Thursday, December 30, 2010

e·pis·to·lar·y - adjective

1. contained in or carried on by letters: an epistolary friendship.
2. of, pertaining to, or consisting of letters.
 
Would you like to read a non-fiction book that is delightful, amusing, touching, nostalgic, charming, and only 97 pages long? I thought you would. The Page-Turners book discussion group that I host at the Erlanger branch just read a book of wonderful correspondence called 84 Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff.

The book is an epistolary (see above), beginning with Hanff writing to request books from antiquarian booksellers Marks & Co in London. At first she is answered formally by FPD, who turns out to be the very helpful Frank Doel. Queries, answers and books are sent between London and New York City for 20 years. In that time Helene corresponds with many of the bookstore's staff, sending food and clothing that are near impossible to obtain in England after WWII. I am old enough to appreciate the enjoyment of writing letters and anticipating their arrival from others. This book may make you want to put pen to paper and scribe a letter of your own.

A Happy New Year to All!!!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

 "Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents," grumbled Jo, lying on the rug.

Are you going to be rushing around this Christmas? Last minute things to do, relatives and friends to visit (or visiting you!), and did the dog just drink the eggnog out of the punch bowl? Perhaps starting a new book is not a priority this weekend. This is when I like to read passages out of my most beloved books.

Rereading is a good thing. I find it very comforting to know the friends in my books will stay the same, saying the same words and enacting the same scenes for my entertainment and enjoyment. Books I often page through around this time of year include the classic tale of the March girls in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott; the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery, my favorite being the third book, Anne of the Island; David Sedaris' Holidays on Ice, which includes an hysterical story of his experience working as an elf at Macy's; Maeve Binchey's lovely Circle of Friends; and The Princess Bride by William Goldman, where the story of master swordsman Inigo Montoya gets me everytime.

What are your favorite books to reread? I'd be interested to know.

Have a Happy Holiday Everyone!!!

Friday, December 17, 2010

The season is not only upon us, it's in full swing! My heroes at NPR have put together some fantastic Best Books of 2010 lists, including Best Book Debuts, Best Mysteries, Picks from Indie Booksellers, and more. Check out their lists of recommendations and then check out the books at the Kenton County Library!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Eating has always been a big part of the holiday season. My family puts out snacks, then appetizers, salad (nutrition!), the meal, and then dessert. Then there are candies and cookies available around the clock. And I end up saying "Why did you let me eat so much?" to whoever is close by (because I couldn't possibly blame myself :)

Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater by Frank Bruni details his lifetime love/hate and out of control/in control relationship with food. Bruni's big Italian family is highly competitive when it comes to who can put the most and the best food on the table. Saying no to offered food is an insult to the cook who is expressing their love by putting an incredible meal on the table.

Trying to find a way to master his cravings, Bruni eats in secret, pushes himself to go running and exercise at the gym, and is thwarted in his attempts to eat healthy by working on the crazy campaign trail. Buffet food everywhere! Oddly enough, it's when he takes the job as restaurant critic for the New York Times that he finally decides that portion control along with exercise are what works for him. I like that Born Round looks at eating and body image from a male point of view, but I think it will appeal to anyone, especially those who have struggled with the numbers on the scale.