Author Event: David Nicholls

“This is where it all begins. Everything starts here, today.” 

-David Nicholls, One Day

Lovelies,

This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a special event at the HarperCollins Canada Toronto office once again to meet David Nicholls, author of the beloved One Day. His second novel, Us was released late last month (much to my excitement). I could not wait to meet Nicholls in person!

He was as every bit charming, funny, witty, and nice as I hoped he would be. Laurie Grassi was there to speak to him about the book, touching upon everything from the characters, to his writing habits, and funny travel stories along the way.

"I liked the idea that everything in the book is spot on, real places that exists...so you can re-enact this book and, hopefully, have a happier time!"

A couple of really neat moments throughout the Q & A:

Fruit Flies: Nicholls had a babysitter who was working her PH.D in fruit fly studies and on one occasion, had invited him, his partner, and two children to her lab.  As a result, this event got written into the book, specifically during Douglas' courtship with Courtney when he took her to see the fruit flies.

Travel:  There are instances in the book where Douglas takes the train as his primary means of transport. In order to make certain scenes in the book as genuine as possible, Nicholls ended up taking the train from Paris to Amsterdam and from Munich to Verona where it crossed through the Alps. Gosh. I need to add that to my bucket list!
One things for sure: "You can never predict what you might pick up from your research!"

(David Nicholls and I. Was squee-ing on the inside. Clearly, it showed)

Later on, when I asked him about his writing habits, he remarked that he tends to write early in the morning, where his creative juices are at its highest: he would aim to write at least 2000 words a day. Now that's something I need to work on!

 Great time all around. A very lovely bonus that I got my copy personally signed. Many thanks, HarperCollins Canada!

Us is out in bookshops everywhere: it would make a wonderful gift for your bookish loved ones- it's never too early to think about holiday gift-giving!

Lovely Musings

If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things in nature have a message you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.- Eleanora Duse

Lovelies,

There's nothing like inspiration. It rejoices the heart, days seem brighter and the soul feels lighter. I begin to appreciate the beauty of the simple things in life. I admire the changing leaves, the laughter of a child, the feel of my favorite scarf, the sound of pages turning in a book. 

And Tumblr. Thank goodness for places like Tumblr. It's a cavern of great things, a daily whirlwind of gorgeous pictures, quotes, and songs for one's enjoyment. I like to think of my Tumblr page as the museum of my mind: what I love, what I'm inspired by, and my musings. Everything there is lovingly curated. 

If you haven't seen it, feel free to visit (I don't mind!): Paradise Unearthed

Lately I found myself drawn towards poetry: from Dante's Inferno to John Keat's Ode to a Nightingale, 'tis the season for a bit of verse.
Pick an evening this coming week and read a poem you haven't read!

To wander, to be lost...

“As it fell upon a day

In the merry month of May,

Sitting in a pleasant shade

Which a grove of myrtles made.” 

- Richard Barnfield

Lovelies,
          

Lately I've been thinking more and more about dedicating my life to travel, to read as much as I can about the world, and to paint my world and my inspirations more often.

I have encountered many happy moments and heartbreaking hours these past few weeks. How do I make sense of it all?
Outside, the world seems to slowly find it's way to revival. The grass is greener and I find that every so often, a warm breeze would pass my way which leaves a surge in my heart for something more.
I have dedicated some time to volunteer and spent more time in book stores, especially ones which will close its doors very soon. I have been planning for New York,  my first travel destination among many this summer.  So much planning, so much doing, so much dreaming.

It's also been a struggle to write lately. It's almost as if I'm holding myself back for some unknown reason. At one point, I would have focused hours on my short stories/novel and felt compelled to dedicate myself in this way.  Now, when I think about writing,  I would open my laptop (success), sit for a moment, and then move on to something else.
I have to find that stamina again, I must! No more hold-backs.

My round-up this past weekend:



On Saturday, it's the annual Free Comic Book Day! Of course, I went to my usual spot, the Silver Snail on Yonge Street. They had an anniversary sale, so I couldn't say no to picking up a few gems from  Marvel's Jane Austen series. I absolutely love the front cover of Northanger Abbey.

On Sunday, not only was it Star Wars Day, but it was also the 85th birthday of Audrey Hepburn, my lifelong role model. To celebrate, my Hepburn film of choice was Funny Face.




I love everything about this film: take Hepburn and Astaire and you've struck gold. Paris. The fact that her name is Jo (like yours truly!). The bookshop scene. Givenchy. The dancing. The singing. The bozazz!

Currently reading:



It's about time I read this book: my co-worker lent me her copy and with the movie soon to be released, my curiosity overwhelms me. Will let you know about my thoughts for this book soon!



I'm 3/4 through this book and already I don't want this book to end! Jo Baker writes with such poise and ease of the Austen world, it's almost as if I'm watching a BBC Drama Series (which I hope, they take this book on to adapt it onto the small screen!)
I'm thrilled to have met the author herself (and got my copy personally signed), she was truly a remarkable individual and I was glad that this book did justice on capturing the servant's perspective of the world of Longbourn. And yes, you will catch glimpses of Mr. Darcy in this book (to which I squee'd, obviously).



I enjoyed this book. The Museum of Extraordinary Things opens up to Coney Island in the early 20th century: an age of curiosities, wonder, and tragedy. The book is divided between two characters: one is Coralie, daughter of a Professor who houses a Museum of Natural Wonders, and the other is Eddie, a photographer who searches for answers amongst the cruel and exploitative world he's in.  The subject matter could be distressing and dark at times, but the writing haunts you as Hoffman weaves the storyline in a cinematic way that captures the love between two people. Would I read this again? Not really. Would I recommend this book to someone else? Indeed.


Until next time!

Jo

an owl post