Book To Read on Valentine's Day Weekend

“As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” - John Green, The Fault In Our Stars

Lovelies,

It is absolutely horrific outside.I can't stand it: I'm mortified, petrified!
However, today is Valentine's Day! As a result, I thought it would be nice to share my favorite reads to that are fitting for this romantic weekend.
Wherever you are, have a wonderful afternoon. Be with your loved ones!

Oh, Kitty and Walter...I have lost count as to how many times I've read this book. It's heartbreaking, yet very beautiful at the same time. The film adaptation, starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, is worth watching. I loved the score, lovingly composed by Dario Marianelli (Atonement, Pride and Prejudice).

You may need a Kleenex or two.. John Keats' moving letters to the love of his life Fanny Brawne is pure, bright, and oh-so-very delicate. I made the mistake of reading this book on the train- I had tears in my eyes and  probably looked like a wreck by the time I reached my stop.All in all, a fantastic example of the written word.

What an incredible read this was. Set in a small village in the English countryside, we find ourselves besotted by the honorable Major Ernest Pettigrew and Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the shopkeeper from the village.Beautifully written, it's definitely worth adding to your library! A large cup of tea would pair wonderfully with this book.

Lastly, what's Valentine's Day weekend with out a bit of Austen?! 

"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me forever." 

Enjoy!

2015 Classics Challenge

Lovelies, 

One of the things on my to-do list this year is to participate in the Classics Challenge! I came across this challenge first on my Tumblr, via Pretty Books where the goal is to read one classic title per month. The questions are as follows:

WHEN I Discovered This Classic
WHAT Makes It A Classic
WHY I Chose to Read It
WILL It Stay A Classic
WHO I’d Recommend It To

Here are some titles I recommend to help you get started. It is only a drop in the ocean of noteworthy classics out there: I do plan on reading them all- and then some others. Follow along!

“Never fear quarrels, but seek hazardous adventures.” 

Am currently watching BBC's The Musketeers on Netflix, so it's fitting that I go back to its original source!

 'My hour is come ... the clock of eternity is about to strike, but its knell must be unheard by mortal ears!'

 

“All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered.” 

 

“The human race is a monotonous affair. Most people spend the greatest part of their time working in order to live, and what little freedom remains so fills them with fear that they seek out any and every means to be rid of it.” 

 

'Enterprises endowed with virtue and talent ... never pause or rest till they have reached the height of glory'

“It was pleasant to wake up in Florence, to open the eyes upon a bright bare room, with a floor of red tiles which look clean though they are not; with a painted ceiling whereon pink griffins and blue amorini sport in a forest of yellow violins and bassoons. It was pleasant, too, to fling wide the windows, pinching the fingers in unfamiliar fastenings, to lean out into sunshine with beautiful hills and trees and marble churches opposite, and, close below, Arno, gurgling against the embankment of the road.”

 It will definitely bring back memories of my travels in Florence, where I went this past autumn. A beautiful, surreal city. 

 

“He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

"It was so hard that the pleasant waters of his little stream should be disturbed and muddied... that his quiet paths should be made a battlefield: that the unobtrusive corner of the world which been allotted to him... and all within it made miserable and unsound."

“He stepped down, trying not to look long at her, as if she were the sun, yet he saw her, like the sun, even without looking.”

“Ah how shameless – the way these mortals blame the gods. From us alone they say come all their miseries yes but they themselves with their own reckless ways compound their pains beyond their proper share.”
The ultimate classic!

Happy reading!

Blog Tour and Review: Marian Keyes

Hello  book chums!

I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for fantastic Marian Keyes' newest release, The Woman Who Stole My LIfe. I've read The Brightest Star in the sky and have since enjoyed her other reads. 

The book is told from the protagonist's point of view: Stella Sweeney; a woman in her forties who finds herself overcoming steep challenges in her life as best as she can (which is not a graceful tour de force).

The title itself suggests an interesting turn of events. In the book, the reader finds out that Stella's husband, Ryan, deems her as "the woman who stole my life". He is dispirited by the fact that Stella was living the life he wished he had.

