We had a couple gorgeous days of sunshine and temperatures almost 80 before we had rain, wind, and a tornado watch again. (sigh) But, I did have time to sit on my patio and enjoy the weather. I hope you had a couple days of whatever kind of weather you enjoyed.
I had a wonderful week last week with family. I came back on Sunday, picked my sister and brother-in-law up at the airport on Monday, and now I’m looking forward to a visit from my friend, Donna. She’s driving in on Sunday and we have library, bookstore, museum and an author event planned.
Donna, my sister, Linda, and I are going to see Anne Lamott next Wednesday. She’s here to discuss her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love. I enjoy essays, and I’m a fan of Lamott’s collections. I’ve only read thirty pages, but I do plan to finish it before hearing her speak.
Here’s the summary of Anne Lamott’s new book.
“Love is our only hope,” Anne Lamott writes in this perceptive new book. “It is not always the easiest choice, but it is always the right one, the noble path, the way home to safety, no matter how bleak the future looks.”
In Somehow: Thoughts on Love, Lamott explores the transformative power that love has in our lives: how it surprises us, forces us to confront uncomfortable truths, reminds us of our humanity, and guides us forward. “Love just won’t be pinned down,” she says. “It is in our very atmosphere” and lies at the heart of who we are. We are, Lamott says, creatures of love.
In each chapter of Somehow, Lamott refracts all the colors of the spectrum. She explores the unexpected love for a partner later in life. The bruised (and bruising) love for a child who disappoints, even frightens. The sustaining love among a group of sinners, for a community in transition, in the wider world. The lessons she underscores are that love enlightens as it educates, comforts as it energizes, sustains as it surprises.
Somehow is Anne Lamott’s twentieth book, and in it she draws from her own life and experience to delineate the intimate and elemental ways that love buttresses us in the face of despair as it galvanizes us to believe that tomorrow will be better than today. Full of the compassion and humanity that have made Lamott beloved by millions of readers, Somehow is classic Anne Lamott: funny, warm, and wise.
What about you? What have you been doing this week? And, what have you been reading?
Northwoods by Amy Pease. Enjoying it a lot. As one who has had five concussions over the years, it is rare to see the event depicted well as it is here as is the panic attack deal.
Couldn’t sleep, Kevin? I was surprised to see yours as the first piece here today. Although I’ll admit I was up until 12:30 last night, finishing a terrific book I couldn’t put down. Do you read Cara Hunter’s DI Fawley police procedurals? Just riveting!
I am always awake until after 1 AM. I have a lot of insomnia issues these days.
No, I have not. I probably should read them.
Yesterday I went with a group of 16 or so to the movies to see “Wicked Little Letters” starring the amazing Olivia Colman. It’s a British farce, based on a true story in the 1920s, and it is very profane but absolutely hilarious. Great acting, too! We all loved it. Then nine of us went out for dinner at an excellent restaurant that was next door to the theater. What a treat! Today I went to my twice-monthly card game of Samba, and my partner and I lost every hand but had a great time! As they say, when you don’t get the cards . . . Here’s what I’ve been reading this week.
DISTURBING THE DEAD is the third entertaining book in the A Rip Through Time series by Kelley Armstrong. Time traveler Mallory–a 30-year-old Canadian homicide detective now in the body of a much younger, troublesome housemaid in Victorian Scotland–and her employer, scientist/undertaker Dr. Duncan Gray, are exhibiting signs of a very-slow-burn relationship, but neither can forget that Mallory could find herself back in her original body in 2019 at any time. Nevertheless, Mallory continues in her new position of Duncan’s assistant as they help Detective McCreadie with a new case. A wealthy Egyptologist is about to reluctantly unwrap a mummy in front of a large party of observers when he cannot be found, so Duncan is called upon to do the unwrapping. But to the horror of the party-goers, what is revealed is far from what was expected. It’s a lively story replete with Egyptian artifact trafficking, questionable family members, secret tunnels, and a mysterious underground market, not to mention male prejudice against female medical students. As in the two previous series entries, the two main characters are wonderfully detailed, and the supporting characters are also rendered in such a way that they fly off the page. Mallory’s narration continues to highlight the differences between life, technology, and law enforcement in the present day and in the 1860s, while she skillfully navigates between those close to her who know who she really is and those who expect her to behave in a proper Victorian manner. She is also called upon to use more of her detective skills than before, including those needed to get herself and Duncan out of dangerous situations. I recommend reading A Rip Through Time and The Poisoner’s Ring before this one, although there is enough inclusion of Mallory’s backstory to allow the reader to enjoy Disturbing the Dead without doing so. I’m hoping for more in this delightful series. (May)
