What's on Trend? Book Inspired Home Decor

Outdoors

http://tatteredcover.tumblr.com/post/11453027839

and in....

http://www.saatchiart.com/art/Sculpture-Bench-of-Thought-Banco-del-Pensamiento/290532/139427/view

There are some creative and remarkable ideas for book inspired home decor for virtually every room of the house.

http://dornob.com/coffee-table-book-cleverly-literal-2-in-1-home-furnishing/#axzz36hXTKwIV

http://www.pinterest.com/uconncoopbooks/book-benches/

http://ajarndtbooks.blogspot.ca/2012/04/book-inspired-home-decor.html

tumblr.com &  http://www.pinterest.com/pin/63331938482599937/

http://www.designtoscano.com/product/furniture/tables/novelty+tables/nettlestone+library+ensemble+-+oa3650.do?sortby=bestSellers#

http://blog.wilsonkelseydesign.com/2011/11/decorating-with-books-and-prints-is-a-success/

http://mattresszine.com/headboards-mattress-accessories/spruce-up-your-bed-with-this-headboard-made-from-books/

How would one make a book tub waterproof/watertight so you might actually soak in literature?

http://inhabitat.com/take-a-bath-of-knowledge-with-vanessa-mancinis-tub-made-of-books/

For the book obsessed, you know who you are (myself included), these examples of decor are truly inspirational.  Which would you like best for your home?  Personally, I would choose the table and chairs for the dining area.

Find more here:
http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/literary-products

http://www.oddee.com/item_98542.aspx

Preview: The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - book review

The Rosie Project
Author:  Graeme Simsion
Publisher:  Harper Collins
Published:  2013 (original place of publication:  Australia)
Pages:  329
Genre:  Fiction; romantic comedy
Source:  Borrowed 

Wife Wanted.

Must be punctual, logical, and enjoy travelling by bicycle.  No smokers, drinkers, or horoscope readers need apply.

Don Tillman has a brilliant scientific mind, but social situations confound him.  He's never had a second date.  And so, in the evidence-based manner in which he approaches all things, he embarks upon the Wife Project; a sixteen-page questionnaire to find the perfect partner.  Then in walks Rosie Jarman.

Rosie is on a quest of her own.  She's looking for her biological father; a search that a certain genetics expert might just be able to help her with.  Soon Don puts the Wife Project on the back burner in order to help Rosie purse the Father Project.  As an unlikely relationship blooms, Don is about to realize that, despite the best scientific efforts, you don't find love; love finds you.

My thoughts:

"I may have found a solution to the Wife Problem.  As with so many scientific breakthroughs, the answer was obvious in retrospect.  But had it not been for a series of unscheduled events, it is unlikely I would have discovered it."  (opening paragraph, page 1)

By page six, I was laughing to the point of tears.  On page 24, I commented to my husband, "Oh dear, this book is just too much fun."

My husband was the "captive" recipient of several oral readings from The Rosie Project as we were driving and he was nearby, being the only other person in the vehicle.  I just couldn't keep it in and so we shared some laughs during our long drive south and back.  

"Claudia advised me that I should have abandoned the experiment prior to Elizabeth leaving.  Obviously.  But at what point?  Where was the signal?  These are the subtleties I fail to see.....The Apricot Ice-cream Disaster had cost a whole evening of my life, compensated for only by the information about simulation algorithms."

Professor Don Tillman is a scientist studying the genetic predisposition for cirrhosis of the liver, entailing the intoxication of  mice. Don Tillman is not unlike Gregory Peck in appearance but incredibly socially awkward, slow to pick up on social cues, and incredibly similar to Sheldon of The Big Bang Theory.  (If you enjoy The Big Bang Theory, you'll love this book, as I do.)  He's an adorable nerd, funny in his own way, with limited empathy and uncertain of his ability to learn to love.  Yet, he will sacrifice his own career as a professor at a renowned university to help a beautiful lady.  A choice he has to ponder at great length to identify his motive.

When Don realizes that his motive for helping Rosie with The Father Project in an after hours unethical investigation utilizing the lab at the university is not purely academic, he finds himself in a world totally foreign to his logical, methodical, systematical self.  He scales walls, collects hair samples, bar tends, obtains urine samples..... He even put his own Wife Project on hold to assist Rosie with hers.  Aside from the scientific collection and analysis of data, all this is foreign territory to this adorable funny nerd.  

