Bunco Babes Gone Wild
Maria Geraci
Berkley, Nov 2009, $14.00
ISBN: 9780425229965
A disappointed Georgia Meyer cannot believe her boyfriend Spencer Moody gave her a calculator for their fifth anniversary. Although he is also her boss, she expected an engagement ring but not something for the office.
Needing time to reconsider their going nowhere relationship, Georgia visits her sister Frida in Whispering Bay, Florida. Frida and her buddies the Bunco Babes welcome Georgia to join them on a Bunco night. They plow her with drinks and soon vino veritas takes place as she tells all to them including her attraction to Dave Hernandez, whom she just met. Sober Georgia must recalculate what she wants out of life.
This is a lighthearted romp that fans will enjoy as Georgia invades Florida only to realize she has to make up her mind who she wants. The Bunco Babes are a solid support crew especially with dice and margaritas while Dave is a well drawn protagonist. Still this warm frolic is owned heart and soul by Georgia as she must roll the dice between being a football widow if he ever asks, a love goddess if he ever asks, and if neither asks a Bunco Babe gone wild.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sex, Drugs & Gefilte Fish-Edited by Shana Liebman
Sex, Drugs & Gefilte Fish
Edited by Shana Liebman
Grand Central, Oct 26 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446504621
This compilation by Heeb magazine combines humor with a profound look at being a Jewish-American assimilated into the country’s culture yet keeping oneself partially immersed in Judaism. The forty-eight essays are divided unequally into six classifications that cleverly reflect like for a Jew in the United States: sex, drugs, work, youth, family, body and soul. Each is well written to bring out an experience using PowerPoint as Caryn Aviv did rather than the Rabbi or “Lesbians at temple” in which Lisa Kron explains the meaning of “Please Rise” during the High Holy days using bowel obstruction for lucid denotation. Whether it is naked at the kibbutz (Rebecca Addelman) or seeing the Hebrew School teacher naked at her home (Eric Weingrad), readers will enjoy this irreverent yet relevant look at being Jewish in America. As my spouse fondly recalls growing up with an Orthodox mom, a pagan dad, and two leaning towards paganism brothers, he remains proud four decades after bringing out into the open over the kitchen table: the point spread during Chanukah with the pot being chocolate money. This collection is a terrific anthology that uses jocularity to tell the story of Jews adapting in America several generations after having our centuries old ancestral names anglicized at Ellis.
Harriet Klausner
Edited by Shana Liebman
Grand Central, Oct 26 2009, $13.99
ISBN: 9780446504621
This compilation by Heeb magazine combines humor with a profound look at being a Jewish-American assimilated into the country’s culture yet keeping oneself partially immersed in Judaism. The forty-eight essays are divided unequally into six classifications that cleverly reflect like for a Jew in the United States: sex, drugs, work, youth, family, body and soul. Each is well written to bring out an experience using PowerPoint as Caryn Aviv did rather than the Rabbi or “Lesbians at temple” in which Lisa Kron explains the meaning of “Please Rise” during the High Holy days using bowel obstruction for lucid denotation. Whether it is naked at the kibbutz (Rebecca Addelman) or seeing the Hebrew School teacher naked at her home (Eric Weingrad), readers will enjoy this irreverent yet relevant look at being Jewish in America. As my spouse fondly recalls growing up with an Orthodox mom, a pagan dad, and two leaning towards paganism brothers, he remains proud four decades after bringing out into the open over the kitchen table: the point spread during Chanukah with the pot being chocolate money. This collection is a terrific anthology that uses jocularity to tell the story of Jews adapting in America several generations after having our centuries old ancestral names anglicized at Ellis.
Harriet Klausner
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me-Lisa Fineberg Cook
Japan Took the J.A.P. Out of Me
Lisa Fineberg Cook
Downtown, Oct 20 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9781439110034
Jewish American Princess Lisa F. Cook accompanied her husband when he accepted a teaching position in Japan. Used to the pampered life of the wealthy of Beverly Hills, Ms. Cook was in for culture shock following the business flight from California. First instead of a luxurious private residence, they moved into an apartment. Second she suddenly became a domestic engineer struggling with things like laundry and cooking she took for granted that someone else was paid to do back in Southern California. Adjusting proves a nightmare even when she is rewarded with nirvana, a washing machine. Ultimately, Ms. Cook begins teaching English as a second language, which she finds satisfying.
Although much of the memoir reads like an uneven diary with fits of jerky input; when Ms. Cook digs deep beyond the trials and tribulation of a Yank in Japan into how she feels about aspects of the Japanese culture, the book contains profound passages. Overall, readers will mostly enjoy the efforts of the author and her husband finding ways to make both of them contented with life as a self anointed J.A.P. trying to initially survive but ultimately thrive in Japan.
Harriet Klausner
Lisa Fineberg Cook
Downtown, Oct 20 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9781439110034
Jewish American Princess Lisa F. Cook accompanied her husband when he accepted a teaching position in Japan. Used to the pampered life of the wealthy of Beverly Hills, Ms. Cook was in for culture shock following the business flight from California. First instead of a luxurious private residence, they moved into an apartment. Second she suddenly became a domestic engineer struggling with things like laundry and cooking she took for granted that someone else was paid to do back in Southern California. Adjusting proves a nightmare even when she is rewarded with nirvana, a washing machine. Ultimately, Ms. Cook begins teaching English as a second language, which she finds satisfying.
