Russian Winter

In Russian Winter, author Daphne Kalotay takes readers behind the Iron Curtain to observe the life of prima ballerina, Nina Revskaya.  Through flashbacks to a Russian winter and scenes in present day Boston, a completely believable and captivating mystery unfolds.  A mystery involving the ballet, jewels, poetry, and a letter.  I loved this book for three reasons.  First, this book allowed me to learn about the constraints of Stalinist society from an artist's point of view.  Second, Nina's actions and reactions were incredibly true to her character.  Third, the mystery was completely believable.  While I love the ballet and jewelry, it is the raw feelings of regret and loss that made the story and its characters so authentic from beginning to end.

Flashback: Trading Spaces

Once again, the Book Keeper is guilty of neglecting the blog.  The Book Keeper traded a book for a paint brush this week.  It was not a good decision.  Due to several fun interruptions over the weekend, I did not get the room finished before having to return to work.  Last night I looked around the room and realized that I would not finish.  I began thinking that perhaps I should just pack everything up and wait a couple of weeks to finish when "things slowed down."  Then I remembered what I told myself earlier in the evening:  "Finishing this room is your homework."  I would never turn in an incomplete assignment, so why would I stop when the room was incomplete?  One thought led to another and all of a sudden I remembered those fun Trading Spaces episodes.  Do you remember?  Vern, Doug, and Genevieve would all give out the "homework" that had to be finished by the next morning.  UGH.  Now I know how those poor people felt painting into the wee hours of the morning.  Ahh, good memories, but where is the connection to books.  Well, when I started looking for paint colors, I got out my old Trading Spaces books!  They have some crazy ideas, including the one where they glued plastic flowers to every square inch of a powder room.  I did not decide on anything too crazy, but the books did inspire me to "think outside the box."

Goodnight Chicago by Adam Gamble

Tuesday's theory:  Books make great gifts.  The holidays are right around the corner.  Are you looking for the perfect gift for the cute little Midwesterner in your life?  The Book Keeper recommends Goodnight Chicago.  Joe Veno's illustrations are timeless.  It is the perfect selection for facilitating the process of learning to read; Goodnight Chicago is a boardbook so it is easy for a small child to hold and turn pages.  It is the Book Keeper's personal favorite!

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

The Book Keeper was in love with this page-turner until the last ten pages.  The ending just did not "feel right."  I would still absolutely recommend this beautiful piece despite any disappointment I feel towards the novel's ending.  Lisa See captured the relationship between two sisters in such a remarkably realistic way that readers are left completely breathless at times.  Pearl and May became so real to me that I often picked up the book to read "just a few more pages" due to genuine concern regarding their well-being.  I still cannot help but wonder "what happened next."  What happened to Pearl and May after the Book Keeper turned the last page and shut the back cover? 
If you need yet another reason to read the book, other than the fact that See's characters are the sort Hollywood pines after, then read it for its historical significance.  The Book Keeper loves history - yeah, yeah, yeah.  We have been here before, huh?  Well, sort of.  As in Sarah's Key, this history is the type we are not so proud to learn.  See teaches an important lesson through Pearl and May's daily interactions that is, embarrassingly, unknown to many Americans.  Pearl and May journey to the United States shortly before America enters World War II.  The sisters endure prejudice on many levels.  Their personal experience with Angel Island Immigration Station (the Ellis Island of the West) is heart breaking, but it pales in comparison to the danger faced by being Chinese in America during the Red Scare.  A story of true perseverance, Shanghai Girls is definitely worthy of your time.

November 2010 Pick: Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay

This Book Keeper will be carrying Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay on the L during the month of November.  A story about ballet, jewels, love and betrayal.  I am desperately trying to keep my expectations grounded, but I am quite excited start turning pages.

The Book Keeper Loves Scary Stories

Halloween is right around the corner.  You know what that means . . . SCARY STORIES!  Growing up the Book Keeper LOVED the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine.  There was nothing better than sitting in my parents' basement in front of the fire with a new scary story.  I could not get enough - especially during the Halloween season.

