Literature in the Lymes

We love it when we've read something before Jen - a rare event to be sure - but it makes us feel extra-knowledgeable about her review. And, as this is the case with her book choice this week—"Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides—we can say with complete confidence that, yet again, her review absolutely hits the mark.  I am speechless.  Could be the early hour.  Could be the end … [Read more...] about “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides

Last week Jen reviewed "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen," which cleverly caught us out because it wasn't really about fishing at all. This week she reviews "The Big One An Island, an Obsession, and the Furious Pursuit of a Great Fish by David Kinney and so we think, "Hah! We're not about to be caught out again," but guess what, it's all about fishing. Can't win!  From Flyfishing … [Read more...] about “The Big One An Island, an Obsession, and the Furious Pursuit of a Great Fish” by David Kinney

We can never pretend we haven't noticed when we're late with Jen's review - first the emails arrive, then the phone starts ringing and finally when we see a line of cars cruising up and down the street, we know there's a problem. OK slight exaggeration...but not much, so without further ado, here she is - our Jen and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" (note the pure poetry … [Read more...] about “Salmon Fishing In The Yemen” by Paul Torday

Lots of people think that the book our Jen selected this week, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," by David Wroblewski, is very good, including Stephen King who noted he doesn't re-read many books, but will be doing so with this one. Yet again Jen's review has tickled our fancy too and we think we'll also be reading it very shortly. I had dinner a few weeks ago with a gentleman … [Read more...] about “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski

Jen takes on Olive this week (no, not the kind with pits but rather one-of-a-kind Olive Kitteridge, who lives in Crosby, Maine) and finds herself captivated by the tangled web into which she ventures.  Author Elizabeth Strout won a 2009  Pullitzer for this book and we're thinking, if there were a Pullitzer for book reviews, our Jen would win one hands down.  This is … [Read more...] about “Olive Kitteridge” by Elizabeth Strout

Be warned, dear readers, you're in for a surprise this week when you click to read Jen's book review.  OK, we'll spill the beans - there is no book!  Yes, this week Jen analyzes why, in her opinion, she is the most voracious reader that we've ever had the pleasure to meet ... and of course, it makes fascinating reading. I thought this week might be a good time to monopolize … [Read more...] about Why I Read

Shouldn't we all be enjoying these last, lazy hazy days of summer before school starts next week by kicking off our shoes, relaxing and doing nothing much of anything? Not our Jen. She stayed up all night reading this week's book pick - that's how compelling she found "The Story Sisters" by Alice Hoffman. Alice Hoffman is one of my most-beloved authors.  She is consistently … [Read more...] about ‘The Story Sisters’ by Alice Hoffman

Published 08/14/09 While the cat's away, Jen will play.  But Jen is a good girl, and seeing as our editor has been in London, England, for a while, Jen dutifully read a book about London in her absence.  However, "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman is not about the London tourists see ... well, actually, it is in part, but it is the "London Below" that is gripping. Whilst our … [Read more...] about “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman

Published 08/02/09 It's summertime - it is honestly, despite the weather, and our ever optimistic Jen has a wonderful book suggestion this week for those lazy, hazy days we're spending on our beach towels ... or rather (hopefully) about to spend. It's the garden-themed mystery, "Pushing up Daisies" by Rosemary Harris  Just back from a marvelous vacation where I read not a … [Read more...] about “Pushing Up Daisies” by Rosemary Harris

This weekend it is the Midsummer Festival in Old Lyme. So why not prepare for the splendid event by reading "Midsummer" by Marcelle Clements. It might not be quite as upbeat as the festival but, as our resplendent reviewer Jen Mann concludes, it is nevertheless, "a beautiful book." This is a beautiful book.  Rather depressing, but still beautiful. A group of friends rent … [Read more...] about “Midsummer” by Marcelle Clements

As all her loyal readers know, Jen Mann is never late with her reviews so where, you ask, is it? Well, it did a disappearing trick and decided to explore the world of cyberspace, which segues beautifully into her book choice for this week, "Plum Spooky" by Janet Evanovich, a story about, in Jen's words, "Who stole this and kidnapped whom and shot who with what?" Stephanie … [Read more...] about “Plum Spooky” by Janet Evanovich

Just when we thought we were beginning to understand the sorts of book Jen likes, she throws a curve ball with,"Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious,Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I learned When I Read Every Single Word of The Bible" by David Plotz.  Forgive us, but it seemed appropriate to leave publication of her thoughts about reading a book about reading The Bible … [Read more...] about “Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious,Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I learned When I Read Every Single Word of The Bible” by David Plotz

Jen has this habit of selecting "Must Read" books and without hesitation, we join her this week in heartily recommending, "The Glass Castle," by Jeannette Walls. In terms of a real-life story of beating incedible odds told without a trace of self-pity, it is, to quote Jen, "an example to us all." If I ever meet the parents of Jeannette Walls, I am going to have a chat with … [Read more...] about “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls

Our Jen was—along with (in our unscientific opinion) approximately half the population of the Lymes—sick last week.  We're so glad to learn that she's now recovered and here she is back again for your delight with the revealing (and riveting) antithesis to her earlier column on why she reads. Here is the companion piece to the ever-popular,” Why I Read.”  It is fair to say … [Read more...] about Why Sometimes I Don’t Read