I recently discovered an author with a huge body of work, and a style that satisfies the soul which is searching for something, somehow, more than plain pop fiction. Chris Bohjalian has written twenty-two books, all based upon specific issues that are relatable to present times and circumstances. I read the first three that came to me through the library lending service.
When I was younger, I struggled with living in a town the size of Ada. I wanted more opportunities. I wanted more things to do. Recently, I’ve taken appreciation of Ada. I like our community. I like that when I’m walking my dog and there are so many people to greet. I like that I can walk or ride my bike everywhere. I like that I have a personal relationship with all of my teachers and I know all of my classmates. I understand that Ada is small and sometimes it feels like there isn’t much going on, so I wanted to inspire people to enjoy some of my favorite things to do in Ada.
Enjoy a breezy read with Abbi Waxman's new novel- The Bookish Life Of Nina Hill(ISBN 9780451491879)
Nina Hill lives her life on a strict schedule, allowing no deviations to alter her alone-time. And her greatest joy is working in a bookstore, where she is surrounded by trivia and literature, history and security. Her very most favorite occupation is reading, and playing with her team in a Trivia league. Speculating about men doesn't even come in as a distant thought. In fact, her cat comes in before considering men in her life.
"The Plot" (ISBN 978-1250790767) is all about the extenuating circumstances of birth.
Jean Hanff Korelitz's ("The Devil and Webster") new novel is a book within a book. It is all about how mothers and daughters come to reckon with each other when the girl grows up and wants to leave the parent's home. It is all about the circumstances around babies not wished to be born. It's a scathing examination of a mother's, and daughter's, needs in life and how to get them.
And that is the substantial plot from a purloined idea.
It's hot, boys and girls. Thankfully, my wife finally let me use the air conditioner in our bedroom last night. It is a yearly struggle to get permission from her to use the air conditioner. This year it has not been that hot so far in Japan. But over this past weekend, it got warm quick, fast, and in a hurry. I happily turned my air conditioner on full blast!
What do you do to keep cool in the summer? Let the Icon know in the comments!
"(Sittin' on the) Dock of the Bay"- Otis Redding (1967)
