Week in Review - W/E -1/21/2017

It's been a decent week weather-wise here in New England, most days it reached the 40's which is great for this time of year.  Although I made it to yoga 3x again this week, I haven't been walking or doing cardio exercise. Our fitness center closed its doors at the end of December and since I took a fall on black ice a few weeks ago, I'm not crazy about walking outdoors right now.

My reading has slowed since last year, I normally read or listen to (3) books a week but, this year I'm reading about 1-2/per week max. I need to get back to audios as I haven't listened to any in 2017, although yesterday, I picked up (2) when I visited a new library in a few towns over.

This week I finished, The Leisure Seeker; Michael Zadoorian and really enjoyed it: it's funny, tender and sad all in one.  I'm also reading, The Marriage of Opposites, Alice Hoffman, for my book group meeting next week. It started off great but, now 1/2 way through I seem to be losing interest (we shall see).

The Leisure Seeker; Michael Zadoorian

William Morrow - 2009

(soon to be a movie)

One

MICHIGAN

"We are tourists.

I've recently come to terms with this.  My husband and I were never the kind who traveled to expand our minds. We traveled to have fun--Weeki Wachee, Gatlinburg, South of the Border, Lake George, Rock City, Wall Drug.  We have seen swimming pigs and horses, a Russian Palace covered with corn, young girls underwater drinking Pepsi-Cola from the seven-ounce bottle, London Bridge in the middle of a desert, a cycling cockatoo riding a tightrope."

(MY THOUGHTS) - John and Ella are a sweet senior couple who have been married 60 years and have enjoyed traveling in their RV "The Leisure Seeker" much of their married lives.  Both Ella and John have health issues and against their children's wishes they decide to embark on one final RV journey from Michigan to Disneyland in CA.  

A fantastic story, sometimes funny, sometimes tender, sometimes sad. John and Ella are terrific characters that felt like family by the time I finished the book.  This book is well written and immediately hooked me.  I saw the ending coming but, that did not spoil my enjoyment in the least.  The Leisure Seeker is a book that addresses the issues many of us try to avoid as we age or see our parents age. (5/5 stars)

Current Reads -

• The Beautiful Dead; Belinda Bauer (eGalley) (Atlantic Monthly Press)
• The Marriage of Opposites; Alice Hoffman (eGalley) (Simon & Schuster)

We went to see Manchester By the Sea this week and wow, did this movie move me.  Such a sad but realistic story about how our lives can change us forever in the blink of an eye.

Lee (Casey Affleck) is a handyman at an apartment complex who returns home to "Manchester-By-the Sea, a quaint seaside town, when he learns that his brother has had a heart attack and soon after passes away, leaving behind a high school aged son.  Through a series of flashbacks, we learn why Lee's return to Manchester By the Sea is so difficult for him. He's forced to relive a tragedy from his past in addition to dealing with the final arrangements for his brother.  The acting is wonderful and I can't stop thinking about the movie even though the ending was a bit disappointing (abrupt). I'm hoping this one will win some awards.  (BE SURE TO SEE IT)

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Have a Good Weekend Everyone

Books Read - Week in Review - W/E - 1/14/2017

This has been a somewhat lazy week for me and, I only read (1) book but, it was a good one.  I did watch (2) movies : Love the Coopers (2015), Diane Keaton, John Goodman and Steve Martin but, although parts were fun, I didn't love it .  I also watched, Postcards From the Edge (1990): Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine which I'd seen before and enjoyed.  We also O.D'd on Sopranos episodes, Season 3.  

I did get out to yoga class 3x and, I also caught up with (2) high school friends for lunch - always fun to catch up and chat about past and present.

Book Read

On Turpentine Lane; Elinor Lipman

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - 2017

1.

What Possessed Me?

"IF I HADN'T BEEN NAIVE and recklessly trusting, would I ever have purchased number 10 Turpentine Lane, a chronic headache masquerading as a charming bungalow?  'Best value in town,' said the ad, which was true, if judging by the price tag alone.  I paid almost nothing by today's standards, attributing the bargain to my mother's hunch that the previous owner had succumbed while in residence.  Not so off-putting, I rationalized; don't most people die at home?  On moving day my next-door neighbor brought me a welcome loaf of banana bread along with the truth about my seller. A suicide attempt...sleeping pills...she's saved them up till she had enough, poor thing. And who could blame her? 'Strong as an ox,' she added. 'But a whole bottle?' She tapped the side of her head."

