The Shoemaker's Wife

Title: The Shoemaker's Wife
Author: Adriana Trigiani
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: From Barnes and Noble:
The fateful first meeting of Enza and Ciro takes place amid the haunting majesty of the Italian Alps at the turn of the last century. Still teenagers, they are separated when Ciro is banished from his village and sent to hide in New York's Little Italy, apprenticed to a shoemaker, leaving a bereft Enza behind. But when her own family faces disaster, she, too, is forced to emigrate to America. Though destiny will reunite the star-crossed lovers, it will, just as abruptly, separate them once again—sending Ciro off to serve in World War I, while Enza is drawn into the glamorous world of the opera . . . and into the life of the international singing sensation Enrico Caruso. Still, Enza and Ciro have been touched by fate—and, ultimately, the power of their love will change their lives forever.

A riveting historical epic of love and family, war and loss, risk and destiny, inspired by the author's own family history, The Shoemaker's Wife is the novel Adriana Trigiani was born to write.

Rating: Amazing
Why I Like It:  I enjoyed this book so much! The story was so raw and real with lots of rich details in the story-telling.  Listening to the audio book really put me in the culture. I would definitely recommend this book!
Other: Audiobook
Reviewer: Avery

Minding Frankie

Title: Minding Frankie
Author: Maeve Binchy  
Genre: Fiction

Summary: When Noel learns that his terminally ill former flame is pregnant with his child, he reluctantly agrees to take care of the baby girl. Along with the help of a caring network of friends, family and neighbors—including Lisa, his broken hearted classmate, and Emily, his American cousin—Noel adapts to his new responsibilities. But when a nosy social worker decides to get involved, she threatens to ruin their unconventional but special arrangement. It will be up to Noel to persuade her that everyone in the neighborhood has something to offer when it comes to minding Frankie.

Rating: Good

Why I Like It:  I liked this author's storytelling so much! There was never anything that was super high drama or a big peak to the story, but it kept me reading.  I like how the community helps Noel, the single dad, raise his baby.

Other: Audio book
Reviewer: Avery

This Time Together - Laughter & Reflection

Title: This Time Together - Laughter & Reflection
Author: Carol Burnett
Genre: Memior
Summary: From Booklist: Comedy legend Burnett looks back fondly on her long and successful career in short, easily digestible chapters that part the curtain on her private life. Told in a chatty, intimate way, the stories encompass the star’s childhood; early days as an actress doing bit parts in New York City, appearing on game shows and various variety shows; her 11 years hosting The Carol Burnett Show; and life after the show ended its run. Readers will enjoy the comical reminiscences included, such as how she once used her famous Tarzan yell to disarm a mugger, funny interactions with fans who recognize her on the street, and the origin of famous scenes from the show, such as Scarlett O’Hara in a curtain-rod dress. Burnett doesn’t shy away from sad subjects and occasionally touches on personal losses. She also dishes about her famous costars and friends, including Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, Julie Andrews, and, of course, Carol Burnett Show regulars Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner. Fans of both the show and the actress will enjoy this mostly lighthearted though sometimes poignant look back at Burnett’s career. --Kathleen Hughes Rating: Good, enjoyable, sometimes lol.
Why I Like It: Funny, always interesting. Easy to follow.
Other: Audio, read by Carol Burnett which made it very entertaining!
Reviewer: Patsy

Seabiscuit: An American Legend

Title: Seabiscuit: An American Legend
Author: Laura Hillenbrand
Genre: Biography
Summary: Amazon.com Review:  Seabiscuit was one of the most electrifying and popular attractions in sports history and the single biggest news maker in the world in 1938, receiving more coverage than FDR, Hitler, or Mussolini. But his success was a surprise to the racing establishment, which had written off the crooked-legged racehorse with the sad tail.

Seabiscuit rose to prominence with the help of an unlikely triumvirate: owner Charles Howard, an automobile baron who once declared that "the day of the horse is past"; trainer Tom Smith, a man who "had cultivated an almost mystical communication with horses"; and jockey Red Pollard, who was down on his luck when he charmed a then-surly horse with his calm demeanor and a sugar cube. Hillenbrand details the ups and downs of "team Seabiscuit," from early training sessions to record-breaking victories, and from serious injury to "Horse of the Year"--as well as the Biscuit's fabled rivalry with War Admiral. She also describes the world of horse racing in the 1930s, from the snobbery of Eastern journalists regarding Western horses and public fascination with the great thoroughbreds to the jockeys' torturous weight-loss regimens, including saunas in rubber suits, strong purgatives, even tapeworms.
Rating: Amazingly excellent
Why I Like It: Kathy had mentioned in her comment about another book, “Unbroken,” by the same author, that she had read “Seabiscuit” - and said it was very good. Other people had mentioned this to me, so I finally got it & really enjoyed all the historical information included. It was interesting to learn more about the depression years & think about the ages of our parents as the events of Seabicuit were going on.
Other: Audio – starting listening to it on my trip to Whitehouse over Memorial Weekend. I felt very connected to the race at Bellmont, this past weekend, with the possibility of the first triple-crown winner in over 30 years. And it happened! American Pharoah won it June 6, 2015.
Reviewer: Patsy

