Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

Overall I throughly enjoyed the book. It was a little offputting sometimes as she goes back and forth in order to cover a multitude of people and events. While not as well written in as one might have expected, the pages do pull you into their singularly quirky flow especially when you realize that she writes in the same style as she speaks. The reader is taken behnd the scenes of her life and a litany of events that are fascinating and relevant. Then, suddenly on page 391 (hardcover edition) she writes ‘I think that is enough about my personal life’ and firmly shuts the door. It’s not as though we are voyeurs as it was Ms. Walters herself who invited us in. Up to that point her words had been candid and sincere as she interwove her complicated personal and professional life with the headlines that made up the fabric of her remarkable career.

What is written after that statement reads more like a series of essays, albeit interesting essays but very structured never the less. Even the chapter titles become terse. I finished the book but was less enthusiastic; I felt perplexed as though the most interesting guest had abruptly left my dinner party just as we were about to have dessert and coffee.

For readers who have an interest in the stories behind ‘the story’ this is the memoir for you. And for any female who wants to know more about this media icon “Audition” is well worth your time.

I couldn’t help but notice what a strong and varied representation the female gender had on the non-fiction side of the New York Times Bestsellers list on Sunday. A cross section of very different women, at different points in time and with very different lives.

At #1 we have “Audition” by Barbara Walters. I have just started that book and am so far I am enjoying every page. Number 2 is Julie Andrew’s “Home” which proves that there is a lot more to her life and career than Mary Poppins.

The list goes on to include “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea” by Chelsea Handler. I don’t know much about that one except that it is a humerous look at her life. Former President, Jimmy Carter writes a tribute to his mother, Lillian in “A Remarkable Mother”.

Cokie Roberts tackles some American founding mothers including Abigail Adams, Margaret Bayard Smith, Martha Jefferson, Elizabeth Monroe, Louisa Catherine Adams, Eliza Hamilton, Theodosia Burr, women who help to shape America’s history in “Ladies of Liberty”. Then, at #10 recent headlines are all too real for Carolyn Jessop, she tells her story of life in a polygamist sect in “Escape”.

All I have to say is move over Elizabeth Gilbert there are new women in town. They are not running to other countries to find themselves, they are all about how to stand and face life head on.

In a recent interview when asked ‘If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Helen Mirren replied ” I’d find a little green corner of England with a river running through it and a tree to sit under, and I’d just sit there for the afternoon with a book and a pillow”.

While the idyllic scene did of course resonate to my very core, what really struck home was her desire for some quiet reading time. Perhaps she like myself thought that as we got older we would have more time to read instead we seem to have less. One of my favorites pastimes is now regulated to 10 maybe 15 minutes in bed at the end of the day, that is if I don’t fall asleep in the middle of Chapter 9!

Helen, if you are out there my question is ” What book would choose to spent the afternoon with?” For me corny as it sounds I would spend the afternoon with a classic – Jane Eyre, Emma or Vanity Fair.

How is your reading time measuring up? What book would you choose to spent an uninterrupted afternoon with?

On Jan 4th I wrote a post on my favorite and not so favorite things of ’07 and Elizabeth Gilbert’s “eat. pray, love” got a mention on both lists.

Pro: “I do like her sense of humor and she is honest about herself.”
Con: “Am I the only woman who finds Elizabeth Gilbert somewhat whiny and self-absorbed? I’ve been divorced and traveled alone without all that sobbing and need to please.”

Well, upon more thought the pro statement is a bit insipid and as for the con I seem to be holding back maybe because she had been Oprahized! Time has however revealed that I am not alone in my less than glowing review of her book and I not going to be asked to leave the midlife sisterhood….Whew!

Here is a link to one article in particular “Pray tell: Is Elizabeth Gilbert self-absorbed or truth seeker?” by Carol Memmott USA Today. There are also some interesting comments attached.

Why is this capturing our attention? Probably because it speaks to something larger. It makes us look at how we feel and who we are as women over 40. We are examining where we have been, where we are now and more importantly where we want the road to take us for the next 40 years.

I haven’t finished the book yet, which in itself tells me something because when I love a book I devour it quickly! So far there are two things I know for sure. One, like many of you out there I have a version of being on the bathroom floor. For me I sunk to the floor in my kitchen and it was many years ago. But it happened one time and then I stood up and said “You’ve made some mistakes Jill, rectify them and move forward.” Two, I cannot cling to things or people when it is over because it is over – move on. OK, there is a third thing – that while some of Richards advice is sound, to allow someone to continually refer to you as “Groceries” goes beyond cute, occasional nickname into the realm of complete lack of self-respect and (or) no ability to set healthy boundaries with people.

