TBRs
February 19, 2013
TBRs, WTRs, YTRs … To be Reads, Waiting to Reads, Yet to Reads … Whatever quirky little name you use to describe the list or pile of books you’re keen to read (KTRs?) … This is a version of my current list; each of these books has caught my eye in some way, perhaps well reviewed or just plain intriguing.
I’ve read and enjoyed Ann Leary’s previous books and delight in her humour. She’s married to Denis Leary and I can only imagine how funny that household is on a regular basis.
The Dinner has been a raging success in Europe and has only recently arrived here. The entire story unfolds at the table during a tense conversation.
I adore the wit of Dorothy Parker (mental note: she’s worth an entire post to herself!) and Farewell Dorothy Parker sounds like a light and fun tribute to her.
And so forth. Have you already read some of these? What did you think? What TBRs have captured your attention lately?
As usual, click on the book cover to be taken to a descriptive link.
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!
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.
Nora Ephron
July 7, 2012
Nora Ephron (1941-2012)
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.”
You know that question, who would you invite to your dinner party if you could invite absolutely anybody – real or fictional, dead or alive? Nora Ephron would be on my invite list. Sadly, at a youthful 71 years, she passed away on June 26th. Among her many movies, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail have become our generation’s comfortable favourites – like old friends we visit on occasion and then savour why we love them so: the witty humour, the poignancy, the frank authenticity. The writing is stellar and I know every one of you reading this can recite a line, or even several, or, let’s be honest, the entire script, from memory. (“I’ll have what she’s having!” ) Nora’s mother advised her that “everything is copy” and “take notes” which perhaps contributed in a small way to Nora’s striking ability to capture pitch-perfect dialogue and scenarios so authentic, many thought she’d read their minds.
Nora was not just a screenwriter and movie director, she was a novelist and essayist as well, with titles like: I Feel Bad About My Neck, Heartburn, I Remember Nothing, Wallflower at the Orgy, Crazy Salad and Scribble,Scribble. She was also known to be a devoted reader. Here are a few of her thoughts on reading:
“Reading is everything. Reading makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something, learned something, become a better person. Reading makes me smarter. Reading gives me something to talk about later on. Reading is the unbelievably healthy way my attention deficit disorder medicates itself. Reading is escape, and the opposite of escape; it’s a way to make contact with reality after a day of making things up, and it’s a way of making contact with someone else’s imagination after a day that’s all too real. Reading is grist. Reading is bliss.”
“… the state of rapture I experience when I read a wonderful book is one of the main reasons I read; but it doesn’t happen every time or even every other time, and when it does happen, I am truly beside myself.”
Arianna Huffington was a friend, and grateful to Ephron for her commitment to the Huffington Post. Read Arianna’s tribute and a collection of Nora Ephron’s HuffPo articles and blog posts here.
It has become abundantly clear that Nora Ephron was admired, respected and loved by many. So many wonderful articles have been written in her honour in recent weeks. In the words of Meg Ryan:
“Nora was an era. We pictured ourselves inside her dreams and they became ours. All wisdom, wit and sparkle lights, what a treat she was, what a blessing. I marvel again and again, what a life… To have created a simple happiness in people, to have added to the sum of delight in the world.”
If you haven’t laughed your way through them yet, perhaps you’ll make room on your bedside table or in your beach bag for one of these recent collections:
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.
Inspiring Creativity
May 31, 2012
A book with buzz this year has certainly been the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson. I’d been interested in it, even gifting it, but had yet to prioritize reading it myself until a friend with excellent taste emphatically encouraged me to get to it. (Thanks Pam!) I tackled the tome (it is dauntingly lengthy) and became utterly absorbed over this past week. Chatting with others who’ve also been captivated, it was agreed that it is an obligatory read for our generation. Highly recommended.
You’ll mostly be intrigued by Steve Jobs, the man, I am certain, but you may also come away considering creativity in a new way. There has been a trend in new non-fiction relating to the topic of creativity and these two books interest me greatly:
I’m only a few chapters into InGenius and have already enjoyed several “hmmm….” moments. So fascinating! I’ve heard Jonah Lehrer interviewed on several occasions and have been thoroughly intrigued each time; he presents a more scientific approach to understanding the creative process. Both writers firmly believe that creativity can be learned and each offers guidelines to getting there in their books. Perhaps future (kinder? gentler?!) Steve Jobs’ will be inspired.
Any “creative” writing inspiring you these days?
