Ladies and Gentlemen...Elvis has Left the Building.

Today I finished Careless Love by Peter Guralnick. Heartbreaking.

Elvis was really before my time, but I can tell you that he was a handsome young man oozing with charisma and sex appeal.

He was a complicated character. He had all the money you could imagine, but no one around him he could really trust. He hated the movies he made, they embarrassed him. But they made him money, so he did them anyway and his eccentric manager, The Colonel Tom Parker (the ultimate deal maker) kept signing him up for more.

Here is one of his early movies...where he actually looks like he was enjoying himself.




In his private life, Elvis was searching for answers and peace, but really only found solace with drugs. Nobody around him had the guts to tell him to stop. Elvis' career eventually moved from movies to concert performances, which brought him closer to the fans he loved. Here's a clip from his famous 1968 Comeback Special.




In the end, his addition to drugs made him bloated and sick and affected his performances. Here is one of his last concerts before his death at Graceland in August 1977.



As I read Elvis' story, I couldn't help of think of the stars of today, who find themselves in a similar hell: from Anna Nicole to Brittany Spears. I really feel for these celebs even more now, having read Elvis' story.

This book was written in 1999, but I am so glad it fell into my hands today. I was able to give it another dimension with videos from YouTube. Its a tragic story well told by author Guralnick. Today, I give it 4 of 5 stars.



What's next on my list...? Honestly, I don't know I have quite a few books waiting for my attention. I'll let you know in my next post.

The Reader...good book...glad I didn't go see the movie.

Well, I just got back from a great vacation from Tennessee. I went to visit an old BookSpan (from back when it was Doubleday Book & Music Club) friend, Sheila. I traveled with another friend, and former BookSpan (aka Doubleday Direct) employee, Erika. (All this is irrelevant to my book review, just giving context.)

Anyway, after Madame Bovary, my reading material had dried up, so first thing after getting a sandwich at the airport, I stopped in the bookstore to pick up a good read.

I was drawn to Wally Lamb's book, THE HOUR I FIRST BELIEVED, but thought it was a bit too long for a vacation book (I DO plan to read it at some point).




So, I turned to the paperback bestsellers and there was THE READER by Bernhard Schlink. Two seconds later I was at the counter, making my purchase. Erika said to me, "Don't you just want to see the movie?" and I forgot my exact answer, but I pretty much said, "no."

I finished 80% of the book on the plane. Its a story of a young boy growing up in Europe in the 40's, who encounters this woman and they develop a strange relationship and he falls in love and they become each other's world, until one day she disappears. Years later, they are reunited under the strange circumstances...and the story unfolds from there.




Lots of sex, lots of reading...and that's about it. I am not quite sure how THE READER works as a movie, though I hear it got good reviews, but I think I am pretty happy with just reading the book. I left it in Tennessee with a rating of 3 of 5 stars.



"How was Tennessee," you ask??? Great. I had the best time ever. From the Peabody Hotel, watching the ducks march up a red carpet into a fountain, to Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches at Graceland, hanging out at Sun Studios, to Fried Chicken at Gus's to a day trip to Nashville, a side trip to Walmart, and the Rock and Roll Hall of fame....it was FANTASTIC. I had lots of laughs with Sheila and Erika. And best of all, now I can check a few more items off my 1001 places to Visit Before You Die to-do list.





And...most important of all, I picked up my latest read...CARELESS LOVE: The unmaking of Elvis Presley.



I found this treasure in Sun Studios. Erika, Sheila and I stopped here right after Graceland. Its the studio where Elvis made his first recording and the home of many other singing greats. We liked the place so much, that after a fantastic tour, we hung out in the gift shop for another 30 minutes or so, and had coffee and ice cream shakes.



I had been searching for an Elvis biography in the shops at Graceland, but couldn't find anything good... While I was waiting for my shake to be made, I found this book and bought it on the spot.




I've been reading this book since I got home from Tennessee last week. The book references many of Elvis's songs and movies, and the best part of technology today is that at a click of a button, I can experience it all. Not only can I see how much weight Elvis gained from movie to movie, but I can hear how beautiful he sang a particular song the author mentioned. The book really comes to life with this extra media support from YouTube. It just takes me a little longer than if I tried to read the book straight through.

