Paris in July 2017

Its back!! Yes, Paris in July is here once again to brighten our summer days.  Hurrah!!  And to top it off, its the tenth anniversary - yes, 10 years of Paris in July have flown right by.  How exciting!!

So, what exactly is Paris in July?  Its the blogging event where we blog about all things French during the month of July.  How fun does that sound?  You can post as much as, or as little as you want.  And it can be about anything: books, music, art, food, the cities, museums, etc..  Hosted by Tamara from Thyme for Tea, this fun and fantastic event starts now.  Just head on over to her blog and link your posts so that we can check them out - Thyme for Tea.

Here are the books I've put aside for Paris in July:

What do you think? Not a bad bunch, eh? Now, I just have to decide which one to read first.  Happy reading!!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: The Gypsy Moth Summer: A Novel by Julia Fierro

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about books:

It is the summer of 1992 and a gypsy moth invasion blankets Avalon Island. Ravenous caterpillars disrupt early summer serenity on Avalon, an islet off the coast of Long Island–dropping onto novels left open on picnic blankets, crawling across the T-shirts of children playing games of tag and capture the flag in the island’s leafy woods. The caterpillars become a relentless topic of island conversation and the inescapable soundtrack of the season.

It is also the summer Leslie Day Marshall–only daughter of Avalon’s most prominent family–returns with her husband, a botanist, and their children to live in “The Castle,” the island’s grandest estate. Leslie’s husband Jules is African-American, and their children bi-racial, and islanders from both sides of the tracks form fast and dangerous opinions about the new arrivals.

Maddie Pencott LaRosa straddles those tracks: a teen queen with roots in the tony precincts of East Avalon and the crowded working class corner of West Avalon, home to Grudder Aviation factory, the island’s bread-and-butter and birthplace of generations of bombers and war machines. Maddie falls in love with Brooks, Leslie’s and Jules’ son, and that love feels as urgent to Maddie as the questions about the new and deadly cancers showing up across the island. Could Grudder Aviation, the pride of the island–and its patriarch, the Colonel–be to blame?

As the gypsy moths burst from cocoons in flocks that seem to eclipse the sun, Maddie’s and Brooks’ passion for each other grows and she begins planning a life for them off Avalon Island.

Vivid with young lovers, gangs of anxious outsiders; a plotting aged matriarch and her husband, a demented military patriarch; and a troubled young boy, each seeking his or her own refuge, escape and revenge, The Gypsy Moth Summer is about love, gaps in understanding, and the struggle to connect: within families; among friends; between neighbors and entire generations.

my thoughts:

I love the 90s and I love books that are set during that time decade.  So, I was super excited to read Fierro's latest novel, The Gypsy Moth Summer.  Unfortunately, the book did not work out for me.  As much as I wanted to love the story, I just didn't.  I found all of the moth referencing to be too much for too little - I get the point of including references, but I think it could have been toned done quite a bit.  As for the unlikeable characters - ugh! I couldn't stand them, which meant I didn't care to get to know them.  And to be honest, Fierro tackles way too many subjects and I just felt that it was a bit overloaded.  I found myself skimming through the book instead of reading it.  In the end, the book just wasn't my cup of tea.  Now, I don't want to deter anyone from reading the book, because there are so many bloggers who seem to LOVE the story.  So, definitely check out what they have to say. 
Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Gypsy Moth Summer

And, don't forget to enter my giveaway for the chance to win a copy and experience the book for your self.  Good luck!!

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to the publisher I am able to give away one (1) copy of this book! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment. Don't forget to include your email address - that way I can contact you, if you win the book.  Last date to enter is July 3rd.  US/Canada residents only. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Just finished...