Kate Clayborn’s latest novel, THE OTHER SIDE OF DISAPPEARING, is quite different from the three other Clayborn books I have read–this one has a darker tone. But the author’s masterful writing style is very much in evidence, which spurs the reader to keep reading until the very end. Jess, 31, has been raising her half-sister, Tegan, just turned 18, for the past ten years, ever since their mother left them to follow a new boyfriend. During that decade, Jess worked as a hair stylist, putting aside any friendships or romances to make sure Tegan was raised properly and avoided talking to her about their mother. But when Tegan finds five postcards (hidden away by her sister) sent by her mother from different locations after she left, she desperately wants to try to find her before she goes away to college. So she agrees to join a couple of podcast journalists on a road trip to discover information about the con artist who was their mother’s boyfriend, and Jess will go as well. Adam, one of the journalists, used to be a football star who lost his closest friend in a suicide. He is now working with Salem, the lead podcast journalist, in hopes that she will produce his podcast about his deceased friend. When he and Jess first meet, there are instant sparks between them, but Jess has become such a buttoned-up, defensive person that she doesn’t have any room in her life for a romantic relationship. The author delves deeply into Jess’s mind, and many of these scenes are difficult to read. It was also hard for me to understand why Adam seems to fall for Jess so quickly when she isn’t giving him anything in return. The characters of Jess, Tegan, Adam and Salem are interesting, and the end of the book is, mercifully, uplifting and satisfying. I applaud Kate Clayborn for taking a chance on a new type of book, although I think I prefer those with a sunnier tone..
Anita Hughes’ A Magical New York Christmas is one of my favorite holiday romances, so I was expecting a lot from her upcoming book, CHRISTMAS IN ASPEN. But for a number of reasons, I just couldn’t get into the story of two sisters who spend the holidays in Aspen to feel close to their recently deceased mother. Older sister Caroline is a literary editor who is in danger of losing her job if she doesn’t find a viable manuscript in the near future. She is someone who believes in short relationships only, so she is caught off-guard when she meets an attractive man in Aspen who seems to be looking for something more. Caroline is also in Aspen to look for a man who has been writing to her mother about their romance in Aspen, one Caroline knows about only after finding his letters. Younger sister Daphne has gotten engaged to her boyfriend after a 2-month relationship, but Caroline feels she might be jumping the gun, especially when she moves up her wedding date to occur during their Aspen trip. The author successfully portrays Aspen as a perfect vacation spot, especially during December, but I didn’t feel the joy when the characters engaged in the town’s holiday festivities. I also felt that Caroline’s new relationship with Max was unconvincing, and I didn’t understand what they saw in each other. One subplot fueled by a series of letters from an author who recently became a client of their mother’s and wanted to explain the history behind her 40-year dry spell didn’t land for me, especially the twist at the end of the book. And I felt that some of the dialogue was stilted. This story would be perfect for a Hallmark movie, but it was missing the magic for me. (October)
Friends, a good movie, good food, and cards. It’s so good, isn’t it, Margie? I played a lot of cards when I was home last week.
I have a copy of Disturbing the Dead, so I’m happy to know you enjoyed the third book in the series. Thank you!
And, I’ll skip Christmas in Aspen.
After rain and mid-50’s this past weekend, we are in the upper 70’s, and I’m loving it. Gone for a couple of delightful runs.
I’m almost done with an audiobook right now. I’m so close I can taste it. About 20 minutes left in THE CROSSING by Michael Connelly. He’s one of my audiobook authors that I rotate through. A definite change from my cozies, but I enjoy his books. This one has been gripping. We are in the winding down stages at this point.
Reading wise, I spent Wednesday reading ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG by Julie Mulhern, a novella in her 1970’s set Country Club Mysteries. The mystery was a bit simple, but it was a less than 100 page novella. Plenty of fun with the characters, however.
My copy of TURN ASUNDER by Barbara Ross just arrived from the publisher. I think I’m going to try to get it read to review next week. We’ll see if I can do it since I have a busy weekend planned with the LA Times Festival of Books and some plans with friends. Her books are a little shorter, so I might be able to make it work. Anyway, this is sadly the final book in her Maine Clambake series. I’m sad to see that since this has been a favorite of mine since I first found it right before book 2 came out.
I love those temperatures, too, Mark!
Oh, the LA Times Festival of Books! Is it as marvelous as it always appears? I’ve been to the Tucson Festival of Books multiple times, and I love that one.
