Oh my! This one was completely unexpected. The title....I thought, surely it does not contain erotic stories. But it did...and I listened toRating 4.5
Oh my! This one was completely unexpected. The title....I thought, surely it does not contain erotic stories. But it did...and I listened to this one via audio! Thankfully, I was home alone cleaning while I listened. I so enjoy reading anything about India and Indian culture and when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it.
Nikki is a young, modern Punjabi Indian girl living in London. Her parents, immigrants, want the best for her. Her father wanted her to be a lawyer and go to law school. But Nikki didn't know what she wanted, but knew it was not law school. So she drops out. She lives above a bar where she tends bar but she needs money for her now widowed mother. Her sister wants a traditional Indian marriage that is arranged, she asks Nikki to place an add for her on a community center board at the Punjabi temple in Southall. Here she instead finds a job add for someone to teach creative writing to Sikh widows. Nikki takes the job, well, no one else really applied to teach it either. During class, Nikki finds that many of these widows are illiterate. But what they really want is to tell stories....erotic stories. It makes them feel bold, strong, and a bit naughty. Nikki is thrown into the Sikh community and their rules. This is forbidden. There are a bunch of young local Sikh men, The Brotherhood, who go around keeping all the women in community inline, branding themselves the morality police. It's all quite scandalous. Women are so afraid to do anything and someone is threatening women in the community. But as more women hear about these stories told at class, more want to join. They begin to step out from behind their fear, and now their husbands (it's not all widows in the end), and do things for themselves. They stand-up for themselves.
Oh I enjoyed this one. It is funny, a bit tense, there is murder, jealousy, scandal....and more than I wanted to know about ghee and aubergines (in the stories). One passage I so enjoyed was the telling of the phrase 'book regret'...where Nikki saw a book and wanted it so bad, but decided not to get it. And since then she has suffered from book regret as she can no longer find the book in print. I learned so much about the Sikh culture also. It's not heavy on the erotic stories (that's not my thing) but a few are weaved into the story, it's more about the culture of these women and how they bond together and grow from the strength to actually tell these stories, their fantasies. The audio was wonderful and I loved every minute of it. I had to knock it a 1/2 star just for some predictability. I do highly suggest this one if you want a fun story, to learn about Indian culture, and want to listen to a fabulous audio. I just suggest....maybe some earbuds for the more racy parts....more
What a fun, whimsical, magical story. Initially, the name drew me in, then the cover, and when I saw in the blurb it said 'fairies' I was hRating 4.5
What a fun, whimsical, magical story. Initially, the name drew me in, then the cover, and when I saw in the blurb it said 'fairies' I was hopelessly hooked. I bugged my library to get a copy and they got both print and audio....I naturally selected the audio and loved every minute of it. I didn't want this one end. One line in the book that I kept coming back to....Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. And that is key to this wonderful book. And I for one, believe and love to read about magic.
The Cottingley Secret is a story that rotates between two timelines, the early 1900's and present day. In present day, Olivia is lost, getting ready to marry a man she really doesn't love. Her grandfather has just died and gave to her his bookstore, Something Old. The other story, in the early 1900's in Cottingley, Yorkshire, you learn of two young girls, who photographed fairies and ultimately captivated the world. In present day, Olivia finds a book in the bookstore telling the story of these two young girls and is enthralled and entwined in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these stories and each had warmed my heart. This historical fiction is another one of those stories where a small piece of history is plucked and a story is weaved around it. The story of the girls, two cousins, who photographed the fairies in their garden is real. The story became so widespread and popular that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was fascinated by it and used the photos and the story in an article that he was writing about fairies. Everyone knew the story and believed in the fairies. You see, it was a time of war, where families would constantly get messages that a son was lost in the war until there were no more sons left. So people wanted, and needed, to believe in something.
I am so glad that I finally read this one...eh, listened to it. The audio was fabulous. I loved every minute of it. And now, I've just grabbed this authors latest book (Thanks Jennifer for the tip!). A feel-good story that brings hope, fun, and magic to the reader. That is....if you believe in magic....more
Reading The Marriage of Opposites really made me think.....The Rules of Magic is my favorite Alice Hoffman book, but have I found a new favorite? Oh yReading The Marriage of Opposites really made me think.....The Rules of Magic is my favorite Alice Hoffman book, but have I found a new favorite? Oh yes, it is my new favorite as I adored this book. One of the things I love about Hoffman's books is that each one is so different. Yes, she has a running theme in many of her books and this one was no different....the color red, red haired women, birds, and of course, love (no magical realism in here, but not missed). But the stories she weaves are so unique and varied but utterly captivating.
