The Husband's Secret

This one will suck you in. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty is thrill. When I picked this up, I honestly thought that it would be a nice, relaxing, easy beach read. Instead it was thoughtful, provoking, suspenseful, and a bit nerve-racking at times. I can't even tell you the last suspenseful book I read (I develop slight anxiety while watching rose ceremonies), so this was definitely different for me. But I LOVED it. It might not have been a breeze, but I could not put it down.

Here's the deal...

We are introduced to three lovely, normal women that become linked in very meaningful ways. Our main character, Cecilia, has a seemingly amazing life. A sweet hubby, three darling daughters- what more could you want? Then one day she finds a letter written by her husband that is only to be opened after his death. Well, clearly no sane woman is going to wait for that, and everything Cecilia has come to know has been forever changed. Now... I can't tell you anymore, you'll have to learn the secrets yourself!

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Shotgun Lovesongs

I may be from California, but my family all hails from the great heartland of Iowa. To me, there is something romantic about open plains, small towns, picket fences, and friendly neighbors, so when I read the intro to Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler, I was hooked. Not only did the book satisfy my Midwest fantasies and real-life expectations (there must be a reference to a Lutheran church to guarantee authenticity), but it gave me a slight motivation to move to Wisconsin. I'm serious. 

The novel follows a group of four friends from the small town of Little Wing, Wisconsin. They all handle small-town life differently, and it was easy to identify with aspects of each of the characters. I don't normally enjoy reading books from a variety of character perspectives, but I loved the way he made it flow with no abrupt stops or superfluous backstories. Most importantly though, you can feel the friendship and love, and that is what makes it a great read.

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Happy Memorial Day!

 

 

I'm not quite finished with A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith, but I'm really enjoying it so far. It's a perfect read in honor of Memorial Day! Happy reading and remembering!

 

 

A description from Knopf...

 

The United States Congress in 1929 passed legislation to fund travel for mothers of the fallen soldiers of World War I to visit their sons’ graves in France. Over the next three years, 6,693 Gold Star Mothers made the trip. In this emotionally charged, brilliantly realized novel, April Smith breathes life into a unique moment in American history, imagining the experience of five of these women.

They are strangers at the start, but their lives will become inextricably intertwined, altered in indelible ways. These very different Gold Star Mothers travel to the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery to say final good-byes to their sons and come together along the way to face the unexpected: a death, a scandal, and a secret revealed.

None of these pilgrims will be as affected as Cora Blake, who has lived almost her entire life in a small fishing village off the coast of Maine, caring for her late sister’s three daughters, hoping to fill the void left by the death of her son, Sammy, who was killed on a scouting mission during the final days of the war. Cora believes she is managing as well as can be expected in the midst of the Depression, but nothing has prepared her for what lies ahead on this unpredictable journey, including an extraordinary encounter with an expatriate American journalist, Griffin Reed, who was wounded in the trenches and hides behind a metal mask, one of hundreds of “tin noses” who became symbols of the war.

With expert storytelling, memorable characters, and beautiful prose, April Smith gives us a timeless story, by turns heartwarming and heartbreaking, set against a footnote of history––little known, yet unforgettable. 

 

 

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Never Stop to Think...

I could go on and on about how much I love what this books stands for, but I'll keep it simple. More is more, people. Happy Sunday!

Read more about Never Stop to Think... Do I have A Place For This? by Mary Randolph Carter & BUY

Mother's Day

I love recommending books to my mom, so this year I thought I would send a couple her way for her special day. I'm currently reading What Alice Forgot, and I knew my mom would love it, so that one was easy. But then I also wanted to include some type of not-so-cheesy-mother-daughter book, and thankfully, I stumbled upon Glitter and Glue. I can't wait to hear how she likes them! Happy Mother's Day!

