while I mull over my preference for reading paperbacks – these are all hardcovers and I’m not sure I can wait!
A Fresh Start
January 4, 2011
I always think of the year as having two fresh start opportunities – September with back to school and its new beginnings and then the flip of the calendar to a new year in January. “Self-help” books (now more often referred to as “Health and Well Being”) tend to garner more attention during these times of year so I thought we’d take a peek today at one of the titles in the genre deemed “buzz-worthy”.
“For those who generally loathe the self-help genre, Rubin’s book is a breath of peppermint-scented air.” (The Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Gretchen Rubin devoted a year to an experiment in which she “test-drove the wisdom of the ages, current scientific studies, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier”. She recorded her findings in a blog and then in this book. View the video below to understand the impetus for her project.
The Happiness Project has been wildly popular; book clubs galore are reading this together and challenging one another to pursue “Happiness Projects” too. The book (and Gretchen’s) appeal is apparently in the lack of “preachiness” – resolutions and tasks are left open for a reader’s personal interpretation while the author readily admits her failings. She does not feel her way is the only way, she simply shares her experience and enthusiastically encourages others to pursue their unique version of Happiness Project.
Let us know if you’ve read the book and what your thoughts are. Have you launched your own Happiness Project for 2011?
Happy New Year
December 31, 2010
Wishing you a 2011 filled with happiness and delight!
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
December 24, 2010
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”
‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ – Attributed to Clement C. Moore 1822
A Christmas Tradition
December 18, 2010
Christmas stories are a holiday tradition I always enjoy. While reading them is fun (of course!) these are particularly moving when heard in audio form on the radio or podcast. Imagine baking Christmas cookies with a story being read to you or curling up with your beloveds in front of a lit Christmas tree and a warm fire all listening together.
The Gift of the Magi (above) is truly romantic and heartwarming. A classic short story by O. Henry it tells of a newlywed couple in tight times each finding creative ways to purchase a meaningful gift for the other. In typical O. Henry fashion, there is a little twist in the tale. I was searching for a copy recently and every bookseller I asked lit up and nostalgically crooned, “Ooooo I love that story!” It may have been difficult to locate last week but about 4 store owners have now been motivated to order!
Frederick Forsyth is primarily associated with his compelling thrillers and accounts of espionage (Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File… ) The Shepherd, a novella, is as enthralling but has a sentimental bent to it and an element of the mysterious. It was apparently written by Forsyth as a Christmas Gift to his wife when she requested a ghost story. His gift to her, and us, tells of an RAF pilot flying home to England from Germany on Christmas Eve. He inexplicably encounters electrical difficulties in flight and just when he fears all is lost, an escort plane appears. Huge suspense is built up in a mere 123 pages or so and you will find yourself riveted. Every year CBC Radio broadcasts The Shepherd and it has become a beloved tradition to listen to for many families.
Now this one I really do associate most with the radio reading. A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas is classic Christmas fare. In my favourite version Thomas himself reads aloud and paints the most extraordinary images with his words and voice. “… snow grew overnight on the roofs of the houses like a pure and grandfather moss, minutely -ivied the walls and settled on the postman, opening the gate, like a dumb, numb thunder-storm of white, torn Christmas cards.” “… Auntie Hannah, who liked port, stood in the middle of the snowbound back yard, singing like a big-bosomed thrush. I would blow up balloons to see how big they would blow up to; and, when they burst, which they all did, the Uncles jumped and rumbled...” It’s absolutely wonderful!
The countdown is on – hope you find a few moments in the busy-ness to enjoy a Christmas storytime.
Four Fun Books for Gifting
December 8, 2010
A few unique books that I’m sure you’ll enjoy gifting or reading yourself… Feel free to send along titles or gifts you’ve loved giving or receiving as well.
For the Book Clubbers in your world. This is a visual treat and veritable smorgasboard of delightful distractions: travels, books, hosting tips, recipes and an overall celebration of friendship. Offers a glimpse into the fun had by a group of Canadian book clubbers who took their love for reading and enjoying a good book together to new heights through travel and adventures together beyond their monthly meeting. In these pages they include reading recommendations and instructions for creating a book club in the style of their own. Click on the image to be taken to the authors’ website and view a few of the gorgeous pages within.
I posted earlier about the Kate Spade group and their enthusiasm for words and books ( Whimsical Words by Design ) They’ve stepped up their quirky literary enthusiasm with a wonderful new project in collaboration with the famous New York City bookstore The Strand. A group of seven women writers were assigned the task of writing a short story in which the phrase “She is quick and curious and playful and strong” must appear. The results are apparently “charming” as is the packaging of course. Click on the images to read excerpts and learn more about each writer.
Perhaps you share my perfectionist angst that surfaces every time I come to start a fresh first page in a journal or notebook. Who is comfortable with scarring those initial pristine pages? Keri Smith has recognised this dilemma and gives us permission to creatively “Wreck this Journal”. She even includes inspiring instructions on how to really do a number on the journal, having great fun expressing your personal creativity as you do. Visit her website by clicking on cover and review the gallery to see how different users have interpreted her instructions. A whimsical idea which results in a unique work of art.
