I used to love reading advice columns in papers and magazines. I once found a stack of ladies magazines from the 40's and of course went to the adviceI used to love reading advice columns in papers and magazines. I once found a stack of ladies magazines from the 40's and of course went to the advice column right off. Apparently, the same thing happened to AJ Pearce, with a stack of ladies journals from WWII. Those were the inspirations for this book, and some of the letters are the basis of letters used in the book. Dear Mrs Bird was an enjoyable romp back in history, in a refreshingly different vein from the plethora of WWI books flooding the market of late....more
In all fairness, this is a book about three women (one in particular) who had an enormous influence on me, written and edited by two more women, who IIn all fairness, this is a book about three women (one in particular) who had an enormous influence on me, written and edited by two more women, who I have the great honor to call friend. I'm not exactly unbiased here.
Cathy Hass Riley has graciously opened up her private thoughts and writings to allow readers a glimpse of life with Elizabeth Chapin Patterson, Kitty Davy, and Margaret Craske, women who left their lives in the west to follow the Spiritual Master Meher Baba. Elizabeth eventually returned to the US, where, under Baba's directive, she and Princess Norina Machabelli found the land that would become the Meher Center, a retreat for rest, meditation, and renewal of the spiritual life in Myrtle Beach, SC. Later, joined by British-born Kitty, Elizabeth continued to run the center. Margaret, who was at that time dancing and teaching ballet in New York, would come and stay at Dilruba, Elizabeth's home near the Center. As the women aged, a group of younger women helped them out at Dilruba. Cathy, and her editor Lois Breger, were a major portion of that group.
At one point in my life, I was fortunate enough to be able to assist Kitty in some small ways over several years, and to accompany her on a trip to India. Interestingly enough (and kind of humbling), the times I was of service to her were the times Cathy was away, so there's absolutely no mention of any of it at all in the book. My story is small, but Cathy's service covered years, and it's a privilege to be able to walk with her, through her written words, to learn the art and grace of service to others, as well as gain glimpses into the life, experience, and memories of three women who devoted their lives to Meher Baba.
Thank you, Cathy, for bringing back dear Kitty so vividly. I have read this book slowly so as to savor your words, and open up that vault of my own experiences, to re-examine, learn, and grow from them, as I have from your sharing of your days at Dilruba. It’s somehow not surprising that these three women continue to advise and teach, through your stories, though they’ve been gone from us so long.
All the footnote snark and fun of Crazy Rich Asians, but the story wasn't quite as engaging, and after being submerged in the China Rich in CRA, one gAll the footnote snark and fun of Crazy Rich Asians, but the story wasn't quite as engaging, and after being submerged in the China Rich in CRA, one grows a little weary of the billionaire lifestyle. The food descriptions made what asian food we have here in Charleston seem rather sad....more
Avoided this book at first, because I thought it would be chick lit, but it's really a study in cultural anthropology. At university, I was an Asian SAvoided this book at first, because I thought it would be chick lit, but it's really a study in cultural anthropology. At university, I was an Asian Studies major, but after graduating in 1978, did little follow-up. This filled in the gaps nicely, with a romance and a little bromance woven throughout. Loved the footnotes, especially. Off to find the second in the series....more
I've really liked just about every Laurie Frankel book I've read, each very different, but written with a great deal of sensitivity, this one especialI've really liked just about every Laurie Frankel book I've read, each very different, but written with a great deal of sensitivity, this one especially. And written with humor, can't forget that. The author's afterward, regarding her own transgendered child is fascinating. I've known several kids, convinced they were a boy in a girl's body or a girl in a boy's body, and seen the different ways different families react. Penn and Rosie were learning as they went along, and the story is interesting.
Read this while on the run from Hurricane Florence....more
About a year ago, we tried to listen to this book by jury-rigging cables and wires to get a smart-phone to play through a stupid car stereo system. ItAbout a year ago, we tried to listen to this book by jury-rigging cables and wires to get a smart-phone to play through a stupid car stereo system. It was a long road trip and we wanted to listen to some Jo Nesbø. I hold this book directly responsible for us buying a new car with Car Play on it and then our subsequent car trip up the east coast, to Canada, and back. The book kept us going on the drive north, but it took 2.5 more books to get us home again. We both love the Harry Hole series, and other books by Nesbø. This did not disappoint. Of note: more references to Nesbø's other world in music. Also, for the first time in our 34 years of marriage, we discussed plot angles and possibilities as the book was winding up. Good stuff....more
When you're sitting poolside and someone tells you she's reading a fantastic book, you like to check it out. I'm not sure we have the same taste in boWhen you're sitting poolside and someone tells you she's reading a fantastic book, you like to check it out. I'm not sure we have the same taste in books though, admittedly I did learn a lot about autism and Aspergers in women, and what porn star nipples are. Doubtful I'll read more in this series or another recommendation from the person who loved this. There were some insightful moments, though, and I did like the author's after note....more
Some stuff going on that has been keeping me from being too active in the day, and also disrupts sleep at night. As if I needed an excuse to read.
SeemSome stuff going on that has been keeping me from being too active in the day, and also disrupts sleep at night. As if I needed an excuse to read.