Madam: A Novel of New Orleans

I love going to New Orleans. Yes, the city has its flaws (like having to be thoroughly scrubbed down each morning), but there is really nothing that compares. The food, music, and architecture are just too delicious to resist. Have a Pimms Cup from the Carousel Bar and I promise you'll be back. So when I saw this curious cover at my local bookstore, I gave in. And boy was I in for a ride.

Cari Lynn and Kellie Martin make New Orleans circa 1897 come to LIFE. The people (quite promiscuous people, at that) and locations are so vividly described that I felt as though I were watching from my hotel room (obvs The Ritz on Canal). Although, come to think of it, I wouldn't really want to watch everything, seeing as how this is a novel about madams, but I digress. This was a stunning glimpse into a time when the city was a different place.

This novel is a perfect example of how incredibly NOT boring historical fiction can be. Pull up your stockings, dab on some rose oil, and settle in for a treat (no, not that kind)...

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Wednesday's Wish List

A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin

The Bohemians by Ben Tarnoff

Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler

Tasty Tuesday: First Prize Pies

I think it's officially pie season. Yes, that is a real thing, and yes, I am over-the-moon excited. I absolutely love baking and sweets- unfortunately more than my husband (puh-lease.. more for me!). I have quite a small rotation of goods, so when I came across this pie perfection it was pure bliss. While I'm still deciding which pie to conquer first, I know that they will all be delectable. I'll keep you posted!

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The Widow's Guide to Sex and Dating: A Novel

I love me some Radzi (nickname courtesy of Heather Thomson/no we are not yet even on a first name basis). Not only does she make RHONY worth watching, but she keeps me sane while enduring Aviva's delusional wrath. I loved every minute of reading What Remains, so I obviously had to get a copy of this as well.

It is highly unlikely that someone could depict death with some humor and wittiness as well as Ms. Carole Radziwill. While I sympathized with the widow for about five minutes, I was too caught up in the charm to consider the morbidity. And that is what I love about The Widow's Guide to Sex and Dating. We all know how sad, hard, miserable blah blah... death is, so it was a breath of provacative fresh air to make death into a positive, seriously enjoyable read. Bravo (ha, I'm so clever), Carole- I knew you wouldn't let me down! Please keep ghost writing- I need to make sure you still have a storyline to occupy my Tuesday nights.

Publisher's book description:

Claire Byrne is a quirky and glamorous 34-year-old Manhattanite and the wife of a famous, slightly older man. Her husband, Charlie, is a renowned sexologist and writer. Equal parts Alfred Kinsey and Warren Beatty, Charlie is pompous yet charming, supportive yet unfaithful; he’s a firm believer that sex and love can’t coexist for long, and he does little to hide his affairs. Claire’s life with Charlie is an always interesting if not deeply devoted one, until Charlie is struck dead one day on the sidewalk by a falling sculpture ... a Giacometti, no less!

Once a promising young writer, Claire had buried her ambitions to make room for Charlie’s. After his death, she must reinvent herself. Over the course of a year, she sees a shrink (or two), visits an oracle, hires a "botanomanist," enjoys an erotic interlude (or ten), eats too little, drinks too much, dates a hockey player, dates a billionaire, dates an actor (not any actor either, but the handsome movie star every woman in the world fantasizes about dating). As she grieves for Charlie and searches for herself, she comes to realize that she has an opportunity to find something bigger than she had before—maybe even, possibly, love.

BUY

Sunday Funday: Reading Andy Warhol

From the publisher Hatje Cantz...

Was Andy Warhol (1928–1987) an intellectual or a reader of comics? In any case, he loved books. From his student days onward, he was fascinated by the medium of print. Starting with illustrations for famous novels by Truman Capote or Katherine Anne Porter, he was a successful graphic designer who also made playful thematic booklets that he handed out to New York’s fashion scene as advertising. He designed covers for large publishing companies and made silkscreens and lithographs for the covers of poetry books written by author friends. In his own books he documented the film and photographic work done at his Factory. Warhol blasted apart the usual genres of literature by having sound recordings transcribed and published. This extensive volume presents his achievements in book design and writing from the standpoints of art history and literary theory.