I was curious as to whether Goosebumps were still popular among preteens.  So, like any modern age book keeper, I simply googled "Goosebumps."  The books are still so popular that the stories are being made into movies now!  The official Goosebumps site categorizes the books into "Goosebumps Horrorland," "Goosebumps Classics," and "Goosebumps."  I automatically assumed that the titles I was looking for would be categorized as "Goosebumps Classics."  Out of 16 books, I remembered 6 in great detail.  In fact, I am not sure I should admit what I am about to write . . . but when I visited the Tower of London as an adult, the first thing that popped into my mind was A Night in Tower Terror.  Is it worse to also admit that I am not the slightest bit embarrassed to share that more than 15 years after reading it for the first time, just the cover of Night of the Living Dummy gave me, well, goosebumps?  On that note, it is only fair to mention the fantastic work of Goosebumps illustrator Tim Jacobus.  Jacobus is the talent behind the Goosebumps logo pictured.  It just sets the mood, doesn't it?

If Goosebumps was a part of your childhood, check out the official Goosebumps site at Scholastic.com for good old fashioned nostalgia:  Get Goosebumps

The Next Book: October 2010

The Book Keeper's book club will be discussing both American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld and Shanghai Girls by Lisa See in October.  I am so excited to read and blog about Shanghai Girls.  The book was selected based partly on the story summary and testimonials as to See's previous novel, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.  I am interested to hear if anyone else has comments regarding any of Lisa See's works.  A few months ago, I blogged about all three of Sittenfield's pieces, including American Wife.  Therefore, I will most likely not write a new review . . . well, maybe I will talk a little bit about my book club's reaction to the novel.

Tuesday's Theory: Love that Ended an Empire

The Book Keeper is a little bit of a history dork.  I love history.  I cannot help it.  I especially enjoy history dripping in fashion, jewels, and pageantry.  Therefore, I love reading about pre-revolution Russia.  If you also enjoy world history, I would highly recommend Nicholas and Alexandra:  The story of the love that ended an empire.What is interesting about this book is that I acquired it because a friend HATED it.  When she described it, I remarked that I thought it sounded like something I would enjoy.  The rest is, well, history.  The Book Keeper carried this HUGE hardcover book on and off the L for a month or so, savoring each and every word.  

Normally, the Book Keeper presents her own personal theories for "Tuesday's Theory."  HOWEVER, I thought it would be fun to highlight the theory of another.  Author Robert K. Massie brilliantly sets forth his theory that but for Alexis Romanov's hemophilia, the Revolution would not have occurred.  Specifically, as hinted at in the title, it was Alexandra's love for her son, and in turn, Nicholas' love for Alexandra, that was actually responsible for the fall of the House of Romanov.  Massie supports his theory with incredible research comprised of letters, diary entries, anecdotes, photographs, and government reports.  Most interesting, is that Massie points to his own personal experience with hemophilia as his inspiration to to research the world's most famous hemophiliac.  The biggest surprise? Nicholas and Alexandra's British family's refusal to allow the family to seek refuge in England.

The book is certainly not for everyone, but this Book Keeper found it fascinating.  

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

If you love a good mystery (and one that is well written), you will love this book!  I will not lie, it took me a good 75 pages to "really get into" the story.  The first 75 pages were interesting, just not captivating.  That being said, once you do "really get into" the novel, good luck trying to put it down before finishing the last sentence of the last chapter.

The basis of the book?  Margaret Lea, a bookseller's daughter, is contacted by the world famous author, Vida Winter.  The dying author hires Margaret to tell her own long-hidden life story.  The dramatic tale unfolds in the setting of two estates:  Vida Winter's estate in Yorkshire and Angelfield, Winter's childhood home.  Telling you anything more would be unfair; a reader should be left to enjoy each page without any sort of spoilers.

