I know I should be reviewing something smarter, or more current, or hipper, but I can’t help myself. I am reading everything I am supposed to -- Cleopatra, Unbroken, some book about Voltaire’s mistress. This book really got to me though, so I just can't help but do this. I went to the Book Barn (akin to Harry Winston in my opinion for sheer delight and fabulousness) and … [Read more...] about “Anybody Out There?” by Marian Keyes
Literature in the Lymes
“Isobel’s Odyssey” by Ann Blair Kloman
Ah, the fates have intervened again and a long misplaced email has called a book to my attention. Ann Blair Kloman wrote a wonderful suspense novel last year (... longer? Who knows? I age without consent) and has now written another. And to think I almost missed it. Isobel’s Odyssey is a treat. Wonderfully reminiscent of my beloved Mrs Polifax series (Dorothy Gilman), … [Read more...] about “Isobel’s Odyssey” by Ann Blair Kloman
“Swamplandia” by Karen Russell
Swamplandia! The reviews of Karen Russell’s last book, "Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised by Wolves,” are enough to make you pick this new one up and clutch it to your chest as you race from the shop ... “Run for your life. The girl is on fire.” (Los Angeles Times) Not even a page in and I was captivated by the ease and grace with which she writes. A pseudo-real Indian tribe on … [Read more...] about “Swamplandia” by Karen Russell
‘Room’ by Emma Donohugh
It should be called 'Floored.' I am, completely. A 19-year-old girl is kidnapped and held prisoner in a shed for seven years. She has two babies by the gruesome, evil, sick bastard, who took her. One dies. One lives. We see the story through the second child’s eyes. A boy, Jack, who is five. He and 'Ma' live in 'Room.' It is not 'a' Room. To Jack it, quite literally, is the … [Read more...] about ‘Room’ by Emma Donohugh
The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
I live on a little under 10 acres. It's fairly private and we all sort of behave the way we like without fear of public scrutiny. Upon re reading Bill Bryson’s book The Lost Continent, I laughed so hard and so loudly and so often that I was embarrassed and waited for someone to come scold me or at least make fun. He is bar (almost) none, the most amusing writer. It may … [Read more...] about The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson
‘Overkill: An Emma Streat Mystery’ By Eugenia Lovett West
Jennifer Petty Mann grew up in New York City, moved to London, England, then back to Boston, and is now happily ensconced on the EightMile river in Lyme with three little ones. A former teacher, window dresser for Saks, and designer, she is taking her love of books to the proverbial "street." Without Warning (Stripped) is the first book. Overkillis the second and a third … [Read more...] about ‘Overkill: An Emma Streat Mystery’ By Eugenia Lovett West
‘Faithful Place’ by Tana French
Jennifer Petty Mann grew up in New York City, moved to London, England, then back to Boston, and is now happily ensconced on the EightMile river in Lyme with three little ones. A former teacher, window dresser for Saks, and designer, she is taking her love of books to the proverbial "street." I really am getting behind here! I have a few books you’d love, but as I just … [Read more...] about ‘Faithful Place’ by Tana French
‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins
Jennifer Petty Mann grew up in New York City, moved to London, England, then back to Boston, and is now happily ensconced on the EightMile river in Lyme with three little ones. A former teacher, window dresser for Saks, and designer, she is taking her love of books to the proverbial "street." I am beginning to feel that I should just March myself down to the Headmaster’s … [Read more...] about ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins
‘A Blast From The Past’ by Kinky Friedman
Jennifer Petty Mann grew up in New York City, moved to London, England, then back to Boston, and is now happily ensconced on the EightMile river in Lyme with three little ones. A former teacher, window dresser for Saks, and designer, she is taking her love of books to the proverbial "street." Richard S. “Kinky” Friedman almost defies description. A renaissance man and … [Read more...] about ‘A Blast From The Past’ by Kinky Friedman
‘FreeK Camp’ by Steve Burt
Jennifer Petty Mann grew up in New York City, moved to London, England, then back to Boston, and is now happily ensconced on the EightMile river in Lyme with three little ones. A former teacher, window dresser for Saks, and designer, she is taking her love of books to the proverbial "street." Read her latest book review exclusively here on LymeLine every Friday. OK, OK! … [Read more...] about ‘FreeK Camp’ by Steve Burt
A Summer Reading List … for Grown-Ups!
Why do kids get to have all the fun? Why can’t we have homework? Well, my darlings, you can. My lovely friend TS and I have decided I will do a Summer Reading List. There will only be six books to read. I will not review them so you can’t cheat. Actually I may do two to inspire you. I will otherwise be reading them with you. If you read the majority of them ... … [Read more...] about A Summer Reading List … for Grown-Ups!
‘Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe’ by Bill Bryson
Laughing is so cathartic. Take the worst time and find something to laugh about and, my God, you just can’t help but feel better. The science that says just putting a smile on your face, changing the arrangement of your facial muscles and thereby affecting your mood, is right on. Cool huh? Bill Bryson never fails to make me smile. In fact, I laughed so hard at his … [Read more...] about ‘Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe’ by Bill Bryson
‘Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater’ by Frank Bruni
Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater is a good book. Frank Bruni was the food critic for the NYT until May 2009. He held the post for five years replacing Biff Grimes who replaced my favorite, Ruth Reichl. Bruni wore many hats as a writer and reporter over the years and this is his first autobiographical food book. He is an extremely likable guy. His … [Read more...] about ‘Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater’ by Frank Bruni
The Stacks in Jen’s Life
Our much missed and absolute favorite book reviewer is back - hooray! Jen returns with a review with a difference ... rather than one book she considers her stacks. Hay stacks? Chimney stacks? Wrong and wrong again ... curious? This is so weird for me—this feeling of being literally unable to even remember a book that I have read when I sit down to review it for you. I … [Read more...] about The Stacks in Jen’s Life
‘Little Chapel On The River’ by Gwendolyn Bounds
Fact is often better than fiction. Have you ever looked at a brightly colored fish or flower and thought, "It is not possible that that just appeared in nature. I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it.” Fact is like that too. Imagination is contained by our perceptions so it makes sense, but some plots are so wonderful you think they must have been monkeyed with. … [Read more...] about ‘Little Chapel On The River’ by Gwendolyn Bounds