Here is my favorite clip of all...I only wish I could see the outtakes...


Dog's Life. - Watch the best video clips here

Madame Bovary...I think I missed something in translation.

So Madame Bovary was just another book on my reading list. It was something that I always wanted to read, but never got the chance. So I did, and it was an interesting story, but nothing to write home about. It also took me FOREVER to read. I just couldn't get into more than a few pages at the time. All in all, I give it 2 stars. Someone, anyone tell me what I missed?

Now...on to the Classics

I'm EMBARRASSED to say that I never read Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Oh...its been on my reading lists in school, but I always chose another book, because I just thought it was a book about baseball.

Clearly, I was wrong. And it is a shame. I would have loved reading this book in high school. Holden Caulfield, is a rich, smart ass teenager, just kicked out of his prep school headed home to NYC. He delays going to his parents house, because he doesn't want to tell them he got kicked out again...this book is the story of what happend during this time. The book was written in 1951, but it totally could have taken place today. LOVED IT 4 of 5 stars.



I tried to read Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie. I can't get into it...but I definately will try again.



So...I am picking up Madame Bovary. So far I am enjoying it. I will probably take the bus next week, so I can get in more reading time.




OHHHHHH Book Angel....Could use a few more books to feed the habit....

Jesus for the Non-Religious

So I met Bishop Spong and his wife at a wonderful lunch. They were absolutely the sweetest people I ever met. I wanted to go home with them and be a part of their family. As we were leaving the restaurant, I told Bishop Spong that I was reading Jesus for the Non-Religious and that so far I get that Jesus was a nice guy. He told me you haven't finished the book yet.




So I finished the book. What I got out of it, is that Jesus was so inspiring and was later, through the writings of the apostles, made into someone who fit into mold of the Jewish scriptures to gain acceptance, understanding and ultimately followers by those in the Jewish faith. Today, in order for Christianity to survive, we have get back to the basics on what Jesus was all about, which is ultimately creating a better humanity.

I enjoyed this book, probably mostly because it helped me understand what Bishop Spong is all about. It was well written and easy to follow. Spong mentions, Elaine Pagels, author of the GNOSTIC GOSPELS. I also read her book BEYOND BELIEF, which looks at the gospel of Thomas, and made me realize that much that I have been exposed to in the Catholic faith is only what the church has decided to share with its followers. I feel that Spongs book does much of the same.



All and all it was an interesting read. Keeps the mind always thinking.
4 of 5 stars.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

So I have a story about The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David Wroblewski.

I was walking out of the gym one night, with this NYT Bestseller under my arm and one of the trainers stopped me and said, "Excuse me, can I ask you a question?...What book is that?" And points to the book under my arm. I was caught off guard, one, because I wasn't expecting the question and two, I had a gym towel around my neck under my coat, and I thought he was trying to catch me walking out with it.

Anyway...I started to babble. I don't recall what I said exactly, but I stuttered that it was about a boy that couldn't speak and he has a dog and he trains dogs and that there was a murder.

The trainer looked at me funny and said, "Ooookay...is it good?" I answered, "Yes, yes it is..." and ran out of the gym with my stolen towel (and NO, I don't feel bad...I could put a child through college with the amount of money I spend in that gym. The towels should be embroidered with my name of them!). Anyway, weeks later, I still can't figure out a good way to describe the story.

You know what? I don't know if there is a good way to explain it. NYT describes, "A mute takes refuge with three dogs in the Wisconsin woods after his father’s death. " Is that really that much different than my explaination?

Was it good...yes, very. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Why don't you read it and explain it yourself.


I am finishing up another book from my book angel Erika, The Archangel Project by C. S. Graham. Strangely enough, like the Broken Window, it deals with the issue of big brother and how you can be tracked by your cell phone and credit cards and travel. My mother and I went to AC this weekend and had a discussion on all you would have to do to truly disappear. I decided, if I have to do so, I'm going to Mexico...Canada's way too cold! Anyway...enjoying the book.