What a story! A Parisian attorney named Chaumont is absolutely addicted to collecting objects (it started with erasers when he was a kid) and selling them for a higher price.  Of course, he does keep a lot of the items he collects.  His wife thinks his addiction is akin to hoarding, so she has relegated his collection to one room in their house - nothing can leave that room!  One day, while walking about the local auction house (where he made sure to open his law practice across the street from), he finds a painting.  A painting of a man who looks exactly like him.  Say what?! Yep, he finds his doppelganger staring back at him.  So, what's Chaumont to do?  Bid on the item - no cost is too high!
Once the item is his, he eagerly takes it home and stares at it (after all, its like looking into a mirror).  Of course, he can't wait to show it to his wife and hear her exclaim over the man in the painting looking just like her husband.  Except, that doesn't happen.  In fact, she acts like he's crazy to even think such a thing and dismisses the painting as more junk to add to his collection.  Talk about a major letdown.  Chaumont is not pleased.  He becomes even more frustrated when everyone else he shows the painting to does not see the resemblance he shares with its subject.  So, he spends his time researching the painting - searching for answers to find the connection that he must have with it.  He searches and searches until he finds a name. The name leads him to a little town.  Once there, his life is never the same again.  And that is all I will write about this delightful short novel.  It is simply too good to miss out on - you must read it and experience Laurain's whimsical storytelling for your self.  Believe me, you are going to fall in love with his writing, his characters, his story, and France.  All in all, a perfect summer time read.  I absolutely LOVED The Portrait and can't wait to read more of Laurain's works.

Now, I'm off to start devouring Party Girls Die in Pearls by Plum Sykes. Hope you're reading something delicious.  Happy reading!!

Three Things...

1.  Slow blogging.  Its a thing and I'm all over it.  And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like.  Blogging at a slower pace.  This means that I will keep blogging, but I won't be stressed out over making sure I have a post up every day.  I won't worry about reviewing every single book I read.  And, I won't wonder why I have zero comments on some of my posts.  Slow blogging is all about finding balance and peace with regards to blogging.  I love it and I'm staying smack dab in it.  Its all about slow blogging here at A Bookish Way of Life.

2.  Paris in July.

Its back, but not in full swing. There will be posts about all things French in July, but there is not an actual event anymore.  Tamara (the host of Paris in July) has decided to keep it "low-key" this year.  Meaning that she'll be posting her French connections during the month of July and is inviting us to join her.  We can leave links to our posts in the comments section on her blog, Thyme for Tea, or on our blogs.  I love the stress-free feel and plan on joining in.  In fact, I already have my first book picked out:

3.  #OneBookJuly.
Okay, so I've seen this "#OneBookJuly" everywhere lately.  People are gearing up and I'm wondering what all the fuss is about.  So, I looked it up.  Apparently, this is a challenge where you choose one planner/journal to use for the month of July.  You put everything in that one book - appointments, schedules, journal entries, drawings, ideas, etc..  It sounds like a good idea, so I'm going to give it a go.  I have a huge planner and I have tons of journals.  And yet, I keep looking for a better planner or a new journal.  Ugh. Its an addiction.  Anyhow,  I'm thinking that I want to try and use my new Midori journal as my go-to for July.  Wish me luck!

Happy reading!!

Summer is here!

Yep, summer reading has begun.  The first day of the season was on Wednesday.  Although, if I'm honest, I'd already begun my summer reading over the past weekend. I was on a non-fiction kick and followed up Keven Hart's memoir (I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons) with:

Talk about two amazing writers. I absolutely LOVED both books to bits.  Sidibe's book was definitely interesting and provided insight into how she came about acting - let's just say she was destined for it.  Her life was filled with ups and downs; she struggled with depression; and she just couldn't figure out what she wanted to do.  She was a mess and she admits it - her honesty was heartfelt and I loved it.  Sidibe is a smart and funny gal with loads of talent and I can't wait to read more of her writing.  As for Gay's book - wow! She lays it all out and it is simply beautiful.  Her writing mesmerizes and her truth grabs you.  I enjoyed every minute I spent with Hunger.  Gay shares her story of being gang-raped at 12 by her boyfriend and his friends.  She writes about how she never told anyone what happened and kept that secret locked up for years.  She writes about how she continued to let her boyfriend use her body after he had violated her and told the kids at school she was a slut.  She writes about the nightmares, the smell of beer, and the loss of her body.  Gay tells us how she decided to eat away her pain - she wanted a body so big that no one would hurt her ever again.  Her story is about the experience of being a fat woman in today's world and it is honest, raw, and real.  Reading this book has made me a fan of Gay's writing for life.  Hunger is a MUST-READ!!