What I can tell you is that Setterfield's talent is every English literature teacher's dream.  The incredible detail of each scene can only be outdone by a strong personal memory.  It is evident that the tale takes place over a long period of time, but emphasis is always on the complexity of each character, rather than historical references.  Setterfield created believable characters and her sensible narrator keeps the dramatic tale grounded in reality.

Put this book on your list.  It is out in paperback; no excuses.

CRAFTING

I love love love crafts.  This past weekend I visited The Renegade Craft Fair.  It was AMAZING.  I picked up a pair of earrings, a gorgeous print, and a TON of ideas!  You will be sure that next year I will bring my camera so that I can share more with you!

Speaking of crafts, I am itching to start crafting thanks to two books I recently acquired.  The first book, Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts, was a birthday gift.

From this book, I crafted tissue paper pom poms for a friend's bridal shower that I hosted.

Now, I am focused on creating some crafts from the book  Craft Hope, a gift from a very thoughtful friend (and fellow crafter).

This book is AMAZING.  The book is FULL of darling crafts:  dolls, quilts, scarves, pillow cases, soft blocks, aprons and tons, tons more!  The best part of the book is that each craft is linked to a charity.  Check out the website The Craft Hope Book to learn more about this incredible publication.  

Happy Crafting!

Eloise Inspires The Plaza Hotel

Fanciful Friday is here at last!

Books inspire so many people in so many ways: costumes, movies, amusement parks, and television shows.  If you are not familiar with the Eloise books, you should be.  The stories are darling.  Eloise is a six-year-old girl who lives in the "room on the tippy-top floor" of the New York landmark Plaza Hotel with her nanny, her puppy, and her turtle.  Eloise has inspired made for television movies and an animated series.  Recently, Betsey Johnson found inspiration in Kay Thompson's pint-size resident of the Plaza Hotel.  Obviously drawing from Hilary Knight's beautiful illustrations, Betsey Johnson took her first professional stab at interior designs.  From the picture featured in Elle Decor's article, she hit a home run!  A whimsical night in this fabulous suite at the Plaza Hotel starts at $995.00, but it is free to view Eloise's famous portrait in the hotel lobby!

Here is the picture from the Elle Decor website provided courtesy of the Plaza Hotel.

Please do check out the article!  It is too cute!  Elle Decor: A Pint-Size Plaza Suite

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2010 by Bob Sehlinger with Len Testa

This Book Keeper LOVES travel books!  This love most likely stems from a strong desire to learn from someone else's mistake, rather than my own.  When my husband and I set out to take our nieces to WDW, I knew immediately that I would be making a visit to the bookstore.  I was not prepared for the vast amount of options.  Luckily, a friend (and fellow book club member) had just returned from a trip to WDW.  She recommended The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2010.  

I purchased the book two months before taking our trip.  It was the perfect amount of time to work through the 850 pages.  Of course, not every page was applicable to our family or the purpose of our trip.  I truly enjoyed reading about all the new rides and shows not in existence during my childhood.  I used the tips to plan all of our meals, which saved a ton of money (we did not opt for the Disney Dining Plan).  The biggest benefit of the books?  The touring plans!!!  The touring plans were invaluable to our trip!!!  I would recommend that anyone taking a trip to WDW purchase the book if only to gain access to these touring plans.  I would also suggest that readers pay attention to the unofficial tips set apart from the main text (these tips are printed in blue and can be found in the margins).

Thank You Unofficial Guide!  You were amazing!  Thank you, Laura, for recommending this priceless gem of information!

Stay tuned:  I will post pictures of some of the shows and rides we were able to enjoy with the help of this book.

The Wonderful World of Walt Disney

What could be more fanciful than Walt Disney World???  Well, this Book Keeper is picking up and heading South for a bit.  I have been carrying around the book, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, with me for a few weeks now.  When I return I will give you my review!

As Tigger would say, "Well, I gotta go, now!  I got a lot of bouncing to do!  Hoo-hoo-hoo!  TTFN!  Ta ta for now!!!"

