Books you must read.
Running around like a crazy woman today, but a quick blog to say two things about books YOU MUST READ.
The first is One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell. I have finished it and I think she is a genius. It is amazingly astute, well-observed and such a clever portrait of a slice of New York Life today, from the dowager-types who populate the grand old buildings, to a character called Lola Fabrikant, who is every entitled, talentless, reality-tv star we’ve ever seen and detested.
I read every page with a smile, thinking how brilliantly she had captured all of it - she is truly the master of this type of fiction, a modern-day Edith Wharton. Delightful.
The other is The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer. There is a gem on every page, a truism that causes me to stop and think about my own life, every few minutes. It also happens to be beautifully written, and something that every mother with children in school has to read.
November 11th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
One Fifth Avenue is a true gem! I got on the library reserve list for it after you mentioned it some time ago Jane and was not disappointed. The characters are wonderfully engaging. I’d like to see a movie made from the book (but it would probably pale in comparision). Thanks for the book recs - keep them going!
November 11th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
OK, I am going to read Candace Bushnell’s book based on your recommendation. I had previously sworn off of her books after reading Sex and the City and Four Blondes because I was put off by the attitude of some of her characters. They seemed to feel that they deserved better lives than ordinary people because of their beauty and brains and then, without any emotional growth, they got those fabulous lives. You have me curious now, however, I want to see how I feel about her latest work.
November 11th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I read about the Ten Year Nap a while ago and wanted to read it. I have not been able to remember the name of it, but I looked the description on amazon (interested to know what you were recommending so highly) and this is what I have been looking for! I found my next read!
November 12th, 2008 at 5:48 am
I have One Fifth Avenue on my Xmas gift list…
Not sure if anyone has read anything by Dorothy Koomson, but she writes just beautifully. I read her latest book, Goodnight Beautiful, on holiday and while her prose was perfect, it was one of the saddest books I’ve ever read. I was sobbing my heart out and every time I have recommended it since, I have started choking up (people don’t seem keen to borrow it, based on that…)
November 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Hilma Wollitzer is also a great favorite of mine. Laugh aloud funny but very clear-eyed.
Greetings from another Brit/US hybrid.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I just finished One Fifth and it was so good! I think I read it in three days, and it’s not a short book! I always look forward to when Candace Bushnell puts out a new book because she never disappoints.
November 12th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Faith, I loooove Dorothy Koomson! Have read all of hers! Such beautiful writing and her characters really come to life!
I haven’t read One Fifth Avenue yet, but its on my list too.
Has anyone read anything by Cecelia Ahern or Carole Matthews? Another two of my faves.
November 13th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I have not read One Fifth Avenue yet but it is on my ever growing list of books to read. I am a self proclaimed book worm and my list is never ending. I have discovered author Karen Kingsbury. She is a Christian writer and I was a little leary at first. I wasn’t sure how “excitng” her novels would be. However, she has a two book series about a Bull Rider named Cody Gunner. Let’s just say, you will not have a dry eye at the end of this novel. It’s a good read.
Jane, what are you working on next? I can’t wait.
Renee