This quick read was definately not my cup of tea. I have tried in the past to read Ian McEwan and never managed to finish one of his books. That being said, I did mange to trudge my way to the finish line with this one - though barely.
My mom always told me that if I had nothing nice to say to say nothing at all. This is going to be one of those times that I follow her advice. Isnt it nice to know that we all have our own opinions and thankfully (for Mr. McEwan) mine is but one on the reading highway.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Lollipop Shoes
Publishers Weekly
Harris revisits characters from 1999's bestselling Chocolatin this equally delectable modern fairy tale. More than four years have passed since Vianne Rocher pitted her enchanted chocolate confections against the local clergy's interpretation of Lent in smalltown France; since then, Vianne has renounced magic, changed her name to Yanne Charbonneau and moved with her two daughters to Paris's Montmartre district. There, Yanne embraces conformity and safety, much to the dismay of her increasingly troubled older daughter, Anouk. When Anouk becomes entranced with Zozie de l'Alba, an exotic itinerant who happens upon a job at the new shop, and the relationship grows increasingly sinister, Yanne must call up all of Vianne's powers, culinary and mystical, to save her family. Harris again structures the narrative (told in alternate chapters by Zozie, Yanne and Anouk) around a liturgical season (in this case Advent). Harris gives fans much to savor in this multilayered novel, from the descriptions (including Yanne's mouthwatering chocolate confections, Zozie's whimsical footwear and Anouk's artistic efforts) to the novel's classic, enduring theme of good vs. evil-and the difficulty of telling the difference.
This Book is Titled The Girl With No Shadow on this side of the pond.
Finished this enjoyable read last week. I think that I enjoyed it just as much as Chocolat. I had lent this book to a friend to read before me and her comment was that it felt like it was set in the wrong time period and that she was not sure that she liked the dark tone of this sequel.
I would agree that The Lollipop Shoes definately had a much darker tone then Chocolat, but it pulled me in just a quickly. I enjoyed spending time with Vianne and Anouk again, and even found myself (at times) being charmed by Zozie de l'Alba. Author Joanne Harris has once again taken me from my living room couch to the heavy sweet smell, taste, and atmosphere of a small chocolatier. And of course I found myself enjoying just a little bit of chocolate along with this book.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Made for Cuddles
Another busy week. Oldest son Cam came home to have surgery on his eardrum and the gruesome twosome (Spencer and Hailey) came for a one week visit. Its been hectic but nice to have everyone home. Between all my running around, I managed to finish Cam's throw blanket before his surgery. He really liked it and could be found on the couch cuddled up in it for most of the week. This was a simple pattern to knit, just garter and stocking stitch. The difference in the bulk and texture of the wools ( 100% silk, 100% cotton and 98% Alpaca with 2% nylon) made this a very light loose knit but warm one as well. I am very happy with the finished product. Because of all the ends that needed to be woven in I decided to tie them together and make a fringe.
On the reading front I am reading The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris and at the halfway mark I am really enjoying it. For valentines day hubby gave me a gift certificate for Chapters, so off to one of my favorite stores I did go. I bought two knitting mags and a wishlist book along with a knitting book. I think I'm in Love. (he he he)
On the reading front I am reading The Lollipop Shoes by Joanne Harris and at the halfway mark I am really enjoying it. For valentines day hubby gave me a gift certificate for Chapters, so off to one of my favorite stores I did go. I bought two knitting mags and a wishlist book along with a knitting book. I think I'm in Love. (he he he)
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Slow Down the Clock
Time to do all the things I love seems to be limited this past week. I did manage to finish two books since I last posted, one of them being The Rock Orchard by Paula Wall. Do you ever pick up a book more for the cover then the blurb on the jacket cover?? I do, and this was one of them.
"Some women can touch a man and heal like Jesus. The man who sees sunrise from a Belle women's bed will swear he's been born again."
"So begins Paula Wall's funny, poignant, and sexy novel, 'The Rock Orchard'. Musette Belle could lay her hand on a baby's heart and see his life as if he'd already lived it. Even in death, she continues to shock the good citizens of Leaper's Fork, tennessee, and her descendents are doing their best to carry on her legacy. Angela Belle, a haunting and beautiful siren, lures every man she meets into greatness, while her illegitimate and very independent daughter, Dixie, serves tea and vanilla wafers to the statue of the Confederate soldier she believes is her father. But when Charlotte Belle, a woman who would rather spend the night with Jack Daniel's than any man she knows, seduces a stranger in the cemetery, it not only transforms the two people involved but the entire town."
