Literature in the Lymes

"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

"The Sunday Philosophy Club", "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate", "The Right Attitude to Rain" and "The Careful Use of Compliments."     All four by Alexander McCall Smith Ah, Isabel Dalhousie.  All four of the books involving this 40ish woman from Edinburgh, Scotland, are certainly worth a trip to the bookstore, library, or even Amazon.com!  Most parts are wonderful, though some … [Read more...] about The Isobel Dalhousie Series by Alexander McCall Smith