Seems like a lot of books I've read recently feature a widow. It's kinda creeping me out. Anyhow, this was a good summer read, with some interesting mother-daughter relationships. Thank goodness mine with my mama wasn't like these. Plus, I learned even more about Milwaukee area, and got a cameo by Lou and her sous chef at the new restaurant. Plus this time Reichert made me crave brownies and grilled cheese....more
Craig Johnson was on the guest panel at an Author Luncheon sponsored by the local paper. He was well spoken, funny, and told a good story or two in hiCraig Johnson was on the guest panel at an Author Luncheon sponsored by the local paper. He was well spoken, funny, and told a good story or two in his allotted time. I decided to check out his books, even though it's not my usual read. I downloaded a couple on Audible, and inadvertently started with number 2. No matter. Once I adjusted to his pace, it was a great tale, spoken by a reader I had heard to a completely different style book, excellently. He also did a fantastic job on this one. I will hear his voice in my head when I read future Longmire books....more
This is a love letter to Milwaukee and to food, with a romance thrown in. Don't read it hungry.This is a love letter to Milwaukee and to food, with a romance thrown in. Don't read it hungry....more
I absolutely adored the The Lady Astronaut of Mars by Mary Robinette Kowal, featuring the same lead character as this book. I kept waiting for this ElI absolutely adored the The Lady Astronaut of Mars by Mary Robinette Kowal, featuring the same lead character as this book. I kept waiting for this Elma to grow into that one-- and undoubtedly she will, though it will be in the period between the end of this book and the beginning of the novella. Either way, there still was a lot to enjoy about this story, and the premise has given me lots to think about-- a meteorite strikes the east coast of the US in 1952, wiping out cities and lives, setting the world up for drastic climate change. It also causes drastic changes in the timeline for the US Space program.
Things I liked about this book: the relationship the two Drs York have, both the playfulness, and the support they give each other, how Elma's eyes are slowly opened to the inequality to those Americans not fortunate enough to be born white or male, the friendships that existed and the strength many of the characters showed. Yes, this is an alternative history, and the science behind that "what if" is fascinating, but like Kowal's other books, it is the relationships between the characters that drives the story.
I did listen to the audio version, read by the author, and I admit to willing suspension of disbelief when she tried to do what she thought would be a Charleston accent speaking Yiddish or Hebrew. ...more
I was hesitant to read this for a couple of reasons, but ended up really glad I did, and even learned a few things, to boot, among which was how littlI was hesitant to read this for a couple of reasons, but ended up really glad I did, and even learned a few things, to boot, among which was how little I knew of the UP. ...more
A lovely book about Jean and Robert (Rab) Burns, told from Jean's POV. I learned a lot about the poet's life that I'd not known, as well as life in geA lovely book about Jean and Robert (Rab) Burns, told from Jean's POV. I learned a lot about the poet's life that I'd not known, as well as life in general at the time. Definitely a complicated relationship, and a complex and complicated genius of a poet....more
A beautiful book for middle schoolers that taught me so much about a culture of which I know very little. The world can be a scary place, and bad thinA beautiful book for middle schoolers that taught me so much about a culture of which I know very little. The world can be a scary place, and bad things can happen to those we love. Yet friends can help us through those tough times and even in finding solutions. It reminds me, yet again, why one of my favorite quotes is from Aesop: No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Thanks to Nora, and Marie Miranda Cruz, I now know more about the cemetery culture/community in the Philippines.
I received my copy from Tor Books. Sorry it took me so long to write my thoughts. Nora is a great character for the target audience. There's a great balance of threat and positive resolution, while also tackling some issues that exist in many cultures....more
Sarah McBride is an amazing woman, a powerhouse in the fight for trans equality. Her own story is beautifully told in Tomorrow Will Be Different. SaraSarah McBride is an amazing woman, a powerhouse in the fight for trans equality. Her own story is beautifully told in Tomorrow Will Be Different. Sarah is honest, forthright, and informative in recounting her journey to bring her from the gender identified at birth to her true gender as female. Because of her political activism, a passion from a young age that grew into a career, Sarah has also had the opportunity to support and fight for gender equality and supportive legislation in Washington DC, her home state of Delaware, and elsewhere in the US. Her fight for equality also brought Andy, a trans man into her life. Their time together was brief, cut short by cancer, but clearly these two remarkable people had something very special. And clearly, the work that the two of them each did to lay the foundations for a world where transgender individuals are safe, respected, supported, and truly equal is incredibly important. It is more than most of us do in a lifetime. Sarah did it before she turned 26. And she hasn't stopped.
Thank you, Sarah. I am in awe of your accomplishments. Thank you for sharing so beautifully the story of your journey and for allowing us to come along. You give me hope.
Thank you to blogging for books for sending me this copy. Sadly this program is ending, but at least I get to go out on a high note with this amazing memoir....more
An entertaining enough book to read when you've broken your kneecap and can't do much else. I knew a bit about Willard from other books I've read, butAn entertaining enough book to read when you've broken your kneecap and can't do much else. I knew a bit about Willard from other books I've read, but this had more details on some of the "treatments" etc. I have the first book by this author in my TBR pile. Liked this one enough to probably read that, but I'm not going to rush and pull it out for an immediate read. The writing fell a little flat for me in this, and there were times I sort of skim-read. ...more
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