(My Thoughts) I've enjoyed many of Elinor Lipman's earlier novels, The Inn at Lake Devine, was an all time favorite, but, I must say, On Turpentine Lane, runs a close second -- such a fun read.  Our protagonist, Faith Frankel has a so-so job in the Development Department of a private day school that she had attended.  Her boyfriend Stuart, is a loser who has taken advantage of her and is now off on a cross country walk to find himself.  Before leaving he gives Faith a piece of red-string (a symbol of his commitment to her). He also asks for her credit card to help with expenses. Meanwhile, Faith has purchased a rock bottom priced 2-bedroom - 1 - bath, bungalow, "On Turpentine Lane", unaware of the houses history and that the police will soon be knocking on her door.  life is interesting for Faith; she has a charming new office mate named Nick, a meddling mother, a father who is having a mid-life crisis,  a bachelor brother and added to the mix are a few other quirky characters that together make this story shine. Lipman's sharp dialogue and insight into the human psyche made this novel such a treat. (4.5 stars - be sure to try it)

Have a Great Weekend!

Books Read - Week in Review - W/E 1/7/2017

In 2016 I struggled to review every book that I read and, as a result I felt like I didn't give my reviews my best effort. After seeing Kathy's new format for 2017, I decided to give this weekly update, with mini reviews, idea a try.  I'll still be posting my weekly, First Chapter link up every Tuesday as well.

The first week of the new year found us eating out plenty thanks to several wonderful and appreciated gift cards from family.  We also received movie gift cards and got to see (2) newly released movies (both wonderful).

"Some people build fences to keep people out, and other people build fences to keep people in."

This movie was powerful and emotional and sure to win awards.  The story tales place in the 50's and early 60's and deals with prejudice, the wounds inflicted by those who raised us and the sacrifices people make on behalf of others. It's obvious that this movie was meant to be a play as there are very few scene changes: One house, front porch, back yard and kitchen and dining room scenes for the most part and, there is a small cast of characters.  Denzel Washington's performance was outstanding. (BE SURE TO SEE IT)

A wonderful, feel good movie about three brilliant African American women who were instrumental in helping to launch our space program. 1961, Jim Crow era, it wasn't easy for them but, these feisty women persevered and showed the white men just what they were capable of.  One of the best movies I have seen, rated PG. Be sure to take your young daughters to see this movie. You don't often see a movie where the audience cheers several times throughout the movie.  It's a movie that demonstrates that girls/women, regardless or their skin color can do anything they set their mind to. (BE SURE TO SEE IT)

Books I've Been Reading

The Seventh Day; Yu Hua

Pantheon Books - 2013

First Paragraph ---

"The fog was thick when I left my bedsit and ventured out alone into the barren and murky city.  I was heading for what used to be called a crematorium and these days is known as a funeral parlor.  I had received notice instructing me to arrive by 9:00 a.m., because my cremation was scheduled for 9:30."

(My Thoughts) I actually started this book the end of 2016 but just finished it this past week.  I had some trouble with this book which I'm assuming was due to the translation (Chinese to English). The story begins at the end and goes back over a seven day period. A middle aged man, Yang Fei dies and receives a notice instructing him to show up for his own cremation. He washes, dresses and shows up for the event but, he fears no one will show up for his funereal because he's divorced and has no children.   When it's his turn for the cremation, he leaves and decides to search for his adoptive father who he assumes has died as well.  ver the next seven days he meets the ghosts of others who have passed away, eventually circling back and meeting his father.  This story wasn't all that long and at times had a feel of the way H. Murakami writes. This took me longer than normal to read and, I'm glad I gave it a try but, it was challenging and is just not a book that will appeal to every reader. (3.5 stars) 

Chocky, John Wyndham 

NYRB Classics - 2015

First Paragraph --

"It was the spring of the last year that Matthew reached twelve that I first became aware of Chocky.  Late April, I think, or possibly early May; anyway I am sure it was the spring because on that Saturday afternoon I was out in the garden shed unenthusiastically oiling the mower for labours to come when I heard Matthew's voice speaking close outside the window.  It surprised me; I had had no idea he was anywhere about until I heard him say, on a note of distinct irritation and apropos, apparently, of nothing:

         'I don't know why. It's just the way things are.'

(My thoughts) -- When I saw that the intro for this book was written by Margaret Atwood, I had to try this book. Fewer than 200 pages, Chocky,  is a story about an adopted, twelve year old boy named Matthew Gore who lives in London and has an imaginary friend. When his parents become concerned they seek help and we learn that Chocky is an alien who has come to explore earth to see whether it's habitable.  Matthew and Chocky have a unique relationship and, the questions posed by Chocky are deep, interesting and worth pondering.  The story made me think about the environment and why we do some of the things we do. Narrated from the POV of Matthew's concerned father, it's an original and optimistic story that was very different from what I tend to generally read. It made me curious enough to take a peek at other books by this author. (4.5 stars)

New Books

(sent to me by publishers)

• The Echo Twilight; Judith Kinghorn (Berkeley)
• No Man's Land; Simon Tolkien (Nan Talese)
• The Last Night at Tremore Beach; Mikel Santiago (Atria)
• Traveling Light; Lynne Branard (Berkeley)

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Week in Review and New Books

Happy Valentine's Day!