Tuesday's Theory: Coupons Make you Buy More Books

"Book Keeping" can become a very expensive habit. Obviously, borrowing from friends and from the local library is a great option. If you need to buy a book, however, take advantage of the reward programs offered at both Borders and Barnes & Noble. Borders Rewards is free to join and Borders frequently sends out great coupons (that you can use in addition to "Borders Bucks"). A Barnes & Noble membership will cost you $25 per year, but members enjoy an everyday discount of at least 10% off (even in the cafe) in addition to bonus coupons and email offers. I frequently plan my gift giving based on Borders' weekly deals (because my friends are book lovers, of course), but I think a Barnes & Noble membership is a great gift idea itself!

However, those coupons and incentives most definitely encourage me to buy MORE.  Am I really saving money???

While we are on the subject of buying books, I have to say that I got the best deals during last year's Black Friday sale on Amazon.com.  A friend recently encouraged me to check out Amazon.com during the other 364 days of the year for used books in top condition.  I don't know why I did not think about this earlier.

When I started looking at the used books on Amazon, I wondered whether there were any local shops that carry used books.  I am a strong supporter of supporting local business.  The first place I found for used books was the Children's Memorial White Elephant Resale Shop.  In the very back there are several narrow rows of filled bookshelves.  Surprisingly, the books were well organized.  The second shop I discovered is Myopic Books in Wicker Park.  I have not yet had the pleasure of browsing the three floors of books, but I am definitely looking forward to it!

Even if I do start buying more used rather than new books, I think my theory will hold true:  the better the deal I think I am getting; the more books I will buy.

Devil in the White City: A Book and Tour

It is FRIDAY!!!  I am constantly day dreaming on Friday about all the fun things I could do during the weekend, especially in a city like Chicago!  Recently, my day dreaming took myself and three others on a bike tour of Hyde Park.  The tour was titled "Presidential Bike Tour" and it was presented by the company, Bike and Roll (in many cities).  Our group had a great time biking through Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning.  The tour was nearly 3 hours long and our guide, Emily, was darling.  Of course, I expected all of the random facts about President Obama's life in Hyde Park (including visiting the location where he and the First Lady shared their first kiss), but I was pleasantly surprised to find that a large majority of the tour covered locations and facts related to the 1893 World's Fair.  Our guide constantly referred to sections of the book, Devil in the White City, by Eric Larson. 

Devil in the White City examines "the greatest fair in history - a place where incredible dreams came to life alongside darkest nightmares."  Random House.  I highly recommend this book to all readers with any general interest in architecture, history, crime, or a preference for (murder) mystery novels.

While my group got our tickets for $21 per person, tickets are normally priced $39.  The tour was definitely worth $21.  The tour included the guide, a bike and helmet, and admission to the DuSable Museum.  I am not sure if I would feel the same satisfaction if I paid $39.00.

Another tour that has been strongly recommended to me is the Chicago Architecture Foundation Devil In The White City Companion Bus Tour.  I have taken the Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Tour and must admit that it was fabulous.  The CAF Devil in the White City tour is $55.00, but there are discounts available for seniors, students, and CAF members.

If you are not interested spending between $40.00 and $60.00 on a tour, here is my advice.  Read the book because it is fabulous.  After finishing the book, do a little research of your own and create your own tour.  Visit Hyde Park on a beautiful Saturday morning and bring your walking shoes.  When you need a break, take a seat under the dramatic arches of the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel (on the University of Chicago's campus) and reflect.  When you need a bite to eat or something to quench your thirst, stop in the Medici Bakery and Deli on 57th (the almond horned butter cookies are my favorite).  Just don't forget to walk over the water using the beautiful moon bridge in the Oska Garden to rid yourself of any evil.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Our book club has three new members and I was so happy that A Reliable Wife was the first book we discussed together!  While it is true that this story contains several "bodice-ripping" chapters, this book is a fabulous selection for a book club for so many different reasons.  First, the characters are quite complex.  Goolrick took great care in creating each of his fascinating characters.  A reader cannot help but become emotionally involved in each character's plight.  Hate, love, and empathy, but NEVER indifference.  Second, the author painted such a descriptive landscape for each setting/location, that you could not help but speak about symbolism.  [Insert congratulatory message to all high school English literature teachers here:  your students really were listening!]  The contrast between the frozen life the characters faced in Wisconsin and the general moral corruption of St. Louis is beautifully presented.  Third, the overall story is one of forgiveness; something all readers can relate to in some way.

