The Touchstone by Edith Wharton

by Carol7 Comments
The Touchstone by Edith Wharton This is the only work by Edith Wharton that I've read. It was published in 1900 and was her first published novella. I probably should have started with one of her better known works, like The House of Mirth or The Age of Innocence.  The Touchstone was just not remarkable for me, not one I'll remember. Stephen Glennard is too poor to propose to the woman he wants to marry, the beautiful Alexa Trent. An advertisement in the Spectator, expressing interest in information about the famous novelist Mrs. Aubyn, catches his eye.  He actually has letters written to him by her.  Mrs. Aubyn had been in love with Glennard and the letters, although wonderfully written, were very personal and private, not meant for anyone else to see. Glennard, who had never loved her, makes the morally dubious choice of selling them for puplication, keeping his own name out of it. Now, Glennard is financially secure, but at what...
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Awards

by Carol17 Comments
I received a couple of awards this week that I wanted to share. Freda, from Freda's Voice, awarded me with the Humane Award. Thank you so much! This award is to honor certain bloggers that are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendship through the blog world. I want to pass this on to a few fellow bloggers. Bermudaonion's Weblog Stacy's Books Beth Fish Reads Book Girl of Mur-y Castell Diary of an Eccentric And Ryan at Wordsmithonia gave me this cute award. Thank you so much! But now I want icing. I'm supposed to list 10 things that make me happy, then pass this on to 10 other bloggers. 10 Things that Make Me Happy Birthday cake with lots of icing Sugar cookies Days off Watching a movie...
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13 1/2 by Nevada Barr

by Carol9 Comments
13 1/2 by Nevada Barr Let me start off by saying that yes, I've read some of the Anna Pigeon books and enjoyed them, but this is a stand-alone. I was expecting something entirely different and that was what I got. This is a dark, psychological thriller, and as such was enjoyable but a tad predictable. In 1971 in Minnesota, an eleven-year-old boy, the "Butcher Boy," is convicted of killing his parents and baby sister. His older brother is injured but lives. Fast forward to post-Katrina New Orleans. Polly Deschamps, who ran away from an abusive home at 15, is an English professor and single mother to two daughters. She meets a charming, intelligent, attractive architect Marshall Marchand. She falls in love with him and they are married within months, but Marshall is hiding something and his dark moods begin to worry her. This was a quick read that touched on some tough topics, like the juvenile justice system, surviving abuse, and learning to...
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Would they know what’s important to me?

by Carol9 Comments
Hopefully, I'll have my review up for 13 1/2 by Nevada Barr later this week, but I did want to share this tidbit with you.  Polly was not given to the accumulation of worldly goods, but, had anyone gone through her house, they would have seen pictures of children and friends, letters from students, invitation accepted and declined, calendars marked with upcoming events, hand-drawn birthday cards, inscribed book, awards, diplomas, notes on bulletin boards—a short history of Polly Marchand in three dimensions. (pg. 237) Polly is contrasting her house with another woman's apartment. In Red's plethora of objects nothing that spoke of her heart had surfaced, only evidence of compulsion, addiction, and depression. But for the cigar box, there was no indication that anyone had touched her life—or that she had touched the life of another. (pg. 237) It made me wonder what a stranger would think if they went through my house. Would they know who and what were important to me? I...
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101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo

by Carol5 Comments
101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo, illustrated by Barbara Ann Scarrillo I had to sit down and read this the same day it came. It just grabbed my attention. It really is a fun, quick little book filled with 101 tips. Maybe you won't be ultra chic if you follow them, but you will feel good about yourself and have that extra sparkle. Some of the tips are fun and flirty, like #2 Flaunt Luscious Lashes. Others are more practical, like take a walk or carry an umbrella. Some take a little money, like a weekly manicure, but others are free. I think it can help even me get a step or two closer to glamorous. This is just a cute, witty book. It's like tidbits of advice from girlfriends and stylists, and it would make a perfect little gift for friends. My mom's already asked to borrow it. Tip #70 Make Life a Special Occasion Everyday should...
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Mailbox Monday

by Carol14 Comments
Marcia at The Printed Page hosts Mailbox Monday. Here's my list from the week. First is the beautiful pearl necklace I won, thanks to Pearl Girls and Freda's Voice. Books: 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo (Received from the author for review.) Brief Interviews with Hideous Men by David Foster Wallace (Audiobook won at Metroreader. Thanks, Kim!) Did you get any good books over this week?...
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