American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Photography by me. It’s a simple premise. Imagine that all the gods of ancient mythology and all the characters of folklore – we’re talking Anubis, Odin, Kali, Johnny Appleseed, John Bunyan, the Easter Bunny……well, maybe not quite a rabbit  -from every background and corner of the globe, actually existed and are still alive today, waging … Continue reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Do you know what it's like to read a book and have it haunt you, like a whisper or the faint hint of perfume in an empty room? I've always been possessed by the gorgeous Gothic-ness of Rebecca, which has mystery, ghosts, passionate love and a big, haunted house. And then of course, the most … Continue reading Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Thanks to Dr. H for the photography. Lord John Grey was a major character in the Outlander series, being the warden of  Ardsmuir Prison in Scotland, where Jamie Fraser was imprisoned after Culloden. Lord John, being the fascinating character that he is, got his own spinoff series - of which today's book is the latest … Continue reading The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken by Monica Bhide

Thanks to TB for the photography. I have a thing for books that present food as medicine. Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate.....and now Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken, are absolute favorites. Written by the acclaimed food writer turned novelist Monica Bhide, it extols the pleasures of friendship, giving back to those who have … Continue reading Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken by Monica Bhide

Homme Fatal by Paul Mayersberg

While digging through my bookshelves the other day, I came across Homme Fatal, a pop fiction novel I'd bought years ago and held onto because the story was so fascinating.  Though quite a smutty novel, I primarily held onto it because the story, told about the same events from two viewpoints, had a sleazy, 1940's … Continue reading Homme Fatal by Paul Mayersberg

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 Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

Thanks to AL for the photography. Being a sucker for fairy tales, The Snow Queen is a particular favorite. I remember reading it as a little girl and being fascinated by the oh-so-foreign Northern European world of Gerda and Kay, the two children in this tale, though I'd forgotten there are several small backstories that … Continue reading The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Thanks to AL for the photography. Don't you love a story told from an unexpected viewpoint, or from a character who has traditionally been portrayed in a certain way? It gives a much-needed shift in perspective, I think. Seeing things in only one way is both boring and limiting. It's good to expand your worldview … Continue reading Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Grimm Tales by Phillip Pullman

Thanks to TB for the photography - and the duck tureen! I think I've mentioned this previously, but I'm a sucker for fairy tales. I still have the picture books from my childhood that transported me to magical kingdoms of princesses who dance their slippers to pieces every night, poisoned apples that send one to … Continue reading Grimm Tales by Phillip Pullman