As for what I'm reading now:

Strout was calling out to me, so I picked up Amy and Isabelle. A story about a mother and daughter in a small town. Isabelle works in the office at the mill - she's the secretary to the boss.  Her daughter, Amy, is a teen-aged girl struggling to get through high school.  A new teacher replaces the old math teacher.  All the students seems to LOVE Mr. Robertson.  Except, maybe Amy LOVES him too much.  Yep, she's caught with him in his car and soon the whole town knows.  Isabelle is shocked and feels betrayed by the daughter she has sacrificed so much for.  Amy is hurt and confused by all of the anger, drama, and scandal that her romance has caused her family and the town.  She begins to hate her mother and realizes that she resents her.  Isabelle, also begins to feel the same feelings of hate and resentment toward her own daughter.  Their relationship becomes beyond strained and tests their boundaries and love for one another.  I'm part way through the book and loving it. Strout's writing is always so rich and deep with emotion, that you can't help but get easily caught up in the narratives she weaves.  I definitely can't wait to read the rest of her works this summer.

And now, I'm off to continue Amy and Isabelle.  Hope you're kicking off summer reading with something great.  Happy reading!!

Sweet Tea Tuesdays by Ashley Farley

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Three best friends met every Tuesday for twenty-six years. And then they stopped.

From the author of the bestselling Sweeney Sisters Series comes a novel of friendship, family, and hope.

When new next-door neighbors Georgia, Midge, and Lula first assembled on Georgia’s porch in Charleston for sweet tea, they couldn’t have known their gathering was the beginning of a treasured tradition. For twenty-six years they have met on Tuesdays at four o’clock, watching the seasons change and their children grow up, supporting each other in good times and in bad. With their ambitions as different as their personalities, these best friends anticipate many more years of tea time. And then, one Tuesday, Georgia shares news that brings their long-standing social hour to an abrupt halt. And that’s only the beginning as unraveling secrets threaten to alter their friendship forever.

my thoughts:

Friendship and family are at the heart of Farley's latest novel, Sweet Tea Tuesdays.  Set in Charleston, this lovely story introduces us to BFFs - Georgia, Midge, and Lula.  Friends for over 26 years, this delightful trio meets up every Tuesday at four o' clock to gossip, chat, and hang out.  It is their one standing appointment that they refuse to give up.  And they have been doing it forever and a day.  So, when Georgia drops a bombshell on her two friends one afternoon - well, lets just say that friendships are shaken up and "Sweet Tea Tuesdays" are no more.

Yep, secrets are revealed and lives are forever changed.  Dramatic, but true.  Sweet Tea Tuesdays is a heartwarming story that you will easily fall in love with - I did.  The characters are flawed and struggling to maintain a sense of control over their lives.  Their problems are rife with drama, but relatable on some level.  And the story is unputdownable.  Told with a touch of "southern charm", this is one story you won't want to miss.  I absolutely LOVED it!

I would happily recommend Sweet Tea Tuesdays to fans of Ashley Farley and anyone looking for their next summer read - you will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Sweet Tea Tuesdays

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Jane of Austin: A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility by Hillary Manton Lodge

(Thank you to Blogging For Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Just a few years after their father’s business scandal shatters their lives, Jane and Celia Woodward find themselves forced out of their San Francisco tea shop. The last thing Jane wants is to leave their beloved shop on Valencia Street, but when Celia insists on a move to Austin, Texas, the sisters pack up their kid sister Margot and Jane’s tea plants, determined to start over yet again.