The Rosie Project is a charming and disarming exploration of the pursuit of love in a world of algorithms and logic as defined by science that unwittingly turns a man's world upside down in hysterical fashion.  If asked to describe The Rosie Project in one word, I would say "tantalizing."  For truly it is!  I absolutely loved this book.

****With great anticipation, I'm excited to announce a sequel to The Rosie Project:  The Rosie Effect - to be released late September 2014.  I simply must pre-order my copy.  It's the logical thing to do.

About the author:

Graeme Simsion, PhD was the owner of a successful consulting business before he decided, at fifty, that he would become a writer.  The Rosie Project is his first novel.  Graeme is a New Zealand born Australian author, playwright, screen writer and data modeller.  He won the 2012 Victorian Premier's Unpublished Manuscript Award for his debut novel, The Rosie Project.

www.gremesimsion.com

Twitter:  @GraemeSimsion and #ProfDonTillman

#TheRosieProject   #GraemeSimsion  

The Death of Lucy Kyte by Nicola Upson - book review

The Death of Lucy Kyte

Author:  Nicola Upson

Published:  June 2014

Publisher: Bourbon Street Books

Pages:  368

Source:  A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

An unexpected inheritance plunges beloved British mystery author Josephine Tey into a disturbing puzzle of dark secrets connecting the present and the past in this intriguing historical mystery brimming with psychological tension.

When Josephine Tey unexpectedly inherits Red Barn Cottage from a godmother she barely knows, the will stipulates that she must personally claim the house in the Suffolk countryside. But Josephine is not the only benefactor—a woman named Lucy Kyte is also in Hester’s will. Sorting through the artifacts of her godmother’s life, Josephine is intrigued by an infamous murder committed on the cottage’s grounds a century before. This old crime—dubbed the Red Barn murder—still haunts the tight-knit village and its remote inhabitants. Is it superstition, or is there a very real threat that is frightening the locals? And is the truth related to the mysterious Lucy Kyte, whom no one in the village admits to knowing? Surrounded by the shadows of obsession, abuse, and deceit, with a palpable sense of evil thickening around her, Josephine must untangle historic tragedy from present danger to prevent a deadly cycle from beginning once again.

Goodreads, Amazon, IndieBound, and Barnes & Noble.

author's website and Facebook page.

My Thoughts:

The Death of Lucy Kyte takes place in the early half of the century in a cute town whose inhabitants bear grudges and judgments for generations.  When she inherits her godmother's cottage home, Josephine takes on the task of clearing out the old home and in doing so learns the tale of the death of a local village girl; a tale that had mesmerized her godmother so much she had written a journal of her story.

While Josephine inherited the home, a mysterious Lucy Kyte inherited any contents within that she might choose.  But how to find this mystery lady and what was the significance of her role in her godmother's life?  Later, when Josephine discovers the death of Lucy Kyte, she determines to solve the mysteries surrounding her godmother and the two deaths.

Set in the Suffolk countryside of the UK, The Death of Lucy Kyte explores how a village can influence, a grudge can linger, and how forbidden relationships can have enduring consequences.  The Death of Lucy Kyte is a descriptive narrative of another era written in descriptive style that illustrates the nuances of village life, for good and bad, unveiled with the investigating prowess of the seasoned mystery author Josephine Tey.  It's a bit slow reading but worth the time for the build up towards a suspenseful climax.

Meet the Author:  

Nicola Upson is the author of five Josephine Tey mysteries, including An Expert in Murder, Angel with Two Faces, Two for Sorrow, Fear in the Sunlight, and The Death of Lucy Kyte, as well as two works of nonfiction. She has worked in theater and as a freelance journalist. A recipient of an Escalator Award from the Arts Council England, she splits her time between Cambridge and Cornwall. Visit Nicola at her website, www.nicolaupson.com, and on Facebook.

Chasing the Sun - book review

Chasing the Sun

Author:  Natalia Sylvester

Published:  June 3/14

Publisher:  New Harvest

Pages:  304

Source:  A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher and TLC book tours in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Partially inspired by her grandfather’s kidnapping in Peru, CHASING THE SUN: A Novel (Lake Union/New Harvest; on sale June 3, 2014) is Natalia Sylvester’s suspenseful debut about a man whose wife is kidnapped just as their marriage is falling apart.