Although much of the memoir reads like an uneven diary with fits of jerky input; when Ms. Cook digs deep beyond the trials and tribulation of a Yank in Japan into how she feels about aspects of the Japanese culture, the book contains profound passages. Overall, readers will mostly enjoy the efforts of the author and her husband finding ways to make both of them contented with life as a self anointed J.A.P. trying to initially survive but ultimately thrive in Japan.
Harriet Klausner
The Girl On Legare Street-Karen White
The Girl On Legare Street
Karen White
NAL, Nov 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451227997
Her opera star mom Ginnette Prioleau Middleton pleads with her Charleston, South Carolina realtor daughter Melanie Middleton to help her buy back the family home on Legare Street that just came on the market. Melanie wants nothing to do with her mom whom she has not seen in decades; although as an expert on historical house restoration, she is the right person for the job.
A psychic like her daughter Ginnette hides from her daughter that she fears for Melanie’s life from paranormal elements. Melanie’s friend Jack Trenholm nudges her to allow her mom back into her life. He even agrees to investigate the supernatural to eliminate the threat from beyond while a reporter pushes to tell the story of the return of the great diva.
The sequel to The House on Tradd Street returns Lowcountry’s top realtor Melanie in an entertaining tale of a mother-daughter dysfunctional relationship amidst ghosts and other spirits. Though intended as humor Jack's seduction efforts detract from the prime plot of Ginnette trying to reconnect with Melanie as she fears for her offspring due to visions that the spirits are coming to haunt her. Still fans will enjoy the return to Charleston.
Harriet Klausner
Karen White
NAL, Nov 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780451227997
Her opera star mom Ginnette Prioleau Middleton pleads with her Charleston, South Carolina realtor daughter Melanie Middleton to help her buy back the family home on Legare Street that just came on the market. Melanie wants nothing to do with her mom whom she has not seen in decades; although as an expert on historical house restoration, she is the right person for the job.
A psychic like her daughter Ginnette hides from her daughter that she fears for Melanie’s life from paranormal elements. Melanie’s friend Jack Trenholm nudges her to allow her mom back into her life. He even agrees to investigate the supernatural to eliminate the threat from beyond while a reporter pushes to tell the story of the return of the great diva.
The sequel to The House on Tradd Street returns Lowcountry’s top realtor Melanie in an entertaining tale of a mother-daughter dysfunctional relationship amidst ghosts and other spirits. Though intended as humor Jack's seduction efforts detract from the prime plot of Ginnette trying to reconnect with Melanie as she fears for her offspring due to visions that the spirits are coming to haunt her. Still fans will enjoy the return to Charleston.
Harriet Klausner
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home
Rhoda Janzen
Holt, Oct 2009, $22.00
ISBN: 9780805089257
This is a fascinating memoir of a woman at forty who was still recovering from a car accident that disabled her from lifting her right arm over her head. However, that proved minor to her husband Nick dumping her after fifteen somewhat volatile years together. He ended their marriage to be with Bob, who he met on the Internet. Realizing with his departure that she was a co-dependent who encouraged his behavior because she could not leave, Rhoda Janzen moved back into the home of her Mennonite parents. There she creates her 12-step program to help her move on even as she looked back to the religion she was raised in but abandoned.
This is a terrific memoir that uses self deprecating humor to both enlighten the reader on helping oneself through tough times and most critically lighten somewhat the emotional strain and stress of difficulty with jocularity. Rhoda Janzen does so by taking the audience back to her Mennonite roots as only a skeptic can appreciate chilled borscht as a gourmet dessert instead of a soup served cold. Although the appendix “A Mennonite History Primer” seems an awkward padded addition that feels out of place, Ms. Janzen proves you can go home when loved ones are there to welcome you with mental and physical hugs as long as you are remember the unwritten unmentionable criticality of what is expected from you: “polish your floor with your ass”.
Harriet Klausner
Rhoda Janzen
Holt, Oct 2009, $22.00
ISBN: 9780805089257
This is a fascinating memoir of a woman at forty who was still recovering from a car accident that disabled her from lifting her right arm over her head. However, that proved minor to her husband Nick dumping her after fifteen somewhat volatile years together. He ended their marriage to be with Bob, who he met on the Internet. Realizing with his departure that she was a co-dependent who encouraged his behavior because she could not leave, Rhoda Janzen moved back into the home of her Mennonite parents. There she creates her 12-step program to help her move on even as she looked back to the religion she was raised in but abandoned.
This is a terrific memoir that uses self deprecating humor to both enlighten the reader on helping oneself through tough times and most critically lighten somewhat the emotional strain and stress of difficulty with jocularity. Rhoda Janzen does so by taking the audience back to her Mennonite roots as only a skeptic can appreciate chilled borscht as a gourmet dessert instead of a soup served cold. Although the appendix “A Mennonite History Primer” seems an awkward padded addition that feels out of place, Ms. Janzen proves you can go home when loved ones are there to welcome you with mental and physical hugs as long as you are remember the unwritten unmentionable criticality of what is expected from you: “polish your floor with your ass”.