It's About Growing Up

I came across the cutest Beverly Cleary interview:   

Beverly Cleary: What She Wants You to Know About Her

Happy Friday!

The Baby-Sitters Club

A little slow on current book news, a friend just informed me that The Baby-Sitters Club series by Ann M. Martin has been re-released. Apparently, this announcement was made way back in January of this year, but I completely missed it!

The re-release was kicked off by the publication of The Summer Before, the prequel to the series.  The prequel was written by Ann M. Martin herself and details what Kristy, Claudia, and Mary Ann were up to before they started the infamous club. 

As a member of the Babysitters Club generation, I am very excited that this series is coming back into publication.  While the technology will be updated, the stories that emphasize friendship, family, and work ethic will be the same.  In the modern world that we live in today, a relatively scandal-free series is exactly what young girls should be reading.  As my mother used to say, "You are only (insert age) once.  Enjoy it."  When young girls are encouraged to grow-up too quickly, they miss a vital piece of their childhood that can never be reclaimed.  Although I am (overall) glad that my tween years have concluded, I am excited to read the prequel and re-visit that time where life was so much simpler. 

Check out the book and let me know what you think.  Personally, this information has me reminiscing about the great excitement I felt each time I would go to the library or bookstore knowing that I would be coming home with the newest book in the series.  The memories really do last a lifetime.


P.S.  If you liked this post, you should check out the BSC Headquarters blog I added to the blog list today.  

The Cast of THE HELP

 Just for fun . . .

According to People Magazine, the casting of the screen adaptation of The Help is nearly complete.  People reports that Viola Davis will be playing Aibileen and Octavia Spencer will be playing her best friend, Minny.  The casting that this Book Keeper is super excited about: Allison Janney as Charlotte Phelan (Skeeter's mother).  I am personally in love with the idea of Allison Janney bringing Charlotte to life on the big-screen.  PERFECT casting in my mind.  I am also excited about Emma Stone as Skeeter and Bryce Dallas Howard as Hilly.  Both Stone and Howard have great potential to bring these beloved characters to life, but I have to agree with the masses that I see Claire Danes as the perfect Skeeter. 

Two roles that are not filled:  Celia and Elizabeth.  Let me know who you think should play these characters!  I am thinking Scarlett Johansson for Celia and Kristen Bell or Michelle Williams as Elizabeth.

Beverages & Books

A recent request by a fellow book club member got me thinking about how certain beverages are tied so closely to performing certain activities.  The book for July is A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick.  The request was to discuss the book over wine.  Apparently, the book becomes quite provocative in the later chapters (I will let you know after I have finished it).  Going back to the topic of beverages, I realized how many activities I link directly to what is inside of my cup.  There are common associations like water & exercise and hot chocolate & ice skating.  But then again, I have, what I would consider, uncommon associations.  I think of nothing else but a skinny flat white each time I walk the dog through the park.  Just stepping inside the front door of my mother's home creates a thirst for a big glass of ice cold milk.  And, bringing this discussion back to books, when I am reading a good book, my taste buds yearn for a big mug of hot tea, no matter what the thermometer reads.

Two Questions:  What beverage do you associate with reading a good book?  Any uncommon beverage associations?

The Help

"In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women--mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends--view one another." kathrynstockett.com

During our book club discussion of The Help, one woman posed the question, "do you think you would have abided by these unspoken rules if you grew up during the 1960s?" Of course, growing up in a different time period would present extremely different opportunities and experiences for a child. If I grew up during the 1960s rather than the 1990s, I would not be "me."

That being said, I immediately thought of a related question: Are there lines that we abide by TODAY that we would be ashamed to admit?

