The White Mary, by Kira Salak

The White Mary was released last year by Henry Holt & Company. The edition I reviewed is by Picador with a 2009 release that I have reviewed for Library Thing. The reviews on the LT site are varied to say the least. I personally LOVED IT!!! Kira Salak has written many non-fiction books based on her own personal travel experiences and it shows in her first novel The White Mary. You are definitely on this trip with her.







MY REVIEW:
Marika Vecera is a determined, dedicated journalist who chooses to live life with little baggage. She lives in a sparsely decorated apartment with minimal material comforts. Cherished tokens from her travels serve as windows to her past. She has no permanent male companion and likes it that way. No attachment. She can pick up and leave to follow a story at any moment.

She wanted to write, she freelanced and sold her stories, always risking personal injury and life threatening odds. It wasn’t easy in the beginning as she paid her own way to get to perilous places in order to report a story. Her hero is the famous journalist, Robert Lewis and has read everything he ever wrote. When she reads of his suicide she is devastated. Soon after, she decides to write a biography about his life.

Contrary to her single lifestyle, Marika becomes involved with Sam Gilman, an “intense” doctoral student. Unaccustomed to deep relationships Marika is frightened as Sam tries to break through her desensitized cocoon. After a horrible fight, Marika leaves Seb.

She learns that a missionary is quite sure he spotted Lewis living in a remote jungle village in Papa New Guinea. With rash determination she decides to follow the lead. Treacherous travel through leech invested swamps and the constant attack of mosquitos leads Marika to a village where she is called white mary. Her visit turns unexpectedly reflective when the protective shield that binds her ability to feel begins to unravel.

Kira Salak’s personal experiences make this novel a realistically compelling read. A beautifully sensual book with poetic imagery that lifts off the page.

“Trees surround her like great columns in a cathedral. Birds announce the coming day with bold calls, and not even the faint drumbeats can overpower the incessant droning of insects.”

I consumed this book without stopping. Reflective and mesmerizing,The White Mary, will be one for my 2009 top ten picks.

After You've Gone-by Jeffrey Lent

After You’ve Gone
Jeffrey Lent, Atlantic Monthly Press, March 10, 2009, $24.00, HC, 272 pp. 978-0-87113-894-1.


After You’ve Gone takes place at the beginning of the twentieth century and spans a number of years in the life of Henry Dorn. It takes place where he grew up in Nova Scotia, and follows his travels to New York and Amsterdam. Henry Dorn’s life is radically changed one day when his wife Olivia, and son Robert are tragically killed in an automobile accident. Olivia is the love of Henry’s life and with death he carries unbearable grief. Robert and he have had a strained relationship, unable to communicate, neither able to understand the other. Robert has returned from war addicted to morphine, full of self pity and no motivation. Henry’s last conversation with his son was a disaster. When he realizes his two daughters are too busy to include him in their lives, he withdraws making plans to travel. He chooses Amsterdam where he decides he will research his heritage.

While there he meets Lydia Pierce, independent and confident, happy to be single and free to come and go as she pleases. It is a new age, where women are venturing out on their own. The plot is somewhat predictable as Henry falls in love with Lydia. However, this is not the full story, nor is it the end.

Jeffrey Lent again demonstrates his storytelling finesse. The language is breathtakingly rich, the characters are crafted with finite detail and the ending is anyone’s guess. Although somewhat slow reading at the beginning, the story soon picks up momentum. Reading anything by Jeffrey Lent is a sensual gift to savor. After You’ve Gone is no exception, a love story that will leave a lingering imprint.

Thursday Thoughts....

Something to Think About Thursday

Hi friends, I feel like I have been way out of touch. I hope to get back to blogging more regularly real soon. Honestly, I have just stepped in hornets nest of issues that have sidelined me from posting my daily blog. Without getting into details, I can say for certain, I had my hands full. I didn't have the mental or physical capability to do what I love best, and that is read and write.



That said, My question to you is this,

What would you do if you were suddenly unable to read? This includes books on tape. What would you do if you fell asleep every time someone read to you. What would you do if you fell asleep every time you began to read a book?

