THIS IS THE STORY OF A HAPPY MARRIAGE- JANUARY 2020 BOOK SELECTION

I selected this title on Audible because I am a fan of Ann Patchett. I didn’t realize it was a collection of essays by the author written over many years. I was also initially surprised that the essays were read by the author herself. She is not a professional narrator but in the end it seemed fitting that she performed them herself.

The essays cover everything from her application to the Los Angeles Police Department to travels across America in a mini-van to the titular essay on Happy Marriage. In between we see her struggles as a fledgling writer, her disastrous first marriage, the importance of her friendships and much more.

These works were originally seen in such well-known publications as Atlantic Monthly, Vogue and The New York Times Magazine. The essays appear remarkably candid. They leave you feeling as if you actually have spent time with Patchett, as if you actually know a bit of her. I guess we do.

Recommend.

Words for the New Year 2020

Beginning in 2013, instead of making New Year’s Resolutions, I’ve been choosing words for the New Year. The words themselves are always written in good faith, and though often remembered, reflected upon even, do not seem to have any power in and of themselves. Sort of like resolutions:)

I still love the thought of it, so this, my eight year, I will continue the tradition. As I did last year, I will see them as intentions; Wishes thrown out into the Universe instead of Words to live by.

My Words for 2019 were Write and Health. As in do and take care of. My health is good at the moment. I will keep Write and add Find an Agent.

Write

Find an Agent

May you take the time to find your Word/Wishes and have a splendid New Year.

FAVORITE BOOK OF 2019

This has been another good year for reading. As usual, more books were read or listened to on tape than I reviewed, but the ones below made the cut. I decided a while ago that I was not going to disparage another author’s work. If I don’t like it, I won’t review it. How to choose? I really enjoyed everything on the list. This may be my hardest choice yet. I was fascinated with Pachinko and its culture, I loved hearing about Michelle Obama’s life in Becoming. Where the Crawdads Sing is one of the few novels that really surprised me. I could say something similar about what I liked about each one. I loved them all for different reasons.

January 2019:  Pachinko- Min Jin Lee

February 2019: Becoming- Michelle Obama

March 2019:  Where the Crawdads Sing- Delia Owens

April 2019: The Art Forger- B. A. Shapiro

May 2019: Spinning Silver- Naomi Novik

June 2019:  The Heart’s Invisible Furies- John Boyne

July 2019: The Trespasser- Tana French

August 2019: Tigana- Guy Gavriel Kay

September 2019:  Southernmost- Silas House

October 2019:  The Lake House- Kate Morton

November 2019:  Lethal White- Robert Galbraith

December 2019: Stormrise- Jillian Boehme

If I could only pick one to recommend to a friend, it would have to be Becoming by our ex-First Lady. Articulate, Humble, Intelligently and Honestly written, it’s a must read for anyone and everyone.

STORMRISE- DECEMBER 2019 BOOK SELECTION

I have been following Jillian Boehme for several years on her blog, Miss Snark’s First Victim. She created this blog for fellow writers who are seeking publication and a community in which to share ideas, writing samples, frustrations and victories. Agents and editors followed her blog as she spearheaded several contests. Pairings and success stories followed. She remained anonymous as a fellow seeker until last year when she finally got an agent and then a book contract. I and so many other fans were thrilled for her. It’s as if we actually know her. Her first published, YA fantasy novel, Stormrise was published this fall. Although this blog is a little late, I read Stormrise in December and enjoyed it thoroughly.

Boehme tells the story of a young girl, Rain, taught exceptional fighting skills by her father, a Neshu master of the form. Although this is forbidden for females, she excels. When a war in her kingdom threatens her family, she risks everything, including death, to join in the fight. She uses Dragon magic to disguise herself as a boy. This same Dragon magic has unforeseen side-effects which shape the destiny of the kingdom and Rain’s future. 

There is everything to enchant the reader, from unique world-building, breath-taking adventure, well-drawn characters, magic potions and friendship to a strong, capable heroine.We need more heroines like this in literature to help all our daughters see an unlimited future which is not defined by gender. Kudos to Boehme.