BUY from Anthropologie & BUY from Amazon

Love Your Local Bookstore: Paragraphs in South Padre Island, TX

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending time with my fabulous in-laws. Unfortunately my hubby had to work, but that meant some quality time with the MIL. We had a blast shopping up and down the island, and knowing my love for local bookstores my mom found this store online, so I had to stop by. My MIL found some great books for a variety of people in her life, and I finally picked up Nothing Daunted! Win-win!

From their website...

Paragraphs On Padre Boulevard is a full-service independent bookstore. We stock a comprehensive selection of new and used books, carefully selected, to satisfy all readers and any budget. And we love to make personal recommendations!!

The store has comfortable chairs, free WiFi, a courtyard, plus a variety of game boards, all available for your enjoyment.

We will also research and locate out-of-print, unusual, or rare books.

Shopping Online and can't find what you are looking for? Call us and we will be happy to special order a title for you.

5505 Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island, TX 78957

(3 miles N. of the Causeway)

Oasis

This Easter weekend I am taking a little trip with my wonderful mother-in-law. I couldn't be more excited to get my relaxation on!

The book's description via: 

Oasis showcases a stunning selection of baths, spas, retreats, and other relaxing getaways that not only cater to our personal well-being, but also creatively push the frontiers of hospitality, interior design, and architecture. This book brings together a rich assortment of contemporary locations for indulging both our bodies and our minds—places to let go, be pampered, relax, and refocus. From public saunas to choice health clubs and five-star resorts, the spectrum of retreats ranges from minimalist spaces of tranquility to glamorously opulent temples of body care. Brimming with lavish photographs, Oasis serves as the ultimate guide to addressing and re-imagining our physical and mental need for escape and tranquility.

so go relax and BUY this beauty

Paper to Petal

It's officially the last day of March, spring is in full swing, and it's time for some flowers! In my humble opinion, there is no such thing as too many flowers. But the hubby complains that I spend too much money on them only to see them die in five days. Obviously we are in disagreement over that, so when I stumbled upon this little ingenious book I couldn't have been happier! Finally- flowers that last! And I'm not talking the plastic kind. Those are forbidden in my life except for at my job, and that is solely because I am too scared that if I bring real ones to work someone will knock over my vase (a really pretty ceramic one from Anthro, duh) and fry my computer. Yes, I am slightly paranoid about my workspace. 

Anyway, I can't wait to make these! Think of all their uses- gift toppers, place cards, party favors, centerpieces. Make sure to check out more via their website. 

BUY

SUNDAY FUNDAY

From Maira Kalman's website...

“Girls Standing on Lawns”
Published in May 2014 by The Museum of Modern Art, New York

“Girls Standing on Lawns” is a unique collaboration between Maira Kalman and New York Times bestselling writer Daniel Handler, better known as Lemony Snicket. This smart and beautiful book contains 40 vintage photographs from the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, New York, and a dozen original paintings by Maira that were inspired by the photographs. Photos and paintings are accompanied by brief, lyrical texts by Handler. Poetic and thought-provoking, Girls Standing on Lawns is a meditation on memories, childhood, nostalgia, home, family, and the act of seeing. The gorgeous visual material sets the stage for what Handler succinctly describes as “a photograph, a painting, a sentence, a pose.” Girls, women, families, and even pets from days gone by grace the pages, looking out at us, enticing readers to imagine these people, their lives—and where they have gone.

more from this author

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Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

Flappers, vodka, Paris.. Oh my! It's safe to say I am thoroughly obsessed with this book. Terese Fowler's masterpiece is just irresistible, and I finished it in two (extremely long) sittings.

