Christmas always brings a new crop of reading material -- and not nearly enough time to read. But I have managed to gobble down Z -- a novel about the Montgomery, Alabama belle who became the wife of the young F. Scott Fitzgerald and an icon of the Jazz Age.
It's a fascinating take on the literary life in the Twenties -- a veritable Who's Who of Big Names. Whether or not this captures the real Fitzgeralds, I don't know. But it's certainly sending me in search of Zelda's novel and the short stories that, according to this novel, Zelda wrote and allowed to be published as a joint effort. (There's a review in the NY Times HERE that will give you a fuller picture.)
Wayfaring Strangers, the story of the music of Appalachia and its journey from Scotland to Northern Ireland and thence to our mountains, is full of pictures that look like home.
I haven't read it through yet but am enjoying a leisurely perusal of its pages. But wait! There's more -- a CD is part of the package and Madison County's own Sheila Kay Adams (seventh generation ballad singer) is one of the artists.
Another beautiful book is A Kitchen in France. I was overwhelmed with the idyllic life pictured -- rural France, a charming old house complete with adorable children and dogs -- and a chatelaine/chef/mother/author who looks a lot more like a model than a serious cook. But I must say the recipes sound amazing and I look forward to trying them.
And a new series to explore -- my daughter-in law Aileen is a fan of the Phryne Fisher mysteries. and she and Ethan got me the first four for my Kindle They've been on my radar ever since I first heard of Phryne -- a Twenties deb turned detective -- in Australia. I am really looking forward to these.
Did you get any books as gifts? Or did you treat yourself? Tell us what you're reading
15 comments:
You'll have those knocked out with a quickness and still do all the other things you need to do... you always do! I actually did get a book for Christmas, from my brother in law. Everyone always laughs at the way I talk and the sayings I grew up with, so he got me "Butter My Butt and Call Me a Biscuit". (and other country sayings, so-sos, hoots and hollers) By two Asheville authors. (Zullo and Cheek)
For probably the first time, I did not get a book for Christmas. I did get a pen. (Admittedly, I do have a large tote bag full of 'books to read' by my bed.)
Thank you! I'll put Wayfaring Strangers on my Wishlist. I'm planning on having a birthday this year, so ...
I got two books from my spirit guide, William. They're Hypnotizing Maria by Richard Bach, and Adventures of the Soul by James Van Praagh. They came via amazon, arrived Christmas Eve, and I've enjoyed both of them.
I just slurped down "No Place to Fall," a YA novel for older teens by Jaye Robin Brown, who lives in Mitchell County. The novel is set here and gives us a picture of a 16 year-old girl born and bred here, with the voice of an angel. Ms Brown teaches high school kids here so she gives a true picture of present day teens in WNC, I think she does a great job using words to describe music, no easy task, and her prose falls naturally with deft verbal images. The sense of place is also brought forth well.
Deana the Queena
I received Wayfaring Strangers for Christmas and am enjoying my time with it, reading and listening to the music. I've been a Fiona Ritchie fan for years and this book was at the top of my wish list.
I got a most beautiful coffee table book, "Dr. Seuss The Cat Behind the Hat" featuring the artwork of the Dr. Seuss books. I love looking through it and remembering the days of reading the stories to my children. For reading, I am totally caught up with Alan Cumming's memoir, "Not My Father's Son." Fascinating man and fascinating book.
Knowing about new books from you has made my day! I am now reading the series by Will Thomas -- it begins with Some Danger Involved. Kind of a laid back Holmes and Watson. There are several more -- yipee. The Phriny Fisher books are great -- the audio version is wonderful -- makes the books even more Australian. Enjoy!
Deb Andolino
Columbia, SC for the next couple of days. :-)
I guess I fallen short some how. Reading a another mystery from Michael Connelly "Concrete Blond" The character Borsh is so complicated and flawed in his detective work and personal relationships he fascinates me. Of course the streets of Los Angeles I know like the back of my hand after spending 10 years selling to the floor covering trade in and around LA.
Vicki, there is a series on PBS called "Miss Fishers Murder Mysteries" that is modeled after the books. Great series with a stunning lead character. You might enjoy if it is on your local PBS.
Oooh, goodie goodie, new books to look for! And I even found Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries available streaming on Netflix, so have enjoyed the theatrical version (not much of an Australian accent however)
Wayfaring Strangers is temporarily out of stock. Can't wait to get a copy. I'm so glad you mentioned it since this book hasn't been on my radar for some reason.
I like the books you received and am intrigued by the Fisher mysteries, that I did not know. I like mysteries so I’ll check this author. I did get several books when we celebrated Christmas with our daughter in Nashville on the 26th – on the 25th my husband was not well so we stayed at home and waited for him to get better. We will celebrate Christmas again on January 6, with our older daughter who is out of town – I guess you can call it an Armenian Christmas – or Orthodox one, since they don’t celebrate it until January 6th. I’ll gather my new books and show them in my next post. I did get two books on the history of Christmas as family knew of my interest in the matter – I mean the holiday before it became a Christian one – I was astounded to find it was even older than I thought.
Mimi Thorisson (her real first name is Marie-France by the way) who wrote My Kitchen in France is indeed a beautiful woman, 6 ft tall, with the sophisticated features of Asia and France, from her father a Chinese surgeon and her mother a French woman working in the beauty product industry. She grew up in Hong-Kong but would always spend her vacations in the Lot and Garonne department of France with her aunt and grandma. Between her and her husband they have 7 children and about 20 dogs! She worked for CNN and speaks 5 languages – now don’t believe everyone in France has a kitchen like that …
Unusually no, I didn't get a storybook for Christmas. I got a shed! However I did receive ''The Craft Bible' from a friend and 'British Wildlife' from another friend. The first is self explanatory and the second is full of fantastic wildlife photographs so - no complaints! I have plenty to read already. I am currently reading 'Corduroy Mansions' by Akexander McCall Smith and enjoying it very much. Happy New Year to you and your family Vicki
I love books as presents. My sister and I have a wish list at the big bookstore in the sky and put our preferences there for gifts from each other. I can't recall a Christmas not receiving at least one cookbook and you really got a good one this year. I've seen several recipes of Mimi's and they all looked fabulous. I requested "French Comfort Food," but it was sold out so I have to wait to get my hands on it...
Wishing you & John a happy and healthy new year.
Sam
I miss reading. Granted, I'm not a varied reader like most. Stephen is usually my writer of choice, but I am enamored of Zelda. The name itself inspires me to find out more about it.
Really good books you got there. I hope you enjoy them.
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