Keyes splits the book into past and present timelines, which ties and explores key individuals in Stella's life and how they have been able to come into her life purposefully. We've all wondered about the concept of karma and how everything seems to happen for a reason: Keyes helps to shed light on such matters through Stella's accident in a very touching and unforgettable way. 
Funny, witty, and often bittersweet, we find ourselves drawn to Stella's conflicts, torn between her duty as a mother and finding strength in love.

"Sometimes you get what you want and sometimes you get what you need and sometimes you get what you get."

I enjoyed this book immensely, especially  while on the train in the mornings, and before bed. There are many memorable characters and sections of the book where you find yourself wondering how often we take things in our life for granted. A very sweet read and one that would make a great gift for special women in your life this holiday season. I know I will recommend this book to my book club!

Cheers!

#TheWomanWhoStoleMyLife

Twitter: @MarianKeyes

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!

On Travel and Other Happenings

It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life. The rich colours of grass and earth were intensified by the mellow light of a sun almost warm enough for spring... -P.D. James, A Taste for Death

Friends,

'

What an interesting couple of months it has been: I came back from my travels with the yearning to head out the door again and see another part of the world. I now have this strange, enlightening feeling of having arrived at a place in my life where everything is possible and everything seems to be illuminated. I have been shaken to the core. I am delighted by the fact that not everyone live to work but rather, it's quite the opposite! I want to take the road less travelled and go on more adventures.

Some places I have been included: Amsterdam, Florence, Tuscany, and Venice. Each carried wonderful memories along the way.

Firenze, Italy

It was Monday afternoon when I got off the bus from the Santa Maria Novella train station. Outside, I was thrilled by the fact that it was warm, the sun was out, and the sky was a riveting blue. I found myself overwhelmed by the people going to and fro around me, all the while catching snippets of Italian here and there, gawking at the way people were dressed- especially the men (some were impeccable), the way the Politzia were patrolling the streets in their smart-looking uniforms and white helmets, the smell of bread wafting through shops, and the thought "Holy mother of God, I can't believe I'm here!!" crossing my mind many, many times.

(Shot this while reaching one of the levels of Giotto's Tower. 

Splendid view.)

I skipped across the crosswalk and aimed for the church of Santa Maria Novella where, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the Duomo. Seeing it in pictures is one thing, but to see it in all its grandeur in person, where it peeked out between the buildings in front of me, had the power to stop me in my tracks. I gazed and gazed at it in wonder, speechless.

Emotions were running  very high as I closed the distance between Santa Maria del Fiore. It was unlike anything I ever felt. I was constantly taking in my surroundings, the feel of the cobblestoned streets underneath me and the sounds of people conversing and laughing. Somewhere, someone is belting out Puccini. 

Luckily I ended up purchasing a Firenze Card which for 72 hours, entitles you admission to a list of all these museums, galleries and churches. Well worth your Euros and you get to hop onto the priority line to save time. 

(Shot this while arriving the halfway mark climbing the 400+ stairs of the Duomo.)

Inside, I was awestruck by the sheer beauty of the cathedral and its architecture. As I walked further in, I glanced at people lighting candles, whispering blessings and prayers. I was drawn towards the warmth of these lighted candles, the murmurs of voices, and the quiet peace one feels within these walls. I was ready to climb the steps to the top!

More travel stories to come!

Books

I found myself enjoying this read! Initially, I wasn't too sold on the plot, but a few chapters in and I was immersed in the world of Estebanico: the first black explorer of America, who travels with the conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez to the coast of what is now the Gulf Coast of the United States- "La Florida", as it was known back then. Great storytelling to the very end: I was torn by the loss which Estebanico had endured as a slave. There were no hold-backs on portraying the very harsh realities many of these individuals suffered through. I would recommend this book.

This was my book club's September pick for Mystery Month and boy, was it a thriller! I previously read Gone Girl (can't wait to watch the film with a girlfriend of mine next week) and between the two, I have to say that Sharp Objects hits the spot. It was one of those reads I had to finish in a couple of sittings. The characters are intriguing and keeps you on edge until the very end. Overall, this book casts a dark glance of the cruelty of the human condition, often disturbing, but very real. Worth a read.