It is so sad to see a favorite series end. I finished a book recently, and I suspect it might be the conclusion to a series, although the author doesn’t say that. We’ll see.
The Festival is still fun, especially since I meet up with a friend. But it isn’t quite as fun as it used to be. Several of the former big sellers aren’t there any more. And some of the mystery bookstores that used to have booths have closed, so there aren’t as many places to stalk, I mean visit with, favorite authors.
Still, I go every year, and I’m always glad I went. I was there both days last year, and I’m debating about going both days this year. Probably shouldn’t with everything else going on, but there are some authors I need autographs from only there on Sunday.
Darn. I’m sorry it isn’t as much fun as it used to be, but I’m glad it’s still special.
Hello, Lesa and the rest of you! That Anne Lamott book sounds lovely and moving, and I’m going to get it. As for me, I’m listening to three debut mysteries one after another, so I can decide which one to nominate for an Anthony Award. I’ve started with Iris Yamashita’s CITY UNDER ONE ROOF, which is set in Alaska and is so far very good. I’m running short of time since nominations are due May 1, so I’m going to be doing a lot of walking and listening this week and next. When it comes to reading, I’m hooked on the Karen Pirie books–now that I’ve started the series I can’t stop, so I’m reading them one after another. Currently on #4, OUT OF BOUNDS.
Kim, so glad you’re enjoying the Karen Pirie series, a favorite of mine. And I wanted to mention that since my library did not have your first book, Pesticide, I just bought a copy from Amazon. I need to find time to read it. We did vist Switzerland two or three times back in the ’70s, but never got to Bern. Geneva, yes, and Lucerne and Zurich and Basel, but not Bern. We even went to the top of Mount Pilatus. There was snow at the top, even in July.
Kim, It sounds as if you’re back from your visit to Japan. It’s tough to be on a tight deadline to finish multiple books, isn’t it? Good luck with your choices!
Anne Lamott’s books are usually special, and I’m so excited about seeing her next week.
It’s mostly beautiful spring weather here. Last Friday we drove to Susanville (CA) for a local photographer’s talk about his bucket-list trip to capture the Northern Lights. We lived in Fairbanks, AK, his destination, for nine months, but missed the deep, dark winter.
I’m currently reading the cozy mystery featured here last month DEADLY WALK IN DEVON by George Nicholas. I thought the cover art has a decidedly retro feel, but the story is quite modern and mostly character driven.
Tana French’s most recent novel, THE HUNTER, is the second Cal Hooper novel set in the Irish countryside. As usual her characters are believable, the dialogue is superb and the settings are immersive. You’ll feel like you’re in Ardnakelty while absorbed in the story. I’ve read all her novels and really enjoy.
I also enjoyed Agatha Christie’s ENDLESS NIGHT on audio. One of her last novels, it examines a twisted character and his odd choices.
MM, I love beautiful spring weather – the warmth, the smells, the birds. We could use a little more of it here.
Tana French. Wouldn’t you think I’d have read Tana French with the Irish settings? I think I read one years ago, and that’s it. Someday.
Yes to up & down weather (though fortunately without the tornado, though our friend north of New Orleans had then near her). 80 one day, 50 and rain today. But that’s the beauty of retirement, Lesa, that you can just stay home on days like this
We both enjoy Anne Lamott’s essays too, and I have one of her earlier books to pick up at the library (after the weather improves). .I envy you going to see her talk.
Books. Jackie is finallyl about to finish her Jayne Ann Krentz book. She has yet another Christine Feehan book up next. The woman is a writing machine, with about 6-8 series going at the same time. Jackie reads most of them (except the one with the creepy, kinky sex.)
I mentioned the Ken Bruen book (A Galway Epiphany) last week, and I did quickly finish it. It was pretty much as I expected, though there was one decent surprise twist. His earlier Jack Taylor books were definitely better IMHO), though I will read the new one I have from the library soon.
Some 25+ books ago, when Steven F. Havill started his Posadas County, New Mexico series, it was called the Bill Gastner series, as I recall. (I’ve read them all.) Gastner was the overweight, insomniac Undersheriff, then Sheriff, occasionally cattle inspector, and all-around consultant to his mentor, Detective Estelle Reyes-Guzman and the rest of the cops. In the new book, Perfect Opportunity, Gastner is back in the center of things just after his 87th birthday. He discovers a guy with his truck pulled over by a deputy, a guy involved (though cleared) in a death in a previous book, a guy found dead with a big knife in his chest a day later, alongside another guy dead from a gunshot to the head. What is going on? The usual crew is on hand, including Estelle’s doctor husband and her brilliant sons (one a musician, one an architect), plus now retired Sheriff Bobby Torrez and Miles Waddell, creator and proprietor of the NightZone astronomical center west of town. It’s a short book, he way mysteries used to be, only 214 pages, though the book does have unfortunately small print for those of us with aging eyes. My recommendation would be, start with book one (Heartshot) and go from there. It’s an excellent regional series, much like Archer Mayor’s Joe Gunther series set at the opposite end of the country in Vermont. In both, the landscape plays a role.