I highly recommend this book. And I think you will recommend it to others, too. According to Ms. Stockett's website, the book will soon be a major motion picture. So read the book NOW to ensure that you are ready to scrutinize Dreamworks' film adaptation. Click on the link above for a synopsis.

SHREK!!!

Here in the Library Under the 'L', Shrek is something BIG. Shrek: The Musical is currently playing at The Cadillac Palace Theatre and the final film installation, Shrek Forever After, is in cinemas. Everywhere you turn it is SHREK! I was completely surprised to discover that Shrek was first a BOOK! How did I not know this fact? Did you???


In case you are interested, here is a biography for William Steig.

Predictive Analytics

I have often joked with my Mother that it is HER picture on the wall in every marketing firm's conference room; she is the target audience. I recently read the book Little Bee by Chris Cleave. It was a fantastic book. I am not the only person who thinks it is a fantastic book. The book was published in 2009. It is currently #4 on the New York Times Paper Back Bestseller's List. Without talking about the story (the publishers specifically direct readers not to share any details), I will say that there is a little boy who wears a commercial Batman suit - complete with the cape, utility belt, and mask.

As I was watching television this week, I could not help but notice the little boy in the cute little garden yard watching his father pull out of the driveway in a brand new Subaru. I don't know what the little boy looked like because he was wearing a commercial Batman suit - complete with the cape, utility belt, and mask.

It is not that I think that dressing up as a superhero is a unusual activity for a little boy. For me, it was more than the costume that led me to my theory. The scenery, the age and the underlying message about the father-son relationship consumed my thoughts until I finally sat down at the computer to write. The theory? Predictive Analytics.

According to Wikipedia, "Predictive analytics encompasses a variety of techniques from statistics, data mining, and game theory that analyze current and historical facts to make predictions about future events. Predictive analytics (and a lot of computer programming) are responsible for helping Borders tell you what books you would most likely enjoy. You know what I am talking about . . . If you liked Little Bee, "you may also enjoy": A Reliable Wife, The Last Child, Look Again, The Forgotten Garden, and The Little Giant of Aberdeen County.

This Book Keeper is positing that the wonderful people at Subaru (or the advertising firm representing Subaru) might have gotten their hands on a predictive model showing that the the target audience for a new Subaru "may also enjoy" the book Little Bee.

Of course, this post is just a theory.

It's Wedding Season!

Recently this book keeper has attended quite a few weddings. Each, of course, was special in its own right. Ordinarily, wedding trips provide a great opportunity for me to catch up on my reading. However, this wedding season I have not had a moment to sit down! I suppose wedding season is my excuse for neglecting "The Library Under the 'L'." So, in line with the "Wedding Season" theme, I have decided to make a posting ALL ABOUT WEDDINGS!

My FAVORITE wedding book is Preston Bailey's Fantasy Weddings. The pictures are just unbelievable. I am so impressed by the way Mr. Bailey is able to take a location and transform it into a completely new and spectacular world for guests to explore.



I look through the pictures and can only imagine how the masterpiece (because his designs truly are art) makes each moment so magical.

However, if you are looking for a book with more of a literary component, I always think of The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. The follow-up to The Notebook, the wedding tells the story of a couple who have grown apart during their 30 year marriage and a husband's struggle to express his emotions. I think I like this book because it turns "the fantasy" upside down. Talented people like Preston Bailey can present an extraordinary event to celebrate the vows taken, but in the end it is up to the bride and groom to create the true fantasy - a love that lasts forever.

Three Works by Curtis Sittenfeld

It just occurred to me that I have read every Curtis Sittenfeld novel! I was surprised because I am not the sort of reader who "follows" one particular author.

Just after sitting for the bar, a friend suggested that I ease my way back into reading for pleasure with Sittenfeld's Prep.