The Marriage of Opposites is the story of Rachel Pissarro, growing up on the island of St. Thomas in the early 1800's. I enjoy visiting St. Thomas and seeing the land (though I'm more partial to Tortola right across the water via ferry). I enjoyed hearing of the lush lands, the foods, and the people from so long ago. Rachel was a strong young woman who spoke her mind and did what she wanted. Naturally, this ruffled many feathers in her community and within the Jewish families. Rachel was married to her fathers business partner to help save the business, and so her epic life began. The story moves back and forth between St. Thomas and Paris, France where Rachel has longed to visit. There are many rules of marriage and that of opposites is forbidden. But that does not stop Rachel. Eventually when her husband dies, she marries his nephew who is sent to the island to take over the business. And so begins the love affair that last many years to come. Though they are shunned due to this forbidden marriage. But Rachel does not care. She gives birth to many children, but one in particular is focused on. That is Camille Pissarro, the the Father of Impressionism. One of the wonderful things of this book is that it's part true story, and part fiction. Camille was a real person, a very well known painter in France, and his mother was Rachel, who gave birth to many children. Hoffman weaves this true tale but adding in more details of their lives. This is quite the family saga drawn over many years and many people.
I listened to the audio version of this which added to the beauty of this book. The narrators were wonderful, switching between the voice of Rachel, Camille, and a 'narrator' telling this amazing story. If you can't tell by now, I loved this book. I'm so glad that I finally read it and will tell any Hoffman fan to pick this one up. I just need to figure out which Hoffman book to follow up with now. I think that is a tall order to fill....more
Rating 4.5 but still thinking about it. . A wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking story wrapped into the cutest little book. A small book with baby bRating 4.5 but still thinking about it. . A wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking story wrapped into the cutest little book. A small book with baby blue and pink on the cover is just charming. And it has all that charm on the inside too. I read this one slowly as I wanted to savor every minute of it. Perhaps that's how people felt eating the dorayaki with sweet bean paste in this one (it's a pancake).
Such a small story with such a big punch. You learn of three people who come together in the most extraordinary ways and each helps the others. Sentaro is man just going through the motions of life. He spent time in jail and a man helps him out on his release. Sentaro goes to work for this man to pay off his debt to him. He works in his dorayaki shop. But Sentaro puts no heart into anything he does. One day he meets, and eventually hires, Tokue. She is an elderly woman, who has been affected by leprosy (not known to him initially) but makes the most sinfully tasting sweet bean paste. The two form an unlikely friendship while Tokue teaches Sentaro how to make sweet bean paste, and teaches him so much more. Wakana, a young girl, enters the story and their lives become entwined together. Tokue's story is so heartbreaking and I came to tears a few times reading this one. She teaches Sentaro that all life has meaning, even if the thinks his does not. The horror of her life is slowly revealed and it seems after so many years, people still have much prejudice around those with leprosy.
Oh this one made me happy, made me sad, and made me hungry. There was talk of the beautiful cherry trees that blossom and are adored by those in Japan. Reading this one made me think back to the times I went to Japan. I loved walking around, seeing all the beauty it had, seeing the blossoms, and one day while wondering I came upon a festival. There were people mobbing a small stand and they looked so happy with their food item they purchased. I figured, it must be good, so I got in line with the mobs of people, got my item and OMG was it the most glorious sweet I have ever had. I can't exactly say what it was, but recall it had bean paste in the center. I'm a big foodie so many of my memories of places revolve around food. I only wish I had gone back for another.
This book has been adapted into a movie and I plan to sit around the fire tomorrow and watch this movie and enjoy this wonderful story all over again. A truly special book about friendship, life, and perhaps, a look into why we are here in this world.
**Update** The movie is just as wonderful as the book. It's pretty close to the book but there are a few changes they made for the movie. If you read the book, you simply must watch the movie too!...more
Magical! Enough said, end review. Seriously, I loved this book. I got an email one day asking if I was wanted to reaRating 4.5 (Release date 10-10-17)
Magical! Enough said, end review. Seriously, I loved this book. I got an email one day asking if I was wanted to read this new book by Alice Hoffman. I didn't even think, I just replied YES!