In case you are wondering...here's the latest NYT Bestseller list. Only 3 on my radar.

1 EXTREME MEASURES, by Vince Flynn. (Atria, $27.95.) Mitch Rapp teams up with a C.I.A. colleague to fight a terrorist cell — and the politicians who would rein them in.

2 THE BRASS VERDICT, by Michael Connelly. (Little, Brown, $26.) Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller (the Lincoln lawyer) team up to find a killer.

3 THE LUCKY ONE, by Nicholas Sparks. (Grand Central, $24.99.) A marine returning home sets out to track down the woman whose photo he found in Iraq.

4 BONES, by Jonathan Kellerman. (Ballantine, $27.) The psychologist-detective Alex Delaware is called in when women’s bodies keep turning up in a Los Angeles marsh.

5 THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE, by David Wroblewski. (Ecco, $25.95.) A mute takes refuge with three dogs in the Wisconsin woods after his father’s death.


6 ROUGH WEATHER, by Robert B. Parker. (Putnam, $26.95.) The Boston private eye Spenser gets involved when a gunman kidnaps the bride from her wedding on a private island.

7 A LION AMONG MEN, by Gregory Maguire. (Morrow, $26.95.) A looming civil war in Oz, seen through the eyes of the Cowardly Lion; Book 3 of the Wicked Years.

8* TESTIMONY, by Anita Shreve. (Little, Brown, $25.99.) A sex scandal at a Vermont prep school is caught on tape.

9 A MOST WANTED MAN, by John le Carré. (Scribner, $28.) Intelligence agencies converge in Hamburg when a young Muslim man with mysterious connections shows up.

10* DARK SUMMER, by Iris Johansen. (St. Martin’s, $26.95.) A veterinarian cares for an injured dog with an amazing secret.

11 ONE FIFTH AVENUE, by Candace Bushnell. (Hyperion, $25.95.) The worlds of gossip, theater and hedge funds have one address in common.

12 THE HOST, by Stephenie Meyer. (Little, Brown, $25.99.) One woman won’t surrender to the aliens that have taken control.

13 HEAT LIGHTNING, by John Sandford. (Putnam, $26.95.) Virgil Flowers investigates murder cases linked by a lemon in the mouth of each victim.

14 MILLENNIUM FALCON, by James Luceno. (Del Rey, $26.) Jacen Solo’s daughter, Allana, discovers a curious device aboard her grandfather Han’s beloved spacecraft; a “Star Wars” book.

15 THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. (Dial, $22.) A journalist meets the island’s old Nazi resisters. 12

16* THE OTHER QUEEN, by Philippa Gregory. (Touchstone, $25.95.) The captivity of Mary, Queen of Scots.

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY and POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY...its a mouthful....but is damn good!

So I just finished this "blue ribbon" beauty, THE GUERNSEY LITERARY and POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. Sharon sure knows how to pick 'em. It was cute, funny, romantic and charming. The authors, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows do a wonderful job of telling a story though letters. I liked this book a lot. I give it 4 of 5 stars. This book is currently 3 on the NYT bestseller. NICE.




I'm working through the Jeffery Deaver...been driving to work, so its slow going!

A few purchases add to my sad little reading list

So I was waiting for my friend Jen to get out of her classes at Hunter College so we could go see a movie Friday Night. We went to go see Hamlet 2 (I owe Jen 2 hours of her life back). Anyway...I stopped into the local bookstore and picked up a few books to read.

One was a no brainer - THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne. I have been meaning to get this book for months. I paid premium book store price for it, but I thought if it works, it will be worth it. I'll let you know if it works in the next few months.



The second book was GASPIPE: CONFESSIONS OF A MAFIA BOSS by Philip Carlo. Don't ask me why I bought it, I don't know. I am not sure if it was the cover, or the subject matter (the mafia) that made me do it. Also paid premium price for this book, but I figured after all the books I read for free, it wouldn't hurt to pay for a few.