After going out for an errand, Marabela Jimenez doesn’t return home and her husband suspects she has left him – again. Only, the next day a letter arrives in the mail that reads:

 Querido Andres,I’m being held by three men who say they’ll keep me safe as long as you cooperate. They say that means no cops and no media. They say they’ll call when they’re ready to talk to you. Kiss our children for me and tell them not to worry. Keep me in your thoughts as I will be keeping you in mine.Marabela

Despite their crumbling relationship, Andres quickly realizes he must do whatever it takes to get Marabela home. He can’t possibly afford the ransom the kidnappers demand or handle this threat to his family alone so he hires a consultant to help negotiate with the terrorists. He also reaches out to his estranged mother, who has never cared for Marabela and even reconnects with an old friend who may hold the key to his past and his wife’s future. As each day passes without the return of his wife, Andres is forced to come to terms with whether or not what he and Marabela have left is worth saving and how far he’ll go to bring her home.

Set against the backdrop of the political turmoil and terrorist threats of 1992 Peru,CHASING THE SUN is a story of how trauma has a way of exposing our most difficult truths and healing past wounds and regrets.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

My thoughts:

Beautiful Peru, she is alluring.  During the time of civil unrest, however, that beauty is torn to reveal an undercurrent of danger.  Kidnappings are not unusual so when Marabella disappears, the horrific visions of torture are not far behind.

Marabella and Andres have a strained marriage.  They've struggled but Andres doesn't give up so easily.  Even when Marabella disappeared and returned in a few days, he forgave.  This time is different.  A note arrives from the kidnappers demanding a grand sum in exchange for the return of his wife.  Andres wants her back but he doesn't have the money they've demanded. 

Andres' mother comes to his aid and with her assistance and that of a consultant, Andres goes about the effort to free Marabella but not without trepidation. On one hand, he must save her.  On the other, his marriage is battle worn and he's unsure of its stability.  Knowing his wife and the possible torment she may sustain during her captivity, Andres fears for the remnants of his marriage.  How will this affect her and ultimately him and their family, assuming she is freed?

The cover of this hardbound debut novel is beautiful in its selection of colours.  Never for a moment does it belie what author Natalia Sylvester has created therein.  Chasing the Sun is a suspenseful tale of the terror one faces when someone they love is kidnapped and the lengths to which one is willing to go to save the person they love.  It's a tale of love and strife, pain and anguish, and the hope for reunited and reignited love amidst the beautiful backdrop of Peru and the terrorism of a country in turmoil.  A fabulous read by a debut author, Chasing the Sun's plot will hold you fast until you've finished the last page.

Natalia Sylvester was born in Lima, Peru. She came to the U.S. at age four and grew up in South Florida, where she received a B.A. in creative writing from the University of Miami. A former magazine editor, Natalia now works as a freelance writer in Austin, Texas. 

Connect with the author:

Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest

Can Reading Reduce Your Stress?

Image found on Facebook.

Reading is for me a release.  It offers an escape, an opportunity to visit other countries, a means to develop my imagination and to build vocabulary.  Since I have quite a vivid imagination and can readily escape into the lives of the characters I read about, and have done since a child, I do find that reading releases some stress.  I'm not sure about 68%?  Perhaps I need to read more?

Does reading alter your perceptions, offer escape, reduce your stress?  Perhaps it's more about taking the time for yourself that reduces stress levels?  What do you think?

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - book review

The Fault in Our Stars
Author:  John Green
Published:  2012
Publisher:  Dutton Group, a division of Penguin
Pages:  313
Genre:  YA Fiction
Source:  Borrowed

Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis.  But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

My Thoughts:

As my readers may know, I don't read much YA.  It takes an exceptional book to break that barrier and The Fault in Our Stars is just that.  Why, you may ask, did I pick up this YA novel?  Was it all the hype, the reviews, the movie which was just released?  Well, yes, it was a bit of all of this though I can't say the choice was wholly attributed to its popularity.  Ranking is not solely a precursor to book selection for me.  No, it was more because of a fellow co-worker who loved the book,  staff-picked it and then was greatly dismayed when the CEO of the company staff-picked it as well, necessitating the removal of his sticker of approval and recommendation.  That, for me, was the deciding factor.  It meant that much to this individual that I had to read it.  So I did.

The Fault in Our Stars is as remarkable as all the reviews have indicated.  Herein is the story of a teen-age Hazel with terminal cancer whose parents are concerned with her reclusiveness and encourage her to attend a Cancer Kid Support Group.  It is here she meets two remarkable young men who leave a permanent impression in her life; one of whom steals her heart.

