Beautiful, heart-breaking story. Loved every minute of it.
The audio narration is just wonderful. Sad that is it over and just wish I could start againBeautiful, heart-breaking story. Loved every minute of it.
The audio narration is just wonderful. Sad that is it over and just wish I could start again, not knowing the story and hearing it again fresh for the first time. There is something so special about a basic, simple story....more
I can't believe I never read this one. I've owned a copy for years but just never got around to it. I've seen many variations of movies/cartoons on itI can't believe I never read this one. I've owned a copy for years but just never got around to it. I've seen many variations of movies/cartoons on it and know the story...but just never read it for myself. It is a wonderful book. So full of imagination and strange, odd things. I have to wonder about Carroll and how the heck he came up with this so long ago. From Oxford to Wonderland, that is quite a jump....more
I enjoy anything by Neil Gaiman. I saw this audio and knew I had to grab it. It's four short stories narrated by Gaiman himself. It's very short, perhI enjoy anything by Neil Gaiman. I saw this audio and knew I had to grab it. It's four short stories narrated by Gaiman himself. It's very short, perhaps 45 mins in total of listening time. I listened to this while sitting in holiday traffic in my car. What a wonderful way to escape the mayhem by listening to Gaiman read his works! A wonderful, quick, audio listen....more
I read in another review 'Do we find books or do they find us?' I think it happens both ways. And this book found me. Perhaps a bit too personal here.I read in another review 'Do we find books or do they find us?' I think it happens both ways. And this book found me. Perhaps a bit too personal here....but a recent family tragedy was just devastating to me. I tried to read to keep my mind occupied, but nothing could grab my attention. I felt horrible like I was just moving on so quickly trying to do something trivial such as read books. But I knew I had to continue on. To be honest, I really do not know how this book ended up in my hands. It was like...it was there at my library for me. Perhaps I ordered it at some point but it's nothing that I would normally read. I know this book found me.
The story is told from three points of view - the dad, the boys (two young boys told as one story), and the crow after the wife/mother of the family suddenly and unexpectedly passes. The dad and the boys grieve and in different ways. The crow is there to help (sorta) with their grief. The crow feeds on grief and finds humans interesting when in grief. The crow is there for therapy and will stay until he is no longer needed. See the father is a big fan of Ted Hughes, the poet, and I do think his work is heavily influenced in this book. Not reading Hughes, I feel that perhaps I did miss some references probably, but it in no way diminished my read of this book. Hughes wrote a poetry book called Crow and indicates 'Crow is a figure of myth, a hungry, hardscrabble chaos of feathers & dark dreams -- sometimes a trickster, sometimes a victim, sometimes a guide, sometimes a Prometheus of sorts.'
It feels like a short story, feels like poetry, feels like rambling of people suffering grief and not making sense, and then the crow...at times, DOESN'T make any sense. Talking in rhyming verse but sometimes with sly wit. It follows the dad and boys through their grief until they no longer need crow. I was half way through the book when I went back and started it again. I read it slowly. It made me sad, it made me cry, it made me think, it made me want to read Hughes. Did it help with grief? It helped me to know it's OK, and it might take time, perhaps days, months, or years.....but it helped me to remember....more
I have read this one cover to cover four times now and plan on doing the same thing again tonight. I'm overwhelmed by all the wonderful looking recipeI have read this one cover to cover four times now and plan on doing the same thing again tonight. I'm overwhelmed by all the wonderful looking recipes that I want to make. The book is a huge and it's beautiful. I see myself using this one over and over again.
The book is over 400 pages and split into sections per specific holidays. So for example, in the Valentines Day section, you can have apps, soups, mains, and desserts all in this section. It's quite unique as most cookbooks break down sections per apps, soups, mains, etc. There are a lot of holidays covered and I think some of the food in one specific holiday can work for other holidays. So it's all very mix-and-match. The recipes do not use any crazy, hard to find, or processed ingredients. If anything, refined coconut oil is used, which is much healthier and eco/animal friendly.
I have already made a number of the recipes in the book. Some of the recipes were already posted on the author's web site some time ago and are now included in the book. Though it's only a few. I also have made a few recipes in the book that are new to me. Naturally I gravitated to the desserts and have loved each one. Some recipes are very easy and some require a bit more time.