Currently reading Philip K. Dick’s 1959 dystopian SF novel, Time Out of Joint. Of course, I also have several other books waiting.
I’ve read a few of Peter Tremayne’s short stories (but not of the novels) about his 7th C. dalaigh/lawyer Sister Fidelma, but I recent review of one of his books by a friend made me seek out his short story collections. I’m alternating two of them, reading one 25 page story from each every day, and should be done by next Thursday. They are Whispers of the Dead: Fifteen Sister Fidelma Mysteries and An Ensuing Evil and Others: Fourteen Historical Mysteries. Fidelma is an official of the Brehorn court, as well as the sister of the King, a brilliant woman who – as we would say these days – takes no crap from anyone. There was an earlier collection that the library doesn’t have. I may track it down. The second book varies in time, and I am really enjoying it. Three stories feature Master Hardy Drew, Constable of Bankside ca. 1600, who deals with crimes involving Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Another has the real life Macbeth, years before the play. One is Hornblower-like and set during the Napoleanic Wars. If you like short stories at all, look for these books.
Have a good week.
Jeff, I haven’t read the new Posadas County novel yet, although I do have a copy. And, I know Kevin Tipple read and liked it, too. I never thought about them in comparison to the Joe Gunther novels. It actually makes me more interested in Joe Gunther.
Maybe that was my mistake. I tried one of Peter Tremayne’s novels about Sister Fidelma, and just couldn’t get into it.
Kaye Barley says Anne Lamott is a terrific speaker. I’m excited about the event next week.
Had not thought about the relationship between Posada County and Archer Mayor’s Joe Gunther series, but that is a very good comparison. Highly recommend both. Also agree that reading in order is a very good idea in each case.
I haven’t finished a book in two weeks. In the past month my mom has been in the ER, a nursing home, assisted living, the ER, and hopefully back to assisted living today. I’m also dealing with trying to get the house ready to sell.
I just started an ARC of WHAT COMES AROUND by Annette Dashofy. I’ve been waiting to read this one because she used my name for one of the characters.
Sandy, I hope that your mother’s health becomes stabilized soon so that both of you can have a good rest.
Oh, Sandy. How could you finish a book with so much going on in your life? I’ve had times when I had a lot happening with my father-in-law. Your last two weeks sound much more intense, plus the pressure of getting the house ready. Sending hugs.
Oh that is such a lot to cope with Sandy. I do hope you are able to find a little time for yourself soon., and that your mother is safely back in her assisted care now.
Sandy, sending best wishes for you and your mom. What a lot to go through.
I read a fantastic book this week, which I suspect will be my favorite book of the year. It is a fantasy novel by James Islington called The Will of the Many. Good world building, multi-dimensional characters, and lots of twists. This was a suspenseful read and I am looking forward to the next book. If you enjoy fantasy novels, this is a wonderful read.
On the mystery front, I read Bad Blood by Angela Marsons. This is the 18th or 19th book in the DI Kim Stone series. I enjoyed catching up with Stone and her crew.
Not sure what I will start next. We had thunderstorms yesterday in Michigan, so there are quite a few downed limbs to deal with. I hope everyone will have a terrific weekend.
Jennifer, don’t you find it difficult to move on to the next book after reading one that might top your list for the year? Then, I can’t ever seem to settle on the next book.
I’ve never heard of the DI Kim Stone series. I’ll have to look it up because I love good police procedurals. I finished a terrific one last night, or I should say, at 12:30 this morning – Cara Hunter’s 6th DI Fawley book, Hope to Die. I recommend this series!
Just ordered the first Cara Hunter book based on your recommendation, Lesa. Also ordered Pesticide. My husband just ordered a new bookshelf!
I think that’s funny, Jennifer, that you ordered two new books, and your husband ordered a new bookshelf.
Just placed a library request for the first in the DI Kim Stone series, Silent Scream, and the first in the Cara Hunter series. Am NOT ordering a bookshelf.
Just adding to the various stacked piles known as the TBR Mountain Range.
