Very timely book about discovering what's truly important and meaningful any time, but especially during tough economic times. This slim volume brings wonderful stories of resilience, faith, and acceptance. A really quick, easy read and one that I will probably re-read at some point for the inspirational message. Closer to 4-1/2 stars. ]]>
Catherine
read and liked
Ziaria's
review of Cherries in Winter: My Family's Recipe for Hope in Hard Times:
"This review will be just like the book, short and to the point. This book was simplistic and yet radiated so much warmth from the pages. The recipes and how they were tied into her family's story were so heartfelt. It made you want to cry in some spo...more "
"This review will be just like the book, short and to the point. This book was simplistic and yet radiated so much warmth from the pages. The recipes and how they were tied into her family's story were so heartfelt. It made you want to cry in some spo...more "
The title pretty much covers the content of the book. I thought her Peace Corps experience in Ecuador was interesting. As her story progressed to moving to Uganda with her husband after he accepted a job with CARE, I thought her descriptions of culture shock and integrating into her new surroundings was told with much humor and honesty. I sympathized with many of her frustrations.
Overall, the book was entertaining and gave an interesting glimpse of one woman's Peace Corps experience and truthful insights into third-world living while working for a worthy cause. ]]>
Lebovitz is an American who has lived in Paris for several years. He writes with oodles of humor and just a touch of mildly brutal honesty.
I would recommend this book to anyone traveling to Paris for the first time. It's a great primer of what to expect and offers assistance in avoiding common faux pas.
There are recipes throughout. The back section gives addresses and websites for many cafes and stores. His blog offers even more helpful information for travelers and other fun musings.
In one area I must respectfully disagree with Lebovitz in his less than favorable liking to Angelina's chocolat chaud. I suffer from frequent cravings for the delectable deliciousness of Angelina's unique, perfect mixture of liquid chocolate and whipped cream and make a beeline to wait in line for a table on every trip.
This book, for me, should probably be rated closer to 3-1/2 stars. ]]>
bookshelves: book-club
I had already read "Return to Paris" prior to reading this book, which focuses on Colette Rossant's early years. I enjoyed this book very much. The only reason I gave it four stars was because it was a bit repetitive if you've already read "Return to Paris." However, if this is the first volume you read, you won't be lost wondering who the characters are. ]]>
Catherine
read and liked
Travis's
review of Brother, I'm Dying:
"Danticat's intimate prose makes you feel like you're part of her family whose story this memoir narrates. Not only is it heartbreaking and beautiful; it's also a terrifying validation of postcolonial theorists' fears about globalization. It's diffi...more "
"Danticat's intimate prose makes you feel like you're part of her family whose story this memoir narrates. Not only is it heartbreaking and beautiful; it's also a terrifying validation of postcolonial theorists' fears about globalization. It's diffi...more "
Sanderson is an Englishwoman who lives in and loves Paris. The book begins eight years into her relationship with her one-year-old daughter's French father.
Feeling dissatisfied with her life, Sanderson begins writing a blog under the nom de plume Petite Anglaise. Her blog quickly becomes quite popular and she begins to make new friends, including one particular Englishman living in France. I won't spoil the story, but I'll just say that her life becomes complicated after that.
Although I found myself a few steps ahead and was able to accurately predict the outcome, I still enjoyed the book. I agree with others who have called her narcissistic, but that's a personality trait of the writer, not an evaluation of the story itself. I believe that Sanderson may just be reflective enough of her own behavior that perhaps now in hindsight she will recognize the karmic results of her actions and evolve into a more thoughtful person. Maybe I’m overly optimistic, but I would hope readers would benefit from Sanderson's mistakes without having to make them on their own.
Again, looking on the bright side, I anxiously await a sequel and the discovery of Sanderson's transformation, finding a balance of mindfulness of others without compromising her own happiness. ]]>
Ellie and her husband Jack are looking to buy an apartment in Paris as a vacation home. They're from Melbourne Australia.
Nielsen takes us through the entire two-week process, every minute and tedious detail. The conversations in French were not translated most of the time, which I found highly annoying. Characters were thrown in without any explanation of their relationship to the writer. I kept feeling like an interloper in a stranger's dull conversation. If she'd been telling me this story I would have tuned out five minutes in.
The book was poorly written and edited. I gave it two stars for the mere fact that Neilsen was able to complete the book before boring herself to death. To sum it up, sorry to say, merde. There are other books on Paris that are far better. ]]>
bookshelves: book-club
Bruni writes of his obsession with food, details numerous attempts at various eating plans, his weight gains and losses, and ironically, ultimately being the restaurant reviewer for the New York Times.
As a lifelong dieter and craving wrangler myself, I found many aspects--though thankfully not all--of his stories relatable.
His recollections of family, particularly his relationship with his mother and grandmother, were touching and poignant.
The only slight criticism I have of the book (and I hesitate to even point it out because I really did enjoy all of the book) was that some of his anecdotes on his adventures as a restaurant critic were a repeat of Ruth Reichl's book, "Garlic and Sapphires." But since they both were doing the same job, one would conclude that they might have similar experiences.
Overall the book was nicely paced and a fine read, fully deserving of 4-1/2 stars. ]]>
by Rhoda Janzen
I agree. Now after reading a few other books, I'm having a hard time even remember very much of her story, except of course that her husband left her for another man. This memoir definitely hasn't stayed with me so I guess that's an indication of substance deficiency. ]]>