Friday, January 27, 2012

The Forgotten Waltz



Finished The Forgotten Waltz by Ann Enright. Set in Ireland, it is the story of a woman, the demise of her marriage as a result of her affair, and her life with her lover, the father of a special needs child. This book is raw and disturbing, proof that Enright is an excellent writer. I was alternately peevish and sullen while reading it. Not my usual cup of tea, but engaging nonetheless.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Boss Dog



Finished The Boss Dog by M.F.K. Fisher. This is an enchanting book based on the author's time in Aix-en-Provence with her two young daughters, their daily visits to their favorite cafes and the dog who frequented them in his nonchalant, heroic way. It is all whimsy, wit and fun. A lovely confection for anyone who has enjoyed the charming hospitality of Aix's waiters who stick sparklers in your ice cream as if every day was your birthday.

Friday, January 13, 2012

The Quicksilver Pool



Finished The Quicksilver Pool by Phyllis A. Whitney. This is her second novel for adults. The library had it filed under mystery, but it could also be categorized as historical fiction.

Set during the American Civil War, a young woman named Lora marries Wade, a wounded soldier who she has nursed back to health. She travels with him to his home on Staten Island to live with his young son and his domineering mother. Wade's fist wife died under mysterious circumstances and her memory is alive and well in Wade's home. In some ways this reminded me of Rebecca, in the sense that a young bride must take her place in household riddled with the memory of her husband's first wife. Unlike the heroine in Rebecca, Lora is strong willed and fights for her place in the family. Meanwhile as the war drags on, the Peace Democrats, or Copperheads, connive a way to stop the war, causing riots against the draft in New York City and endangering the lives of freed slaves living in the North. This book was a fun and exciting read and I learned some history that I was unaware of.

Friday, January 6, 2012

The Provincial Lady in America




Finished The Provincial Lady in America by E. M. Delafield. This is the third book in the series. The Provincial Lady embarks on a North American book tour, visiting New York City, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Toronto, Washington D.C. and Boston. She is whirled through literary and high society, visits the Chicago World's Fair, is befriended by Alexander Wolcott and insists on visiting Louisa May Alcott's home in Concord, MA. I adored this book and laughed aloud on almost every page. Long live the Provincial Lady!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy Yoga



Finished Happy Yoga: 7 Reasons Why There's Nothing to Worry About by Steve Ross. I was a dedicated follower of Steve's yoga show, Inhale when it aired on Oxygyn TV. The most attractive thing about Steve as a teacher and writer is his sense of humor. This carries over very nicely into the book. I took my time reading it, savoring it with breakfast each morning, to start my day on a bright note. I expect to refer back to it often on my journey to a more balanced and relaxed existence.