I am currently reading this book. Watched the film, which starred Simon Pegg and Rosamund Pike (it really is her year in films!) and loved it to bits. After my travels in Europe, I found myself widening my perspective on what it means to be truly happy. I cemented my purpose to fulfill what I wanted to do in life: I want to travel more, I want to volunteer with an organization I haven't done before, bake something different every month, take a creative writing course to fuel my writing ambition, spend more time with loved ones, and so much more. I aim to finish the other two books within this series and tell you my thoughts. In the meantime, I found this great summary on the interweb on the Lessons for the Search of Happiness!

Let us forever search for our own happiness. Sometimes, happiness is right in front of your doorstep- you need only to step out into the sunshine.

Until next time!

September Love

“He found himself wondering at times, especially in the autumn, about the wild lands, and strange visions of mountains that he had never seen came into his dreams.”
 - J.R.R. Tolkien

Lovelies,

This summer has gone by so fast, I couldn't believe that already it was September. That meant to places to go to, new products to try, new book to read, and unique places to eat.

Travel

This year, it's all about Italia! From Florence to Capri, I will be taking shots and telling tales when I get back. I can imagine myself weeping with sheer joy every step I take. It really will be my own version of The Trip To Italy. Of course, I'll have my own Steve Coogan with me- one must bring their finest companion on board for travels like this.
I could not go to Italy without bringing a copy of Dante's The Divine Comedy. I fear I might break out bouts of Puccini as we're driving along the Tuscan countryside. Only the good Lord can judge me. Follow me on Instagram for the signts!

I had the extreme pleasure of being invited to The Drake's Devonshire for a night and I must say, it was one of the best experiences I had up at Prince Edward County. A review will be up shortly!

Things I'm currently loving: 

Arbonne Lip Liner in Pink Mauve

I am currently loving this shade and I've got asked about it on several occasions. The perfect lip colour for Autumn and I sometimes add a hint of gloss and you're good to go! Smudge-proof and long wearing.

Living Proof Prime Style Extender, available at Sephora.

I swear by this product, and have even got a travel sized bottle of this stuff to bring with me to Europe. With my new digitally permed hair, I find I'm drawn towards hair masks and style creams: this one hits the spot: I use this right after my shower and it's a great product to use in between washes as it repels oil, weightless, and keeps your style in longer. No wonder it's got so much praise!

Currently Reading;

Summary (taken from Goodreads): 

In a finely woven series of flashbacks and correspondence, Lev Termen, the Russian scientist, inventor, and spy, tells the story of his life to his “one true love,” Clara Rockmore, the finest theremin player in the world. In the first half of the book, we learn of Termen’s early days as a scientist in Leningrad during the Bolshevik Revolution, the acclaim he receives as the inventor of the theremin, and his arrival in 1930s New York under the aegis of the Russian state. In the United States he makes a name for himself teaching the theremin to eager music students and marketing his inventions to American companies.

In the second half, the novel builds to a crescendo as Termen returns to Russia, where he is imprisoned in a Siberian gulag and later brought to Moscow, tasked with eavesdropping on Stalin himself. Throughout all this, his love for Clara remains constant and unflagging, travelling through the ether much like a theremin’s notes.Us Conductors is steeped in beauty, wonder, and looping heartbreak, a sublime debut that inhabits the idea of invention on every level.

So far I'm off to a great start: a story which weaves science and music together will host interesting questions and truths. The characters are riveting and I love how there are certain "cameos" of the greats at the time such as Glen Miller.

It was recently announced that this book has made it to the 2014 Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist!

Until next time! Ciao!

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

Weekend Delights

Lovelies,

While the weather outside doesn't quite reflect the important notion that Spring's arrived, I have learned to sit on the optimistic fact that each day we are inching closer to warmer weather. And for that, it lights a small thrill in my heart.

This weekend's delight, there's  a few things I would like to share with you:

Watch: 

I sorely missed watching this film during the Toronto International Film Festival, so when I saw the title pop  at one of the local cinemas, I jumped at the chance.
And what a charming film. I couldn't get enough of the shots of Paris, wonderfully directed and a very touching story underneath it all.

