Friday, November 30, 2012

Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel

Bring Up the Bodies is the second book in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy and, like Wolf Hall, has won the Man Booker Prize. At this point in history, Cromwell must help King Henry rid himself of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Anne has not given Henry the much-desired male heir and Henry is no longer infatuated with her beauty and intelligence. Instead Jane Seymour, a plain, shy young woman, the exact opposite of Anne, has caught his eye. Cromwell, in loyal service to his king, frees Henry from this queen by forcing five men to confess to adultery with her. Although Cromwell retains the calm and generous demeanor that served him so well in Wolf Hall, in this book he shows a more pragmatic and ruthless side. He uses this opportunity to exact revenge for previous wrongs and rid himself of some of his own enemies. But in Henry’s court, there are always more enemies lurking about, especially those loyal to Queen Katherine and her daughter, Mary. Thomas Cromwell is a man who has risen from very humble beginnings by serving a fickle and tyrannical king. He is bound to have many enemies and very few protectors in court. His position is always precarious. Anne’s execution earns Cromwell a title and additional wealth and power but little gratitude, even from those who benefited from his machinations.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Denny’s wife dies young, leaving him alone with his young daughter, Zoe.  Her grandparents think they can provide a much better life for her than her father.  Denny’s career as a racecar driver is taking off, causing him to be away from home for long stretches of time.  At the same time, he is accused of raping a teenage girl.  Instead of giving up and letting Zoe’s grandparents have custody, Denny fights for his daughter.  This unique book is told from the point of view of Enzo, Denny’s dog.   Dog lovers will enjoy this view from inside a dog’s head in The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What Would Audrey Do? Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace and Style by Pamela Keogh

When you think style icon, who immedately comes to mind?  Audrey, of course!  Who could forget that heart-stopping moment in Sabrina when she wows Humphrey Bogart in that to-die-for Givenchy gown?  Her romp through Rome on the back of Cary Grant's motorcycle in Roman Holiday? Or her unforgettable performance as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's?  Did women even long for that little blue box before there was Audrey?

Every girl has a little Audrey in her, whether your closet is filled with ballet flats and skinny black pants, you've swooned over Cary Grant or Humphrey Bogart, love great eye make-up, just know your love story is right around the corner, or taken a photo of Audrey's pixie haircut to your stylist.  If you want to channel your inner Audrey, What Would Audrey Do? is full of insights, ideas, tips and tricks to be a little more Audrey and a lot more fabulous.  Learn how to travel in style, let romance come to you, make a house a home, weather a bad marriage without bad press, balance your personal life and your career so you're perfectly zen, be a humanitarian without fanfare, date a Kennedy, or iron a perfectly crisp white shirt.  Style and grace, class and beauty will all be yours after you've read this little gem of a book cover to cover!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Derby Day by D.J. Taylor

Readers familiar with the novels of Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters, be it through book, movie, or Masterpiece Theater, will recognize many of the character types in this amusing book.  The unscrupulous cad scheming to marry for money; the befuddled elderly rich man; the cold, self-absorbed daughter; the bankrupt squire hounded by creditors; and the poor young governess who must take a position at a desolate country house are just some of the familiar Victorian characters who populate this book.  The focus of the book is the popular horse race, the Derby, held at Epsom Downs in June of each year. For months before the race, lowlifes, aristocrats and all classes in between plot to make their fortunes off the race and honest citizens are hard put to protect their interests.  The unscrupulous Mr. Happerton defrauds the rightful owner out of possession of a favored horse, Tiberius, and employs a safecracker to raise enough funds to place a large wager on the race. But it is not clear whether he intends to bet on or against his own horse?  On race day the masses flock to Epsom Downs and the various characters Mr. Happerton has used, abused, tricked, cheated and deceived converge on the grounds, looking for payment, justice or revenge. But justice is not always easily achieved and Mr. Happerton is a slippery character.  Nominated for the prestigious Booker Prize, Derby Day is an exciting crime caper but the best of the book is the author’s picture of life and society in Victorian England.

Friday, November 9, 2012

The End of Overeating by David Kessler

Why do some people have more trouble with their weight then others? Do obese people face some of the same challenges as alcoholics, drug users, and others with addiction problems? The author, who also struggles with obesity, looks to science for answers. He also discusses how the food industry processes food to make it more profitable and for some additive. There's a lot to digest in David Keller's book, but it does offer a solution to the obesity problem in the United States through behavior modification. If you often wonder or question your relationship with food, especially as the holiday season with all its sweet and savory treats looms near, The End of Overeating can offer some answers. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

The Truth About Style by Stacy London



Shut the front door. Style maven Stacy London has a new book that is the perfect antidote for anyone in a style rut. This isn't a book about fashion, or what you should be wearing, rather it's a look at style challenges and ways to overcome them. Stacy gives 9 different women make-overs that address each individual's style concern. From too small to too tall to too young looking to too old for those young looking clothes, she offers tips, tricks and advice on making the most of personal style to reflect the awesomeness that is inside.

Fans of the TLC show What Not to Wear will be familiar with her humorous and sassy point of view. Always quick to find the root of the problem, Stacy doesn't disappoint with her honest advice to each of the nine woman. Her advice is relate-able, and fans will be surprised with how open she is with her own personal issues and how they shaped her own sense style. Check out The Truth About Style by Stacy London.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Book Review: Alys, Always by Harriet Lane

Happening upon a car accident on a country road, Frances Thorpe does what any decent human being would do: she calls for help and remains at the scene, talking through the cracked, foggy windshield to Alice, who is alone and trapped in the car. Eventually Alice stops talking, the police arrive and Frances continues on to London. Days later she realizes that Alice was actually Alys Kyte, the wife of prominent British novelist Laurence Kyte. Frances meets with the family and develops a friendship with Alys’s teenage daughter, Polly.  As a low-level assistant editor for the literature section of a weekly newspaper, Frances realizes that her connection to the family can be used to advance her career. First, dinner and party invitations come her way; then better job assignments and finally, a promotion. But Frances wants more. She covets the class and privileged life of the Kytes and connives to insert herself into their family. No longer satisfied with passively accepting whatever opportunities come her way, she coldly schemes to replace Alys, feeling no scruples about her deceptions.  As one successful ruse leads to another, Frances must use ever riskier tactics to manipulate the family. Since one wrong move would destroy her personal and professional life, Alys, Always, which began as a study of society, concludes as a novel of suspense.