Rating is a 4.5 as I do have a few nitpicks on the book. One, it's a massive book with a hard cover. When cooking from it, I can't keep it open. I have a cookbook cover/stands that it just snaps it open and closes the book as the book is so huge. I had to keep opening the book over and over again while using it and already I got it messy. Next, not every recipe has a foodporn photo. The photos in the book are gorgeous but I would like one for every recipe. I understand that can be expensive and the book is already big enough, but that little feature really puts a book over the top for me.
I'm a huge Isa fan and have every one of her books. I use them all frequently. At this point, I'm still torn if this is my favorite or Isa Does It is tops. It's a close call for me. But I see myself using this one quite often, and even when it's not a holiday. A great book for new vegans learning to cook, or those just wanting to spiff up a holiday table....more
This is the story of one painting and three people whose lives intersect because of this painting. First, the artist, Sara de Vos. A female dutch painThis is the story of one painting and three people whose lives intersect because of this painting. First, the artist, Sara de Vos. A female dutch painter who is the first woman to be allowed into the Guild of St. Luke in Amsterdam, which did not admit many female painters. She paints, At the Edge of a Wood, a winter scene with a girl looking out at skaters over a frozen river. Next, Marty de Groot, a wealthy gentleman living in New York, and the owner of Sara's painting until the painting is stolen from him. Finally, Ellie Shipley, the forger of the painting, who at one point, comes into possession of both the real painting and her forgery.
The book goes back and forth between these three characters telling their story and the story of the painting. It moves from the Netherlands, New York, and Sydney and from the 1600's to the 1950's, eventually to 2000. It took me a bit to get into this story but once I got the gist of it moving between these characters and different times, I began to enjoy it. Once the stories of Mary and Ellie came together I felt it picked up even more. I enjoyed hearing about these two and how they interacted with one another.
I listened to this one via audio and the narrator, Edoardo Ballerini, did a great job. I loved the accents that he used during the narration. There were a few times early on in the book where I felt the story was starting to drag, but I wanted to hear more of the narration and kept pushing. There were a few things in the book that I also did not feel were wrapped up. Overall, I'm glad I got to this one and glad I listened via audio....more
A wonderful Neil Gaiman retelling....remashing....reimagining of a fairy tale. A gothic, creepy tale for sure. I listened to the audio and it was wondA wonderful Neil Gaiman retelling....remashing....reimagining of a fairy tale. A gothic, creepy tale for sure. I listened to the audio and it was wonderful. A full cast of characters with music and various sounds. Fantastic. Though I must get the print to see the drawings that are part of the book. ...more
I'm new to Alice Hoffman and starting out with her lesser known books. This was the perfect book to read early on. It's a series of linked short storiI'm new to Alice Hoffman and starting out with her lesser known books. This was the perfect book to read early on. It's a series of linked short stories taking place in the town of Blackwell, Massachusetts over a span of 300 years. A few of the stories were so fascinating I wanted to hear more. From only a few of Hoffman's books, I can see the magical realism is strong (which I love). I'm not sure why but when I listen to/read Hoffman's books, I think of books by Sarah Addison Allen. Both drip in magical realism. I find Allen's books to be so comforting, and perhaps that is why I think of them while reading these works. Hoffman's books have that same magical, comforting, feeling.
I listened to this one via audio but also had the digital print to refer to. Which was perfect as there was one story I wanted to revisit and did so via the print. I look forward to reading more from Hoffman. Perhaps the next one, it will be extra cozy, with a read under a blanket near the fireplace. As there is nothing more comforting to me than that....more
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. So many recipes, that don't seem too involved. A nice variety from smoothies, apps, soups, salads, entrees, anI was pleasantly surprised by this one. So many recipes, that don't seem too involved. A nice variety from smoothies, apps, soups, salads, entrees, and yes...dessert! Tons of great, mouth-watering photos of the food. I liked this follow-up much more than her first book. My only gripe (something that I'm seeing more of) is tons of photos of the author. Just focus on the food photos. Overall, a book I see myself using over and over again....more
I have a fascination with NYC. It started as a small child, wanting to live there. I don't want to live there anymore but I try to visit as much as I I have a fascination with NYC. It started as a small child, wanting to live there. I don't want to live there anymore but I try to visit as much as I can. This book is the perfect book to give me my fix. It's truly shows the authors love of New York. I've always felt New Yorkers were a different kind of person and this book brings that to life. It talks about all the odd, wonderful things that make NYC what it is. This is the authors love letter to New York.