I can't wait to get started on:

Planting some flower seeds.
Digging out my travel journal I bought from an old bookshop awhile ago (I've been saving it for the right time because it's so beautiful) and compiling my things to do for each of the places I'm going this summer (from NYC to the East Coast!).
Heading to my local art supplies shop and get started on some watercolours.
Visiting the aquarium ( I still haven't gone yet despite the hype).
Weekend roadtrips, now that the weather is not as severe.
Experiment with more recipes- this weekend I'll be making Norwegian pancakes with homemade blueberry jam.
Spend more time with Orpheus, my Banjo Ukulele! I've been neglecting him for some time, so it's time to get back into the groove of things.
Compiling my list of summer reads.
Dedicate more time volunteering at my favorite organizations here in the city.

Love: 

In this photo:

Dior Addict Lip Polish in Sheer Pink- love this shade, it's perfect for Spring.
Tarte Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride- I swear by this product, and it's such a soft color.
Modern Muse, Eau de Parfum, by Estee Lauder- this is one of the two scents that will be my signature fragrances this season and in the summertime. My other scent is Atelier Cologne's Orange Sanguine, which was given to me as a gift.
Field & Flowers Coco Butter Handcreme- from the Library of Flowers collection (which I absolutely adore), this scent is super lovely (a mixture of apricot, wildflowers and honeyed blossom) as well as being pretty for the handbag. Enough said.
Cambridge Satchel in Orchid- because every girl needs a satchel.
Speaking of Cambridge, I can't wait to read Cambridge by Susanna Kaysen (author of Girl, Interrupted anyone?)
Butterfly Kisses Wall Art from Wisteria.
This Highland Knot Pillow Cover from Serena & Lily is perfect for any setting!
Fountain Pen Print Postcard and Envelope Set from Liberty. Bought this set and I am in love. I love writing letters.
The Eat Cake for Breakfast mug from Kate Spade- no disagreements there!
Tan Royal Typewriter from One King's Lane- I love typewriters and I want to own a decent one in the near future. I want to feel like Hemingway, stabbing away at the keys, conjuring up my next great novel. Le sigh.
Dustin O'Halloran's latest album, Lumiere- absolutely stunning piano compositions- loved him for years!


That's all for now!

Jo

a Nightingale post

Author Event: Rene Denfeld

Lovelies,



Last Wednesday, despite the god-awful weather we were up against, I was thrilled to have been invited to an author event with Rene Denfeld at the HarperCollins Canada Head Office.  What a fantastic evening to meet Rene and hear everyone's questions as well as thoughts about the book.  I also saw a couple of my friends there as well, which is always a bonus.



Her latest novel, The Enchanted will move, haunt, and entice you like no other. The book reads like a film: cinematic, stirring, and beautiful.  The characters in the book will linger in your mind long after you finish the book. Wonderfully written, Rene Denfeld explores the dark and fragile side of the human condition behind prison walls on a psychological and physical level. The author also happens to be a death penalty investigator, which I felt helped to provide an even greater insight into the lives of individuals on Death Row.

Hence: it is not a book about horses!

"The layers of life a man can live without even knowing his shadow lives on the floors below..."

I often like to pair music with books I read.
 For The Enchanted, there were four songs I would listen to back-to-back as I turn its pages:

Lorde- Glory and Gore
Joseph- Cloudline
Daughter- Smoke
Olafur Arnalds- Sudden Throw

The Enchanted is a book worth reading and deserves a special place on your bookshelf. Many thanks to Harper Collins Canada (@HarperCollinsCA) for putting this together!
You can also read my review and questions for the author, as well as other reader's results in the upcoming National Post's The Afterword Reading Society book pick next week!

      (With author Rene Denfeld with her latest novel)

Last thought:

“People read books less than they used to. I think that’s a pity, because reading enriches your life in a way that isn't  just pleasure – it actually educates you and makes you understand other times, places and ways of thought. It broadens your mind, as travel is said to. So that is a reason I want to keep up reading for pleasure.” - John Carey

An owl post

Sights and Sounds

Friends,

(Took this shot- one of my favourite pastimes: whenever I purchase flowers, or flowers that were given to me, I would collect its petals and press them in between the pages of my favourite books. That way, its beauty remains preserved for a very long time.)

 Although it's hard to fathom, March has arrived with a bitter chill in its heart. I hope that she will warm up as we inch towards the first day of Spring- at this point, I'd rather get rain than more snow! In between these bittersweet days, I have managed to bake more pies, write more letters, and read more books (thank heavens!)