Dear Mr. Knightley

Title: Dear Mr. Knightley
Author: Katherine Reay
Genre: Fiction
Summary: From Amazon: " Samantha Moore has always hidden behind the words of others, namely, her favorite characters in literature. Now, she will learn to write her own story by giving that story to a complete stranger. Sam is, to say the least, bookish. An English major of the highest order, her diet has always been Austen, Dickens, and Shakespeare. The problem is, both her prose and conversation tend to be more Elizabeth Bennet than Samantha Moore. But life for the twenty-three-year-old orphan is about to get stranger than fiction. An anonymous, Dickensian benefactor (calling himself Mr. Knightley) offers to put Sam through Northwestern University's prestigious Medill School of Journalism. There is only one catch: Sam must write frequent letters to the mysterious donor, detailing her progress. As Sam's dark memory mingles with that of eligible novelist Alex Powell, her letters to Mr. Knightley become increasingly confessional. While Alex draws Sam into a world of warmth and literature that feels like it's straight out of a book, old secrets are drawn to light. And as Sam learns to love and trust Alex and herself, she learns once again how quickly trust can be broken.
Reminding us all that our own true character is not meant to be hidden, Reay's debut novel follows one young woman's journey as she sheds her protective persona and embraces the person she was meant to become.
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book has a lot of references to Jane Austen's work, which I really enjoyed. Also, the main character is an adult that has been through the foster care system. I have a special place in my heart for orphan's and children in foster care. I have worked with some of these kids as an occupational therapist. This book is a good example of how we can love the people around us and provide family for them whether they are blood family or not.
Reviewer: Brigette

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

*Title: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
*Author: Jamie Ford
*Genre: historical fiction (WWII)
Summary: (from Amazon)

Set (in the United States) during one of the most conflicted and volatile times in American history, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is an extraordinary story of commitment and enduring hope. In Henry and Keiko, Jamie Ford has created an unforgettable duo whose story teaches us of the power of forgiveness and the human heart.
*Rating: Very good.
Why I Like It: Showed a different area of WWII that I don't know if I ever knew much about.
Other: I read or listened to this book a couple years ago. I just remembered I really liked it & thought it is a good suggestion for reading.
*Reviewer: Patsy

How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else

*Title: How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else
*Author: Michael Gates Gill
*Genre: Memoir
Summary: (From Wikipedia) In his fifties, Michael Gates Gill had it all: a mansion in the suburbs, a wife and loving children, a six-figure salary, and an Ivy League education. But in a few years, he lost his job, got divorced, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. With no money or health insurance, he was forced to get a job at Starbucks. Having gone from power lunches to scrubbing toilets, from being served to serving, Michael was a true fish out of water.

But fate brings an unexpected teacher into his life who opens his eyes to what living well really looks like. The two seem to have nothing in common: She is a young African American, the daughter of a drug addict; he is used to being the boss but reports to her now. For the first time in his life he experiences being a member of a minority trying hard to survive in a challenging new job. He learns the value of hard work and humility, as well as what it truly means to respect another person. Behind the scenes at one of America’s most intriguing businesses, an inspiring friendship is born, a family begins to heal, and, thanks to his unlikely mentor, Michael Gill at last experiences a sense of self-worth and happiness he has never known before.
*Rating: Very Good
Why I Like It: This book has a lot of interesting history and human interest stories mixed together. Nice light reading
Other: Micheal Gill also wrote another book a couple years after this one: How to save your own life : 15 lessons on finding hope in unexpected places. Library Journal review: Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Gill (How Starbucks Saved My Life) managed to lose everything he had, then come back with a new appreciation for people and the ordinary moments of life. In his engrossing second book, he offers advice for weathering the downs. His suggestions range from listening to other survivors and accepting help to laughing more and taking leaps of faith. While other writers often weave too much ego into their message, Gill has created an engrossing work without boosting himself. Bound to please and encourage.
I listened to this book on audio which was read by the author. He did a good job. It is also interesting & easy listening.
*Reviewer: Patsy

Mason Jar Salads and More

Title: "Mason Jar Salads and More" 
Author: Julia Mirabella 
Genre: Cookbook 
Summary: (From Amazon:) "Discover the coolest way to pack a tasty, healthy lunch! Mason Jar Salads and More shows how to prepare on-the-go meals that are packed with fresh produce and whole foods." 
Rating: Good  
Why I Like It: What is special about jar salads is that you can make them ahead of time (up to 3 to 5 days ahead of time). This book teaches you how to layer the ingredients so that they don't get soggy. When you are ready to eat them, you pour it out onto a bowl or plate. I make salads for Luke's lunch and send them to work with him. I also use a larger jar and make a salad for the girls and myself to share. One night during the week I will make a bunch of salads for the week. I even took some in a cooler when we went on a trip this last fall. While living out of a hotel room, it was nice to have a good, fresh salad ready to eat. Once you learn the concept of layering, you can modify the recipes to what your tastes are, and what you have on hand. It is a fun way to use the Bucher canning jars. My favorite recipes are: Southwestern Salad, Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad, Cobb Salad, and Apple Frisee Salad (I use spinach or green leaf lettuce for that one). 
Reviewer: Brigette

Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music

Title: Forever Liesl: A Memoir of The Sound of Music 

Author:Charmian Carr 

Genre: Memoir
Summary: Review from Barnes & Noble: The magic of The Sound of Music lives on in the minds and hearts of everyone it has touched. Now, Charmian Carr, who in 1965 captivated moviegoers as Liesl "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" von Trapp, tells what it was like to be a part of the film that has become a cultural phenomenon. It's all here: from how she got the role (and why she almost didn't) to romances on the set and wild nights in Salzburg; from the near-disaster during the gazebo dance to her relationships—then and now—with her six celluloid siblings. Charmian offers stories from fans and friends and a treasury of photographs. And she reveals why she left acting, what she learned when she met the real von Trapp children; and how The Sound of Music has helped her get through stormy times in her own life.
Rating: Very good
Why I Like It: I don't remember why I got this book to read but I thoroughly enjoyed it! Maybe I read an article because I know this is the 50^th year since The Sound of Music was released. I do recall that when the movie first came out, it was a very big deal! Grandma Dunipace really liked it & maybe even went to see it more than once! I have not watched The Sound of Music for many years but look forward to seeing it again soon!
Other: It might be interesting to eventually check out other books that were written about The Sound of Music.
Reviewer: Patsy

The Secret Life Of Bees

Title:  The Secret Life Of Bees
Author:  Sue Monk Kidd Genre: fiction
Summary: "Set in South Carolina in 1964.  Tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed.  When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free.  They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina-a town that holds the secret to her mother's past.  Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna."
Rating: very good
Why I Like It:  Very interesting characters and story about an unhappy 14-year-old  finding love and family and learning some life lessons.

Other: Author also wrote THE MERMAID CHAIR which  I enjoyed.
Reviewer: Kathy

Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1)

Title: Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, #1)
Author: Mary Robinette Kowal
Genre: mystery, romance, historical fiction
Summary: from Goodreads: Shades of Milk and Honey is an intimate portrait of Jane Ellsworth, a woman ahead of her time in a version of Regency England where the manipulation of glamor is considered an essential skill for a lady of quality.  But despite the prevalence of magic in everyday life, other aspects of Dorchester's society are not that different: Jane and her sister Melody's lives still revolve around vying for the attentions of eligible men.  Jane resists this fate, and rightly so: while her skill with glamor is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face, and therefore wins the lion's share of attention.  At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, Jane has resigned herself to being invisible forever.  But when her family's honor is threatened, she finds that she must push her skills to the limit in order to set things right - and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.
Rating: pretty good (the following books in the series are excellent!)
Why I Like It: Davey actually recommended this series to me!  This first book is pretty much Pride and Prejudice story with a little magic.  And when I say magic, it's not what you think.  It's an imaginary skill of weaving pieces of "matter" to make beautiful things - something the author made up.  There is lots of adventure and mystery in these stories - not just a romantic tale!  I really like Jane and Vincent's relationship because they are witty, truthful, and constantly aware of each others needs.
Other: I listened to all of the books on audiobook and the narrator does a phenomenal job!
Reviewer: Avery

Lenci The History and the Dolls

Title:  Lenci The History and the Dolls 

Author:  Nancy Lazenby 

Genre: nonfiction, reference
Summary:  Years of primary research by Lenci (an Italian doll company) expert Nancy Lazenby have resulted in the most comprehensive book ever created, tracing the company's eighty-two-year history and production of fine felt dolls. Based on founder Elena Scavini's unpublished memoirs, interviews with her grand-daughter and with Bibija Garella, one of the last owners of the company, as well as with key people involved in the final decades of Lenci s history, this stunning volume also features more than four hundred color photos of dolls and other items made by the company. The full reference section presents detailed photos of specific features by which Lenci dolls can be identified, a visual history of the various tags used from 1919 through 2001 and a close look at a variety of felt dolls often misidentified as Lenci's. This beautiful book is an invaluable reference for beginning and advanced collectors alike.

Rating: Good.  Easy to read.  Have to have an reason to research the subject.
Why I Like It:  Obtained information about Lenci dolls I found in my closet.

Nancy's Lenci dolls - Aldo & Alice

 
Reviewer:  Nancy

Even This I Get To Experience

Title:  Even This I Get To Experience
Author:  Norman Lear
Genre: autobiography
Summary:  Norman Lear is the renowned creator of such iconic TV programs as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Mary Hartman, Mary Hardman.  He remade our television culture from the ground up.  He was a writer, director and/or  producer in many TV shows and movies.  He had a very difficult childhood and was an airman in WWII.

Rating: very good
Why I Like It:  Interesting behind the scenes look at a big change in our popular culture.  I remember when All in the Family first broadcast and all the controversy.

Reviewer: Kathy