Growing up on Staten Island, I've always been fascinated with the mob. I personally enjoyed the story of how this guy, Anthony Casso worked his way up to become the head of the Lucchese family and then turn a tragic government witness (AKA "Rat") in the hopes of protecting himself and family. Even though Casso tried to get himself a deal with all the information he gave the government, today he serves 455 years in prison in Colorado. All in all, this is a good read and I am sure will one day make a good movie. I give 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN - why didn't I read this sooner?

So I was visiting my friend Deirdre and her family the other day. In the middle of the conversation, she handed me a copy of A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN by Betty Smith and asked me if I had read it before. I told her no, and so she said it was a really good book and I could have it if I wanted. You know me, I never turn down a free book. So I said yes, thank you. Her 3 year old son Lucas took the book and hid it under a pillow while we were talking. I almost left without the book, but D ran after me as I headed to the car...book in hand. I thanked her again.

AND OH...What a pleasure it was! This book tells the story of a young girl growing up in Brooklyn in the early 1900s. It was a slow read, but it captured the moments of Francie Nolan and her family absolutely perfectly. I remember having this book on my reading list growing up, but I guess I was never was interested in reading it. I am glad Deirdre passed it along. I give it 5 of 5 stars. A new favorite on my list.

Catching up on Blogging (reading moving along just fine).

Well, I finished What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman Very enjoyable read from Book Angel (thank you very much). I gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Then I picked up and finished Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger . It was a perfect read for my trip to the Dominican Republic. It was fun and light, a cinderella story of sorts. It had just the right touch of romance. My friend Stephanie gave me this one... 3 of 5 stars.

Now I am on to The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland I am loving every minute of it. Another hand-me-down from Stephanie (I like this girl's reading habits).


Dolly's book is printed, we sent for the Copyrights. Now I am working on the cover letter.

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini

Do you see how my reading pace picks up with a WONDERFUL book? I just finished A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS. I read it on the bus and had to push myself to walk over the bridge instead of stealing a few more minutes riding on the train so I could get some extra reading in.



Today I decided that Khaled Hosseni is the new Maeve Binchy (remember her?). His books are filled with characters, plot twists and turns, romance and sorrow and ironic endings.

FROM PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY (I couldn't explain it better).
The story covers three decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny through the lives of two women. Mariam is the scorned illegitimate daughter of a wealthy businessman, forced at age 15 into marrying the 40-year-old Rasheed, who grows increasingly brutal as she fails to produce a child. Eighteen later, Rasheed takes another wife, 14-year-old Laila, a smart and spirited girl whose only other options, after her parents are killed by rocket fire, are prostitution or starvation. Against a backdrop of unending war, Mariam and Laila become allies in an asymmetrical battle with Rasheed, whose violent misogyny—"There was no cursing, no screaming, no pleading, no surprised yelps, only the systematic business of beating and being beaten"—is endorsed by custom and law. Hosseini gives a forceful but nuanced portrait of a patriarchal despotism where women are agonizingly dependent on fathers, husbands and especially sons, the bearing of male children being their sole path to social status. His tale is a powerful, harrowing depiction of Afghanistan, but also a lyrical evocation of the lives and enduring hopes of its resilient characters.


I loved this book cover to cover and was sad when the magic was over. Looking forward to Hosseini next writings! I give this book 4 out of 5.


Book Angel Strikes Again
Got another package from Book Angel featuring DANGEROUS ADMISSIONS by Jane O'Connor and WHAT THE DEAD KNOW by Laura Lippman. I'm busy rereading Dolly's Memoir, Rebel Teacher, but as soon as I am done, I will be work on these.

WATER LIKE A STONE...SINKS

Mom and I went to Salem, and I got some bedtime reading in and I FINALLY finished WATER LIKE A STONE by Deborah Crombie. I'm not going to lie...it was a chore.

The book was chock full of characters and plot- A cop couple on holiday with family on the England countryside, a dead baby found by a female contractor on the verge of divorce, 2 spoiled snobby pot smoking teens, a boat-living family formerly accused of Muchausen Syndrome By Proxy, and a burnt out legally separated social worker who has taken to living on boats too.... Deborah tried to tie them all in together and create a mystery, but it was a stretch and a yawn. I have to give this book 2 of 5 stars.