But life in Austin isn’t all sweet tea and breakfast tacos. Their unusual living situation is challenging and unspoken words begin to fester between Jane and Celia. When Jane meets and falls for up-and-coming musician Sean Willis, the chasm grows deeper.

While Sean seems to charm everyone in his path, one person is immune – retired Marine Captain Callum Beckett. Callum never meant to leave the military, but the twin losses of his father and his left leg have returned him to the place he least expected—Texas.

In this modern spin on the Austen classic, Sense and Sensibility, the Woodward sisters must contend with new ingredients in unfamiliar kitchens, a dash of heartbreak, and the fragile hope that maybe home isn't so far away.

my thoughts:

Jane of Austin is a delightful, funny romance that is perfect for summer reading.  A retelling of Austen's brilliant novel, Sense and Sensibility, this modern version offers up a fresh spin on the old classic.  Set in Austin, TX we find ourselves captivated by the lovely Woodward sisters.  Due to financial scandal, they had to shut down their tea shop in San Fran and take up residence with some distant cousin in TX.  Talk about a wake up call!  Of course, the sisters are determined to make a go of things and set out to open up a new tea shop in their new homestead.  Tea and scones, anyone?  I couldn't help but crave these delicious treats as I read this book - the descriptions were mouth-watering and there are recipes in back! YUMMY!

As for the story, well, its not just about sisterly love.  There are the ups and downs of living in too-close quarters, opening up a new business, and falling in love.  Yep, there is romance, heartbreak, and a handsome, dashing man (or two).  And, there is drama galore - twists and turns that lead to confusion, anger, hurt, and heartache. So much drama - I loved it!!  Suffice it to say, the book has it all and I absolutely gobbled it up.  I sat down with my copy and didn't get back up til I was through with the book - it was just too darn good to put down.  I absolutely loved Jane of Austin.

I would happily recommend this book to fans of Hillary Manton Lodge and fans of retellings of classics - you will LOVE Jane of Austin!!




I received this book from Blogging For Books for this review.

The Parthenon Bomber: A Novella by Christos Chrissopoulos

OUT TODAY:

(Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A novel at once metaphorical and iconoclastic, The Parthenon Bomber exposes the painful and maddening paradox of contemporary Greece.

“Blow up the Acropolis” – the 1944 call to action by the surrealist circle the Harbingers of Chaos. Sixty years later, a young man obliges. The Parthenon has been destroyed, the city orphaned. Is it still Athens?

All eyes are on the empty hill, now ashen and smoky. Cries of distress, indifference, and zealotry fill the air. What were his reasons? How will he be punished for this unspeakable act of violence? What does it mean for Greece, now deprived of its most significant symbol?

This provocative tale reveals the unique dilemma of a country still searching for an identity beyond its past as the birthplace of Western civilization.

my thoughts:

Wow! Talk about a thought-provoking read! I absolutely LOVED The Parthenon Bomber by Christos Chrissopoulos.  A novella that questions history, identity, and icons - and its set in Athens - what more could I want in a story!?!

When something so iconic no longer exists what happens to that city, to the people, to their culture, and their history?  Are they still the same? Is that icon still a part of their country's identity even though it no longer is?  And what about the man who took it away from them - why would he do such a horrible thing?  So many ideas and questions run through your brain as you read this short tale about destruction and its aftermath.  The writing is sharp, clear, and precise in its details, history, and depth.  I absolutely loved it!

I would definitely recommend this novella to fans of Chrissopoulos's writing and anyone interested in a great new read - you will most definitely appreciate this book!





Thank you to Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

My Friday Five...

1.  Working out.  Ugh.  Its not fun, but I still manage to drag myself to the gym.  I listen to Missy Elliott, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Kanye West, and anything else that will get me moving. Why can't I be like one of those people who loves to work out?  Do they even exist?