Prep was the perfect book to reintegrate myself back into the world of reading for pure enjoyment - no deeper meaning - no hidden stop lights (cookies to anyone who knows what I am talking about here) - no sudden desire to change my life or the world around me. I enjoyed Prep so much because it took me right back to my high school self: the self doubt, ambition, test anxiety, the crushes and first dates, first learning to balance all life has to offer, and making those first hard decisions (some of which you had no idea would actually shape who you became years later). I would recommend Prep as a bathtub read - easy, fun, but not my first recommendation to a friend looking for a good book to read. However, I did like Prep enough that while pursuing an airport bookstore, I came across American Wife and purchased it instantly.

American Wife tells the story of the unlikely path that led Alice Blackwell to become First Lady of the United States of American. What I absolutely loved about this book was that from the moment I met Alice, it felt as though she was one of my closest friends. The great care Sittenfeld took to make Alice so believable is a lesson to every aspiring novelista. Each period in Alice's life is so convincing because Alice's thoughts and words are completely age appropriate. If you are looking for character development, pick up this book!

Of course after reading American Wife, I could not turn down an offer to borrow Sittenfeld's second novel, The Man of My Dreams.

I really did enjoy this book, but not nearly as much as American Wife. Sittenfeld examins through Hannah's romances (or lack there of) the personal choices (starting at age 14) that compound a woman's search for her soul mate. This book is what I would call "the train read." Something I could pick up and put down after each ride on the L.

Overall, I would recommend all three books. If I had it to do over again, I would read them in order of publication: (1) Prep; (2) The Man of My Dreams; and (3) American Wife. If you like Prep even just a little bit, you will enjoy the next two even more. If you only have time for one . . . skip directly to American Wife.

As for me, I would be lying if I said I was not excited for future works by Curtis Sittenfeld.

The Reading Room

It has been two years since I first set eyes on The Reading Room in Bates Hall of the Boston Public Library. The room instantly commanded silence from its visitors. Staying silent was not difficult as the architecture alone struck awe in this Book Keeper. I kept imagining what it would be like to have this room at my disposal - would I actually use it or would it just be another stop on the tour for out-of-town guests? Often times, I think it is so easy to visit new places and find something you would like to see in your hometown. But what about the Chicago Public Library??? I have no idea what treasures lie within that building . . . perhaps a reading room to blog and brag about?!?!

What about YOU? What "reading rooms" have you visited that you would like to bring back home with you?

Suggestions for May's Book Selection

Post the title and the author of a book you are interested in reading and discussing in the month of May! Feel free to include a description or a link!

Thoughts on Sarah's Key

Leave a comment or a question you would like to pose at this month's meet-up!

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Bookworms!

Happy Valentine's Day Book Worms!

What is your favorite love story? Do you have more than one? Leave a comment and let us know the title of the book and why it touches your heart!

Attention Book Club Members: What question will YOU ask in our discussion of The Weight of Silence?

We are well into February now, so I thought we should start posting our questions for the February gathering! Hopefully, you did not forget . . . . . . we are discussing the book The Weight of Silence.

Remember, don't make your comment until you are done reading the book . . . otherwise you risk reading spoilers!

Happy Reading!

Fanciful Friday: Let Them Eat Cake!

One of our general rules is that our book club does not read biographies. However, if someone is itching to pick one up, I would highly recommend Marie Antoinette: The Journey. The author, Antonia Fraser, does not even attempt to hide the fact that the last queen of France was not a natural born leader. What she does do is focus on Her Majesty as a person set up to fail by explaining with great detail each disastrous decision - no matter how small - that led to her unfortunate end.

Note: Fashionistas will love reading about how the Queen was practically an 18th century Coco Chanel.

Still not interested? Check out the movie. Even though the French were not happy with Sophia Coppola casting Kirsten Dunst as the most famous Versailles resident, I thought the film was fabulous and could not get enough of the costume design. And in terms of "fancifulness," no one can argue against the fact that Marie Antoinette is marked in history, at least in part, by her unrestrained imagination.

One Last Thing Before The Weekend Sets You Free:

Forget the fact that Marie Antoinette most likely never said "Let Them Eat Cake" (you will have to read the book), the phrase and French pastries on this cover remind me of how much I enjoyed reading this book. You can buy your own at Etsy.