Attending a friend’s mom’s funeral today. Always sad but she did live a long life and leaves behind a legacy of great children that she raised.
This week I read an ARC by Spencer Quinn. The 15th in the series! “A Farewell to Arfs”.
I don’t know how Spencer Quinn does it, but this book is just as exceptional as his previous ones! I am so glad that I was able to read an advanced copy, thanks to NetGalley. In this book, Bernie and Chet are busy trying to track down who scammed their neighbor, Mr. Preston, out of his life savings. He swears that it was his son Billy who called him asking for an advance of $2,000, but before he knows it, his entire bank account has been wiped out. Billy swears that he didn’t make that phone call. Mr. Preston swears that he knows his own son’s voice. Could an AI generated phone call be the culprit, or is Billy, a supposedly reformed ex-con, lying? Bernie and Chet’s investigation finds them dealing with an arsonist, AI, murder, and fiancé troubles with Weatherly. I was sad to reach the end of the book.
You’re right, Mary. It’s sad to attend the funeral, but so good to remember the legacy.
Oh, I’m sorry there are fiance troubles with Weatherly in the new Chet and Bernie books. Bernie deserves a little happiness.
I was wait listed at Library for a long time to get End of Story by A.J. Finn – not sure if someone here mentioned it or not – I loved The Woman in the Window as was eagerly awaiting this one. Well I just couldn’t get into it – didn’t like the premise – if anyone read it and liked it let me know as maybe it was my frame of mind. Anyway, I then read a book that I just randomly picked up at Library – The Couple in the Photo by Helen Cooper – it was a good, fast read -good mystery-couldn’t figure out what was going on! Weather same as Jeff – seems like we’ve gotten so much rain this Spring – practically rains every day.
Donna you’re the second person I’ve heard that is disappointed in End of Story. I planned to read, but may reconsider. The author (Daniel Mallory)
stirred up a lot of controversy the first time around and this doesn’t look promising.
What a disappointment, Donna, to wait so long for a book, and then find yourself unhappy with the book. I’m sorry.
I am glad you found a good replacement, though.
I guess it’s just spring weather, isn’t it?
Oh! Enjoy Anne Lamott, Lesa. I’ve read many of her books.
Today is our last day of the really warm weather too. I loved having windows open.
I decided The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo wasn’t for me but I was in the minority on Goodreads.
I loved both of my books this week. Freya Sampson’s Nosy Neighbors hit all the right notes for me. It was a very sweet story about the tenants of Shelley House facing eviction.
I also loved Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake. I’ve never read anything by her before but I won’t hesitate to pick up her next one. It was the story of the Nelson family living on a cherry farm in Michigan during Covid. While the parents and their 3 adult daughters shoulder the burden of the harvest, the story of the parents past together doing summer stock at Tom Lake is told.
Happy Reading!!
Thank you, Sharon! I almost picked up The Most Fun We Ever Had at the bookstore the other day. Great cover, even if the book doesn’t work.
I haven’t read Tom Lake, although my friend, Donna, listened to Meryl Streep read it, and loved it.
Sharon, I really enjoyed Freya Sampson’s THE LAST LIBRARY – I didn’t know she had another book out, thanks for telling us. Needless to say my library system doens’t seem to have it, but I will add it to my wish list.
Reading the Weed Strings Hangman’s Bag by Alan Brandon, I read an earlier one in this series and both are good. Flavia de Luce, is amazing intelligent eleven year who loves chemistry and has a talent for solving crimes. It is 400 pages but in a good size print and I have learned more chemistry. Enjoying it.
I think Alan Bradley actually has a new Flavia de Luce coming out this year, Carol. What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust is due out in September. It’s been quite a while since his last one.
Oh my gosh – really! I hope so – I didn’t think that there would be any more in the Flavia series!
Happy Thursday! It’s been a hectic month, still reading CREATURES OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS for recreation, and still planning to read THE MURDER OF MR. MA next for recreation, just taking me a bit longer ha.
That’s okay, Wiley. What’s the hurry when it’s for personal recreation? Enjoy!
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Enjoy your Anne Lamott event, Lesa! I love her. I was lucky enough to hear her speak a few years ago and left feeling buoyed, lighter, and uplifted.
I have, again, picked up, started and rejected several books. Ugh.
I did enjoy A GREAT MARRIAGE by Frances Mayes.
Her roots as a poet shine in her voice and in her phrasing. Lovely. Since character is one of the aspects of writing important to me, this worked. All the characters were SO well done! I enjoyed my time with them.
