Sounds Like Titanic: A Memoir
by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman
Unreal (1/7/2019)
"Truth is stranger than fiction" and this story proves that you can't script this kind of writing. Reality/unreality that can drive a person truly crazy is right here. I'm still having to go back and check a few things.
The idea that you take your talent and hard work and lay it at the feet of a nut is not a new story. Ms. Hindman paid a high price to play. The "concerts" made me feel so uncomfortable and, yet, she needs the MONEY. Ah! the bottom line. I almost read it cover to cover in one sitting because the story kept pushing me forward. I kept hoping she'd just walk away, but she needed the MONEY. And who is The Composer? I can't figure out that wrinkle.
Sounds Like Titanic is an amazing read. I highly recommend it.
The Book of Summer
by Michelle Gable
THE Book of THE Summer (3/6/2017)
I predict this will be the hit beach book of '17. I've read most all the Nantucket beach books (all very good), but this one has a twist. The main character is beach erosion. Yes, you heard me. Ms. Gable presents us with the requisite Nantucket characters (all very good), but the main character is the dangerous beach erosion and loss of homes. In this particular story, a very big, very old, very cherished family home is getting ready to go into the Atlantic - very soon! Like now! The struggle to get Cissy out of the house is the structure of the book. And you'll want to jump into the pages and slap Cissy silly before it's all over. The timeframe goes back and forth between the present and WWII. Ms. Gable does an excellent job of keeping the strings untangled. There's a surprise at the end and it may be something you expected as you read along. I couldn't put it down - didn't want it to end. Having read "The Paris Apartment", I knew what a good author Michelle Gable is, but she outdid herself on this one. Romantics and environmentalists alike will sit up in the wee hours with this one.
Caught in the Revolution: Petrograd, Russia, 1917 - A World on the Edge
by Helen Rappaport
The World Pivots (10/30/2016)
As a history buff I've never understood how people could find history boring. Helen Rappaport is one of the best history authors I've read and "Caught in the Revolution" does not disappoint. Having read her two books "The Romanov Sisters" and "The Last Days of the Romanovs" - "Caught in the Revolution" is the other view of the days of the revolution of 1917. Diplomats, journalists, business owners, families - all from other countries witnessed and recorded the overthrow of the Russian monarchy. It is through their eyes that we see the mayhem, murder and destruction that took place.
The first revolution that took place in Feb. of '17 aimed at creating a fair government amidst the chaos of everyone fighting to organize a practically impossible amount of people. Hundreds of prisoners - many innocent - were released from prisons. The brutal police and army were slaughtered in the streets, along with citizens of every age. The populace was starving and desperate. Once the mayhem had produced no legitimate government, the Bolshiveks moved in and the violence and bloodshed only escalated.
This is not a pretty story, but one that speaks volumes in our time. Russia was forever changed. I highly recommend this book.
He Wanted the Moon: The Madness and Medical Genius of Dr. Perry Baird, and His Daughter's Quest to Know Him
by Mimi Baird with Eve Claxton
Amazing Journey (2/18/2015)
Depression is a killing disease and manic-depressives swing between full on living and the edge of death. Dr. Perry Baird was fortunate (if that's the right word) to be able to identify his illness to the point that he could write about it. This is an amazing journey into the mind of a man who catalogued his actions and thoughts through both spectrums. How he writes about his impressions of his actions and how he is viewed by others and the medical profession is a study of a man losing his grip. I didn't think I would like this book, but the story is gripping and sad. Dr. Baird's daughter, Mimi, has given us an account of a man struggling with his life. If you know someone who is manic-depressive this book may be too much for you. To get a glimpse into a mind and soul on the edge, this is a fascinating read.
Lusitania: Triumph, Tragedy, and the End of the Edwardian Age
by Greg King, Penny Wilson
Disaster Again (12/17/2014)
The book "Lusitania" by Greg Wilson and Penny Wilson is one of the most enjoyable historical books I've read in a while. A lot has been written about the Titanic, but little about the luxury liner torpedoed as WWI was building up. This book is an education. Vividly written with beautiful descriptions of the opulence of the age, I enjoyed every page. I was amazed by the information regarding the captain and his disregard for orders, as well as the laxity of the crew. And again, the situation with the life boats. Was nothing learned from Titanic? The characters - so real - on the cusp of a new era were very interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history and culture of the times. So much can be learned.
Vanessa and Her Sister
by Priya Parmar
A Different Way of Life (10/21/2014)
I was intrigued by this book and the subject matter. While the characters were talented, they also lived in a world of laziness and sex. Vanessa seemed to be the only sane character while the others were neurotic, unbalanced and spoiled. The Edwardian era was known for its debauchery and this book does not disappoint. The sexual relations were odd - at once, casual and serious. Virginia's stalking of Clive completely captures her unbalanced mind leading to the break with Vanessa - a break way over due. There is, at times, an excess of Victorian drama. However, this only adds to the tone of the story.
Ms. Parmar is an excellent writer and captures the mood and tone of the era completely. The journal entries, letters and notes keep the plot moving and there is no "down time" - I read it in record time.
I look forward to reading Ms. Parmar's book, "Exit the Actress."
Juliet's Nurse
by Lois Leveen
A New Angle on Love (7/19/2014)
I enjoyed this book so much. As a student of Shakespeare, I found writing Romeo and Juliet from this 'angle' was inspired. There is just enough of a hint of Shakespearean dialogue to make the story genuine. The sights and sounds - and smells! - of the period were captured perfectly.
Realizing how much the wet-nurse loved Juliet, I was distracted by the intensity of that love. There is more than a touch of desperation in the nurse's need to be in Juliet's life. The loss of all of her children and husband affected her extraordinary need to cling to Juliet to the point of being complicit in Juliet's death.
The drama rolls along quickly and at times the segues are confusing. However, Juliet is definitely the sacrificial lamb - her life ending too soon - along with Romeo, Tybalt and Mercutio.
Reading the original play offers juxtaposition of characters not found in this book. All in all, a good read, creative and satisfying.
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