Books and Baby Names: Are Book Keepers really that easily influenced?

I never thought about the way a popular book (or book series) could influence the process of selecting a name for a new baby. After a separate discussion led me to look through a recent list of popular baby names, I noticed some names were identified as being "new on the chart." The names identified are as follows: Esme, Rosalie, and Emmett. Sound familiar?

All three names are main characters in the popular Twilight Saga. Also interesting is that the names Isabella (#2 on the list), Bella (yes, listed separately from Isabella), Edward, Jasper, and Alice have jumped more than ten spots each on the chart. Just a coincidence? Taking into consideration this increase in popularity as well as the fact that the names Victoria and Jacob have fallen over ten spots tends to support the theory that popular books may indeed influence name selection more than we, as book lovers, would care to admit. I mean, what mother would wish for their child's name to be associated with a famous book villain? Mothers want their girls to grow up and become Bella: beautiful, smart, articulate, and self-assured. As for Edward, he is also portrayed as handsome, wise, (more than) articulate, and certainly self-assured . . . AND he loves his mother. In fact, he brings his wife home to live with him under his mother's roof! What could be a better plan for mothers insecure about their baby boys "leaving them" for a life of their own?

As far as the drop in popularity for the name Jacob, I don't believe it is because Mothers do not want their children to develop his qualities (although transfiguration is a little disconcerting) . . . I just think the book keepers of the world have spoken: Team Edward, without a doubt.

A Book Keeper's Best Friend

Sometimes there is nothing better than snuggling up with a good book and a furry friend. New Leash on Life is an organization committed to finding loving homes for shelter dogs. Recently, there has been a surplus of dogs abandoned by owners in financial crisis; NLOL's work is needed more than ever. New Leash on Life is teaming up with Ed Swiderski (ABC's The Bachelorette) to hold a fundraiser this Saturday, February 6 at Grand Central Bar (Lincoln Park). Here is the link for more information:

New Leash On Life Kick-Off 2010 Fundraiser

Fanciful Friday: This Book Keeper needs a Bookbook

Is this not the PERFECT laptop case for the book lover . . . or better yet, The Book Keeper??? I have been searching for a case that captures my personality for nearly a year now. Somethings are just worth the wait.

The Next Two Books: February & March 2010

The February 2010 selection is The Weight of Silence. Follow the link to the book's website to find a brief description of both the book and its Midwest author.

The March 2010 selection is Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. I did not have any luck finding an official book website. If someone knows of an official website, please let me know! Here is a brief description from Publishers Weekly found on Amazon.com:

De Rosnay's U.S. debut fictionalizes the 1942 Paris roundups and deportations, in which thousands of Jewish families were arrested, held at the Vélodrome d'Hiver outside the city, then transported to Auschwitz. Forty-five-year-old Julia Jarmond, American by birth, moved to Paris when she was 20 and is married to the arrogant, unfaithful Bertrand Tézac, with whom she has an 11-year-old daughter. Julia writes for an American magazine and her editor assigns her to cover the 60th anniversary of the Vél' d'Hiv' roundups. Julia soon learns that the apartment she and Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand's family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants: Wladyslaw and Rywka Starzynski, parents of 10-year-old Sarah and four-year-old Michel. The more Julia discovers—especially about Sarah, the only member of the Starzynski family to survive—the more she uncovers about Bertrand's family, about France and, finally, herself.

To feel most beautifully alive means to be reading something beautiful,

ready always to apprehend in the flow of language the sudden flash of poetry.

~ Gaston Bachelard ~

January 2010: Her Fearful Symmetry

Unfortunately, Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger did not win a place in anyone's heart this month. Expectations were high following the captivating The Time Traveler's Wife. While it held our interest, a recommendation to others is not likely. The book, however, did prompt good discussion! The biggest complaint: it did not leave us wanting more. The fantastical subject was not the problem; we could not reconcile the nearly tidy ending with the fantastical subject of the book.