Description from NetGalley
“When a perfect wedding is called off just days before the big event, it sends two people—and their families—reeling, in this poignant novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun and Women in Sunlight
A great marriage is an elusive thing, and only a few know the secret to making one.
Dara Willcox, in New York for a weekend, meets Austin Clarke at an art gallery. If love at first sight can happen, it happens to them. These two vivid, ambitious people are on different courses—he’s British, working temporarily in New York. She’s from North Carolina, set on law school. They don’t care. They will make their lives together happen. At their April engagement dinner at Dara’s family home, her mother, Lee, sets a beautiful table, and the family and close friends gather to celebrate. Rich, Dara’s father, raises a toast. Suddenly, Lee spills the wine, a brilliant red stain splashing onto the tablecloth and onto Austin.
Days later, Austin hears unsettling news from London that wrecks their plans. Dara abruptly cancels the wedding. She refuses to reveal the reason, not even to her best friends or her parents or grandmother, disrupting their family tradition of openness. As everyone knows, Lee and Rich have a great marriage, and Charlotte, her grandmother, had a colossal one, to the late Senator Mann. Charlotte literally wrote the book on the subject: She’s the author of international bestsellers on what makes a good or possibly a great marriage.
While Dara escapes to California and Indigo Island, South Carolina, Austin, back in London, faces a major tragedy, the consequences of which are life-altering. But it’s Lee, Dara’s mother, whose impulsive visit to London alters their fate.
With her signature warmth, humor, and incisive style, beloved author Frances Mayes creates a multigenerational probe into the complexity of love and the great mystery ride of marriage. A novel of casual choices and fateful consequences, A Great Marriage introduces two unforgettable families and the arrival of a stranger who rearranges their futures.”
Kaye, I hope the three of us have the same reaction you did after hearing Anne Lamott! Buoyed, lighter and uplifted sounds wonderful!
A Great Marriage sounds good. Now, I hope you find a couple “great” books to enjoy in the next week. Sending hugs!
Hi everyone,
W’ve had some sunny days here but now we’re also back to damp drizzle – as Jeff said last week, it’s not so bad when you can stay home.
We had a brilliant time at the Barenaked Ladies concert in Glasgow last Friday, it was so much fun. None of the band have lost their energy, they are fantastic performers and combine professionalism with plenty of jokes and self deprecating humour. Glasgow absolutely loves them, and they love Glasgow – the concert hall was packed out.
I came back up to Deeside on Saturday, it was good to be back in the peace and quiet – Edinburgh is so busy, and will only get more so now as we work our way up to the festivals in August. I’m back down again tomorrow but just for one night, as we are going to a jazz concert at the Queen’s Hall.
This week I had a great walk with my friend Sam and three of the dogs she walks as part of her work. We last worked together maybe 15 years ago but we seem to be able to take up just where we left off. She says that since the lockdowns there are so many more dog walkers and pet sitters in Aberdeen that it’s all much more competitive – many people who were furloughed decided not to go back to their jobs but to take up dog walking instead. When we were worked together we were both lawyers, but neither of us would ever want to go back to that – I am lucky enough not to have to work any more, and she would rather be poor and happy than miserable in a law office.
Yesterday I had another good walk with my friend Karen. We met at Crathes Castle but she knew a longer walk than I had ever done there – and I have been going there for probably 30+ years – so we had a really good chat, and finished off with a coffee at the Milton of Crathes tea room. The weather was glorious, and everything is at last coming into bud and blossom – lots of cherry and almond trees, also late daffodils and tulips.
I have made two contributions to the 1937 Club reading week. The first was Mary Plain on Holiday, which I mentioned last week. The second was BATS IN THE BELFRY by ECR Lorac, another British Library Crime Classic. Yet again I was disappointed by this series, I think I must now stop reading them altogether. This one was full of wealthy and entitled people who seemed to think they could be as rude and uncooperative to the police as they wished, and the plot itself was so contorted and silly that I just could not get engaged in it. Having said that, plenty of people love the BL Crime Classics, so it’s just me, I think.
After that I read a book I picked up at the library THE WEDDING by Dorothy West. I had no idea what to expect from this one, but it was so good. I understand it is very well known in the US, but I don’t think it is here. It’s about one of the affluent black families who summer at Martha’s Vineyard in the 1950s. The younger daughter of the family is about to be married – to a white jazz musician. Because of various inter-marriages in the past, Shelby could easily pass for white but has no intention of doing so. Her sister has already married a much darker black man. Their grandmother, who lives in the household, is white; her family owned huge plantations in the south, which they lost in the Civil War. She has never forgiven the world for this, nor forgiven her (now deceased) daughter for marrying a black man and former slave, even though he became a college professor in the north.