Another enchanting find and on my all time favourite list. My boys have a rather worn out copy of Jamie Lee Curtis’ hilarious review of one’s many moods and we used to guffaw together at the hilarious illustrations by Laura Cornell. The story is told in rhyme and while it is very cute it also has a dose of poignancy in it. This little volume should not be restricted to the children in your life – it’s scrumptious and will amuse all. A glimpse inside is just a click away!
Holiday Gifts for Readers
December 1, 2010
It seems sites all over the web have been dedicating themselves of late to helping shoppers find the perfect holiday gifts. Not to be outdone I thought I’d share a little array of bookish items that have popped up in my travels. Even if you’re fed up with shopping I hope you’ll find the fun in some of these. Simply click on the photo of the item to be taken to the website for more information.
Anything by Curly Girl. Her wordsmithing is as perky as the images she designs – so many fun ones she’s worthy of a post all to herself. I love her greeting cards too. This little wall hanging would go well above a bedside table. Could be accompanied by a tiara and cape … make that a nice tiara.
A bedside table must. A little house to light your way through your bedtime reading (would that be a lighthouse?) and a storage spot for your book too. Book not included though light bulb is. (Fire extinguisher optional?) 
More collected words to be read and enjoyed on the wall rather than bound in a book. This is simply delightful!
Charm bracelets are very popular and this version is specifically for the bookish. Charming! 
Penguin UK has collected its bookcovers into a selection of postcards. Puffin titles are available too in a separate selection. 
Is there ever a season that Tiffany doesn’t have a creation to crave? The “notes” series will be noticed by literary types. 
A literary quote of Louisa’s that I love. Turning one’s brain is a good thing, right? 
I know at least one of you will find this message hitting close to home! Tis the season for flannel jammies and a good book … and what do you expect? It gets dark at 4 o’clock! 
I saw these at Chapters but haven’t sniffed them yet. Apparently Jane Austen evokes gardenia, tuberose and jasmine while Charles Dickens is tangerine, juniper and clove. Whitman? Grass, thyme and clover. Each is labeled with a quote from the author. Jane’s is: “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” Perhaps she would have liked the poster above!
The “Keep My Arms Warm When I Read in Bed Thing” will be a sure-fire hit when it eventually makes it into production. Essentially socks to protect those bare arms braving the elements beyond the flannel pyjama cuffs. Someone always finds a solution!
Reading Magazines … on the web
November 26, 2010
Magazines, as we’ve discussed before, are another form of reading entertainment many of us enjoy. I’ve always appreciated magazines for the dose of colour and creativity – it’s fun to be inspired by the work of others be it in home or fashion design, travel, art, writing, philanthropy or even sport. I’ve not gone the way of an e-reader (yet) but those I know who’ve braved that world are particularly fond of the way magazines can be read on the device. (It appears the ipad dominates this market.) I’ve recently discovered a growing number of magazines that are available free of charge or by donation for reading primarily on-line, some without any print presence at all. These work quite well on a computer screen and seem to be the new direction for magazines in general. A unique feature of on-line magazine reading is that should you be interested in learning more about a product, service or person shown, a link is often embedded so you can be taken straight to the specific webpage.
Hints as you get underway: Full Screen mode viewing is best – just select that option from the task bar. If the print is too fine or small, enlarge the text. Subscribe to receive the newest edition when it’s available or Bookmark the site. Don’t forget to check the archives for back-issues as well. Just think – no teetering piles of slippery outdated magazines vying for space with your precious books! Have fun and let us know if you’re a convert to reading magazines on-line.
Click on the photos of each magazine cover below to be taken to their site where you can try reading on-line.
Lonny Magazine – Lon(don) N(ew)Y (ork) is THICK. Gorgeous photography and really fun vibe throughout. Has connections to the late but beloved Domino magazine. “At Lonny, we believe in making design choices that lead to personal happiness. We value individual style and independent thinking, and are convinced that inspired design can be achieved anywhere—from the smallest studio apartment to the grandest estate.”
Rue Magazine – Rue believes: “That every colour can be your favourite colour… That inspiration is everywhere… That everyone has the talent and drive to design their most beautiful life–we all just need a little nudge in the right direction…”
Covet Garden – Inspiration Grows Here. ” We started Covet Garden because we wanted to see a magazine that made us feel as though we were invited into someone’s home. And then, once they let us in, we started snooping around and got to know them a bit better.” Canadian and unique in that it features one creative person or team each month. Short and sweet and “inspiring – not aspiring“!
And two from Australia … when you need a little spring inspiration during our dreary autumn!
Adore Home – Another youthful, colourful and fun magazine, featuring design, decor and travel.
Ivy & Piper – “Their collaboration is quirky, fun and truly unique, aiming to inspire their clientele to embrace a sense of fun in their interiors and add a touch of glamour to every day life…it’s Fashion for the Home!”