This had sat in my TBR pile for far to long so I decided to add it to my goal list of books to read this year. I'm glad I did because this was mainly a story about strong women, and more to the point the 'Belle' Women. This had a tinge of southern to it and a whole lot of chuckle out loud phrases but, it also had a story that made me think. I have put Paula Wall's next book in my wishlist and look forward to reading it.
I also finish Blood on the Tongue by Stephen booth. I wasn't as interested in this story as the first two that I read in this series. It was an average read but seemed slow paced to me. Booth continues to develop his characters Ben Cooper and Diane Fry and I do enjoy their little quirks but wish that this novel had of been set at a faster pace. Just my opinion and it certainly wont stop me from trying number 4 in the series.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Meme
Jessiebud tagged me to complete this meme.
So here goes:
1. Tell 7 quirks, habits or unknown (to most) things about yourself.
2. Tag 7 people to complete this meme but not the person that tagged you.
1. My first husband and my current husband were both born on October 19th. This was also my parents wedding anniversary.
2. I graduated from College as a single mom of three kids under the age of 11.
3. If I could start a new career I would be a midwife.
4. I would love to live in both rural Ireland and England for at least one year.
5. I have a huge fear of Death
6. I love to smell and touch my books - I know Im strange!
7. I have been with my hubby for 16 years but we have only been married almost 6 years.
Im tagging Ottawabill, beckerbuns, morsecode, Aceofhearts, cestmoi, hoserlauren, and princessrica
So here goes:
1. Tell 7 quirks, habits or unknown (to most) things about yourself.
2. Tag 7 people to complete this meme but not the person that tagged you.
1. My first husband and my current husband were both born on October 19th. This was also my parents wedding anniversary.
2. I graduated from College as a single mom of three kids under the age of 11.
3. If I could start a new career I would be a midwife.
4. I would love to live in both rural Ireland and England for at least one year.
5. I have a huge fear of Death
6. I love to smell and touch my books - I know Im strange!
7. I have been with my hubby for 16 years but we have only been married almost 6 years.
Im tagging Ottawabill, beckerbuns, morsecode, Aceofhearts, cestmoi, hoserlauren, and princessrica
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Book Meme
Dana (Aceofhearts) tagged me to complete this meme
What book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
Three immediately come to mind - "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb, and I'm not sure why because I enjoyed his other novel. I have only heard good things about this book but I have had it on my bookshelf a few times and just could not bring myself to attempt it. The second book is "The DaVinci Code" and the third is any Harry Potter books.
If you could bring three characters to life for a social event, who would they be and what would the event be?
I would bring Inspector Alan Banks from Peter Robinson's mystery series, Anne Shirley of "Anne of Green Gables" and Moranna MacKenzie of "An Audience of Chairs". We would meet at a remote cabin in a clearing somewhere near the Ocean. Our time would be spent drinking tea and shooting the shit.
You are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realize it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to give you a nice grave?
I don't know if it is the most boring book on the planet but I think the Bible and following its lessons would help to secure a nice hereafter. I've only read parts of it so I guess I will have to stick around for awhile longer. he he
Come on, we've all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you've read, when in fact you have been nowhere near it?
I dont think that I have ever hinted or lied about reading a book that I havent.
As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realize when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you have'nt. Which book?
I can't think of one but I'm sure it has happened on occasion probabky if it was part of a series I might become confused about having read it or not.
You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you would pick and why?
I would pick "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee because it is a classic (IMO), aone of my very favorite books.
A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. What language do you go with?
Probably Gaelic.
A mischievious fairy comes and tells you that you must pick one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life. Which book would you pick?
Easily "The Time Travellers Wife"
I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What is one bookish thing that you 'discovered' from book blogging?
Definately to read out of my normal comfort zone, and that there is a whole world out there to still be discovered.
That good fairy is back for one last visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it and the books that would fill it.
My dream library would have a huge window that looks out over rolling hills, a pond and beautiful flower gardens. It would have a window seat covered with a comfy cushion.
The bookshelves would be built in and the books on them would be both new and used ( I love a book that has been 'loved' my many. It would not matter if they were paperback or hardcover and some would be autographed. I would have an over stuffed chair and a horribly comfy over sized couch, that you would just sink into. The walls would be covered in pictures of family and friends and the floors would be in big plank hardwood with a small throw rug. This room would be probably decorated like an old english country house. There would also be a huge wood burning fireplace, like the ones in old manor houses that use to heat the whole house.
Now I have to tag 4 people to complete this meme.