Even as a literary lover, I could not remember all the details of Zelda and Scott's journey. My unlikely ignorance sure was bliss. Her writing completely entwined me in this sad, beautiful, and unpredictable romance. Zelda and Scott had a relationship few can even imagine. Each day was an adventure- what to do, whom to see, where to live- I became interested in more than the ending of the book, I was captivated by what would happen at the end of each day. My life is fairly predictable. I have no plans to move, I know each day where to go for work, and I'm not concerned that my husband will be a hot mess when I see him next. It's easy to say poor Zelda, but Fowler also is able to convince us to say poor Scott. And that is pretty incredible in itself. I found myself switching sides from Team Zelda to Team Scott, but I finally realized that I was just Team Zelda & Scott. Love conquers all, right??

I would say that now I'm going to go read every book about the Fitzgeralds that I can get my hands on (like I did with the Kennedys when I first read Jackie, Ethel, Joan), but I'm afraid to be disappointed. Sometimes one glorious read is enough for even me.

BUY

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Weekend Wish List

Here is my weekend wish list of books from Simon & Schuster. I picked one of them up at my local bookstore today, but you'll have to wait until next week to see which one. Happy Friday!

The Power of Glamour

Simon & Shuster provided me with a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. 

I have to admit, when I first saw this cover (which is what nearly entirely encourages me to read a book) I thought it was going to be full of fairly superficial information- which I was totally okay with. But my brain was in for some exercise, because Ms. Postrel sure did get me thinking. 

This book is really quite amazing. As someone with a obsession slight liking for all things glamorous, I now look at celebrities, advertisements, photographs, you name it, with a different perspective. 

From the cover...

In provocative detail with more than one hundred illustrations, critically acclaimed author Virginia Postrel separates glamour from glitz, revealing what qualities make a person, an object, a setting, or an experience glamorous.

What is it that creates that pleasurable pang of desire—the feeling of “if only”? If only I could wear those clothes, belong to that group, drive that car, live in that house, be (or be with) that person? Postrel identifies the three essential elements in all forms of glamour and explains how they work to create a distinctive sensation of projection and yearning.

The Power of Glamour is the very first book to explain what glamour really is—not just style or a personal quality but a phenomenon that reveals our inner lives and shapes our decisions, large and small. By embodying the promise of a different and better self in different and better circumstances, glamour stokes ambition and nurtures hope, even as it fosters sometimes-dangerous illusions.

From vacation brochures to military recruiting ads, from the Chrysler Building to the iPad, from political utopias to action heroines, Postrel argues that glamour is a seductive cultural force. Its magic stretches beyond the stereotypical spheres of fashion or film, influencing our decisions about what to buy, where to live, which careers to pursue, where to invest, and how to vote.

The result is myth shattering: a revelatory theory that explains how glamour became a powerful form of nonverbal persuasion, one that taps into our most secret dreams and deepest yearnings to influence our everyday choices.

BUY 

Rocket Girl

It's not too often I read a nonfiction book in two sittings- especially one about rocket science. They usually take me a while to get into, and then I really take my time trying to understand the person or event. Welllll, for every rule there is an exception, and this book is mine. I could not put it down. Mary Sherman Morgan traversed her way from the destitute prairies of North Dakota to the launch pad of America's first satellite. Oh, and she never even graduated college. Trying to imagine a feat more seemingly impossible is quite difficult. 

George Morgan told his mother's life story in a very refreshing way. Of course it helped that it was creative nonfiction, and certainly had to be thanks to very poor record keeping, but this book reads very differently compared to similar nonfiction selections. The reader gets glimpses not only of Mary Morgan's life, but also of the lives of many other individuals important to the space age. 

This book is just for science people, right? Oh no, my friend. I am probably one of the least sciencey (I am fully aware that is not a word) people on the planet. My brain prefers literature and only tolerates a math problem here and there. While much of the content is obviously science related (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, anyone?), it's so much more that a "science book." Rocket Girl is a book about an incredible woman, her unmatched talents, and her astounding sense of humility that prevented her story from being told years ago. So, thank you, Mr. Morgan, for outing your inspirational mother.

