It's a rainy Sunday in southern CT, but it hasn't dampened our moods. We had such a nice week with Twin A here, even though she worked most of the time. Now Daughter #1 and her boyfriend will be with us for a week. They, too will work remotely.
Last week I enjoyed: long walks on cool mornings, exploring the area around us, a lobster roll for lunch, reading on the porch, and an outdoor book sale at a local library.
RECENT READING
It's been a long time since I listened to a food memoir and I'm glad Paris in July nudged me toward this one. My Place at the Table wasn't even on my radar until I read about it in an audible newsletter. Lobrano's story begins with his Connecticut childhood and continues through his early career when, in 1986, he accepts a writing job in Paris with Women's Wear Daily. As he settles into Parisian life, his language skills improve, he falls in love with the city and discovers real French food. A fascinating epicurean journey is underway!
In 1999, Lobrano was hired as the European Correspondent for Gourmet magazine and stayed until it closed in 2009. Today he is a James Beard Award-winning writer and one of Paris' most influential food critics. I loved listening to his story.
CURRENT READING
I started this book last weekend, added in the audio version midweek (good timing from the library for once!), and plan to finish later today - it is SO good! Why have I not read Joyce Maynard before now? I'm keeping this post short today because I NEED to get back to my reading...
How was your week? What are you reading?
Sounds like you had an amazing week. So happy you are loving Count the Ways - I am still thinking about it 2 months later. Sounds like you had a terrific week. Happy your girls were able to stay with you. Your lobster roll looks yummy. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteDiane - I finished Count the Ways last night. Definitely a 5-star read! Which other Maynard novels would you recommend? I'll probably end up reading all of them eventually.
DeleteSo good to have family and loved ones nearby - glad that you were able to enjoy with your daughters. I won't mind what weather we are having if I can have that view - love it!
ReplyDeleteAthira - You're right... this view is gorgeous no matter what the weather! It has a slightly different flavor on a gray day and even foggy mornings are pretty.
DeleteWhat a great spot to read! A porch with wicker furniture and a view of the water? I doubt I'd get much reading done, though. Too much to look at. :)
ReplyDeleteWe had gorgeous weather last week while some of our family was visiting, but as soon as they left, the weather got cold and overcast. I hope the sun returns for the second wave of visitors tomorrow!
I'm so glad to know that you're enjoying Joyce Maynard's latest, but that makes me want to order it now instead of waiting to read through some of my newer books. If this is your first book of Maynard's, you'll have to get a copy of The Usual Rules. I thought that was an exceptionally good book, given the subject matter (9/11).
Yummy looking lobster roll!
I've just started Kaaterskill Falls by Allegra Goodman, but it's too soon to tell how I'll like it. Prior to that, I read Still Me by Jojo Moyes, which I loved! It was just as good as Me Before You and After You.
Have a good week, JoAnn!
Les - I love that porch and have been trying to set aside an hour or two every afternoon to read there! Don't think we've ever had a house with such a nice covered front porch. I know I'm going to miss it when the summer is over!
DeleteLast night I finished the Maynard book and am pretty sure it's the best novel I've read all year! I know I'll read more of her work... will see if my library has The Usual Rules.
Kaaterskill Falls has been on my radar for years. I think I read something else by Goodman, but never got around to reading more. I loved Me Before You, too, and was always afraid to even try the sequels in case they weren't as good. Will have to rethink that!
Hope your week is off to a good start!
I am putting My Place at the Table on my Audible list--I have a couple of credits piling up and what a great way to use one. I absolutely love foodie books and reading about Paris is always a treat.
ReplyDeleteI've never read Joyce Maynard either, but always on the lookout for new favorite authors.
JaneGS - My Place at the Table drew me in right away. Some of the stories about his childhood broke my heart, and I think moving to Paris put his life on an entirely different path. I loved hearing about all the meals, but his encounters with Patricia Highsmith, Ruth Reichl, and others were just as delicious! I think you'll enjoy it, too.
DeleteFinished Count the Ways last night... definitely 5 stars! I don't know why I haven't read Maynard before now. Can't wait to dive into her backlist, both fiction and nonfiction.
I've seen a few bloggers who are reading Joyce Maynard books. I don't think I've ever read one. I'll have to look into them.
ReplyDeleteHelen - I hadn't read Maynard before, but now I want to read her entire backlist!
DeleteI can hear the ocean in your photo. There's something so lulling about the ocean and the summer sun. And to have your daughters visiting...What a great place to be.
ReplyDeleteI listened to My Place at the Table last week, too, and I also liked it very much. It was inspiring to see Lobrano, who started without knowing much French or much about food, bravely set out for Paris and steadily grow into his dream of being a great food critic. I also enjoyed seeing him find his place in the world.
Deb - Lobrano's story is a testament to concentrate on what you love! Between the descriptions of all the meals and his experiences meeting/interviewing interesting people, I never wanted to stop listening.