What would you do? How would you handle this? I am curious!! Please leave me a comment and share your thoughts. I would love to know.

Wordless Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Connecticut Clouds.....

I took this yesterday on my way home. There was such a sense of foreboding and eerie quiet as if Hitchcock himself had created the setting. It was a curious spectacle. There was no rain. There was no sun. Just dark heavy ominous billowing clouds like you'd see from the back of an old steam engine.

Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Congratulations to President Obama!!!



The Nobel Committee made a daringly bold decision in bestowing this honor to our president. They have offered their opinion in this video which I am sure will be actively debated in the media.

I have sent a message of congratulations to President Obama with my support. I believe his efforts to bring together the global community through unilateral thinking and actions have been extraordinary. His vision for a better world are genuine and promising.

Wordless Wednesday, September 23, 2009

My fur family...Wizard, Webster, Lion, and Mystery

Wizard was the latest to arrive a very insecure and depressed greyhound who had lost his master and pack mates. If you look at this picture it really does speak for itself.

The Blue Star Winners!!!

Congratulation to the following winners of a copy of The Blue Star by Tony Earley. This was a contest hosted by The Hachette Group. Please email me your addresses to my email address. Thanks and I hope you enjoy the book!

Naida
Rhapsody in Books
Carol M...mittens0831 AT aol.com
Booklogged A Reader's Journal
Diane from Bibliophile by the Sea

Book Winner Announced

Congratulations go to Naida for winning a copy of I Can See You, by Karen Rose.

Naida...I have your address, so I will forward it to Hachette. Let me know if it has changed though ok? Wisteria

Sunday Salon September 20, 2009

My Sunday Salon Podcast

Sunday Salon, September 13, 2009

Even though my summer vacation is over I look back over the past ten weeks off and realize that it was a productive summer. You all know I was in the painting mode, so I will tell you with the help of my sister we were able to paint my dining room, living room, front entrance and hallways. This was a major feat. My high ceilings in the front entrance were a personal challenge and a feat equal in my mind to climbing towering mountains. My fear of heights saw no difference as the precipice of descending stairs looked like a rock pathway below. You should have seen my white knuckles hanging on to the ladder. It's amazing that I was able to even paint the ceiling edges. So it was a proud moment when I managed to accomplish this job without killing myself.

Here are the pictures I promised some of you. Couldn't help having a few dogs in the photo. They're ubiquitous in my house, along with the many bookcases scattered around. At last count I had eleven. How about you? Are you running out of wall space yet?

This is my new walkway that replaced a few stepping stones that led to my front door. I had the path relocated and a tiered garden built up a slope to the front of the porch. What an amazing change that will be so much safer and nicer in the winter. I feel like I had a landscape makeover and can't wait till next spring to get working on adding more plants.

After some major plumbing work and new gravel for the driveway I had to replace a sliding glass door that one of my greyhounds ran into. Yep, he banged his head into the glass. Fortunately he didn't get hurt, but the slider has never been the same. I saw him running toward the door and couldn't open it fast enough. I felt so bad. I know he saw stars and was shaken up.

During all the summer projects, I did have a little time to read, although not as much as I would have liked. Isn't that always the way in the summer? I intend to read so much, but then I get involved in projects then my reading slacks off.

Now as far as the books I have read recently...

I have previews of four books that are terrific. I will have my reviews after they hit publication. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.


Two Historical Fiction Books

Watching Gideon by Stephen Foreman

From the ARC notes: "A deeply moving and vividly imagined novel about an intrepid father and his extraordinary son as they travel into the heart of the American West in search of riches during the heady era of the 1950's"

The Widow's War by Mary Mackey (hint....I LOVED IT!! Carrie is an amazing character with enduring strength.)

From the publisher..."Set in 1853 against the backdrop of the Civil War, this novel tells the tale of one woman's courageous spirit, rebellious love and fight for justice."





A Year of Cats and Dogs, by Margaret Hawkins

From the book jacket, "What happens when nothing happens? ...a dark yet hopeful novel about a woman in midlife who feels surrounded by death. She answers her own question by deciding to find out."