It is a fascinating read. West forensically examines the varying perceptions of ‘black’ and ‘white’, the consequences these have for people, and also the racism and snobbery that exist on all sides. As the book progresses she also reveals the history of each side of the two families about to be joined by the marriage – their slave origins and how they fared after emancipation. It’s a short book but such a powerful ones, and so well written. West’s prose is quite wonderful.
I’m now about to start two books, Jeffrey Archer’s TELL TALE, a collection of short stories, and Bonnie Garmus’s LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY. I am reading the Archer book to tick off one of my 52 Book Club prompts – ‘an author that ‘everybody’ has read except you’, and the Garmus one for the prompt ‘features women in STEM.’ Jeffery Archer is always referred to in literary circles as a terrible author , but he sells so many books that he must be doing something right. I am about to find out what that is.
I have also been reading COLD COOKERY, a booklet published in 1937 to persuade housewives of the value of buying a fridge. I imagine that people in the US had fridges long before we did – and despite this book, I don’t think that many British people did have a fridge till well after the war. My parents certainly started married life with a ‘food safe’, a kind of cupboard with wire mesh doors, which lived out in their landlady’s back garden. I think they got a fridge around 1957. I don’t think my mother ever had a freezer, yet now I can’t imagine what I’d do without mine.
The recipes at the back of this book show just what a parlous state British cooking was in between the wars – plenty of ways to use evaporated milk (ugh) and dishes like salmon jelly with a delightful garnish of yellow turnip ‘lilies’. Yet at the very same time, in Paris, Alice B Toklas was cooking up the most amazing French meals for her beloved Gertrude – so much so that when Gertrude was considering undertaking a lecture tour of the US in 1934, her main concern was what on earth she was going to get to eat there.
Someone who had just come back to France from the US told them that the food was ‘very strange indeed – tnned vegetable cocktails and tinned fruit salads, for example.’
Surely, asked Alice, he was not required to EAT them?
But even though this book is almost 90 years old, and even though our televisions are awash with cookery programmes, from Masterchef to the Great British Bake Off, and our shelves groaning with books by Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Nigel Slater and so many more, the vast majority of people in this country still live on ready meals and Deliveroo take outs. I don’t take the moral high ground here as I loathe cooking and often have a boiled egg and toast for my dinner, but really, the UK has nothing to be proud of when it comes to cooking.
I have been in the Sunday market in St Germain en Laye outside Paris, and have been amazed at how much people there seem prepared to spend on meat, fish and beautiful gateaux. I think the French are simply accustomed to devoting a much higher percentage of their incomes to food.
I wonder how much Julia Child influenced American cooking? Smart people will tell you that Elizabeth David revolutionised English cooking, but the fact is that she only had any effect on a small part of the affluent and aspirational literati living in London. Everyone else just carried on as normal with their Angel Delight puddings, sliced bread and Birds Eye fishcakes. I know we did.
This week on television I’ve been watching BLUE LIGHTS – there is a second series of this excellent police drama set in Northern Ireland; I started watching it then realised I couldn’t remember who half of the people were, so i am now re-watching the first series to get back up to speed. I’ve also been watching RACE ACROSS THE WORLD. And I have recorded a new documentary about my beloved Pet Shop Boys – it’s part of Alan Yentoub’s IMAGINE series, and in this he followed them on part of their 2023 tour. Everyone who has watched it says it’s very good, and has a lot of new stuff rather than just the same old anecdotes that tend to be trotted out in every interview. Its 90 minutes long though, so I need to make time to watch it. I believe it’s only available in the UK – many fans in Europe and the US are very unhappy about that. Hopefully it’ll get onto Youtube soon.
Lesa, I wouls love to hear Anne Lamott speak, I hope you enjoy the event. I have read some of her books and enjoyed them very much. At the end of The Wedding, Dorothy West has a character conclude ‘Color was a false distinction. Love was not.’
Have a good week all,
Rosemary
Hi Rosemary,
I don’t know what made me pick up The Wedding, but I read it years ago, and really liked it. I don’t know if I appreciated it enough, but I did like the book.
I’m glad you had some good walking weather, although I know you’d walk even in the drizzle. Not me. My sister asked me if I wanted to walk yesterday, and I just said it was too windy. It really was. We were under a tornado watch at the time.
But, I love to read about the places you walk, and I do both of my sisters do, too.
