Saturday, April 15, 2017

Books Read - Week in Review - W/E 4/15/2017



Well, I'm pleased to announce every last bit of snow has melted and daffodils were spotted on my walk today. Sunday is Easter and we are supposed to hit 80 degrees, perfect weather for opening the windows for our Easter brunch. This past week was lunch with little ones and lunch with old high school friends, yoga and some time spent at the park.  I managed to finish (2) books as well. Here's what I read:



 Riverhead Books - 2016

(My Thoughts) - As I began this novel, I immediately thought of a novel called, The Nest, by Cynthia Sweeney which I had read last year, a book about rich entitled siblings that I wasn't thrilled about.  In this novel, set in mostly the 1970s, the unlikeable rich couple is Edgar and Fern who reside in Cambridge and an ocean front home on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.  Both come from money but, Edgar said NO to his parents steel industry riches hoping to live a different life and write a book.  Ferns parents have died and the couple and their 3 young children have been living off her parent's money until one day they learn that the money is all gone. We get a good glimpse at the life of the couple's parents and begin to understand why Edgar has shunned his family's lifestyle.  When Fern suggests Edgar may have to get into his family business after all, he begins an affair with a woman who understands him. Meanwhile, it's the children who suffer while the parents are wrapped up in their own misery and new circumstance.  The story alternated from present to flashbacks of their earliest times together and, although I really enjoyed the first half of the novel, I really grew to detest the parents and I began to lose interest a bit.  If you like stories of rich people behaving badly, then this one might be for you. (3.5/5 stars)


Brilliance Audio - 2016

(My Thoughts) - As a huge fan of his comedy show, since he replaced Jon Stewart on the Daily Show at Comedy Central in 2015, I couldn't wait to read Trevor Noah's memoir. This book is read by the author and is pitch perfect.  Noah who is 32 years old, tells his story of growing up in South Africa during apartheid.  Noah's mother is black and his father white and, mixed parentage was illegal when he was born.  His story is both serious and humorous and, the chapters are both informative and compelling, focusing on specific topics. Each chapter focuses on a specific story that deals with matters like parenting, racism, love, crime, punishment, and teen antics and teen angstSome of the people who played a significant role in his life are spoken of in multiple chapters.  His mother was a strong-willed but stern woman. A deeply religious woman who loved her son and tried to show give him a good foundation for success. It amazed me how well the author could take a sad or tragic event and turn the experience into a positive. I was also surprised to learn that Noah was fluent in six languages.  This book was amazing in every way, a history lesson and a wonderful memoir as well.  BTW: If you've never seen The Daily Show, you are missing out on some terrific comedy. (5/5 stars)





(2) new books arrived by mail last week:

Have a good weekend and Happy Easter!

23 comments:

  1. I'm listening to Born a Crime right now and am loving it...it's such a great mix of history lesson and sweet/funny childhood memoir.
    I also read Sons & Daughters (total sucker for wealthy people behaving badly) and loved the first half (loved the writing), but lost interest once they got on the boat.

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    1. Sounds like we had the same feelings on both of these books Sarah:)

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  2. I know you're happy to be rid of the snow! I want to read Born a Crime - maybe I'll use an Audible credit on it one of these days.

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  3. It is finally warming up here on Long Island. I am so happy that it is spring.

    It is interesting, rich people behaving badly is the source of so much of our fiction. It is also the source of so much misery in the real world.

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    1. Brian Joseph, Isn't that the truth about "rich people behaving badly?"

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  4. I've heard Anything is Possible is fabulous. Hope you enjoy it! Happy Easter!

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    1. Hope you had a nice Easter as well Mary. I'm looking forward to Anything is Possible.

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  5. I'm looking forward to Elizabeth Strout's new book and have just added Born A Crime to my audio list. Glad the snow is finally gone :)

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  6. Happy reading and Happy Easter from all of us!

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  7. Daffodils popping up is such a happy thing! I have been hearing good things about Trevor Noah's book so may have to add it to my TBR list

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    1. I hope that you will try the Trevor Noah book Helen - so good. Even my husband loved it.

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  8. I'm glad spring is in the air at last! Happy Easter, Diane!

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  9. Glad the snow is gone! I can't imagine Easter in snow.I am picking up some reading speed a bit myself. Happy reading and have a fantastic Easter!

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    1. Thanks Charlie, Yesterday was a beautiful day - almost too hot - 80 degrees, but back to high 60's today for Boston Marathon so happy about that.

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  10. All new to me. I would like to know a bit more of the Strout book. New one for me.

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    1. I do love the way Elizabeth Strout writes so I'll be looking forward to this one.

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  11. Well, I was going to possibly read Ramona Ausublel's novel but right now I am on strike when it comes to reading about privileged people acting badly. I guess I am more interested in their victims.

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  12. I have Sons and Daughters...from the library but am not sure if I will spend the time to read it.

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