2.  TV.  I'm still obsessed with Real Housewives of NYC.  This season is beyond ridiculous and I love it. The gals were back at Dorinda's home in the Berzerkshires.  Things were moving along nicely-ish and then everyone was telling LuAnn that Tom is still cheating on her and that she shouldn't marry him.  Next up was Ramona and B - let me just say, "Whoa!".  Talk about dredging up the past and petty jealousies for no reason other than to attempt to humiliate people.  Of course, nothing was resolved and now B refuses to talk to Ramona ever again. Oh, and Ramona wrecked Dorinda's bedroom that she was staying in? Talk about being a bad friend.  As for Southern Charm, well lets just say that Shep is turning out to be a bigger tool than I had previously thought.  Not only is he an elitist who makes fun of his friends for shopping at Dick's Sporting Goods, while he heads to a men's boutique for hunting gear.  He's also a major creep who hits on his friends' dates while she's on a date with his friend. Talk about lacking "southern charm". 

3. I finished reading:

I enjoyed both books so much. I read the Patti Smith in one sitting and mulled over it for days. I loved the whimsical feel to the stories inside the pocket-sized edition I purchased.  I have to admit to tearing up over the story where her dog gets run over - that seriously tugged at my heart.  And I just loved reading about the "woolgatherers" and how she would look out her window late at night for them.  Such a delightful little book.  As for the Kevin Hart book, I really did liked getting to know him through his "life lessons".  I never really knew much about him until I saw him on Oprah one day and ever since that interview I became a fan of his.  I like how personal he gets in his book and how hard he's worked to create his brand and become a household name.  He's talented, determined, and real.  Reading his book made me an even bigger fan.

4.  Book I loved and forgot to post about:

I first came across Lang Leav's poetry via Twitter and I'm so happy that I did, because I absolutely LOVE her work.  So, when I read that she had a novel coming out I immediately ordered it and put aside the weekend to read it.  I sat down with my copy of Sad Girls and a huge cuppa.  I took my time with the story and enjoyed every minute I spent with it.  It was such a terrific read! The story is about a girl who tells a lie - a HUGE lie that changes so many lives in so many ways.  She meets a boy and he's THE ONE, but turns out that he isn't who he seems AT ALL.  I didn't expect that twist at the end and when it came, let me just say - Whoa, Nelly!  Lang Leav has written a gripping story that you won't want to put down for anything.  Its seriously that good.  I can't wait to see what she writes next.

5.  Music.  My tastes have been all over the place lately. I've been listening to Elton John, Pearl Jam, Paula Abdul, U2, Bon Jovi, Hole, and Foo Fighters.  Usually I listen to one band over and over all week, but I can't seem to focus on just one.  This is what I'm currently listening to:

Guns N' Roses! I love this song and the video.  Slash and his guitar - awesome!

Hope you have a great weekend! Happy reading!!

Books I Want...

So many great books are coming out later this year and I want them all. I can't help it! I love me a Robert Langdon adventure and Dan Brown is delivering one come October.  Then there is the new Stephen King book that he wrote with his son, Owen - a major must-read!  Oh, and of course I'm eager to get my hands on the Vonnegut book - a collection of his short stories that I need to own and add to my personal KV collection.  Plus, the new book in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series that I plan on reading in one sitting (because I love that series so much!).  Like, I mentioned, there are so many great books to look forward to.  Here's my list of must-haves:

Talk about looking forward to Fall/Winter reading.  I know I can't wait for it.

Happy reading!! 

My Summer Reading List...

Summer is nigh and that means books, books, books.  Everywhere I turn people are posting their summer reading lists and its making me want to write my own list. So, here goes:

1.  Elizabeth Strout. I love her writing and have already read (Olive Kitteridge, My Name Is Lucy Barton, Anything Is Possible), so I want to read the rest of her works this summer.

