Tuesday, February 19, 2013

A Writer Remembered


Maeve Binchy, one of the most prolific and beloved writers of our generation, passed away this summer leaving behind a gorgeous literary history as well as one final novel. A Week in Winter came out last week and I don't think it's a coincidence that such a loved writer had her last work published days before Valentine's Day. Here is a short summary of her final work.

Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who is handy around the house) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business), Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone House’s big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms. John, the American movie star, thinks he has arrived incognito; Winnie and Lillian are forced into taking a holiday together; Nicola and Henry, husband and wife, have been shaken by seeing too much death practicing medicine; Anders hates his father’s business, but has a real talent for music; Miss Nell Howe, a retired schoolteacher, criticizes everything and leaves a day early, much to everyone’s relief; the Walls are disappointed to have won this second-prize holiday in a contest where first prize was Paris; and Freda, the librarian, is afraid of her own psychic visions. 
            
Sharing a week with this unlikely cast of characters is pure joy, full of Maeve’s trademark warmth and humor. Once again, she embraces us with her grand storytelling. 
I can't wait to dive into this one but part of me wants to savor Maeve's last work. It is certainly bittersweet.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Recommended Reads


Dinner: A Love Story. Intoxicating.

Pride & Prejudice for the Downton Abbey fans.

Donna Tartt is back...soon.

Author of PS I Love You has another book heading to the big screen with Love, Rosie 

History of the toothbrush.

You had one job! (Warning: You will not be able to stop scrolling through these pictures)

Started this book over the weekend and can't put it down.

Fresh Soaps


These FRESH soaps are just divine. I would love a basket full of these sweet smelling soaps.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Sunday Reading

via NYTimes


Great article by Alex Williams in today's NYTimes Style Section on Hipsturbia. There is definitely a hipster/Brooklyn revolution going on right now. I see it everywhere; in local shops, in books, in tv shows. What is the fascination with the Brooklyn way of life and why is it so easy to poke fun at and yet also so inspiring?