Happy Mother's Day
On Mother's Day I'm feeling very proud and grateful for having (2) wonderful children who continue to amaze me with the compassion and love and work ethic that they display everyday. I love you both and thank you for the beautiful granddaughters you have given me.
Christmas in May
Books Read
(finished (2) books this week)
The Fall of Lisa Bellow; Susan Perabo
Simon & Schuster Audio- 2017
(My Thoughts) Meredith Oliver is a 13 year old girl, Lisa Bellow is her nemesis. One day during an armed robbery at the local Deli Barn Lisa is kidnapped, while Meredith crouches on the floor nearby. Over the next several months, Meredith struggles to make sense of what has happened and even imagines what possibilities her kidnapped classmate is now experiencing. he Fall of Lisa Bellow explores, what happens to the girl who is left behind. There are several threads running through this story which I thought seemed to distract from the focus of this story. Although I enjoyed listening to the audio, in the end I felt like I wanted something more in terms of a resolution. (3.5/5 STARS)
(My Thoughts) - I loved Strout's last novel, My Name is Lucy Barton, and having read that book certainly added to my enjoyment of, Anything is Possible, which returns the reader back to rural Amgash, Illinois and many of the characters we read about previously. This novel reads like a collection of interconnected stories and it delves into the private lives of those who still reside in this close-knit community. Although Lucy Barton managed to escape Amgash and the hardships and her painful childhood, now 17 years later, she is a successful novelist, returning home to visit her brother Pete whose life somewhat resembles that of a hermit. Strout knows how to delve into the psyche of her flawed characters, revealing what makes these humans tick. I was very happy I read this one but, I do recommend reading Lucy Barton first. (4.5/5 STARS)
At the Movies
(We managed to see (2) movies this past week)
(We managed to see (2) movies this past week)
The Zookeeper's Wife - 2017
The Zookeeper's Wife tells the account of keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, who helped save hundreds of people and animals during the German invasion. (IMDB)
I read about this true story about 9 years ago and although I liked the book, however, the movie was even better (IMO). Jessica Chastain was amazing. (Be sure to see it)
The Dinner - 2017
Based on the novel by Herman Koch, The Dinner, had a limited release in our area but, we managed to see it on the big screen. Great cast, Richard Gere came across as the most normal of the parents. The movie was okay but, in this case I liked the novel better. Two sets of wealthy parents meet for dinner to decide what to do about a crime their sons have committed - IMDB.
I thought The Zookeeper's Wife was great too but the reviews haven't been great. I need to read something by Strout. Happy Mother's Day, Diane!
ReplyDeleteGlad u enjoyed The Zookeeper's Wife Kathy - I read the book in 2008 (I think) but liked movie better.
DeleteI have The Zookeeper's Wife on my bookshelf but have yet to read it, hopefully before I read the book.
ReplyDeleteI hope you read and see the movie Laura.
DeleteI had heard there was a movie based on The Dinner but I didn't realize it was an American production. I thought the book was really great but don't know that I'm that interested in the movie. Hope you are having a wonderful Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks Iliana - The Dinner had a limited release in the US and we actually had to drive to a smaller theatre group to see it.
DeleteHappy Mother's Day to you from all of us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brian - hope your mom had a good one too.
DeleteI'm with you about Anything Is Possible - loved it!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear Lisa. I love how she writes.
DeleteHappy Mother's Day! My day was very quiet since both my mother and my daughter are out of town. I definitely want to see the Zookeeper's Wife
ReplyDeleteGlad u had a nice day even though your mom and daughter were away.
DeleteHappy Mother's Day, Diane! The Zookeeper's Wife sounds like an excellent movie. I will keep your recommendation in mind. Have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteit was wonderful; I do hope u can see it sometime.
DeleteHope you had a lovely Mother's Day, Diane. I'm traveling in France (which you know I love) but I'll be back to playing along with reading soon.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in France --fun, fun
DeleteHappy belated Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThough I would want to read My Name is Lucy Barton, Anything is Possible sounds very good. I tend to like stories involving retrospectives and homecomings.
Thank you Brian Joseph. I love homecoming stories especially when secrets are revealed.
DeleteI just for Anything is Possible from the library and am considering a quick reread of Lucy Barton first. Hoping to see The Zookeeper's Wife soon, but can't imagine how The Dinner could translate to film. Hope you had a happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely read Lucy Barton first - it is a quick read. Hope your Mother's Day was nice as well.
DeleteHope the audio is enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI recently rad Lucy Barton and thought it was okay. but am interested in this follow up since all of those characters are so fresh in my mind. I didn't realize The Dinner was out already!
ReplyDelete