21st Century Etiquette: Charlotte Ford’s Guide to Manners for the Modern Age by Charlotte Ford: Once upon a time (2004, I think) I read this book and was so impressed by Ms. Ford’s professionalism and decorum. Now, 20-some years into a business life myself, so much of her advice seems outdated. I don’t believe that this is the fault of the author, but rather the fact that times change (you have an answering service? What’s a fax machine?). While the more brass tacks of business etiquette still remain (and so many could do with paying attention), overall, this one felt tired. I’ll be looking for a more updated version, whether by Ms. Ford or someone else.
A History of Loneliness, by John Boyne: Oh, gosh. John Boyne is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This novel is centered around a gentleman who found himself as a member the priesthood in the middle of the scandals surrounding the Catholic Church. Through chats with family members now estranged and friends from long ago, he faces answering questions he didn’t want to, and finds himself remembering things he may wish he didn’t. As with all of those I’ve read by John Boyne, I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend (a warning, though, for those struggling with their faith, or who are triggered by insinuation of abuse).
Forbidden Notebook, by Alba de Cespedes: This was on the Carmichael’s Bookstore recommendations list last fall, and I am thrilled that I picked it up. We read the journal entries of an Italian woman post-war. She questions so much about her life, her husband, and her children, struggles with a woman’s place in the world in the 1950’s. It was incredibly well done, and I loved Ms. Cespedes bio at the back cover: “… greatly influenced by the cultural developments that led to and resulted from World War II. In 1935, she was jailed for her anti-fascist activities in Italy…” She seemed a cooler gal than I’ll ever be.
The Husbands, Holly Gramazio: Overall, 3 stars. An interesting concept, sure. One day, our protagonist wakes up after a bender to find her husband coming down from the attic. But she’s not married. Her attic is actually a portal for husband swapping. It’s cute, but gets repetitive and the idea becomes a smidge depressing… If you find a husband you like, then what? Overall, worth it for a lighthearted read, but I left it in a Free Little Library.
Tales of Mystery and Imagination, by Edgar Allan Poe: This one is perfect and has been for years. I didn’t realize I still had so much of the Tell-Tale Heart memorized, ha. Like so much of what I read, I was inspired to pick up the book after watching The House of Usher on Netflix. This one is a classic, and in the version I have, illustrated by Harry Clarke, the imagery is as spooky as the stories.
Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett: The newest novel by Ann Patchett was a phenomenal read, as hers always are. It’s a multi-generational tale in a way, with timelines that zip between a present-day farm in Michigan and the mother’s past as an aspiring actress (and the leading man her daughters didn’t know she had a relationship with). The sentimentality here is sweet.
The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett: A re-read for me; Beautiful! A story told by two siblings who love each other dearly. They’ve grown up in an incredible home with their father, a real estate investor. He marries a woman who only really tolerates the children, until one day, the father dies, and the siblings find themselves on their own, save for a trust fund for one of them. Family thought lost is found, success comes to the kids in very different forms, and it makes me wonder what life with siblings is like.
Sea Creatures, by Susanna Daniel: Another re-read. The third time, now, that I’ve read this one. A family relocates to Florida from Chicago after the husband suffers a not-so-great sleepwalking incident. The mother and her selectively mute young son get a job in the swamplands as assistant to a quiet and mysterious artist, at which point, her son begins to speak. When the little boy falls from the artist’s balcony and almost the entire family takes refuge in the hospital with him during a hurricane, the worst possible happens. A great read for those who like quiet, and not one for those with sleep disorders.
This is Where I Leave You, by Jonathan Tropper: I feel like I read this years ago, pre-movie. Personally, this is one of those really rare occasions that I’ll say I like the movie better (partially because Jason Bateman was brilliant and Jane Fonda was… well… Jane Fonda). However, it’s a great story. The opening birthday candle scene alone should be enough to have you hooked. A family comes together to sit shiva after their dad’s death, and being trapped in the house together for that long puts all sorts of strain on siblings, mom, neighbors… It’s so stinking funny at times, and heartbreaking at others.
Kiss Me Like a Stranger, by Gene Wilder: I do love Gene Wilder, and have been a fan of his movies for as long as I can remember (I’m pretty sure I could perform a one-woman show of Young Frankenstein). His life wasn’t the easiest, and I do believe that there was so much depression and self-doubt hiding in him. His biography is told in first person to you, the reader, and dictated to his therapist.
Shopgirl, by Steve Martin: I love, love Steve Martin. His acting, his music, his books. Shopgirl follows this enigma of a quiet, reserved gal in LA and her surprising relationship with a much older man as it seems to spring from nowhere, and abruptly come to an end. It’s on the shorter side (only 130 pages), but done really well.
Idaho, by Emily Ruskovich: Oh gosh… This one is a hard read. Told from a few different perspectives, you’re going to feel so sorry for our main character as well as her early-onset husband. Both try to heal from an unthinkable act years before that both brought them together and alienated them from one another and from society. I cried so hard, and was so stunned.
The Guncle, by Steven Rowley: Recommended by and originally lended from a girlfriend of mine, The Guncle is about a hip, young, gay, single dude in Palm Springs who suddenly finds himself as the guardian of his young niece and nephew. He introduces them to a life of frivolity and fun (and puppy ownership), while battling his family’s ideals of what “family” really means. Definitely a cute read, and one I bought for myself.
** this post is not sponsored in any way. all thoughts and opinions are my own **
** photo by Don Lehman **