It's Valentine's Day and (-8 degrees) with the wind chill factor this morning. Needless to say, we won't be venturing outdoors this Sunday.  The good news is this is the last cold day and it might be 50 on Wednesday. Talk about crazy weather.  This week flew by and I am pleased to report my cold is pretty much gone (passed it on to my husband).

This week we went to the movies to see The Finest Hours which was very enjoyable.  It's based on a true story, a Coast Guard rescue movie, set on Cape Cod during a hurricane in 1951.

I stayed indoors most of the week and that resulted in a busy reading, reviewing and blogging week.  Here is a recap of books read and/or reviewed.

• Love in Lowercase; Francesc Miralles 
• River Road; Carol Goodman 
• French Leave; Anna Gavalda 
• The Madwoman Upstairs; Catherine Lowell
• American Housewife: Stories; Helen Ellis

    
    I'm in the process of rereading, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath for my book group meeting at the end of the month. It's a great read and I am enjoying it since it's been over 15 years since I last read it.  I'm also reading, Eleanor by Jason Gurley and, I also finished reading a quick debut novel called, 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl by Mona Awad (no review yet).

New Book Arrivals by Mail

•  Why We Came to the City; Kristopher Jansma (sent by Viking)
•  Version Control; Dexter Palmer (sent by Pantheon)
•  Fool Me Once; Harlen Coben - (sent by Dutton)
•  Small Mercies; Eddie Joyce (sent by Penguin)
•  The Life of Elves; Muriel Barbery (Europa purchase)
•  Everyone Brave is Forgiven; Chris Cleave (sent by Simon & Schuster)
•  Britt-Marie Was Here; Fredrik Backman (Atria - sent by Simon & Schuster)

    Nothing special for today except planning a shrimp dish for dinner and making some warm soup as well.  I also think I'll reorganize a closet that was bugging me a bit yesterday:)

Hope Your Day is Special!

Week in Review and New Books

The first full week of 2016 just flew by. I did something foolish and hurt my back between Christmas and New Years so I spent a lot of time home just reading and using the heating pad.  I was good to be back to normal this week as cabin fever was setting in.

We went to see Spotlight - based on a true story about a Boston Globe team who in 2001uncovered just how deep the Catholic priest scandal really went. It just may win the Oscar for Best Picture. FANTASTIC!

I finished (4) books for 2016 - 2 were started in 2015.

1. Like Family; Paulo Giordano - 5/5 (arc) (Jan)
2. The Guest Room; Chris Bohjalian - 4.5/5 (eGalley) (Jan)
3. Between the World and Me; Coates - 4.5/5 (library) (Jan)
4. The Opposite of Everyone; Joshilyn Jackson - 3/5 (arc) (Jan)

Now Reading

1. My Name is Lucy Barton; Elizabeth Strout (very good)
2. Banquet of Consequences; Elizabeth George (very good)
3. The Bazaar of Bad Dreams; Stephen King (short stories - enjoyable)

New Books

• Charlotte Bronte: A Fiery Heart; Claire Harman (Knopf)
• Even the Dead; Benjamin Black (Henry Holt)
• My Name is Lucy Barton; Elizabeth Strout (Random House) Audio
• Hunting & Gathering; Anna Gavalda (Riverhead-purchase)
• Life, Only Better; Anna Gavalda (Europa - purchase)
• Eleanor; Jason Gurley (Random House Audio)

Enjoy your day!

At the Movies

We saw (2) new movies this week, one was somewhat disappointing the other one fantastic.

What attracted me to this movie Joy, was the cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper (Cooper plays a small part).  As many of you know, these (3) are the same stars of Silver Linings Playbook, an all-time favorite of mine.  Unfortunately, I had no idea what this movie was about and the previews we saw on television were misleading IMO.  I went in expecting some humor, but there was none to be found.  In retrospect, I wish I knew this was about a woman who developed the first self-wringing mop in the 1990.

The first part of the movie is all over the place with Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Joy Mangano, as a young divorced mom of (2) young children and her dysfunctional family and living situation.  With her Gram, Mimi, always telling her she was destined for greatness, she comes up with the idea of a wringless mop. Cooper plays a HSN (Home Shopping Network) executive whom she convinces to promote her product on air.