Thanks to Stephanie for getting me to read this one. After reading her wonderful review I knew I had to check this one out. ...more
A few years ago, a Paris apartment was opened after having lain untouched for seven decades. It was discovered after its owner died aged 91. Upon viewA few years ago, a Paris apartment was opened after having lain untouched for seven decades. It was discovered after its owner died aged 91. Upon viewing the apartment, it was like a time warp, where nothing was disturbed and it contained a large painting by the artist Boldini of a lovely French woman. Again, this little piece of history now becomes this novel.
The author heard about this and weaved the story, The Velvet Hours. The story focuses on two women. The first, Marthe de Florian, a woman who cultivated a life of art and beauty, and lived as though time stood still. The second, her granddaughter, Solange, who is a writer and is intrigued by her grandmothers life story and wants to write a novel about her. Marthe meets her granddaughter and begins to tell her of how she grew up, obtained the apartment, and how she met Giovanni Boldini, who eventually painted her portrait. Marthe is quite the recluse who has built this world inside her apartment, and it does not seem to be impacted by the events going on in Paris. The Germans are approaching, making life a bit difficult, and scary for Solange, who is part Jewish. The book goes back and forth between the two women where you learn about each of them and how their lives turn out during this difficult time in history.
I love books that pluck a piece of history and built an elaborate story around it. The Velvet Hours is a wonderful example of this. It is a slow moving story with just a tiny bit of romance. But a wonderful look at a different take on this time in history. I picked this up after reading Diane S's review and I'm glad that I did. It's quite the moving story.
Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo are friends, and through these books, you get the details of their lives and their friendship. You do not getRating a 4.5
Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo are friends, and through these books, you get the details of their lives and their friendship. You do not get a glimpse of their lives, you hear the minutiae of their daily lives. And you know what...it's utterly fascinating. This is a book to be savored slowly. There really is so much going on and there are so many people from the neighborhood that move in and out of the story. The story packs in so much - love, betrayal, friendship, marriage, adultery, internal conflict, abuse, suicide, and so much more.
Book two in this amazing series picks up right where book one ends, with the marriage of Lila to Stefano. And it moves right into their wedding night, onto the honeymoon, and into their daily lives. The girls go away to the beach for the summer for Lila to swim so she can get and stay pregnant. Doctors orders. I'll not discuss anymore of what happens and spoil this story for anyone.
I highly suggest these books to anyone to read. They are so detailed, fascinating, and just beautiful. I listened to this one via audio and the narrator is wonderful. Normally, I loose interest in a series of books. But not with this one. I just got the print of book three (my library doesn't have audio of book three, darn). There are a lot of people in the books, and some have nicknames, or various nicknames. So at times, it can be hard to remember who is who. In the print books, there is a sort of family tree of the neighborhood which explains everyone and how they might be connected. I did not want to read the books back to back and as there are only four books, I want them to last. But I don't wait to wait for the next, now that I *know* who is who. I see myself reading these books again and again.
I went to my library yesterday and picked up book three in the series. The librarian had no idea about the book or the series. I was shocked. I told her all about them....so she could suggest this wonderful series to many others to enjoy....more
This is a true horror story. The sleepy town of Salem Village is being overrun with witches. Nah, just a bunch of bratty kids telling lies. The town wThis is a true horror story. The sleepy town of Salem Village is being overrun with witches. Nah, just a bunch of bratty kids telling lies. The town was very religious and did not want to hear about the devil, or witchcraft or any stories like this. But a group of children, enchanted by the maid Tituba from the islands, gather round her and she tells the children (a bunch of girls) stories. The girls love it. But they are quite afraid of what will happen to them if they are found out to be even listening to stories on magic and witchcraft and the occult. So, following their Queen-B, the girls make up a story about witches in the town afflicting pain upon them.
It is quite the spectacle. They name a few townspeople at first who are brought before a 'judge/s'. During the questioning of each of these women, the girls, following their Queen-B, begin thrashing about the floor, screaming in pain. Yelling that a black man stands behind the woman telling her what to do, and telling the woman to bite the girls. Magically, in their rage, the children jump up with bite marks to their arms. If the woman being accused raises her arm, all the girls immediately raise their arms, crying the witch is making them do this. Empowered, the girls begin to name more and more in the town. Then, it turns into a witch-hunt with the town minister encouraging folks to tell on their friends and neighbors. A simple charge of a wife and husband in an argument leads one to the gallows being accused of being a witch. Even a 5 year old child was brandished a witch, because the child's mother was already accused and in prison for witchcraft.
