Tagged: Maiah Reads

Book Review: The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

I picked up The Story of Beautiful Girl at a closing sale for what will always be my favorite bookstore. As I shopped the Borders in Columbus Circle, NYC with a handcart full of paperbacks, my eye caught the brilliant cover of this Oprah-approved novel and I snatched it off the bookshelf.

The jacket of the hardcover is adorned with decoration that is both gorgeous and haunting. And while ‘they’ say you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, this one served as a perfect indication of what to expect from this novel by Rachel Simon.

The story illustrates love, loss, faith, and growth through 340 pages of beautifully written prose. Simon swiftly begins the novel by taking you into the lives of Martha (The Widow), Lynnie (Beautiful Girl) and Homan (Number Forty-Two).

When Martha opens her home to Lynnie and Homan, all three of their lives are forever changed. Though no words are exchanged, love is communicated through eye glances, soft touches, and one shared kiss between Lynnie and Homan. The moments are short lived as attendants from the School for the Incurable and Feebleminded capture Lynnie and take her away. Homan escapes, and Lynnie’s newly born child (a mystery conceived at the school) is left in Martha’s safe care.

The novel then takes us, dear readers, on a ride. We spend time on the run with Martha, doing her best to keep her tracks hidden and Julia (Lynnie’s child) safe. We fight to be reunited with Lynnie as Homan’s story progresses – setback after setback does not make him give up hope of coming together again with the love of his life. We struggle through speech therapy and re-integration into the world with Lynnie, all the while waiting for Homan to resume their lives together.

And through it all, each character is given a second chance at life, love, and family. The Story of Beautiful Girl is a beautiful read for all seasons, but I can’t think of a better night than spending it by the fire with this book and a nice glass of wine.

Enjoy!

Article first published as Book Review: Story of a Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon on Blogcritics.
 

The Help

Sometimes, I have a very hard time explaining to friends what makes something so incredible to me. For example, when a friend told me she couldn’t get through a book I practically forced her to read, I simply exclaimed, “well then you’re reading it wrong!” Clearly. What else could be the problem?

[via]

However, in the same conversation, we discussed The Help, which none of my friends were having trouble reading. I must admit, the book caught my eye back in 2009 when Sarah Jessica Parker (the love of my life) was spotted around New York City with the book in tow.
I’ll spare you the length of an actual book review, because by now, you should know that the Kathryn Stockett novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, critically acclaimed by newspapers, magazines, celebrities, and authors alike.

The book is set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960′s, the story takes readers on a journey through the eyes of three narrators. Two of which are Black maids for White households, the third is a White woman who decides to tell their story. For a full synopsis of the book, check out Stockett’s website here. If you’re one of those people who don’t actually read books, well then I feel sorry for you. But – all is not lost. The excitement and following of The Help has lead to a major movie deal! Hitting theatres this August, people are eager and excited for the novel to hit the big screen.

Demetria Lucas of A Belle in Brooklyn had the opportunity to see an advance screening of the film, which left her feeling a number of feelings, some bad and others good. Lucas brings up a good point that there are some undeniable feelings behind the fact that his is a book is a depiction of the Black struggle of the 1960′s by a White woman. Additionally, Stockett now faces a lawsuit filed by Ablene Cooper, who says Stockett based her main character, Aibileen Clark, on her. Nothing like a good lawsuit to continue garnering press for an already good thing.

Back to the point: I can’t wait to see the movie! Check out the trailer below, and photos from the film, all courtesy of DreamWorks.

Directed by Tate Taylor, The Help boasts a cast including Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, and, my favorite, Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark. It’s sure to be one of those tear you down and build you up feel good movies – I can tell by the trailer.

[DreamWorks]    

Have you read or plan on reading the help? If not, will I see you at the movies?

Book Review: Joy for Beginners

Erica Bauermeister is one of those authors who just resonates with me. After reading her The School of Essential Ingredients (read the review here), I knew she would instantly hold the title of my favorite author. This is no small feat, as I find it nearly impossible to narrow down anything or anyone to a favorite.

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Upon finishing that book, I found myself speaking more eloquently, seeking out the beauty in life, and researching cooking classes in NYC. As I actively searched for beautiful writing reminiscent of Bauermeister’s in other novels or blogs, I happily embraced the delivery of a little treat from the kind folks over at Putnam Books. Enclosed was an uncorrected proof of her new novel, set to be released June 8th. The whole experience made me feel fancy, and immediately began reading.

I was somewhat wary, knowing that sometimes you can have an incredibly romantic experience with one book, but nowhere near the same magic with an author’s sophomore release. However, I am so happy to report that is not the case with Joy for Beginners. Once again, I found myself marking up the margins with notes, highlighting and dog-earring my favorite passages, and having strong emotional reactions to the characters and their stories.

The book takes you on a journey through a moment in time for seven women, one of which is a cancer survivor. Kate, the survivor, finds herself challenged to take a risk by her daughter, and in return challenges her six best friends. We are then seamlessly brought into the lives of Caroline, Daria, Sara, Hadley, Marion, and Ava. Their challenges (which varied from gardening to tattooing) are both life changing and everlasting; each chapter left me weepy with hopefulness.

