“Brooke’s voice feels authentic as she struggles to reconnect with her fractured family, and Manning’s historical research shPublishers Weekly Blurb:
“Brooke’s voice feels authentic as she struggles to reconnect with her fractured family, and Manning’s historical research shows…an entertaining novel with realistic characters readers should find it easy to invest in.”
Not one to normally read poetry (unless you count the Early American stuff I go over with my students) I found this book not only entertaining, but a Not one to normally read poetry (unless you count the Early American stuff I go over with my students) I found this book not only entertaining, but a reminder that my own writing is plot forward and pretty much poetry-less. As a fiction writer, I am able to hide among the made-up characters that come from somewhere deep in my psyche. For Alice, and other poets, hiding is the antitheses of what they do. Poets lay it on the line. They hide behind nothing. Instead, they cut open a vein for all to see; for all to judge. Poets are brave writers. They speak for the rest of us who are too timid to share these intimate parts of ourselves; parts that, as humans, each of us has.
My favorite poem in this book: The Lesbians Next Door....more
Long, long, long book. Interesting use of first person...with three different narrators. Actually like the old movie version better. But that's just me.Long, long, long book. Interesting use of first person...with three different narrators. Actually like the old movie version better. But that's just me....more
One of the oddest, funniest, far-fetched books I've ever read. If you aren't sure of the author's background, look it up. It only adds to the weirdnesOne of the oddest, funniest, far-fetched books I've ever read. If you aren't sure of the author's background, look it up. It only adds to the weirdness of this book. I would have given it five stars, but I felt it to be a bit too long. If you aren't afraid to go into the underbelly of New Orleans, then this is the book for you!...more
Let me start by saying that Romance is not usually my genre when it comes to recreational reading, but I’ve wanted to broaden my horizons this summer,Let me start by saying that Romance is not usually my genre when it comes to recreational reading, but I’ve wanted to broaden my horizons this summer, and so, Veronica Bell’s novella "Amore and Pinot Grigio" is my first!
Two things attracted me to the story right away: Vespas and Cats. I happen to love both. My husband and I own a Vespa (colloquially referred to as “scooter”) and I am a lover of all that is cat-like. So it seemed apropos that I start my romance kick with Bell’s novella.
When Sigrid finds herself in Rome alone, all thoughts of ex-fiancé and jilted heart left behind, and a few months to steep herself in everything Italian, she is cautious when a sexy Italian man falls into her life.
But Sandro surprises Sigrid with more than the typical one-night stand, and the story evolves into a tale of two lost souls in one of the world’s most romantic countries; two kind spirits that share a love for animals; two broken hearts that fear what they may be tumbling into; and two Vespas that become characters in their own right.
Toss in the Christmas season as a backdrop, and you have the perfect mix of romantic elements.
This story is sweet and simple, a wise choice made by the author to keep it novella length. The writing is delicate, like someone peeling away the petals of a rose, one after the other, without getting bogged down by overused metaphors seen in so much writing today. We get to know Sandro and Sigrid, and by getting to know them, we get to know ourselves a little bit, too. amore and pinot grigio ...more
A classic. One of the very first books by a woman, about the angst of being a woman in a man's world. Without complaint, Jane moves through her life oA classic. One of the very first books by a woman, about the angst of being a woman in a man's world. Without complaint, Jane moves through her life of tribulations, never once crying "Woe is me," and for that she automatically becomes a sort of heroine. A long (long, long, long) book, do not be in a hurry. Each sentence is meticulously written, each page filled with more details than I knew could exist in one book. But then I reminded myself, Ah, yes! It is British! As if by magic, this story manages to keep the plot moving forever forward, while maintaining a snail's pace. A must-read for anyone who enjoys classic literature, and learning about some British history through the eyes (and pen) of a woman. A feat in itself....more
Shakespeare is one of my faves as far as classics go, and although MAAN is a cute play, it truly is about a lot of nothing. Some scenes are merely theShakespeare is one of my faves as far as classics go, and although MAAN is a cute play, it truly is about a lot of nothing. Some scenes are merely there for comic value, while others start out seemingly important, than wither away into nothing. A lot of silly wannabe twists that fall flat due to predictability. Obviously, we are dealing with humor of another era, and comedy has matured the same way most humans have, so I will forgive the writing on that count. But even the dramatic parts of the plot add up to "meh." Our "villain" of the play has little to no reason to behave as he does, and manages to drag a few grown men into his schemes, though why they follow his lead I have no idea. I wanted Don John to do something evil I could really sink my teeth into, at least so there would be clear foils established. But again, our antagonist falls short, as do the one-sided personalities of most other characters. Thank God for Beatrice and Benedick. Without them, I would have walked out of the play had I seen it in person.
As a tutor for ten years, I read many works with my students. When they ask me if this Shakespeare play is like all of Shakespeare's others, I tell them no. William Shakespeare was one of the most talented playwrights ever to write for the stage. But in my opin, this one falls to the bottom of the deep pile. Give me Macbeth, Othello, or R & J. The plays that at least have substance. I do not think Shakespeare was much of a comedic writer. Even if he thought so himself....more
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