The Man Who Loved Books Too Much, by Allison Hoover Bartlett
"The true story of a thief, a detective and a world of literary obsession."

These four books were part of my end of summer vacation reading frenzy in late August. They stood out above others on my nightstand.

I hope you pick one or two to read, you won't be disappointed. :)

Have a great week!!

Review-A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick

Happy weekend to everyone. I've settled back into the teacher role, now that I have reacquainted with all my students from last year. It always amazes me how 10 weeks can make such a difference in their growth. Some of my students are taller than me. They just love trying to out height me. LOL What you probably don't know is that I am only 5' tall.

Some kindergarten students are still apprehensive and others are taking the leadership role seriously. Looking back to this second week of school there were the occasional tears coupled at times with trips to the nurse for sympathy and hand holding. Most surprising and at times astonishing were my conversations with kids that never cease to amaze me.

I read The Reliable Wife back in June and I am just posting it to my blog as it was pending publication elsewhere. I really enjoyed this book. There were a few slow parts in the middle that I remember thinking, ok lets move on, but otherwise it was a great read. Hope you like it!

Review

A Reliable Wife
Robert Goolrick, Algonquin Books, March 31, 2009, $23.95,HC, 291pp,978-1410417381.



Ralph Truitt and Catherine Land meet at a train station in rural Wisconsin in 1907.
Ralph’s ad for a reliable wife has brought them together. They’re both looking to make a change in their life but it may be more than just a simple marriage.
She hungers for more in life as money and social standing utmost in her sights.
She is not who she seems. She is hiding more than the precious gems sewn in her dress hem and a small blue bottle she carries. When she steps off the train, Ralph takes one look at the well worn photograph of Catherine and clearly she is not the woman he has been corresponding with. Furious at her subterfuge she will still suit his purpose. Although he feels deceived, he has plans for Catherine that with any luck will bring his wayward son home to him. Detectives do locate this lost son, now a man who plays piano in a bar. HIs name is the lascivious Tony Moretti, but on approach he denies Ralph is his father. Meanwhile, Catherine sets in motion a plan to kill her husband with arsenic from her small blue bottle. Why would she jeopardize her new charmed life style married to the rich Mr. Truitt?

The characters of Ralph and Catherine are carefully chiseled and polished. Robert Goolrick creates a clever labyrinth of deceit, guilt and forgiveness. The story is racked with tension as he slowly manipulates his readers through the twisted maze of plot complexity. Goolrick’s writing is embraceable, warm and comfortable with an occasional electric shock. Suspense is this storytellers magic.

Book Review-The Bolter by Frances Osborne

A while back I told you to keep your eye on this biography about Idina Sackville. I was unable to post the review until now, but this is a book to grab on to. It has been getting great reviews elsewhere as well. Don't miss this one if you like to read about a somewhat eccentric and unusual personality. This is certainly not a dull read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

My Review

The Bolter
Frances Osborne, Knopf, June 2, 2009, $30.00/$35.00C,HC, 320 pp, 978-0307270146.

Frances Osborne, the great granddaughter of Idina Sackville has written a shockingly candid biography of a brazen woman who defied the convention of upper society’s expectations. She glowed in the scandalous acts of the choices she made, but always yearned for love. She was born in 1933, the Jazz Age. She married Euan Wallace, the first of five husbands and they set sail to Kenya to build a home. She was surrounded by majestic breathtaking vistas and she fell in love. After having two sons, the marriage began to disintegrate, a divorce was inevitable. When she lost custody and visitation from her boys, she was devastated. She returned alone to her idyllic hideaway of hedonism with only short respites back to England. Idina’s world was wrapped in a cocoon of pleasure with a sharp edge of danger looming about. Her friends, The Happy Valley Set, knew Idina for her outrageous behavior, including frequent nude appearances, adultery and couple switching and the endless flow of alcohol. The Bolter is absorbing with Idina’s life bare and detailed. Her quest for love and freedom was paramount to her. Osborne succeeds brilliantly in conveying a sense of compassion not condemnation for this petite powerhouse.