DeleteLobster roll??? YUM. We hope to get to Maine this fall, so I'll get my fill then. I've had the audio of My Place at the Table on my list ... maybe that will be my next audio after I finish my current mystery.
ReplyDeleteBeth F - Every little coastal town around here has a lobster shack/pound near their boat launch. I'd love to try them all and compare!! I really enjoyed My Place at the Table... bet you will, too.
DeleteI am so glad that you are enjoying your time with family at the shore. That sounds like a wonderful trip. Enjoy your books and time with family!
ReplyDeleteErin - This is turning out to be a great summer... and we appreciate it even more after last year!
DeleteLooks like a perfect place to read, JoAnn! Enjoy your time there and with your family.
ReplyDeleteKay - I've never had a covered front porch like this before and am loving it! It's the perfect reading spot.
DeleteSounds like you are having a great time by the shore. That memoir sounds good. I'll have to add it to my wishlist. Come see my week here.Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - We used to live in CT back in the late 80s, so it's been a lot of fun to visit some old hangouts... and we're discovering a lot of new places, too!
DeleteOh, I hope you go back to the beginning with Maynard, as I have loved every book of hers, including the memoirs.
ReplyDeleteI should also finish Count the Ways today!
Thanks for sharing.
Laurel-Rain Snow - I finished Maynard book last night and will definitely be reading everything else she had written. NOt sure whether I should try and go in order or just read whatever my library has available...
DeleteI’m delighted to still have my daughter home from uni. Her three week visit is going to be more like two months with her campus on lockdown.
ReplyDeleteI hope Count the Ways ended well
Wishing you a great reading week,
Shelleyrae - I'm sorry your daughter's campus has had to go into lockdown, but glad you'll get to spend the extra time with her. Finished Count the Ways last night and already consider it a favorite.
DeleteI have always wanted to taste and cook a bit of French food. I hope you like your "Paris in July.'
ReplyDeleteTea - We're in a rental house for the summer and the kitchen is not equipped quite well enough for me to experiment with many recipes, but I'm hoping to try the French restaurant in town!
DeleteVicki - Time with family is the best! I finished Count the Ways last night and just loved it... the audio is really good, too. The sandwich is my birthday lobster roll lunch - just big chunks of lobster meat drizzled with butter. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a very nice week! I'm not sure if the lobster roll or the cool morning walks sound better! My Place at the Table sounds delightful and not one I've come across. I have some Audible credits to burn so this might be one I pick up. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - That *would* be a tough choice... but those couple of mornings in the mid-60s were heavenly! I haven't felt those temperatures in months. On the other hand, there's nothing like a genuine New England lobster roll either. I think you would really like My Place at the Table.
DeleteYour activities last week sound so nice. I've always wanted to try a lobster roll, preferable near the beach!
ReplyDeleteDiana - It really was the best week... nothing like a lobster roll right from the source!
DeleteGorgeous photo of your view there. That's your front porch? Nice! Glad you liked the Maynard novel. I put my name on the wait list for it. I remember reading her novel Labor Day from 2009 and liking it ... but that's the only one I've read. We could use your rain here very dry out West. Enjoy your week & walks.
ReplyDeleteSusan - Yes, that's the front porch of our rental house... best outdoor space ever! I'll be reading more by Joyce Maynard very soon. Title will likely be selected based on library availability, but it's good to know you liked Labor Day. Sure wish we could send you some of this rain. They're talking about July being among top ten wettest ever!
DeleteJoAnn,
ReplyDeleteThe Paris book sounds delicious. And for Joyce Maynard, you know she wrote Labor Day, which was adapted into a movie with Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin. I haven't heard of this one. Will check it out.
I've just posted a list of book to screen (big and small) which I thought might interest you. Stop by the Pond when you're taking a break from your marvellous reads/listens. :) – Arti of Ripple Effects
Hi Arti,
DeleteThe Paris book was wonderful... the next best thing to being there! I'll certainly read more by Maynard soon. Labor Day has been recommended by a few friends. I'll use my birthday gift certificate to buy at least one of her books. Your book to screen posts are always so informative... they help prioritize my reading!
All of Joyce Maynard's books are incredibly well done. I've got this one on hold at the library. Can't wait. So glad things are going well for you this summer!
ReplyDeleteJudith - Do you have a favorite among Maynard's novels? I have a birthday gift certificate from the local indie that I'm dying to use! We used to live in CT way back in the late 80s and are really enjoying spending time here again after all these years. Hope you're having a good summer, too!
DeleteLove the picture of you with your kindle and that view. How relaxing is that! The foodie memoir sounds really good and I'll have to jot that one down for next year's Paris in July!
ReplyDeleteIliana - I've never stayed in a house with a porch as nice as this. It's my new favorite reading spot!
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