I've picked up a lovely little summer read at my LBS (local bookstore) Barnes and Noble by a fellow Westport author - Jane Green. One of the things I especially like about reading Jane's books is that while they take place in a fictional town called Highfield, Connecticut, there are many parts of Westport which appear in her books. When I read her books, it's sort of like going on a little scavenger hunt and seeing what might be familiar. In Dune Road, Jane describes the home of our lovely protagonist, Kit, as being a small cape with light green shutters with star cutouts. Anyone who has ever walked to Compo Beach in Westport will easily recognize the adorable star cutout shutters mentioned.
Another feature I like in this book is that the house of one of the characters, writer Robert McClore, is apparently an old-fashioned white house which is based upon a house at the end of my street (which, BTW, I refer to as the Southern Plantation). I only know this because I went to my LBS to hear Jane speak at her book signing and she said as much.
I'm not much of a book critic, so you can read a lovely review by clicking on Sarah Laurence's blog
What are you reading this summer?
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jane Green!!!! In my opinion, she is one of the best modern "chick lit" authors that we have! I would love to go to one of her signings....sigh...sadly, I live near Pittsburgh, and I don't think she'll be around here much.
Posted by: Alissa Sgro | Tuesday, July 07, 2009 at 21:37
I plan to read casting spells by Barbara Bretton as well. It has been on my "to read" list for over a year. Also, reading Pride and Prejudice to see where the movies left off.
Also, found four to score by Janet Evanovich on my bookshelf and plan to read it again.
Posted by: madonnaearth | Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 17:38
My daughter talked me into the Twilight saga and I've read the first two and watched the first movie in the last week. Before that I read 1943 book called A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Apparently the author lived in Chapel Hill, NC (local for me).
Carolyn in NC
p.s. did you ever get the coupons I sent?
Posted by: Carolyn in NC | Monday, June 29, 2009 at 21:39
I started Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, which was gifted to me as a surprise (!). My problem right now is an obsession with knitting that is preventing me from reading! I completed a blanket using the honeycomb pattern (like the Blooming Cotton Scarf from IK but without the little 2 stitches, done in the round and steeking the long sides) and had tons of Ella Rae Classic left over, so I made 2 log cabin pillow covers, still had yarn left, so now doing a random fair isle cover with the yarn, also in the round. Practicing 2 handed fair isle.
Yeah, I'm officially obsessed.
Posted by: Kris Van Allen | Monday, June 29, 2009 at 12:06
I just finished "Loving Frank". It was a good read although not as good as I was told. And at your recommendation I just started "The Art of Racing in the Rain" You were right, it starts out sad but I can't wait to get farther along.
Posted by: Leslie | Monday, June 29, 2009 at 07:51
Thanks for the book recommendation. I've just finished two excellent thrillers, Stieg Larson's amazing Girl with a Dragon Tattoo (the first of three) and Olen Steinhauer's The Tourist. Both deserve to be read pretty quickly -- with the first, you may not have a choice, it's so compelling. Great reads for any season.
Posted by: Luise | Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 20:30
Just finished "A Homemade Life" last night and made the famous "Pink Cookies" yesterday with my friend Susan of Abstract Fiber.
It is a terrific book of stories that inspired or recollect a recipe, followed by the recipe. Delicious :P
Posted by: Rebecca | Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 15:30
How fun! I remember that cape! I am reading Peyton Place right now and plan to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton, The Story Girl by L.M. Montgomery, The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society.
Posted by: Shelley | Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 13:28
I don't read, I listen. I'm listening to First Family by David Baldacci. According to the 'bar' on my MP3 I am about 3/4 finished.
It's a good read, a bit confusing at times as there are two mysteries involved. We've just solved one though.
There is a very subtle love story involving the two main characters Sean and Michelle.
At the same time I am listening to this I am 'reading' another Baldacci book with the same two PIs. Simple Genius is about murder and intrigue, the CIA and a private lab "whose goals and funding are a mystery". It is holding my interest.
I don't read often anymore, as I like to listen and knit.
Posted by: Susan Moore | Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11:35