 2.  Nonfiction.  I want to read more nonfiction this summer, so I'm thinking these books will be perfect to dive into.

 3.  This new-to-me series by Genevieve Cogman. There are going to be five books and I own the first three.  I think this summer is the perfect time to get lost in Cogman's fantastical world.

4.  Plus, these other awesome sounding books that have recently caught my fancy.

What do you think? Not a bad list, eh? I think its a pretty good mix and I can't wait to start reading them all.  Of course, I'm always up for suggestions - so, let me know if you have any recommendations.  And, let me know what you plan on reading this summer.  I love finding out which books are on people's radars in the summer time - its always seems to be a fun and eclectic mix of the classics and contemporary fiction. 

Happy reading!!

White Fur: A Novel by Jardine Libaire

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A stunning star-crossed love story set against the glitz and grit of 1980s New York City 

When Elise Perez meets Jamey Hyde on a desolate winter afternoon, fate implodes, and neither of their lives will ever be the same. Although they are next-door neighbors in New Haven, they come from different worlds. Elise grew up in public housing without a father and didn’t graduate from high school; Jamey is a junior at Yale, heir to a private investment bank fortune and beholden to high family expectations. Nevertheless, the attraction is instant, and what starts out as sexual obsession turns into something greater, stranger, and impossible to ignore.

The unlikely couple moves to Manhattan in hopes of forging an adult life together, but Jamey’s family intervenes in desperation, and the consequences of staying together are suddenly severe. And when a night out with old friends takes a shocking turn, Jamey and Elise find themselves fighting not just for their love, but also for their lives.

White Fur follows these indelible characters on their wild race through Newport mansions and downtown NYC nightspots, SoHo bars and WASP-establishment yacht clubs, through bedrooms and hospital rooms, as they explore, love, play, and suffer. Jardine Libaire combines the electricity of Less Than Zero with the timeless intensity of Romeo and Juliet in this searing, gorgeously written novel that perfectly captures the ferocity of young love.

“Each page crackles with the intensity, fury, lust, and pure insane pleasure of first love. Jardine Libaire has written a chronicle of one couple’s wild romance: its highs and lows, its delights and contractions, its beauty and its messiness. A delight to read.”—Nathan Hill, author of The Nix
 
“Brilliantly written and deeply felt, this is a love story by turns comic and tragic, but always moving. Whether her characters are on the social register or the welfare roll, Libaire is a keen observer of human nature.”—Philipp Meyer

“White Fur is glorious: dark, dirty, and sexy, lit up with yearning and raw, young love. Libaire’s sentences left me breathless. This is a Roman candle of a novel. I absolutely loved it.”—Amanda Eyre Ward, author of The Nearness of You and What Was Lost
 
“This sexy American fairytale about a star-crossed couple solidifies Jardine Libaire’s status as poet laureate of late nights and young love.”—Ada Calhoun, author of St. Marks Is Dead 


my thoughts:

NYC in the 80s - what more could I want in a book? How about a dark and twisty romance?  Well, White Fur had it all and I absolutely LOVED reading every single word.  Talk about fiction at its best!

Intense, emotional, gritty, and raw - White Fur is an engrossing story that you won't be able to put down. Its chock full of the good and bad times that Elise and Jamey experience on their roller coaster ride of a love story.   He's rich, she's not.  He's expected to act and behave in a certain way.  She's loud and open about her past and who she is.  Their attraction is white hot.  Combustible is the word to describe their relationship.  Told from dual perspectives (which I LOVE), we get the find out what Elise and Jamey are both thinking about each other, themselves, and their future.  An intoxicating read that tugs and tears at your heartstrings.  These characters are not the ones you root for, but then again why can't they be?  Flawed and broken, Elise and Jamey make for quite a romance story.  A story that I won't soon forget.

I LOVED White Fur and can't wait to read more by Libaire.  I would happily recommend this book to fans of Libaire and anyone looking for their next great read - you won't be disappointed!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: White Fur

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!