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I got my copy here

The Olympic City

images via

The 2014 Olympics may have come and gone, but I'm already looking forward to Rio. There's just something special about the Olympics. For two weeks countries come together, athletes other than Tom Brady are the center of attention, and I pretend to learn a thing or two about hockey and soccer. What could be better? Well, this book, for one. Jon Pack and Gary Hustwit have put together an incredible compilation of photographs showing Olympic cities after the the glitz and glamour have subsided. What remains is a truly remarkable- some cities have thrived, but others have sunk to near ruin. I highly recommend this book for any historian, Olympic fan, or architecture guru. There are very limited copies remaining, so snag yours before Bruce Jenner's transformation is complete soon! You might not have much time. 

BUY

Paris Street Style

I LOVE this guide to effortless chic by Isabelle Thomas & Frederique Veysset. It's everything a girl could want and more. There are tons of great fashion books out there, but this is my current fav. It is full of interesting interviews, tips for wearing classic pieces and making them your own, and advice on how to pull off tricky trends. The images are GORGEOUS and the quality of the book is the icing on the cake!

In true French form, I got my copy from Maison En Provence.

The Del: A Spring Break Favorite

One of my favorite places ever is the Hotel Del (like you need reminding). It's basically the best place in the world. Historic charm, long sandy beaches, beautiful architecture, perfect weather, gorgeous views... I could go on for days. So if you're in need of a little spring break getaway- you have my recommendation. I have numerous books on the Del, but this is one of the best. It details the construction of the resort dating back to the 1800s and is full of unique photographs and drawings. It would make the perfect gift for any Del aficionado, or a great way to hint to your travel buddy that you're in need of the next great getaway.

Buy from the Del

Stay at the Del

A Little Shakespeare Never Hurt Anyone

image via

Thanks to my new job, I've been reading quite a bit of Shakespeare. And I'm not complaining. To be honest, the majority of the time I would prefer a modern novel, but everyone once in awhile you just have to change it up. Twelfth Night is a great place to start. It has all the juicy gossip your heart desires without the guilt of a trashy romance. With plenty of love triangles (squares?) that keep you guessing and enough lovesickness to go around, I promise you won't get bored. Don't think you can handle Shakespearean language? Try a side-by-side version complete with modern text. You'll look like a genius sitting at Starbucks (and maybe score a date with a literary cutie just in time for Valentine's Day).

 

Order from Brazos Bookstore

French Women Don't Get Facelifts

I was provided a complimentary copy courtesy of Grand Central Publishing. All opinions are my own (lucky you).

Over Christmas break I usually read a lot. But this year was strangely different and I only made it through one delectable book. French Women Don't Get Facelifts by Mireille Guiliano was that completely perfect, relaxing read. 

Yes, I am slightly obsessed with Real Housewives. No, I do not in any way, shape, or form, want to look like them (except maybe a few, but I'll keep that a mystery). I prefer a less disturbed more natural look. Enter Mireille. 

You may think that this book is only for cougars and above. So wrong my friend. This twenty-something LOVED it. In fact, it's better you read it now (while you still have a little life in you... kidding) than later! She covers it all... getting dressed, skin care, grooming, makeup, manicures, exercise, nutrition, food, and even laughter. Let's face it- getting old isn't what it used to be. Aging has completely transformed. People (especially women) are living longer, better lives. Yes, there are hundreds of products out there than can help, but sometimes the best product is just a little confidence in your step. I have been recommending this book to all the lovely ladies in my life... whether they are 21 or 61. So put down the phone (your surgeon doesn't want to talk to you anyway) and just head on over to the bookstore. It's cheaper and much more relaxing. 

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Back in the Saddle

The past month and a half has been crazy. I completely changed careers, travelled throughout December, and just needed a little blogging break. GOOD NEWS... THE BREAK IS OVER!

via