Mom and I also checked off two cities in the 1,001 Places to visit: SALEM and BOSTON. Salem was a nice little town. We did a trolley ride, visited the HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES (next on my purchase list) that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne, who also wrote the SCARLET LETTER. We also participated in a witch trial...it was very interesting (pictures to come). In Boston, we did a DUCK TOUR and had dinner in the North End. It was really very nice. Looking forward to checking off more locations. Really want to get to Niagara Falls.




Almost finished with KITE RUNNER by Khaled Hosseini (this read only 3 days). FANTASTIC.

I've got some work to do!

Picked up a few must haves for the Reading List this weekend. I took a trip to the mall right after working with Dolly for 8 hours making edits to her book.

Dolly's book REBEL TEACHER is coming great. I we have about 10 more chapters of editing to do and then I hope to shop around. If she can push through her narcolepsy, I think we will be done by next weekend.

I actually purchased the US and Canada Edition of 1,001 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOUR DIE. After a quick skim at the bookstore, I realized that the World Edition is way too ambitious. The US/Canada edition is no piece of cake either. Its sad...I know my parents took me to quite a few of the places listed but I don't remember much about them. I don't think they count if you don't remember.

Anyway, I am very excited about the other 2 new reads THE KITE RUNNER and A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS. However, right now I'm working on Debborah Crobie's WATER LIKE A STONE, a small gift from Book Angel.



Hey...you can see The Dixies, authors of my last read, I GAVE YOU MY HEART BUT YOU SOLD IT ONLINE blogging on www.avonromanceblog.com.

I GAVE YOU MY HEART... by Dixie Cash

I finally recovered from my Harry Potter hangover, and got started on my latest book from my Book Angel. I picked up I GAVE YOU MY HEART, BUT YOU SOLD IT ONLINE by Dixie Cash.

It was a fun read featuring two sexy cowboys, two sassy hairdressers turned private detectives, and a single mom with a daughter who desperately wants her mom to find love (so she secretly posts her mom on an online dating site). The book was full of funny stories like when the ladies get arrested by the small time cops for attending a sex toy party that was thrown by an 80 year old woman.

It was a fun read. Perfect for a beach read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.




What are my favorite books of all time? Here's what come to mind.

TO: JK Rowlings

RE: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Dear JK Rowlings:
Hey JK! I hope you are doing well and enjoying your much needed break from Harry Potter Mania.

I just finished your book. The last 100 pages were fantastic, and I enjoyed how you tied everything in together. However JK, I'm sorry but 700 pages was way too much for this book. If you decide to do another series, please make sure you get a better editor. Out of 5 stars, I give you 3... (I feel so bad about this after our seven book relationship, but honestly, I don't think my review really matters. You have your die hard fans to keep you rich and famous.)

Best wishes on your future endevors.

Barb



PS..Did you see Brittany on the MTV Music Awards? I missed it, but thanks to the Magic of the internet, we can all see the car crash!

Lost & Found by Jacqueline Sheehan...NOOOOooooo

Sorry...This book (in my opinion) was a dog.

You have Rocky, a new widow psychologist turned small island dog catcher, a neighbor who sees emotions in color, an anorexic teen living between her divorced parents, a sad quiet rescued labrador (named Lloyd) who has been injured by a handcrafted arrow, and... a mystery (sort of).

This just wasn't a book for me. Sheehan scratched the surface with the characters and Rocky was the least likeable of all. The plot was incredibly predictible and didn't really impress me.

I give this book 1 of 5 stars. (sorry Book Angel).

MARLEY AND ME by John Grogan - Good memories

I just finished MARLEY AND ME last night. It was truly a wonderful story about this beautiful, crazy, wild Labrador and his adventures in the Grogan family. As you can tell from my last posting, this book brought me far down memory lane. My dog has been gone almost as long as he was alive, and I never missed him more after reading this book.