The Rules of Magic is the 'prequel' to Hoffman's huge selling book and movie, Practical Magic. Even though this is a prequel, I will say this.....You DO NOT have to read Practical Magic before reading this one. In Practical Magic, the main characters had two aunts that took care of them for a bit. They were really not in the book that much. Fleeting in and out a few times. In the Rules of Magic, you learn about the lives of those aunts, starting when they were children.
The Rules of Magic is the story of Franny, Jet, and their brother Vincent. They know they are different from others, but not sure why. They know their mother rules them and keeps things from them, but they are not sure why. She urges no walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no cats, no crows, no candles, no books about magic, again, they are not told why. What they do know, is that they can never fall in love. Oh there are so many quirky, interesting characters in this one. I loved hearing about their aunt and so many others. I also loved hearing about NYC (always a favorite for me) and the books they read (The Magus, Maria Owens diary, The Scarlet Letter, and more). You learn how they began to grow and grow into their magical abilities, starting with a summer visit to their aunt they knew nothing about. I loved the addition into the story the man John Hawthorne. John Hawthorne is a real person, known for his early and vocal role as one of the leading judges in the Salem witch trials. John and his loathing for witches and magic is weaved beautifully into this story.
If you love magical realism, this is the perfect read for you. If you like to hear about witches and spells, this is for you. And if you love reading Alice Hoffman, then you must simply pick this one up. I do have to say, this is my favorite book of hers that I have read to date (though I do have more of hers to read). I like how she seems to have a common theme across her books, the color red, characters with red hair, birds (mainly black birds/crows), and of course, love.
Finally, I did get an advance copy of this via NetGalley. Thanks to NetGally, Simon & Schuster, and Alice Hoffman for this early release. This does not influence my review in any way. I just really enjoyed this one and now must get the print version for a future re-read....more
I loved this story! It reminded me so much of Rebecca, both have that gothic atmosphere, the bit of romance, the slow moving story that builds such teI loved this story! It reminded me so much of Rebecca, both have that gothic atmosphere, the bit of romance, the slow moving story that builds such tension, and the dimwitted main character. I thought briefly this might even surpass Rebecca as my favorite, but how can you top 'Last night I dreamed I went to Manderley again'? Though not too shabby here with 'They used to hang men at Four Tunings in the old days'.
My Cousin Rachel tells the story of obsession. Philip is a young gent, who is grieving over the loss of his cousin, who also raised him, Ambrose. Ambrose was recently married to his cousin Rachel and became quite ill and died. Now Rachel goes to Cornwall to return the belonging of Ambrose to Philip, and the two finally meet. Oh there is jealousy, deceit, and such an obsession in this wonderful tale. I don't want to tell anymore as to give anything away. Just read this one and decide for yourself about cousin Rachel. Is she evil or not?
I listened to this one via audio and the narrator was awesome! Jonathan Pryce, the actor, adds so much to this story, building the tension even more as he reads this tale. If you are a fan of audios, I highly suggest this one. I loved every minute of this and the tension and suspense went right to the end. A top read and top audio for the year, and a new book to add to my favorites and list of those I would enjoy a re-read....more
I'm sure you have heard the saying 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'....and that statement applies 100% to this book. To be honest, I figured it was I'm sure you have heard the saying 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'....and that statement applies 100% to this book. To be honest, I figured it was all about cartooning, graphics arts, and drawing and I was not interested in that. But I read a few GR friends reviews who loved this one and I added it to my list. Then Norma mentioned this one for a Traveling Sisters read and I was in. And I loved it! I was so happy to read this one with Norma, Brenda, and Lindsay.
The Animators is about real life, real people. This is what happens. Seriously, one of the better books on fully developed characters that I have read in a long time. The story is told from the point of view of Sharon Kisses (come on, you know you love that name) - half of this powerful team. The other half, Mel Vaught. Seriously, these two, the ying and the yang. Sharon is quiet, reserved, but determined, the finisher of the two. Mel is wild, in your face, but driven, the starter of the two. But both of them can party with the best of them. You can't help but be drawn towards Mel. She exudes life and lives it to the fullest. You learn of how they meet in college, form a friendship, and become partners in developing animated movies about life. Specifically, their lives. Yeah, there is talk about the process of animation and drawing, but it's not over the top. It's central to the story. Both of the girls have had rough early lives and it impacts their lives today and makes them who they are. And you see this in their animated movies.