Lauren (hoserlauren), Shelley (jessiebud), Vincenza (cestmoi) and Janelle (Antheras)
What book do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
Three immediately come to mind - "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb, and I'm not sure why because I enjoyed his other novel. I have only heard good things about this book but I have had it on my bookshelf a few times and just could not bring myself to attempt it. The second book is "The DaVinci Code" and the third is any Harry Potter books.
If you could bring three characters to life for a social event, who would they be and what would the event be?
I would bring Inspector Alan Banks from Peter Robinson's mystery series, Anne Shirley of "Anne of Green Gables" and Moranna MacKenzie of "An Audience of Chairs". We would meet at a remote cabin in a clearing somewhere near the Ocean. Our time would be spent drinking tea and shooting the shit.
You are told you can't die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for awhile, eventually you realize it's past time to die. Which book would you expect to give you a nice grave?
I don't know if it is the most boring book on the planet but I think the Bible and following its lessons would help to secure a nice hereafter. I've only read parts of it so I guess I will have to stick around for awhile longer. he he
Come on, we've all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you've read, when in fact you have been nowhere near it?
I dont think that I have ever hinted or lied about reading a book that I havent.
As an addition to the last question, has there been a book that you really thought you had read, only to realize when you read a review about it/go to 'reread' it that you have'nt. Which book?
I can't think of one but I'm sure it has happened on occasion probabky if it was part of a series I might become confused about having read it or not.
You've been appointed Book Advisor to a VIP (who's not a big reader). What's the first book you would pick and why?
I would pick "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee because it is a classic (IMO), aone of my very favorite books.
A good fairy comes and grants you one wish: you will have perfect reading comprehension in the foreign language of your choice. What language do you go with?
Probably Gaelic.
A mischievious fairy comes and tells you that you must pick one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life. Which book would you pick?
Easily "The Time Travellers Wife"
I know that the book blogging community, and its various challenges, have pushed my reading borders. What is one bookish thing that you 'discovered' from book blogging?
Definately to read out of my normal comfort zone, and that there is a whole world out there to still be discovered.
That good fairy is back for one last visit. Now, she's granting you your dream library! Describe it and the books that would fill it.
My dream library would have a huge window that looks out over rolling hills, a pond and beautiful flower gardens. It would have a window seat covered with a comfy cushion.
The bookshelves would be built in and the books on them would be both new and used ( I love a book that has been 'loved' my many. It would not matter if they were paperback or hardcover and some would be autographed. I would have an over stuffed chair and a horribly comfy over sized couch, that you would just sink into. The walls would be covered in pictures of family and friends and the floors would be in big plank hardwood with a small throw rug. This room would be probably decorated like an old english country house. There would also be a huge wood burning fireplace, like the ones in old manor houses that use to heat the whole house.
Now I have to tag 4 people to complete this meme.
Lauren (hoserlauren), Shelley (jessiebud), Vincenza (cestmoi) and Janelle (Antheras)
Friday, January 25, 2008
Dancing with the Virgins
Late last fall I was looking for a new (to me) mystery series to follow. I'm partial to British settings when I read mysteries, and years ago fell in love with Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks series. I had tried the Rebus novels by Ian Rankin thinking that the Scottish settings would pull me in, but I found Rankin's character of Rebus and his style of writing just a bit to dark for my taste. Someone (and I can't remember who) suggested Stephen Booth. Booth's books are set in Britian, mostly (so far) in the Peak District . Booth 's main protagonists in these novels are Ben Cooper an almost 30 copper from the local area and the newly transplanted Sergeant Diane Fry.
In Booth's second novel of this series "Dancing with the Virgins" again takes place in and around the Peak District. The Virgins are a set of nine stones placed in a circle with the tenth stone set off to the side. Legend had it that nine village maidens had been caught dancing on the Sabbath and had been turned to stone for their sin and that the tenth stone (the fiddler that played for them) had been dealt the same fate. When the partially naked body of a woman turns up in the circle, Fry and Cooper must solve what seems to be a senseless crime .
I enjoyed watching the relationship start to take shape between Fry and Cooper on a professional level and wonder just how far on a personal level these two will evolve. Opposites may or may not attract in this case?? Don't let this fool you into thinking that this series is more about love interests then mystery and suspense. Booth writes without pleasantries and places the facts in the readers face - cold and unflowered - at times with description unwanting.
My only complaint would be that with the large amount of key characters in this book, I sometimes found it hard to keep them all in place. Nonetheless, I am eager to continue this series that I am sharing with my friend Enza (cestmoi).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
