Literature in the Lymes

What is scary right now is how cold my coffee is, but, in honor of Halloween, I’ll tell you about something else interesting and scary. Gregory Maguire’s books, "Wicked," and its sequel, "Son of A Witch."  (Isn’t that just the best name for a sequel?)  Luckily, the name is wonderful because the first book is by far the best.  However, anyone who remembers watching, "The … [Read more...] about “Wicked” and “Son of a Witch” by Gregory Maguire

Good easy read.  Lots of fun without lots of meat.  Blah blah blah.  I am being diplomatic. The book was good and I enjoyed reading it, but I suppose I was missing more seriousness.  Coming from me this sounds ludicrous, I know, but it can not be helped. The famous tapestries of The Lady and The Unicorn are worthy of more.  Tracy Chevalier does a wonderful job giving us an … [Read more...] about “The Lady and the the Unicorn” by Tracy Chevalier

If you like words (as we all now know, I do*) hold on to your horses.  More fun than the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) online; an entire book of bombastic pontification. Well, the review is at least. Simon Winchester takes a fabulous subject and tells a marvelous story. The OED began its current incarnation, as the literary analog to the great masterpieces of … [Read more...] about “The Professor and the Madman” by Simon Winchester

Of David Sedaris, I am a big fan. Well, I’m five foot four, but you know what I mean. David Sedaris, also apparently somewhat diminutive, makes up for this with a Napoleonic attitude. His books all exude a measure of Woody Allen-ness;  they cry, "I am small and shy, but, boy, do I have some pent-up angst that I will backhandedly divulge!" There are many kinds of humor, … [Read more...] about “When You Are Engulfed In Flames” by David Sedaris

Is it a mystery or three personal narratives?  It could be both.  It does not matter. Winthrop is very good natural writer.  Immediately you are an interested participant in the month of a young girl's life as seen through both her own eyes and those of her parents. Belle stopped talking nine months ago.  Her parents Wilson and Ruth are agonizing over why and what to do.  … [Read more...] about “December” by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop

The Book Fairy left this in my mailbox so, not being one to monkey with fate, I read it. What a book.  I loved it and it gave me the willies.  I laughed out loud and I choked up. Yes, I know, “ I laughed, I cried”.  I love a cliché (... and a parade - but I digress.) I almost put it down and churlishly walked away after one risqué bit, but am glad I did not, and will … [Read more...] about “You’re Not You” by Michelle Wildglen

Eclipse, Book Three in the saga is good.  Not quite as fabulous as the first - that new car smell is hard to duplicate - but good.  It is strange how such a large book (629 pages) goes by so quickly.  Like a bowl of pistachios you sit near and then suddenly find yourself standing in a pile of shells with a wistful look on your face, unsure of what on earth just happened. These … [Read more...] about “Eclipse” and “Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer

Sometimes its so very hard to be a truly fabulous, much admired book reviewer.  It is hypocritically sanctimonious to say, "Oh, you must read Kafka and Sartre," when I don’t want to ... at least, not right now. I believe I called attention last week to this problem that I’m having, but we’ll call it the literary equivalent of throwing away the tofu and getting out the … [Read more...] about “Full Moon” by Stephenie Meyer

By now I am sure you have noticed I am a bit capricious in my literary fervor.  I happily vacillate between the serious* and the popular.  There is, I believe, a very important place for both.  "Twilight" falls into the latter category and I am willing to lay my credibility on the line with my swooning enthusiasm for this book. As with the response to Harry Potter, there are … [Read more...] about “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer

What a combination. Tales from the venerable Explorer’s Club and George Plimpton ( if you have not yet read, "The Bogey Man," you have not truly laughed up your guts.) The Explorer’s Club in Manhattan is a very tony club. Established at the turn of the last century by well-heeled voyagers, it has maintained a plethora of brilliantly experienced members. Naturalists, … [Read more...] about “As Told At The Explorer’s Club. More Than Fifty Gripping Tales of Adventure:” Edited by George Plimpton

Linda Greenlaw probably does not realize what people really think of her.  Maybe she thinks she is a woman who fishes and writes some books about it.  Maybe she thinks she is mildly interesting because not everyone does this sort of thing.  She would be spot on if that were what we thought. But it’s not. Judging by her numerous television appearances, book tours, and the … [Read more...] about “All Fishermen are Liars” by Linda Greenlaw

I read this book for the first time in my early 20s.  It made an impression to the demonstrable extent that it is still among my favorites. As a troubled teen in New York City, Tania has few positive prospects for her future.  She dropped out of high school.  She stays out too late partying and as yet, does not have the moral fortitude to respect herself enough to take any … [Read more...] about “Maiden Voyage” by Tania Aebi

This book was a nice surprise. I was expecting more chick-lit and less clever introspection and witty social commentary.  I would call Ms. Gilman a better-grounded David Sedaris.  Just as funny as he, but not quite as bitter. "Hypocrite In A White Dress" chronicles Susie’s life from kindergarten until her first year of marriage.  Each chapter in her life is an essay that … [Read more...] about “Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress” by Susan Jane Gilman

"Her Royal Spyness" is the first book in a new mystery series by award winning author Rhys Bowen.  I loved it in all its flirty-flighty-girly-glory.  I was not looking for a heavy read and was delightedly not over-burdened with this.  I must say, I really liked it . Set in England and Scotland in the 1930s, the heroine/sleuth is perfectly likeable.  Lady Victoria Georgianna … [Read more...] about “Her Royal Spyness” by Rhys Bowen

A few years ago I met David Handler at the Lyme Public Library.  I had just finished the Stewart Hoag series and was gratifyingly entering the world of Berger and Mitry.  Now, six engaging books into the series, I am, more than ever, hard-pressed to pick a favorite and write just one review ... but I’ll try. I’ll get to Hoagie, whom I also love, at a later date. For now, I … [Read more...] about “The Sour Cherry Surprise” by David Handler