Augustus was tall, lanky, gorgeous with a crooked smile and blue eyes that lit up when he saw her.  He didn't take no for an answer which perturbed her as much as it flattered.  He's in remission and she struggles for breath, an oxygen tank her permanent companion.  She's afraid she is a grenade who will tear apart the lives of those close to her when her time has come.  She is more fearful for those she loves and cares about than for herself.  She is beautiful that way.  But it's her book recommendation of An Imperial Affliction that really brings them together and offers them a summer to remember.

They are different and yet a lot the same.  They banter back and forth, joke around, have similar ideals.  After posting an ad that they constructed together, to give away her childhood swing set, titled "Desperately Lonely Swing Set Needs Loving Home".....  Hazel and Augustus settled on the couch where Augustus read from An Imperial Affliction aloud and as he read she fell in love "the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once."

And before she tells him he tells her:

"I'm in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable.... and I know the sun will swallow the only earth we'll ever have, and I am in love with you."

Such a romantic notion and so tragic.  No wonder every teenage girl who reads this novel loves it!

It's not only the romanticism, it's the beauty of the language and the imagery.  

"The sun was like a toddler insistently refusing to go to bed."

Dessert: "a succulently rich cremeux surrounded by passion fruit - was too good not to at least nibble."

I love this book.  It's genuine, bold, tearful and funny.  You will feel every gamut of emotion in the human repertoire, just as I saw with a young lady who sat in the store and read the book cover to cover over a few hours.  She laughed, she cried, she smiled.  She loved it!

I highly recommend The Fault in Our Stars.  Read the book, see the movie.  Personally, I'm waiting for the Blu-Ray.  I refuse to sit weeping in a theatre.  Tissues strongly suggested for both the book and the movie.

About the author:

John Green is the award-winning author of Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, Will Grayson, Will Grayson (with David Levithan), and The Fault in Our Stars.  His many accolades include the Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and the Edgar Award.  John is on Twitter: @realjohngreen and tumblr: fishingboatproceeds.tumblr.com and online at: johngreenbooks.com.  He resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with his family.

#TheFaultInOurStars   #JohnGreen

Why Meyer's last instalment of the Lunar Chronicles won't release until November 2015!

Lunar Chronicle Fans have been anxiously waiting the arrival of January 2015 (certainly not for the winter!!) for the YA novel and final instalment titled Winter.  However, those who were so looking forward to January, will have to wait another ten months for Winter to see bookstore shelves.  Instead.....

Fairest will be released January 2015.  It is a prequel to Cinder, telling the tale of Queen Levana, the evil Lunar villain, beginning with the Queen's life from the age of 15 to a period ten years short of the time of Cinder.

According to Marissa Meyer, there are integral plot points in Fairest that relate to the novel Winter.  None of us wanted the Chronicles to end so soon but this comes as a complete surprise.  Read more of this news here:

http://www.bustle.com/articles/28264-marissa-meyers-fairest-a-lunar-chronicles-prequel-is-coming-and-it-has-major-potential

http://bit.ly/FairestChat

Join in the chat with the author June 28/14

Details

Created by Fierce Reads

  ·  

Public event

Links

Wed, Jun 18, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Hangouts On Air

 

Join us for a video chat with Lunar Chronicles author Marissa Meyer, where she'll be discussing the series and answering YOUR questions live! 

Happy Father's Day

Hilary Rodham Clinton Shares with New York Times Her Favourite Books

Hilary Clinton's memoir, Hard Choices, just hit bookshelves across the continent.  In this interview with the New York Times, she shares her favourite books, those she read to her daughter, and those which have had influence in her life.  You may be surprised at what you read in this column.

http://nyti.ms/1kOxPQg

Currently she's reading Goldfinch by Donna Tartt; Maya Angelou's Mom & Me & Mom; and Missing You, the recent release by author Harlan Coben.

I'm reading Fault in Our Stars by John Green and The Death of Lucy Kyte by Nicola Upson.

What we have in common, pertaining to our reading tastes:

Book with greatest influence:  the Bible

Author whose series must be read as they come available:  Louise Penny

Guilty pleasures:  gardening books...

She and I both read John Grisham!

I like her taste in books.  I just may have to pick up her memoir after all.  I really wasn't going to because I didn't like the person the media makes her out to be but maybe I was wrong.  Maybe the media is wrong.  Perhaps not.  At any rate, I now want to read Hard Choices.

Will you?