I was utterly shocked that the townsfolk fell for this and sent so many people to jail and eventually their deaths. But Salem Village is not the only place this happened during these early times. There were other places in the world where people were accused of being witches and were hanged. Even today I see bratty children accuse an adult of something (child abuse) and the adult is hauled away, then finding out the child was mad as he/she couldn't watch tv and made up the entire story.
I was shocked to see a non-fiction book by Shirley Jackson. I enjoyed reading this and must say, of her work, this is the scariest one of all. A shocking read and perfect for Halloween....more
What a delightfully, creepy Halloween read. Jack the Ripper, the Elephant Man, the ghosts of 'the Rippers' victims haunting a hospital grRating a 4.5
What a delightfully, creepy Halloween read. Jack the Ripper, the Elephant Man, the ghosts of 'the Rippers' victims haunting a hospital grounds. I loved this book. I saw a blurb on the book and it sounded intriguing so I looked for it at my library. I was shocked they only had the audio version - no print version, it's still on order. Lucky for me, I went with the audio.
Evelyn is a young woman who is horribly disfigured from her work in a match factory. She seeks recluse in a hospital where she wants to be a nurse. But due to her age and her disfigurement, she is instead given a job as maid to Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man. The two become fast friends and are frequently visited by the ghosts of Jack the Rippers aka "Leather Aprons's" victims. Each ghost wants or needs something before they can move on. These ghosts are draining the life from Joseph and Evelyn will do whatever it takes to save him. Even coming face-to-face with Jack the Ripper. So....if you want to find out who the Ripper was, check this one out. :-)
I see many books now that are a spin on a particular time in history. And this book does the same but it is wildly creative. I listened to book via audio and it was great. The narrator added to the overall atmosphere. I loved listening to this one of the terror in London that Jack the Ripper created with all the British accents and slang. I really do think the narration added so much to the overall atmosphere and I'm glad I did not have the print.
There is some gore in the book talking about what happened to the Rippers victims and that the bodies were on display for the general population to view for a mere few pence. There is no romance in this one, just pure macabre. Overall, I think this will end up in the top 5 of my books for the year. Great story, great audio, great Halloween read!
There is a movie by Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris (awesome movie), that many say 'its a love letter to Paris'. A love letter to a particulaRating 3.5
There is a movie by Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris (awesome movie), that many say 'its a love letter to Paris'. A love letter to a particular time in history, the roaring 20s, where many literary and artistic people socialized. The Rules of Civility, I felt, was Towles love affair. His love affair with New York city, his love affair with the late 30s, and his love of literature.
The story follows Katey Kontent (really?) who is twenty five, living in New York's Greenwich Village, moving along and socializing with various types in the late 30's. In the blurb, it also talks about Tinker Grey and her friend Eve and that fateful evening. But I did not think they were central to the story. I wanted to hear more of this trio but the story focuses on Katey, and all those people that cross her path. Yes, many of whom she would have never met, had it not been for that meeting with Tinker Grey.
I liked the story, but wanted to like it more. Not too much really happens with Katey, other than meeting some rich folks, socializing, and trying to get ahead in life, all while trying to maintain a sense of elegance. At first, I loved all the literary references, but then it became too much. There is no doubt that Towles can write, and write vivid descriptions of times and places. I look forward to reading more from him.
I listened to this one via audio and it was great. The narrator is one that I have heard before and she did not disappoint. Overall, I'm glad I have finally read this one, but doubt it will stick with me.
Your typical Agatha Christie book. The book is quite short and can be completed quickly. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and watching movies based oYour typical Agatha Christie book. The book is quite short and can be completed quickly. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and watching movies based on her books. She doesn't disappoint. I love hearing about the exotic lands that she writes about.
Why not a higher rating? The audio. I want an audio where I hear a narrator read a book to me. Perhaps I'm picky. But this was just like listening to a movie with no picture. There were a cast of characters...eh, narrators. They spoke quickly, often times making it difficult for me to figure out who was who. There was background noise most of the time. Things such as people chatting in the background, music, whistles from trains, and at one point some bugs making noise (which at first the sound was so odd I thought something 'went wrong' in the house somewhere. silly me not realizing it was the background). It was just too much and too distracting.
I do plan to read more by Agatha Christie. And I'll skip the audios. I also want to revisit this one, via print....more
Loading...
