Tuesday, July 27, 2010

The Art of Racing in the Rain


I lied in my last comment on Angela's Ashes. I forgot that I also read The Art of Racing in the Rain. And, I forgot to mention that I really really liked it. Oh. I lied again, I actually listened to it on my iPod and so did Mary Rollins. Audiobook or not, this was a book I would have liked in either format -- read-to-me or read-it-to-myself.


I think you all would like this book for the primary reason that it's a story told by a dog and I know how we all feel about dogs! The narrator-dog, Enzo, is a deeper and more philosophical dog than your average Gus/Howie/Cleo. He's spent a good bit of time watching television and thinking about things in addition to his next meal, the beach and walks, he practices unconditional love and believes that he has some terrier in him. His insights into both dog and human nature are brilliant and the telling of his family story is bittersweet and lovely. I won't ruin that for you by summarizing in case you decide to read it. However, I'm looking at Howie and Cleo at this very minute asleep on the blue couch in the computer room and wondering how they would tell the story of the Mathews' family.


Thursday, July 22, 2010

Angela's Ashes



READ BY the author... that is key!

I know some feelings on this book already, which is why I want to make this seem open (so the comments will come!) because I am really enjoying listening to it. Don't get me wrong... it is SAD and almost everything goes wrong that could, with some happyish, funny bits. I am not done, but if my lovely little iListener will load up again, I probably will be by tomorrow. (Incidentally, I agree that audiobooks and gardening are like PB&J... or if you're in Deutschland... um, mustard and wurst. In Ireland, bread and butter... OK!) My favorite thing is listening to the inflections of how Frank McCourt tells this, HIS story, including the opening "Angela's Ashes. I'm Frank McCourt." and then he begins (ie, not "written and read by"). I think it lends to the reality of it all, and certain passages stick out in my head and come back to me from time to time. "Jesus and the Weather"... perhaps I find it particularly good to hear while being in the town of PASSION right now. I also like his light Irish accent, and the way he speaks for all the kids and mothers in the book.

(anybody still miss letters dancing over pages, btw?)

Monday, July 19, 2010

Cooking Blogs

As you all may know.. I tend to read more blogs than books since I stare at a computer screen all day. This being said, I have seen a fair number of cooking/fashion/mormon (that's for claire) blogs and I thought I'd throw out some recommendations for when you just can't decide what to make for dinner.

My new favorite food blog is by non other than my dear sister in law, Amanda. You must check it out: A Thousand Bites. She has been doing a CSA this summer and has been preparing dinner with all of her veggies. It makes my mouth water as I sit staring at the screen. In fact, I'm pretty hungry now from just posting her link...

Secondly, and with much less fanfare, I love the Smitten Kitchen and Orangette blogs. They both have links to their recipes so you can just do a quick search-a-roo and find what you're looking for. Lastly, I like Seven Spoons because I like looking at the pictures. Must admit... I haven't tried anything from her yet.

Get cooking, get eating, get blogging! (and comment all over Amanda's blog, hehehe)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Der Alchemist



Ok, I know it's probably "The Alchemist" for you guys, but I'm reading it this way and thus posting so. I will start out by saying that mom and I heard this on tape a while back, and I think I fell asleep at the end and she wasn't that into it, but this time around, Paulo Coehlo has got me a lot better. It's a lovely story with a very sympathetic character. I especially love the wide scope of God through all the countries, and the way the protagonist adapts them to his beliefs.

It's also a book about wanderlust and something of gold, so perhaps that was also motivation for me to get it...

Going to go hike up a mountain now! Follow your treasure!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Happy Birthday Peddie!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Clairebear...Happy Birthday to you!! xoxoxoxoxoxo I miss everybody...

Hope alles ist gut auf Deutschland!!