Watching Glass Shatter by James J. Cudney

Written by fellow blogger James J. Cudney, whose awesome blog This Is My Truth Now is among my favorite sites,  Watching Glass Shatter was a lengthy and awesome read about family secrets, family dysfunction, and ultimately, family bonds and love that keep people connected, even during some of the worst times. The premise of the … Continue reading Watching Glass Shatter by James J. Cudney

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

Though I disliked the movie, which was absolutely nothing like the book (and not in a good way,) Under the Tuscan Sun is so beautifully written that you almost feel as though you're walking through sunlit fields of sunflowers in the countryside surrounding Cortona. Normally, I don't go for these types of memoirs, simply because the … Continue reading Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

Thanks to ET for the photography. Anymore, reading about the experiences of immigrants who come to this country seems to be the norm. It makes sense, after all. We are a country built almost entirely upon waves of immigrants from around the globe. My own family were immigrants from Spain and the Netherlands via Mexico … Continue reading The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Thanks to JG for the photography. I first heard about The Help when the movie, with Octavia Spencer and Cicely Tyson came out, and wanted to read the book first. The storyline, in a nutshell, is the story of two African-American maids - Aibileen and Minny in 1960s Mississippi - and how the lives they … Continue reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett

How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Photography by me. Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Happy Kwanzaa! Blessed Ramadan! Happy Holidays! Seasons Greetings! Happy Festivus! I hope everyone has had a happy and blessed holiday with their families, friends, loved ones, pets, and anyone else beloved. So today's post is probably not a surprise. But, it's Christmas. I HAD to do honor to … Continue reading How The Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Thanks to TB for the photography. For some reason, the Harry Potter books always evoke Christmas and the winter holidays, no matter what time of year I read them in or what time of year is represented in the books. I suppose it's because these books, ostensibly for kids, are also a wonderful read for … Continue reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya

Thanks to TB for the photography. Welcome to December, and a month of holiday-themed books and food! Those who know me know my great and abiding love for the books of Rudolfo Anaya. He's called the Godfather of Chicano literature for a reason, and it's his novel Bless Me, Ultima, that catapulted him and our … Continue reading The Farolitos of Christmas by Rudolfo Anaya