Time // 8:00 Sunday morning
Place // my favorite chair
Drinking // black coffee and trying to wake up
Reading // I finished two books this week, The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart and The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. The Ivy Tree was a good introduction to Stewart's work, but I loved The Age of Innocence and can't stop thinking about it. Will share my thoughts soon.
Yesterday I started Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo for book club. We have been considering this for the past year, but the time is finally right. The author is giving a reading at Colgate University next month, so we'll all attend and then go out for dinner!
Listening // I seem to be on a roll with nonfiction audiobooks. This week I finished (and thoroughly enjoyed) JFK's Last Hundred Days: The Transformation of a Man and the Emergence of a Great President by Thurston Clarke.
On impulse, I purchased Wheat Belly by William Davis when it was offered as an Audible Daily Deal last week. This book is quite compelling. Twin B has some GI issues and I'm considering a wheat-free trial for both of us.
Watching// Thanks to a twitter tip from Brona, I borrowed the 1993 movie adaptation of The Age of Innocence from the library. Directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder, it was a feast for the eyes and very true to the novel.
Making // It was mussel week in the kitchen. I enjoy them in restaurants, but have never attempted to prepare them myself.... it may deserve a Weekend Cooking post.
Today I'm in charge of dessert for our family dinner and will try the Apple Pie Cake recipe Diane posted on Friday. It looks delicious and she promises it's very easy, too.
Blogging // I've been experimenting with shorter, more journal-like book reviews and plan to continue this format at least until I've made it though my review backlog.
Enjoying// Extra-long walks... bright, sunny mornings, cool temperatures, changing leaves, and a good audiobook. It doesn't get much better than that!
Anticipating // Trish is hosting an October Pin It and Do It Challenge and you all know how much I love Pinterest. Sure, there will be recipes, but there are plenty of book, movie, travel, and home decor pins I'd like to try. Who knows... I may branch out into fitness, too, and finally figure out what to do with this kettlebell!
Happy Sunday, friends!
I have The Age of Innocence on Sparky...and I'd been procrastinating about starting it, but your thoughts are so encouraging...so I must read it soon. And then see that movie. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHere's MY WEEKLY SUNDAY/MONDAY UPDATES
Laurel-Rain Snow - I've been a Wharton fan for a long time and am glad to have finally read Age of Innocence. It was wonderful!
DeleteEnjoy reading thru every item of your SS. The Age of Innocence the movie is one of the best based on a literary source I've seen. DDL is most impressive. But what lingers in my mind all these years is the table setting of their sumptuous dinner. ;) The book has long been on my TBR list. You've just prompted me to read it sooner now. And... a 'review backlog'? That's just the term, thanks, for my present situation after returning from TIFF a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteArti - Oh yes, those dinners!! I also liked the ball scene at the Beaufort's, looking down from above at all the swirling couples on the dance floor with a big "B" in the center. Such a wonderful book and film.
DeleteI'm almost done with The Age of Innocence, and I am SO curious as to whether one thing (ahem) that happens in the movie happens in the book. I'm guessing (and probably hoping) not. I watched the movie again a month or so ago, and it does capture the book very well - much better, I think than the Gillian Anderson movie of The House of Mirth. That didn't work for me!
ReplyDeleteAudrey - Now I'm curious about The House of Mirth movie... we'll chat when you're done ;-)
DeleteP.S. I keep meaning to say I like your shorter review format. Not that I don't like your longer ones! -- because you are an excellent. thoughtful reviewer -- but sometimes all I really need to know from a review is (1) there's a book out there that I didn't know about or didn't think about reading (before now!) and (2) a trusted perspective on whether it's wonderful, terrible, or good enough to try regardless. And if the shorter reviews give you more time to curl up on that sofa with your coffee and just read, well, so be it!
ReplyDeleteAudrey - I've been feeling so overwhelmed by reviews, but this format is much easier and it definitely allows more time for reading. Thank you!
DeleteHmmm...I have that JFK audio sitting right by my computer but I haven't loaded it yet. So based on what you are saying, it is worth it I guess? And I do love the shorter review format. I know it must take less time to write, and it takes less time to read but we still get the full impact of your feelings. So bravo!
ReplyDeleteSandy - I've always been interested in the Kennedys and thought this book was so interesting! The structure is unique, too - starting with Day 100 in August, then moving forward through the fall to the final few days in November, and the assassination.
DeleteThe movie adaptation has a fantastic cast! I love Daniel Day-Lewis. I'm out there enjoying the autumn walks with an audiobook too. Heavenly!
ReplyDeleteDiana - I wasn't sure about Daniel Day-Lewis as Newland Archer at first, but he was excellent. These autumn walks have been the highlight of my days this week - such bright sunshine and, oh, the colors!
DeleteThe Age of Innocence is one of my all-time favorite books - I should probably watch the movie again!
ReplyDeleteCarrie - The last chapter really made the book for me. I loved it!
DeleteBeautiful looking reads!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheila. I've had a string of really good books lately.
DeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I will be interested in reading your reviews. Diane's apple pie looked great! Enjoy!
ReplyDeletePat - My plan is to get a couple more mini-reviews up this week.
DeleteSuch a good week for you. I also get on non-fiction bends for a while. It is refreshing. I won Age of Desire in a giveaway just last week and it is about Edith Wharton, and I will show my ignorance and say I don't know too much about her. I will be intrigued to read this soon and find out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRita - Thanks for mentioning The Age of Desire. I hadn't heard about it, but now it's on order from my library. It looks good!
DeleteOh my word, I can't say enough good things about Behind the Beautiful Forevers. I hope you loooove it :D
ReplyDeleteJennifer - I've only just started Behind the Beautiful Forevers... have wanted to read it for a long time. Glad to hear you loved it!
DeleteI loved The Age of Innocence both the book and movie but I preferred the book. I have Behind the Beautiful Forevers here but have yet to read it. I'm hoping to start it soon. Maybe I'll be inspired by you! I hope a wheat-free diet helps you and Twin B. I'm wondering how you liked the Apple Pie Cake, I hoped to make it this weekend but didn't get around to it.
ReplyDeleteAmy - I ran out of time yesterday afternoon and didn't get to bake that cake, but hoping to make it next weekend instead. It sure sounds delicious!
DeleteI was craving linguine and clams this weekend but it never happened. Hmmm. White wine sauce with a little butter and garlic. Yum.
ReplyDeleteTi - Now you're making me hungry!!! Guess it's time for lunch ;-)
DeleteI loved Age of Innocence too, but when I got the movie I found I didn't want to watch it. Somehow I didn't want to mess with the images Wharton created in my mind. Now a few years later, I'm still considering whether to watch it or not.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes go through Mary Stewart binges. She and Rosamund Pilcher and even Daphne duMaurier seem to be in the same club.
JaneGS - For what it's worth, the movie follows the book very closely and is one of the best adaptations I've ever seen. Although I enjoyed The Ivy Tree, Mary Stewart may not be binge-worthy for me. Rosamund Pilcher on the other hand...
DeleteSounds like it was a good week for you JoAnn. It's cool here too. This morning I even put on a scarf to take Sam for his walk. Lol. Well I think I will see if I can get the movie version of The Age of Innocence since I didn't get to listen to the audio. I just can't seem to get ahead with my reading or listening these days.
ReplyDeleteOh, I was talking to a lady at my bookclub about that book Wheat Belly and she had nothing but good things to say about it too. I really should consider giving it a try since I always feel better when I cut all that out of what I'm eating.
Have a good week JoAnn.
Darlene - I'll probably finish Wheat Belly tomorrow. He makes so many good arguments for eliminating wheat... we'll see.
DeleteHope Twin B is feeling better soon and you figure out if wheat is the culprit. I am trying Diane's recipe too!
ReplyDeleteNise' - I think eliminating wheat is worth a shot... we'll see.
DeleteJoAnn...sounds like a perfect Sunday. I love these cooler am temps as well - walking is such a treat in that kind of weather. Hope u like the dessert when you get to it. I had to make it again this weekend --another hit:)
ReplyDeleteThe Ivy Tree sounds really good to me. Thanks for the lead.
Diane - I know my family will love that apple pie cake... maybe this weekend I can make it for them.
DeleteOh how I love The Age of Innocence and that movie adaptation (it really is one of the best movie adaptations I've ever seen). Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Behind the Beautiful Forevers. I've been eyeing this one for a long time and almost picked it up for my NOOK the other day.
ReplyDeleteLisa - So far I like the writing style and feel drawn to the family in Behind the Beautiful Forevers... I'm just not finding much time to read this week.
DeleteI visited India a few years ago and am very interested in reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers - I look forward to your review. It's great that your bookclub can tie it into a reading from the author!
ReplyDeleteI missed the audible daily deal on Wheat Belly - I have been GF for about a year (although not always SO compliant) due to some issues I was having with absorption of medication and I do believe I am better for it. I do miss good, homemade bread however - its hard to replicate in GF!
Colleen - I would love to visit India one day... so far this book does not paint a very attractive picture, but I've only just started.
DeleteFinished Wheat Belly this morning, and want to do a wheat-free trial with Twin B. It might help.
So glad you're up to Pin it and Do it again. ;) And I tend to gravitate towards the recipes as well but Lisa is always so great about doing a variety. I especially love the idea for travel and should pin some local things to do in Dallas!
ReplyDeleteThe Apple Cake looks delicious! And good luck with the wheat free. Seems that lots of people are doing this recently but I have such a tough time with Scott's produce allergies (and now my dairy considerations for the baby) that I'm not sure we could do glutten-free...even though I think Scott could probably benefit. I keep wondering what the heck we would eat! ;)
Trish - I can never resist a Pin It and Do It, hope I can get a little more variety this month. I've been without wheat for several days now and can really see a difference in my between meal hunger. AM also sleeping better. Hope this continues.
Delete