I hope to hear your thoughts and I promise that I will finish the book ASAP. Perhaps the ‘love’ part in Bali will bring it together for me or maybe not!

Least Favorite from ’07

1. Media obsession with silly, spoilt girls called Paris, Brittany, Lindsey. There are so many women out there who are actually making a difference in the world it is a shame there was no room left to write about them.

2. “eat, pray, love” - Am I the only woman who finds Elizabeth Gilbert somewhat whiny and self-absorbed? I’ve been divorced and traveled alone without all that sobbing and need to please.

3. Screw caps on good wine – I miss the sense of ritual when there is no cork to pull out of a bottle of wine. It speaks to the need for a quiet moment in a busy day. Such as the time we take to make a pot of tea or to grind coffee beans for a really good cup of coffee.

Favorites

1. Web 2.0 – I like the new networking opportunities that websites such as Facebook provide. If used properly & carefully they are a good way to connect with new people and re-connect with former acquaintances.

2. An old friend returns – There is another side to the tech loving me and that is the part of me that needs Austen, Bronte, Thackeray, Masterpiece Theater and all things from a different time in history . So I was pleased when I found Victoria Magazine back on the newsstands this November. Visit their website: Victoriamag.com

3. “eat, pray, love” – I do like her sense of humor and she is honest about herself.

4. Al Gore: He put the issues surrounding global warming out there in such a way that it can no longer be ignored on any level from governments to the person in the street.

5. Hillary Clinton - My coaching advice (I think all political campaigns could use a common sense life coach on staff). You didn’t win the Iowa Caucus but don’t counter with a negative campaign instead challenge the platforms of your opponents, put them in the position where they must be more specific about their campaign promises. You have done well positioning yourself within your roles now do the same by presenting a clear picture of your professional background and experiences.

6. Shopping:

Amazon – Their used books are well priced and good quality

Victoria’s Secret - Cotton panties 5@$25-. Wish that they hadn’t decided to make the waist band narrower however.

Starbucks – Starting to collect their mugs, they should sell them in sets for a reasonable(!) price

Candles – I love the growing availability of healthy candles made of soy or beeswax.

7. More Magazine – It continues to present articles, fashion, travel, everything with the 40+ woman in mind.

I have recently joined Chapter’s Online community be sure to visit my profile page.

There you will find a list of 10 books and 10 movies that you can buy for your favorite baby boomer woman.

What is the priority for me when I buy a new handbag; style, colour, material? No, my first criteria is can I get a book in it. Everywhere I go I like to have a book with me & a good size note pad to jot down names, phone numbers and as well as the thoughts, ideas and things to do that pop into my head.

But I digress, books have been my companions since I was old enough to read for myself; which was at quite a young age because my parents were not the cuddle on the bed reading to me types and we did have a lot of books around the house that I wanted to get into.

So I thought I would share the titles of the books that I am bought to read this summer.

1. What Remains by Carole Radziwill
Quite enjoyed it, she has a good writing style. The only downfall was the sense you get that one of the Kennedy’s said ‘it is so nice dear that you are writing a memoir but don’t forget who you are now and don’t tell them too much.”

2. Savage Garden by Mark Mills
Currently reading this one as every now and then I like a mystery. The story line is interesting with good character development but as far as it being the intriguing mystery that I was looking for it is very slow going.

Yet to be discovered -
3. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
4. Marley & Me by John Grogan
5. Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett
I like good quality historical fiction, so we will see if this one disappoints or not.

6. My pick for a classic to re-read this Summer Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin

I hope that you enjoy your summer reading choices and maybe decide to try one of my picks. If you have any recommendations for the readers feel free to post them.

I follow the news, I like to know what is happening in the world. Sometimes though it can get a bit intense; Iraq, the Middle East, global warming and now, we get to hear what is happening on the Beckham domestic front!

Recently though television and print news has been reporting on Harry Potter, the book and movie. His first kiss, some teenage angst and an ongoing battle over evil in the form of Voldemort. Add some embarrassing relatives & the ups and downs of maturing friendships and it all sounds wonderfully mundane.

Regretfully, I don’t have time to read the Harry Potter books but I do enjoy the movies. There is however a generation of kids who are excited about the release of a book & for moment in time they are reading, safe from a cyber world that moves in real time.

So my personal thanks to the author for giving us a place called Hogwarts to escape to. A place where for some inexplicably reason life seems normal.