Harriet Klausner
The Divorce Party-Laura Dave
The Divorce Party
Laura Dave
Penguin, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780143115601
As Nate Huntington and Maggie Mackenzie become engaged, his parents Gwyn and Thomas Huntington are ending their three and half decade marriage amiably. In fact the couple plans on hosting a divorce party with Thomas trusting his soon to be ex wife Gwyn the professional party planner is doing everything with class, taste and amity.
On the same day his parents are ending their marital relationship in Montauk, Long island, Nate is introducing Maggie fromBrooklyn to them. She is not sure how to behave when she and her Nate are starting together while her future in-laws are ending their marriage; alpha meets omega.
Rotating perspective between the two women, fans receive a strong character study that looks closely at what motivates Gwyn to want a divorce and Maggie to want to get married. Through their respective lens, the reader also sees how each of the two women perceive the two men though Maggie’s notion of her future father in-law is based on first impressions tied to the amiable divorce. Ironically these four people and several support characters search for more meaning in life while wondering what truth is when dealing with a loved one (think of the Memorex commercial – is it real or Memorex). The strong realistic cast brings poignancy to this charming profound relationship tale.
Harriet Klausner
Laura Dave
Penguin, Apr 2009, $15.00
ISBN: 9780143115601
As Nate Huntington and Maggie Mackenzie become engaged, his parents Gwyn and Thomas Huntington are ending their three and half decade marriage amiably. In fact the couple plans on hosting a divorce party with Thomas trusting his soon to be ex wife Gwyn the professional party planner is doing everything with class, taste and amity.
On the same day his parents are ending their marital relationship in Montauk, Long island, Nate is introducing Maggie fromBrooklyn to them. She is not sure how to behave when she and her Nate are starting together while her future in-laws are ending their marriage; alpha meets omega.
Rotating perspective between the two women, fans receive a strong character study that looks closely at what motivates Gwyn to want a divorce and Maggie to want to get married. Through their respective lens, the reader also sees how each of the two women perceive the two men though Maggie’s notion of her future father in-law is based on first impressions tied to the amiable divorce. Ironically these four people and several support characters search for more meaning in life while wondering what truth is when dealing with a loved one (think of the Memorex commercial – is it real or Memorex). The strong realistic cast brings poignancy to this charming profound relationship tale.
Harriet Klausner
The Gift-Cecelia Ahern
The Gift
Cecelia Ahern
Harper, Nov 3 2009, $19.99
ISBN: 9780061706264
In Dublin, business mogul Lou Suffern is a 24/7 workaholic who has no time for his family, who is tired of his failure to be there for them ever. On a brisk wintry morning in front of his office, Lou buys a hot cup of coffee for a homeless person and for no known reason offers Gabe a job in the mail room. Gabe in turn tells Lou his boss is having serendipitously lunch dates with his rival.
Gabe tries to convince Lou how important family is, but the corporate officer is uninterested in his two children who are young and boring and his wife Ruth as he has a mistress. Lou realizes that Gabe can be in two places at one time and begs the man to help him do so. Gabe gives Lou a magical pill to clone himself. One Lou will close the real estate deal; the other goes home to his family as Gabe prays his “client” will learn the importance of loved ones.
This is a fascinating version of A Christmas Carol as Lou thinks he is helping Gabe with an act of kindness, but Gabe is actually trying to help Lou place his priorities in order. The underlying message of this whimsical angelic story line is too simplified as Lou learns what matters between being “Ruthless” and being with Ruth and his other family members. Fans will enjoy that Lou learns what matters in a wonderful life is it is never too late because it’s a wonderful world.
Harriet Klausner
Cecelia Ahern
Harper, Nov 3 2009, $19.99
ISBN: 9780061706264
In Dublin, business mogul Lou Suffern is a 24/7 workaholic who has no time for his family, who is tired of his failure to be there for them ever. On a brisk wintry morning in front of his office, Lou buys a hot cup of coffee for a homeless person and for no known reason offers Gabe a job in the mail room. Gabe in turn tells Lou his boss is having serendipitously lunch dates with his rival.
Gabe tries to convince Lou how important family is, but the corporate officer is uninterested in his two children who are young and boring and his wife Ruth as he has a mistress. Lou realizes that Gabe can be in two places at one time and begs the man to help him do so. Gabe gives Lou a magical pill to clone himself. One Lou will close the real estate deal; the other goes home to his family as Gabe prays his “client” will learn the importance of loved ones.
This is a fascinating version of A Christmas Carol as Lou thinks he is helping Gabe with an act of kindness, but Gabe is actually trying to help Lou place his priorities in order. The underlying message of this whimsical angelic story line is too simplified as Lou learns what matters between being “Ruthless” and being with Ruth and his other family members. Fans will enjoy that Lou learns what matters in a wonderful life is it is never too late because it’s a wonderful world.
Harriet Klausner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)