I don’t know that Jeffrey Archer’s Tell Tale is a good example of his writing. His short stories aren’t as well done as his novels. Someday, you might want to try Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less. It’s an early novel, but I think it was one of his best.
How’s Charlie? I hope his new brother shows up soon!
Have a good week, and a good reading week!
Rosemary, over the weekend we watched THE BEAUTIFUL GAME with one of Jackie’s favorites, Bill Nighy, starring. It was about a real event I never knew existed, the Homeless World Cup. Really well done and worth watching. I never heard of BLUE LIGHTS, but we will see if it is showing here. I see a third and fourth series have been commissioned. Just checked – it is on Britbox, so we’ll try it.
Also enjoyed BLUE LIGHTS.
What I saw news wise on the show last week indicated that season three was yet to film so I think it will be awhile before it comes out.
Yes, the second series has only just started on TV here.
I have seen that film advertised, Jeff – thanks for the recommendation, I will watch it. I did vaguely know about the Homeless World Cup.
I hope you enjoy Blue Lights. Many of us here are glued to it.
There was rain over the weekend, but it’s sunny now. The meteorologists seem to be debating whether there will be precipitation this weekend.
This week I read:
Morality For Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith; I really enjoyed the first book, but this one was novel length. I preferred the short stories.
Blue Green: Fans Against The Empire by Richard Wall; Set in Constantinople during the reign of Justinian. Sports hooliganism is nothing new. In the Roman empire, they had chariot race hooligans. (I’m glad this word made a comeback) A former leader of the pack, now a legit citizen is given an offer he can’t refuse to take back leadership, and move the mob to certain areas. Very interesting. The plot is a bit…Byzantine.
All I see is Violence by Angie Alita Newell; About the Sioux and The Black Hills with switching perspectives. I lost track at some point.
The Last Hope by Susan Elia MacNeal; Maggie Hope gets a mission to assassinate a Nazi making an atom bomb. Overwrought, like all the books in this series. The interesting part was the exploration of CoCo Chanel’s links to the Nazis. Somehow, she got off scot-free. This book does make you wonder where she got the idea for her Little Black Dress.
Star Trek: The Lost Years by J.M. Dillard; The author’s name reminded me of comedian J.M J. Bullock, from Too Close For Comfort and Hollywood Squares, but I digress. The novel purports to tell the story of the kayfabe 5 years between the end of the series and the Motion Picture. I’m treating as a Gnostic Text or Apocrypha.
TekWar by William Shatner; This hybrid of PI fiction and Sci-Fi was very popular for a few years, but nobody talks about it anymore. The book definitely reads like a screen treatment.
Stilwell and the American Experience in China 1911-1945 by Barbara Tuchman; I always think of Tuchman as the Miss Marple of history. There’s something to learn on every page of this very thick book. Real history, as opposed to the Meachums of today.
The Maker of Universe by Philip Jose Farmer; Most of Farmer’s work is derivative, and this is no exception. Some guy, who, of course is an expert on Medieval weaponry finds a horn, that when played, takes him to other worlds. Reminded me of the Richard Blade series, only less sleazy, and arguably, more literary.
Black Cat Fever by MD Harrod; The usual female thief is supposed to steal the usual lost artifact, and at some point, I fell asleep. Catwoman is sexy and interesting. This wannabee was not. In my mind, she couldn’t even fill out her catsuit.
Glen, I don’t think the meteorologists ever agree on the predictions.
Loved that comment about Blue Green, that the plot is a bit Byzantine. I always look forward to your conclusions.
It’s funny you and Jennifer mention how hard it is to get into a new book after reading a great one, Lesa. I haven’t settled deep into anything since finishing Jo Walton’s My Real Children, which I was led to by Kim mentioning Jo Walton a few weeks back. It starts with a woman being very confused, and it turns out it is because she is remembering and drifting between two very different versions of her life (and our world).
I loved how you could see the different ways a person and a life could turn out. I would have chopped off the last couple pages at the end, but that is just me.
I’ve started to appreciate John Green’s The Anthropocene Reviewed. (He wrote The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down.) This book is a series of observations on a different topics. Those observations are sometimes personal and include some musings on his life and often historical or scientific. Sometimes the topics are very human (like the one about scratch and sniff stickers) and sometimes more about nature, like Canada geese or sunsets. There is still plenty of personal perspective in those also. I appreciate it more when I take it slowly and only listen to a chapter or two at a time.
Oh, yes, Trisha. I think a number of readers feel that way. Read a great book, and then drift around for a while before finding something that will do, but just isn’t great.