All I seem to talk about on here is books. Books. Books. Books.
When I was little I was an avid book worm. You'd find me on the spare bed, lying in the sunshine, devouring books. Whole novels over the weekend. I would barely move because I loved reading them all. Roald Dahl. Judy Blume. Robin Klein. John Marsden. Duncan Ball. I just really loved them.
And I still do.
So this year I set a goal for myself to read 16 books. That might not seem like a lot, but previously I would have probably been lucky to have read a book a year.
If you befriend me on Goodreads, then you can follow along with what I'm reading and loving (and FYI - you can set yourself a reading challenge and track it! I'm 38% through mine - huzzah!).
I also joined a real-life book club.
I was looking at ways to fill up my own buckets, I don't go out much - so I went to my local bookstore, found a book club and joined. And I flipping love it!
So anyway - book.
'The Red Notebook' is translated from French and is a real beauty.
When I was told I would knock it over in two sittings - I inwardly scoffed. But at 159 pages, this little novella is a quick read that will keep you flipping the pages.
Apparently the French love a handbag sized novel, and this is it.
Set in Paris, bookseller Laurent finds an abandoned handbag on a street and is compelled to return it to its owner. So starts the story of the small red notebook - which contains no defining details, but some insights and thoughts from the owner.
This is a charming book, full of whimsy. Fast-paced and quite lovely I really enjoyed it and would recommend as a light read.
If you're looking for an uplifting read - this is not the book for you.
My long time readers will know that I have a fascination with the Sydney's history of crime from the early 1800s - 1950s.
A friend recommended I read this. And I did. It was heavy, my goodness, it was bleak.
But am I glad I read it? Yes. Of course. I got to put myself in someone else's shoes, and learn about the hardships of life in the late 1800s through to 1931. It was tough if you didn't have the support of your family.
Without giving to much away - Eugenia is born into an Italian family, moves to NZ, and at a young age realises she identifies as a male. It's a book of heartbreak and hardship, lack of understanding and compassion, and gritty real-life sadness.
While the first half of the book was loaded with interest for me, I did struggle when it came to the trial of Eugenia. I skipped parts because it was just too dense for me.
I'd definitely recommend it though, it's a fascinating story, delicately written with meticulous attention to detail.
PS - I joined a book club!
I haven't been around here for almost two months. I guess I owe a brief explanation.
So I left a job, and started a new one. Since then it's been a whirlwind of decompressing, travel, learning, commuting and yearning for things to settle down. And they are.
As part of my new role, I can commute on the train - which is kind of cool.
So I've been reading quite a bit.
My latest is Kate Betts' 'My Paris Dream'.
Since returning from New York and San Francisco, I've been struck with the travel bug. Reading this book seemed to satiate the yearning and curiosity.
'My Paris Dream' is Kate's story of leaving the US as a fresh graduate from Princeton - and relocating to France where she was determined to live a Parisian life, thrust into the depths of culture, a new language and finding a job.
It's a sort of coming of age story, where she works a number of entry-level jobs - before she lands an incredible apprenticeship with Women's Wear Daily. This is where she carves out her career, working ridiculous hours, sacrificing her own life to document the fashion life.
She circles the city with Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfield, Christian Louboutin and so many others. But it's not the jerk circle you might expect. She's humble, down to earth and driven. She's hungry for her career, falls in love with the French romantic Herve, and is swept into this vortex driven by WWD.
It's a beautiful exploration of Paris life, a wonderful memoir, and easy to read. I loved reading about her metamorphosis from La Grande Americaine to one perfectly at home in the heart of Paris.
If you love fashion, Paris and adventure, then this book is worthy of being on your bedside.
'My Paris Dream' by Kate Betts $29.99 from Berkelouw
* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. In 2015 it's my goal to read at least one book per month - and share my lowdown on them with you. Maybe you'd like to read along? If so, let me know and we can virtually have a book club.
I'll be honest - I've been pretty crummy at reading lately. I started the year with great gusto, tearing through three books in one month, and have dwindled to taking two months to read this book.
Which - let me clarify, is no reflection of this book. It's a reflection of me needing to unwind in front of bad tv, with tired eyes, instead of read a book, propped up in bed.
But today I finished it. Lying on the sofa, with the Doctor fast asleep right next to me, I laughed out loud - so funny is this book, it makes you laugh the whole way through.
I don't think that's an easy thing either, to make someone laugh out loud via a book. But David Sedaris never fails. First published in 2000, it's been out for a long time. A really long time, but it's still as relevant, entertaining and hilarious as ever.
I read David Sedaris' piece regarding his obsession with his FitBit a few months ago - and it spurred me on to read more of his writing.
If you want an easy read, that's funny, self-deprecating, and totally good value - read this. I am sure it won't disappoint. Particularly the chapters on living in France. Bloody funny.
Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris $16.95 from Booktopia
* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. In 2015 it's my goal to read at least one book per month - and share my lowdown on them with you. Maybe you'd like to read along? If so, let me know and we can virtually have a book club.
I picked this up at my local bookshop on a whim. You see I really love Julianne Moore, and I'm not a literature snob - if it's been converted to a film, I am not above buying the film adapt cover.
You see it's the story of Alice, a way above average woman who happens to be a psychologist, who happens to teach at Harvard, who happens to be married to an incredible man, and have three incredible children. You think she's got it all. Well she does. And then some.
She's diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimers and the following story is heartbreakingly sad, but also really beautiful. The story captures the descent into the disease - the memory loss, the loss of self, and the futile snatches at claiming back her memory. Fifteen years prematurely, Alice struggles with memory loss, disorientation, loss of words - and losing her thriving and super successful career.
I read this book in record time. It is an easy, compelling, engaging read that is beyond sad - informative and insightful.
Written by neuroscientist Lisa Genova, Still Alice is a New York Times bestseller, that's a pacey page-turner.
Still Alice from Booktopia $15.95
* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. In 2015 it's my goal to read at least one book per month - and share my lowdown on them with you. Maybe you'd like to read along? If so, let me know and we can virtually have a book club.
This is a great book.
Remember when I read 'Where'd You Go Bernadette?'. This is penned by the same author, and delivers the same pacey, awesome, realistic, laugh out loud, feel a bit sad story.
I may have devoured this book whole in just a few sittings. It's that good.
It follows the life of Violet Parry - a woman who has everything. Except Teddy Reyes.
Running alongside her story, is the story of Sally Parry - a woman who wants everything.
Both stories are cracking, will have you cringing, laughing, feeling angsty, and almost shouting at the pages in disgust and surprise.
I really, really loved this book (and Semple's previous) - she writes so beautifully, she's witty, clever, and the storyline is compelling. Semple worked previously as a TV writer (Arrested Development, Ellen, Saturday Night Live etc), so she sets a cracking pace and knows how to keep you engaged. Sharp as a tack.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I subtracted .5 of a star because I wanted it to keep going, and it didn't.
This One Is Mine - Maria Semple: from Booktopia $15.95
* Reading is all about what I'm reading. It's not sponsored. It's simply me, reading a book and sharing with you. A book club of sorts. I've read six books this year. This is six more than I did last year.