The thing I love most about Bauermeister’s work is that suddenly a chapter, a character, a moment sneaks up on you. You catch yourself gazing off with thoughts about how the story circles back to your own reality with tears in your eyes and a hand over your heart (honestly, I have caught myself in this pose numerous times reading her writing). You scribble “love!” or “beautiful” across a page and close it briefly. And you smile at the feeling it leaves you with. This is the sort of visceral reaction Joy for Beginners caused me to have.

Incredibly moving, inspirational, and stunning to read, Joy for Beginners is a must-own because you’ll simply love it too much to not have it in your possession forever.

“You know,” Marion said, “I met a woman once when I was a teenager. I knew she had gone through a lot but she was so strong, so compassionate. I asked her how she could be the way she was, and you know what she told me?”

Hadley shook her head.

“She said, ‘You can be broken, or broken open. That choice is yours.’”

Article first published as Book Review:Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister on Blogcritics.

Book Review: The School of Essential Ingredients

My favorite Borders in New York City is closing (in fact, it may even be closed by now). Upon receiving the saddest email from Borders HQ and the consistent updates about book prices dropping in their liquidation, I had to swing by for one last look.

In slowly perusing the stacks, my eye was drawn to one of the most beautiful book covers I’d laid eyes on in a while. It was one of those awkward moments where I sort of gently grazed the cover with my fingers, trying to actually feel the beauty. The woman next to me gave a cough and a side eye, which I mimicked, and side eyed her until she walked away. Then I picked it up and read:

Once a month on Monday night, eight students gather in Lillian’s restaurant kitchen for a cooking class. They come to learn the art behind Lillian’s dishes, but it soon becomes clear that each one unknowingly seeks a recipe for something beyond the kitchen. One by one, they are transformed by the aromas, flavors, and textures of what they create. Over time, the paths of the students intermingle and intertwine, and the essence of Lillian’s cooking expands beyond the restaurant and into the secret corners of their lives, with results that are often unexpected and always delicious. [via]

Sounded interesting enough. So I signed onto my Goodreads iPhone app and read a few reviews, all of which were glowing and added the book to my embarrassingly large stack (good thing I’ve been hitting the gym).


The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister is a case in which judging a book by it’s cover worked in my favor. This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. I found myself swooning and crying at the touching moments she outlines in stunning prose.

The novel is completely dogeared to mark my favorite passages, and entirely beaten up (just how I like my books) because I refused to put it down wherever I went. Each chapter divulged the personal story of a student in the cooking class, and each story left me with watery eyes and the same face of awe and love.

I implore you to purchase this book and read it. I’d offer you my copy to borrow, but I’m too attached to lend it to anyone (sorry, boo).

I leave you with one of my many favorite bits. I’d rather not set the scene for you, as this storyline is so touching it makes me cry to even think about it. But the romance, and the beauty of language is something I just have to share:

“The first time he had kissed her – it had taken six weeks – was over hamburgers, two inches thick, juices running. He had leaned over and licked the grease off her arm without thinking. As he brought his face up to hers, he wondered how it was that the distance between arm and mouth could take such a sweet infinity to travel.” [via, page 120]

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

Suburban Girl Reads: Something Blue

After reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (which didn’t get it’s own “Suburban Girl Reads”), I needed a breather. I’m currently recouping with Something Blue by Emily Giffin.

I’m still incredibly surprised how wonderful and quick this series goes by once you crack open the front cover. And I’m still laughing audibly on the N/Q on the way to work.

Suburban Girl Reads: Eat Pray Love


I know, I know, I know, I know. Really? JUST reading this now? I know. But I have been totally sucked in by the incredible trailers featuring the lovely Julia Robers so I really can’t help myself, now can I? Jeesh.

I tried to read this years ago when I had just graduated college and didn’t understand the real life trials and tribulations she was discussing in this piece of literature. Now, with a few more years under my belt, I’m 50 pages in and totally in LOVE with Elizabeth Gilbert. Everything she says is heartbreaking, funny, sad, and eye-opening (oof, big words, huh?). Anyway, I am once again trying to breeze through a book before the movie comes out – seems to be a theme.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1bSFT60sXI]
Obsessed with this trailer. I’m like a child watching something sparkly every time it comes on the television!

Side note: On the train this morning I looked up to see a woman sitting across from me, wearing a matching coral dress, matching RayBan sunglasses, and reading Eat Pray Love. It was bizarre (and yet, I felt like a member of a secret book club – creep).

Suburban Girl Reads: Water For Elephants

Currently reading Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. So far, totally wrapped up in this read, which I thought might be a little light hearted and fun as it revolves around circus life but the prologue shut down that idea within the 2nd page.


Anyway, keeping this short and sweet as I need to get back to reading. I’m trying to get through this before the movie trailers start coming out. Looking forward to that as well, mainly because it features talented recording artist (and high school friend), Cody Wood.

Swing by Amazon.com to purchase for yourself.

Suburban Girl Reads: Something Borrowed

Reading is a huge part of my life, as is proclaiming my English Literature degree from Connecticut College because it makes me feel fancy and smart. That said, Suburban Girl Reads will be a small series detailing the new books I’m reading, and possibly containing a review when I feel so included.

Mostly, it’ll be for bragging about the number of books I read through the year.

Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

I’m currently nursing Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin and laughing audibly on the N/Q train on my way to work. It’s incredibly enjoyable, the perfect summer read. My only disappointment is not reading it sooner. Looking for a lighthearted (but extremely poignent for women in their mid to late 20s)? Then I’d suggest looking to Something Borrowed.