Half of me wants to go out and get a dog (thanks to Marley) and the other half enjoys the shed free, pooper-scooper free, care-free life that I have created for myself. And just in case I forgot the crazy puppy days where you never knew what you would come home to...Marley's story is a fantastic reminder. Anyway, I realize that I just don't have time for a dog right now. I wish I did, but I don't...Definately something I hope to have in the future.

So...MARLEY AND ME by John Grogan - 4 of 5 stars. Its a simple book, not sure how it would resonate with non-dog lovers. Probably worthy of 3 stars but gets extra credit for the trip down memory lane.

According to Entertainment news, Jennifer Aniston is to star opposite Owen Wilson in the big screen adaptation of John Grogan's bestselling book 'Marley & Me'.


Next book on the list...a novel that seems to be focused on a lovable pooch...LOST & FOUND by Jacqueline Sheehan

ADAM RUNAWAY - An escape to 18th Century Lisbon

I finally finished ADAM RUNAWAY by Peter Prince. It is the story of a young Adam Hanaway who is forced to go to Lisbon to rebuild the family fortune after the suicide of his father over a major stock failure in England. His adventures in Lisbon begin with a shaky start working in the trading business for his Uncle Felix, and end with him working as a street peddler selling images of saints. He must learn to navigate the culture, which is dominated by the Inquisition, codes of honor and unwritten law.

It was a nice read...Prince did a great job developing all of the characters. I could absolutely image this as a movie. It was an escape from the everyday...nothing to write home about. I give it 3 1/2 of 5 stars.

What a Blessing: THE BIG BOOK OF WOMEN SAINTS by Sarah Gallick

Here's a book written by a friend of mine (and a former coworker from BookSpan), Sarah Gallick. The book published back in April. I've been meaning to write about it for some time, but it is not the type of book you read in one sitting. I like to keep it by the bedside and pick it up now and again for inspiration.

Sarah had been talking about this book for a few years and I couldn't wait for her to finish. The topic of saints always interested me simply based on the amount of work it takes for a person to be canonized. It is quite a process. I love reading stories about people who were not always perfect, but somehow were touched by god and make a lasting impact on humanity (usually, but not always through martyrdom).

Its quite a lovely book. There on 365 woman saints to read about. One for every day. Each page highlights a saint, provides the back story, and interesting factoid, as well as a quote for reflection. Its a easy way to find inspiration when you need it most. I've bought it for several friends as gifts. It would also be a great confirmation gift. I highly recommend (and I am not just saying that becuase Sarah is a friend of mine) I mean it. I give it 5 of 5 stars.




On a side note: I had dinner with Sarah and another friend of ours, Ellen Clark, at a FANTASTIC place in Downtown Manhattan on Stone Street called Adrienne's Pizza Bar. When I say fantastic, I mean fantastic. I am from Staten Island, it is very rare that I am impressed by pizza anywhere else. This pizza is TO DIE FOR. The street was adorable. Check out Citysearch for more info.

Suprise read - THE ROAD by Cormack McCarthy

I've pretty much worked through my collection of reads from the old job at BookSpan. This was one of the books that I put on my bookshelf, and forgot about. I read all the "good stuff." Then I got a little desperate. In one last search of the house, I found THE ROAD by Cormack McCarthy. I have absolutely no idea why I picked up this book to begin with--The cover is extremely boring (mine didn't have the Oprah logo), and I never heard of the author, although he has written 9 or so previous novels. With no other choice, this once overlooked book was now a treasure, that would entertain me for my next few bus rides. Why all the backstory? It sort of fits with the book.




THE ROAD is a story of survival. A man and his son traveling through a burnt out America with whatever they can carry in their backpacks and an old shopping cart. They travel through a blackend landscape and head south where it is warmer. Along the way, they find abandoned, ransacked homes, which they search for some left overs rotten food, drops of oil, dirty blankets to help them survive. Items long discarded were now treasures. People are willing to kill for them.

This book reminds me of my recent read SEEING by Jose Saramago. Not only because they are both stories that explore what happens when people must do what they have to do to survive, but also because of the unique style in which they were written.

I give this surprise read, THE ROAD by Cormack McCarthy, 4 out of 5 stars. I know I am in good company...Oprah liked it too.

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