The acting was good but, the story just felt very disjointed. - Disappointing!

In Concussion, another movie based on a true story, Will Smith, another favorite actor, plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, a brilliant, Nigerian born, forensic neuropathologist, who discovers CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), which is related to football related brain trauma.  His discovery pits him against the NFL who does everything possible to dispel these findings. Sadly, the good doctor, who wants to do the right thing,  is never really given an opportunity to forcefully get his point across.

The acting and story line was very good and the personal stories depicting ex-pro NFL players whose lives were ruined by CTE is hard to watch at times.  Terrific Story!

Hoping to see The Danish Girl if my husband is onboard.

Have you seen any new movies lately?

Late Sunday Blatherings and New Books

How is your Sunday going everyone?  The day is quickly slip siding away it seams and I've been up since 5:30 am . We've had a few days of rain and windy conditions here, I almost turned on the heat when I saw 65 degrees in the house, but opted for the gas FP instead.  Today was sunny and near 60, but the next few days we may see sun and 70 so color me happy! On the dinner front this evening is blackened salmon, green beans and corn bread.

Friday we saw the first day release of The Martian in 3-D; it was incredible - I highly recommend it.

Today I took a shorter walk, and I've been catching up on reviews (not posted yet) but, this week I finished reading - The Gates of Evangeline, Hester Young; The Beautiful Bureaucrat; Helen Phillips; and Becoming Ellen; Shari Shattuck - feeling kinda happy about this. Review ratings range from 3.5 stars to 4.5 stars so it was all good reading or listening more or less.

Several new books made in mysteriously into my house over the last (2) weeks - just how does this happen? PLUS, I am hooked on audio downloads from the library now as well - no more books on cd for me thank you! Audio downloads to my phone are so easy and I can listen on the phone or through bluetooth in the car as well - love.

• Beastly Bones; William Ritter (Algonquin)
• Jackaby; William Ritter (Algonquin)
• A Winter's Night; Valerio Massimo Manfredi (Europa purchase)
• Silent Nights; Martin Edwards (Poison Pen Press)

• The Improbability of Love; Hannah Rothschild (Knopf)
• After You; JoJo Moyes (Pamela Dorman Books)
• A Strangeness in My Mind; Orhan Pamuk (Knopf)
• The Drowning Lesson; Jane Shemilt (Penguin)
• Hunters in the Dark; Lawrence Osborne (Hogarth)

Up Next - After You; JoJo Moyes; In the Unlikely Event; Judy Blume (started this one but had to return it to library but it's back again as an audio download) and Purity; Jonathan Franzen

Have a Great Week  Everyone!

At the Movies - The Gift (2015)

The Gift

August - 2015

STX Entertainment

In the mood for an edge of your seat thriller in a nice air conditioned theatre this summer? If so you MUST try The Gift.  It's a terrific psychological thriller that we both enjoyed a lot. Jason Bateman (Simon), Joel Edgerton (Gordo) and Rebecca Hall (Robyn). Joel Edgerton, wrote, directed and starred in the movie and he was terrific.

In this movie Simon and Robyn are a young married couple who just moved from Chicago to California,  One day soon after purchasing their new home, the couple is out shopping when an old classmate of Simon's from high school recognizes him and takes the time to stop and reintroduce himself. Simon says he does not remember him, but Gordo is persistent, and it isn't the last the couple will see of him.

This movie has it all: great cast, terrific story and unexpected twists. It kept us guessing and on the edge of our seats throughout. It's one of those stories that will make you wonder about how well we know the people we think we know.

SEE IT!! 

St. Vincent ~ 2014 Bill Murray

St. Vincent -- Touted as a comedy, this was one movie that yes, made us laugh, but also had us searching for tissues as the emotional tears flowed as well. 

Bill Murray is "Vincent" a grumpy, Vietnam Vet who drinks too much and gambles too much. He lives with his cat in Brooklyn, and has no money, and little prospect for happy senior years. New neighbor, Maggie, (Melissa McCarthy) and her young son Oliver (Jaeden Liberher) move in next door.  The newly divorced, mom works long hours at the hospital, and Vincent volunteers to watch Oliver after school for a fee.  While Vincent teaches Oliver how to toughen up, and takes him to places most kids have never seen, Oliver begins to see the kinder, caring side of Vincent that others do not see.

Do yourself a favor and be sure to see this movie, sometime soon. I hope you will love it as much as we did.  This is one of those movies where the theater sat silent and no one left until the screen went dark.