Literature in the Lymes

I wouldn’t call it a story of terror as much as an interesting scientific and historical work.* It certainly is not Jaws, although Peter Benchley molded his story from the tales of this particular shark, namely,Carcharadon carcharias in Latin; Great White in English; from Shurk(e) in German, for scoundrel or villain. The Great White Shark has always been the stuff of … [Read more...] about “Close To Shore” by Michael Capuzzo

In the history of science, alchemy (from the Arabic الكيمياء al-kīmiyā') refers to both an early form of the investigation of nature and an early philosophical and spiritual discipline, both combining elements of chemistry, metallurgy, physics, medicine, astrology, semiotics, mysticism, spiritualism, and art all as parts of one greater force. Alchemy has been practiced in … [Read more...] about The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

Amazing to read the book and realize that it was written in 1604.  Four hundred and four years ago, the troubles we fear are much the same.  Hamlet is one of my favorite of Shakespeare’s 38 plays.  Not to be intimidated by him is a rarity.  I owe my fearlessness to a certain Gary Fountain, my English teacher at Miss Porter’s.  Not only was fear not allowed, we were coerced … [Read more...] about “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare

I simply could not resist this book and for that I am glad. I don’t subscribe to Gourmet but may reconsider, now that I know what I'm missing. This is a delectable collection of stories fromGourmet over the last 60 years.  They encompass everything from fictitious musings and memorable lunches to outdated recipes and culinary biographies. The settings travel from North … [Read more...] about “Endless Feasts: Sixty Years of Writing from Gourmet Magazine” Edited by Ruth Reichl

The Serpent’s Tale is just as enticing as Ariana Franklin’s first book, "The Mistress of The Art Of Death." Adelia is called to duty once again in aiding the KIng solve a murder.  King Henry’s mistress, Rosamund, has been killed and Adelia must help prove that the murderer is not Queen Eleanor.  If it is, a civil war will destroy the relative peace the country presently … [Read more...] about “The Serpent’s Tale” by Ariana Franklin

Truly, Alice Hoffman is a fairytale-teller. Her stories are grounded and other-worldy concurrently.  I have yet to read something of hers that was not a thrilling amalgamation of both.  She manages to be entertaining and clever, without the sappy, too obvious ministrations of other plot-driven writers. Alice Hoffman has written a wondrous book that encompasses the lives … [Read more...] about “The Third Angel” by Alice Hoffman

At the beginning of the last century two people fell in love.  Mamah (nickname for Martha) Bothwick Cheney and Frank Wright. Frank LLoyd Wright, that is. Theirs was a meeting of the minds.  A whirlwind of passion and creativity that brought out their truest selves. Unfortunately, they were both married to other people and both had young children.  This did not stop … [Read more...] about “Loving Frank” by Nancy Horan

Honestly, I would read anything written by Ruth Reichl. In fact, I have, and I highly recommend them all.  But Garlic and Sapphires is my favorite. Ruth Riechl is equal parts wonderful cook and enchanting food writer. She was the food editor at the LA times before she came to The New York Times as their Restaurant Critic. This is where we meet her. She relocates … [Read more...] about “Garlic and Sapphires” by Ruth Reichl

When we first encounter Emma Streat, she is quiet.  She is reserved and thoughtful while she contemplates the restructure of her empty nest.  Sleigh beds in the guest room?  Another place setting of Henriot’s Quimper china?  The most gruesome event is the terrier catching a bunny. Her corporate husband is busy at work.  Her sons are off to college and Emma, the housekeeper, … [Read more...] about “Stripped”/”Without Warning” by Eugenia Lovett West

One hot, summer night, Laurel is sleeping in her perfect, Floridian, suburban home with her perfect husband, when she is awakened by the ghost of Molly, the family's neighbor and her daughter’s friend. Molly is dead in the pool outside Laurel's window and she wants Laurel to know why. Laurel, it turns out, has seen ghosts before and, as stunned and agitated as she is, we … [Read more...] about “The Girl Who Stopped Swimming” by Joshilyn Jackson

I just finished Mr Pip and I wanted to strike while the proverbial iron is hot.  I‘m still trying to catch my breath.  I think may have actually said "Wow!" out loud at some point. When I picked up "Mr. Pip,"  I thought it looked enchanting; a nice island book about how stories can change everyone’s lives, the power of the written word and all that. Not quite. Harder … [Read more...] about “Mr. Pip” by Lloyd Jones

"The Lace Reader" was originally self-published.  Once word got out - the publishing houses picked it up.  Justifiable hubris indeed!  I read the entire book in two days ... Mom- what’s for dinner?  Nothing kids - I’m reading ... (sort of kidding). The minute I finished the last bit and realized what had had really been going on, I wanted to start again. Three generations … [Read more...] about “The Lace Reader” by Boronia Barry

Dr. Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar is the heroine of this mystery set in 1171 medieval England. Not for a minute does this seem as unrealistic as it should. Adelia, a medical examiner from Italy is ahead of her time.  Quite far ahead actually.  Women in medieval times were not doctors. They were not openly feisty, intelligent, belligerent, fearless, judgmental and … [Read more...] about “Mistress of The Art of Death” by Ariana Franklin

I quail to think that I may not be able to do this book justice.  Mark Helprin is a staggeringly great writer.  If I had to pick a favorite (thankfully I don’t), he would be it.  His life experience - Harvard, Oxford, Princeton, Army, Airforce, Navy - would be enough of a reason to hear what he has to say, but his scope of experience is minimal compared to his imagination, … [Read more...] about “Freddy and Fredericka” by Mark Helprin