Events:

I had the opportunity to see Ane Brun and  Linnea Olsson live at the Rivoli! What a show, she did not disappoint- in fact, I think she was even better live. Afterwards, I was able to shake hands with Linnea and tell her how great they both performed- both are so sweet in person.

Sitting at Art Square Cafe & Gallery with a cup of Cafe Americano after a wonderful trip to the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) to visit the Guggenheim exhibition. From Picasso to Matisse, it was overwhelming to see these artworks in real life! I was in awe for hours- Art History Major problems. 

Getting lost in art galleries is something I love to do.

I could sit and sketch or write in such a setting. It actually clears my head and elevates me to another place. More than ever, supporting your art galleries and museums is integral. Too often I overhear teenagers expressing distaste and boredom for such places. It's quite sad.

An Ode to Books...

For those who know me, I am a huge bookworm. I am  also the type that never reads just one book: juggling three or four books is complete normalcy... which is precisely what I am doing at the moment!

I am currently participating in HarperCollins Canada's 50 Book Pledge. I vow to read 50 books this year! Last year I ended off with 29, so I am doing whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

I am also on Goodreads so let's be friends!
On my Pinterest page, I have dedicated a board called "On My Bookshelf" to books which I have collected over the years- and despite the effort, there are still many books which I still need to add!

I love books so much that in June of 2011, I began to form my own book club here in Toronto: the Matchbook Book Club. Since then, we've had author visits ranging from C.S. Richardson, to Cathy Marie Buchanan, hosted craft parties, film nights, and Murder Mystery games.

Why the name? I decided to match books with a monthly theme, with hand-picked titles carefully chosen by yours truly, with months where there are Member's Choice picks! We gather once a month in Toronto, and the places we pick varies from Marche to Balzac's. 

I love my members, they are a fantastic group of people with wonderful stories and inspirations. I couldn't ask for anything more. Their intense passion of books is what draws in very interesting discussions. And we are continuously growing- new faces are always welcome!

What I'm Currently Reading: 

The Enchanted

I am currently reading this book for The National Post's Afterword Reading Society.

Emotions ran a bit high as I turned to the first page, for I have heard high praise for this book. It wasn't surprising that I found myself completely sunken into this book. Denfeld's writing is haunting and mesmerizing.
I listen to Lorde's Glory and Gore on repeat while reading this on the train- what a heightened experience!

The Flamethrowers

A Matchbook Book Club pick. This month was Member's Choice and so we drew this title out of a toque (how very fitting at this time of year), which was selected by one of our members, Lauren.

So far so good! It's smart and well-written. Not a light read, but worth savouring some time by your favourite armchair.

I listen to The Rolling Stones and The Black Keys while I'm reading this book. It gets you in the mood.

Gone Girl

Now how I came to read this novel is interesting: I have had a couple of book club members sit strongly on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to liking/disliking the book. It was so amusing, that I had to decide for myself how I would think of Gone Girl. I even convinced one of my girlfriends to join me on this bookish escapade! A book club read within a book club read, I might say!

I listen to Agnes Obel when I read this book. I can only imagine how David Fincher will bring this story to life!

Vish Puri

I came upon this series one day when I was on my weekend visit to Nicholas Hoare (a once enchanting bookshop in Toronto, pure heaven in my eyes, now closed it is heartbreaking to say). I would often stroll by the Mystery section, scanning with excitement the latest titles. It was then I saw a cover of one of the Vish Puri books and decided to take a chance on it.  

These reads are what I like to call a "bubbly mystery" - it's no Girl With The Dragon Tattoo! It's light, funny, with twisting plots that will keep you guessing. I'm halfway through this book at the moment, and it is a thrill.
I listen to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel soundtrack- it's perfect for this series.

Films

At some point in my life, there's an inner pull in me to re-watch this film series. I can't even begin to tell you how good and important these films are! It spans over the course of almost three decades, three different places, weaving one love story. Shelve your thoughts about these films being the typical cheesy romantic drama: charming realism is what I would depict them. The dialogue between Delpy and Hawke is superb. Utterly superb. 

Take my word for it and watch this on a Thursday evening. It'll be something to look forward to at the beginning of your work week. It will be worth it, I promise.

Until next time!

An owl post