Daughter of a strong, southern lady and midwestern gent. My DNA includes charm bracelets, stitching, sweet tea, the proper way to do things, family bonds, decadent dessert, overlapping conservations & documenting it all.
I am ALWAYS thrilled when I receive a book to be reviewed before it's released to the public. I feel like I've received a huge gift every time and I am immensely grateful. But sometimes the publishers do it up extra. Such was the case with this book. Opening this package was a Parisian delight...... Continue Reading →
As readers, we've all experienced the mental pros and cons list we automatically go to when facing a potential DNF (Do No Finish.) It took me quite a few years into adulthood before I would actually NOT finish a book. Finally I reached the point when I realized my time and comfort level was worth... Continue Reading →
This book has been sitting on my shelf for a year now. You know how it is...new books kept grabbing my attention or library holds come in or Book of the Month is asking me to choose. And now that I am reviewing books for publishers, I have a steady stream of books showing up at... Continue Reading →
COURTING MR. LINCOLN by Louis Bayard will be coming out in paperback on February 4. Have you read it yet? I received this paperback copy from Algonguin Books this week and got straight to reading it. It's going to go perfectly with my February read: LEADERSHIP: In Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin. COURTING is... Continue Reading →
(Book Release date: February 4, 2020)⠀ Thank you, Algonquin Books for the honor of reading this debut novel.⠀ As a white Midwesterner, I must say I felt a little voyeuristic peering into the world of a South Side Chicago teen as he navigated his way through life. ⠀ As I read EVERYWHERE YOU DON’T BELONG,... Continue Reading →
During the last few months of 2019 I decided I wanted to get serious about reviewing books and working with publishing companies to do reviews for upcoming and newly-released books. I made it my goal toward the end of the year to research and find out as much as I could about the craft before... Continue Reading →
I am so very honored to have reviewed Diane Keaton’s new book, Brother and Sister. Thank you, Alfred A. Knopf for this gifted book.⠀ We know her as spunky, eccentric, quirky and free-spirited. We love her fashion sense and decorating expertise and admire her longevity in film.⠀ Her newest book, BROTHER AND SISTER, gives a... Continue Reading →
UH-OH!! I think I’ve made a terrible mistake. I just finished reading Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison and it might be the best book I read in 2020 - and it’s only January 13! ⠀ This book was storytelling at its lyrical best. WHISKEY was a gripping read - Midwestern true grit with... Continue Reading →
SLOUCHING TOWARDS BETHLEHEM is the third Joan Didion book I’ve read in as many years. Her relatable voice holds its own unique place in journalism. I am awed at her use of language and her ability to beautifully sculpt a story out of seemingly ordinary beginnings. The title, taken from a Yeats poem, represents... Continue Reading →
I was in a bad temper and talking ill of folk and she turns around to me and says 'Thou doesn't like this one and thou doesn't like that one. How does thou like thyself?' Next year, I am determined to read more classics. When I find myself thinking, 'Have I read this already?... Continue Reading →
This has been one of my favorite memoirs to read. The original Murphy Brown TV show came out when I was in the throws of motherhood. I loved watching her show (from a VCR!) The writing was funny and her character helped me feel more secure in my own evolution as a woman. All things seemed... Continue Reading →
Books celebrating books. Authors paying homage to readers. This enticing concoction of book-celebrating is an intoxicating elixir when it occurs in a storyline and The Giver of Stars is no exception. This book is based on a true story in American history. Historical reference: Eleanor Roosevelt and the Works Progress Administration created librarians - primarily... Continue Reading →