This one really took me by surprise. I can't believe how much I really liked it. It was funny, but man was it sad. I'm not gonna lie, I really had to choke back tears in the end. It's heartwarming and it's real. It's the story of friendship, real true friendship. I read it slow, so not to miss anything. I know this one will end up in my favorites of the year. But, I'm not sure that I have done this book justice. For an amazing review, check out the Norma's review and the Traveling Sisters at: https://twogirlslostinacouleereading.wordpress.com
A wonderful read and one that will stick with me for some time. If anyone were to ask me, 'what book should I read', I would say The Animators. Just go into it with an open mind and savor every moment of it....more
Wow! What a ride. I can't believe this is my second 5-star book so far this year. But this book deserves 5 stars. I read some reviews on this last yeaWow! What a ride. I can't believe this is my second 5-star book so far this year. But this book deserves 5 stars. I read some reviews on this last year and added it to my massive to-read pile. I tend to gravitate to books about WWII. But it sat there.....until I saw that the audio version was narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and it was moved to the top of my list immediately.
During the war, there was a race to develop an atomic bomb. The US wants to rush and be the first, to win the war and to stop the genocide taking place. The Germans are also working to develop a bomb and have a well known scientist helping them. But let me step back. There is a scientist, Alfred Mendl, who is one of a very few men in the world who have the knowledge needed to advance the development of the bomb (another is the one helping the Germans). But while fleeing the Germans, Mendl is taken along with his family, to Auschwitz. The Germans do not listen to this man, the 'Professor', and burn all of his papers and notes, having no idea what they just destroyed. The president of the US, FDR, and the US government need Mendl for their war efforts. In steps Nathan Bloom, an intelligence officer, a Polish man who escaped Krakow and made his way to the US, and who is tasked with sneaking into Auschwitz and getting Mendl out. Sneaking into this death camp and getting out that one man that is desperately wanted.
This was a great historical thriller that kept me thinking up until the end. At times I thought I had it all figured it out and then no. I could say more about this story, the other characters, but I do not want to give anything away. It is a difficult read, to hear in detail about some of the things that took place at the hands of the Germans and in the death camps. Much of the story is based on truth but there are a few things the author added in to enhance this story. At the end of the print version, there is an authors note that describes this.
The story was amazing and the audio narration was equally amazing. Ballerini is my favorite narrator and he adds so much to this story - tension, suspense, relief, and his accents are spot on. Though, I could have him read anything to me and I would be mesmerized. The audio version does not include the authors note. I happened to see something about that so also grabbed the print version for this content (only a few pages).
A book for thriller fans, those who like to read about WWII, those who like historical fiction, or those who just want to read a great book!...more
I loved this book. I loved the beautiful cover which initially drew me to this book. I loved the story, the sweeping saga over many generations of theI loved this book. I loved the beautiful cover which initially drew me to this book. I loved the story, the sweeping saga over many generations of the Esposito family. I loved the audio narration, Edoardo Ballerini is an amazing narrator and he adds so much to the story. I loved the House at the Edge of Night, surrounded in bougainvillea. I want to go there, sit in the cafe, and drink limoncello.
The House at the Edge of Night is a magical story told over many, many years about a small island called Castellamare. One day, a young man arrives on the island to be the island doctor. He is Amedeo Esposito and at some point, he purchases the House at the Edge of Night and restores the cafe for himself and all of the islanders. He eventually marries and has children. The story told is about his life, his children and their lives, and his children's childrens lives. But more importantly, it tells the story of all of those that live on the island and at times, visit the island. There are so many wonderful characters in this story. The House at the Edge of Night seems to be the heart of the island, the gathering place for the locals, and the place at which many generations of Espositos live and work.
When I saw the cover, I was intrigued. I read a few GR friends reviews and sought out the book. I love, love, love Edoardo Ballerini as a narrator so I knew I had to listen to this one via audio. He does such an amazing job with all the voices, the pace is perfect, and his voice lends to that magical quality of this entire book. I saw many lists of the 'best covers of 2016' and was sadly shocked to see this book did not make the list. Nor, did it make many top read's lists - except by many on GR. I could have had more of this wonderful story, tell me more about the next generation of Espositos. A highlight for year end 2016 and first 5-star read for 2017. And one I will read again in the future....more
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