Monthly Archives: August 2011

Jane Fonda: The Private Life of a Public Person

Jane Fonda:  The Private Life of a Public Person by Patrica Bosworth was an incredibly interesting read and such a unique look at the person we thought we all knew.  Bosworth focuses on how vulnerable and eager to please Fonda was.  Her mother wanted a boy and never failed to make her feel less important than her brother, causing Fonda to have low self-esteem and the urge to do everything to please her parents in the hopes of being loved.  As Fonda grew-up she surround herself with people in an attempt to find the love and approval  that was missing in her childhood.  Bosworth really looks at all of the relationships that impacted Fonda and shows you a  side that was never before seen in movies.  This was a very well written and researched biography that made for a eye-opening read.

Becoming Marie Antoinette

Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey was an astounding beginning to a projected trilogy.  Marie Antoinette, or Antonia to her Austrian family, was your typical carefree archduchess.  However, Antonia’s mother saw a great future for her youngest daughter, for she planned to follow the family motto, “you fortunate Hapsburgs, marry!”, to the letter.  A mutual alliance was plan to join Austria to France by marring Antonia to Lois XVI.  This seem fairly straight forward since the kids were similar in age, but as time progresses the French found Antonia to be lacking in a few necessary qualities.  Thus began the long and arduous transformation from Antonia to Marie Antoinette.

Once married in France, Marie Antoinette found that her new life was quite different, and the dauphin (heir to the throne) hard to understand.  This did not discourage her, for she knew her mother was counting on her, so instead Marie Antoinette forged ahead trying to understand the difficult court intrigues and many players.

This was a fabulous historical fiction novel and I can’t wait to read the next two.  In fact I would say this novel was by far the best I have read that tackles such an interesting and misunderstood queen. Grey weaves fun scandals into the history we all know.  She also does a great job of showing the humorous and playful side of Marie Antoinette that at times was misunderstood.  It was also refreshing to read about the noble deeds that Marie Antoinette carried out that are often forgotten due to the French revolution and her tragic death.  As a historical fiction reader, I would highly recommend this novel.

Trivia Answer

Answer:  One Day by David Nicholls.  Nicholls started out as an actor but soon switched to writing.  He has also written Starter For Ten and The Understudy.

One Day is a must read.  It is wonderful story of two friends and the trials and tribulations that come with friendship.  This novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.  Be sure to read the book before you watch the movie.

Order now at mostlybooksaz.com (e-book version is available) or stop in the store to get your copy.

Trivia Question

Here is your end of the week trivia question:

Identify the author and work from the passage below.

“I suppose the important thing is to make some sort of difference,” she said. “You know, actually change something.”

“What, like ‘change the world’, you mean?”

“Not the entire world.  Just the little bit around you.”

Leave you answer as a comment and check back on Sunday to see if you were correct.

Wishin’ and Hopin’

Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb is a fun(ny) book.  The year is 1964 and ten-year-old Felix is in school and learning more than his studeis teach.  Author Wally Lamb has captured the year, the situations, and the characters in a most charming story that leaves the reader feeling staisfied.  A good visit to memory lane.

Join Felix at St. Aloysires Gonzaga Parochial School in an unforgettable adventure.  This is a highly recommended book.

Thanks Polly!

August Bestsellers

Here are our end of August bestsellers:

1  The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

3  Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

4  Betrayal of Trust by J. A.  Jance

5  In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson

6  A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

7  A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

8  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J. K.  Rowling

9  The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

10  Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Meeting

MEETING BY Nina Kiriki Hoffman

Where has this author (science fiction) been all this time?  This is a delightful story of a young girl who accidentally bonded with an alien symbiote; their growing friendship and trust; and the troubles she has in trying to mix with other children her age who are either imbued with magic or “normal”.  It is fixed in a short span of time and the characters are excellently drawn.  Little brother Peter has his good and bad moments as a pest or trusted brother.  The aliens we meet are bonded with other symbiotes as well; and are believable.  There is reference to bad guys but only glancing, they only come out once in a non violent way.  This author is definitely good for more reading; I’m glad she has more for me to enjoy.  The younger crowd will enjoy this and there isn’t anything objectionable to the parents.

Thanks Nancy for your review!

Trivia Question

Here is your end of the week trivia question:

What character speaks the greatest number of lines in a single play written by Shakespeare?

Leave your answer as a comment and check back on Sunday to see of you were correct.

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette

The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jean Birdsall

Join the Penderwick family in a rollicking heartwarming adventure in Maine.  The cottage is a cozy bungalow set on the coast with an amazing neighbor who is the biggest surprise of the summer.  The three sisters learn about seals, first love and music while enjoying the company of their friend Jeffrey whose mother finally lets him join the family on vacation.

Excellent reading for students, teachers, and anyone who enjoys a good story.

Thanks Polly for your review!