#WhereIsMyMind #MayMovieMagic

I believe it resides here 😉

@rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

The words 'Hollywood memoir' don't evoke a wide range of stories, but I'd rather have more like this one. Nell Scovell isn't a household name, but she is a successful TV writer, and she provided a complete account of the unglamorous ups and downs and hard work involved. The most disturbing part was the rampant misogyny- some of it sleazy or power-focused but other examples more subtle, the extent to which women were absent from the writer's room.

If #tomorrowneverknows maybe to find the answer you need to go in search of lost time? 🤔
In my head, this is grouped with Ulysses, Don Quixote, and Infinite Jest as 'intimidating books I want to read at some point but never as my next read'. Of course, there's the risk I'll never get to them, but who knows? 🤷
#MayMovieMagic @rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

#HookedonaFeeling #MayMovieMagic
Taiwan just became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, and authors like Miaojin played no small role in changing the culture. She wrote two novels before committing suicide in 1995. I read Last Words from Montmartre, a series of anguished letters, many written during turbulent points in the writer's relationship with one recipient. Looking forward to NoaC, though it sounds equally heartbreaking.

Based on the Litsy reviews it sounds like Janet has a #sweetdisposition - though not because she's nice to everyone. When I hear that a character loves animals, rightfully distrusts many people, and has a unique sense of humor, this sounds like someone I'd like to meet.
#MayMovieMadness @rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

I really liked this approach to memoir: slices of a life, nonlinear and centered around a common theme. In this case, it's a terrifying one, as O'Farrell relates her various brushes with death, many taking place while traveling, and some due to an illness from early childhood. She writes beautifully, whether about mortal terror or quieter moments. As a person who is fairly risk-averse, I admired her zeal for new experiences, in spite of her luck.

#ModernLove #MayMovieMagic
It seems like this memoir must have been a good example of modern love in the author's exploration of how love and music in the 90's figured into events in his life. But now that there are probably a decent amount of people who don't know what a 'mixtape' is, maybe not so much any more? 😋🎶👴🎵
@rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

It's weird to finally read a thing after absorbing cultural references since I was a kid. But it was still such a fun world to be immersed in. I liked the wordplay crossed with pure imagination in a landscape where anything can happen, however ludicrous. I read both books, and even though I liked Looking Glass, I didn't enjoy as much the first. The characters weren't quite as memorable and the action was more linear, given the chessboard world.

Pulp fiction anyone?
#younevercantell #MayMovieMagic #sorrynotsorry
@rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

#gimmeshelter #MayMovieMadness
I think the Stones song was written about Vietnam and violence in general during that era, but the lyrics could apply to school shootings. HTBS occurs in the aftermath of a school shooting: I haven't read any other novels or nonfiction on the subject, so I'm curious to try one. Tough to even consider in a time like this when we've just had another one in the U.S., but maybe that means I should read it sooner.

Solnit's first children's book Cinderella Liberator released today, but I'm a little late to her party, this one being my first. She put her finger on the problem with casual political discourse among those of us on the left: cynical grumbling without action. I'm 100% guilty of the same, and this challenged that instinct. I'm not someone who easily joins causes but I'd like to change: this is less of a manual for doing so than a helpful spark.

#RedRightHand #MayMovieMagic
I know, it's a disembodied *left* hand and it's white against a red background, but close enough? The plot does relate: it tells the story of the blood on Agamemnon's hands. With Madeline Miller's popularity, I'm curious what other mythological reimaginings have come out recently: it's time I've tried one.
On the music side- I love this song and Nick Cave. Google the song title and 'Dr. Seuss' for some internet fun 😀

#DontStopMeNow #MayMovieMagic
Kentucky Derby edition. I don't usually follow horse racing, but happened to be out on Saturday with a friend who had money on Country House, so naturally pretty happy, even though no one stopped Maximum Security besides instant replay.
As for the book- I added it purely on the strength of the recommendations- not sure I would have chosen it otherwise.
Side note: 'Don't Stop Me Now'- pretty good horse name! 🏇

#HowFarIllGo #MayMovieMadness
When the weekend ends, sometimes I have the odd fantasy of wanting to escape to some vague, lonely city by the sea, and just read for several days without interruption. I might be able to make some progress on my TBR then 🤔
Just placed a hold on the Olivia Laing, which sounds like an interesting reflection on her move to NYC and the loneliness she experienced there, along with an analysis of the same feelings in art.

#youngandbeautiful #MayMovieMagic
I'm 2/2 with Jennifer Egan, so looking forward to trying this one. But it does sound like a tough read: the story of a fashion model who is in a car accident and after recovering must come to grips with the change in how people react to her appearance.
@rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

#weveonlyjustbegun #MayMovieMagic
Went to my Litsy TBR to find this one, which I think is a @BarbaraBB recommendation. Vesaas is quite high on my list of new authors to try. This isn't one of his more well-known works, but sounds intriguing- a murder on an island leads to an atypical revenge tale rather than a mystery 🏝️💀
@rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

#BehindtheWheel #MayMovieMagic
I had The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in my hand at the bookstore last weekend, but I put it back, thinking that there was another Muriel Spark novel I wanted to read first. Had I checked my TBR, I would have realized it was this one. Intriguing plot involving a woman trying to escape both her life and general persona, leading to a drama while sitting between two men on an airplane (so, I guess title is a metaphor? 🤔)

#HighwaytoHell #MayMovieMagic
Trying something new this month: I've exhausted much of my physical bookshelf from challenges, so I'm going to do an all-TBR month from both Litsy and Goodreads. I'm notorious for not reading books on my TBR, so this can't hurt 😳
For today, this might be a license plate you see on the highway to hell. Added on 2/5/17 and I still haven't read any Joe Hill...maybe a pick for Halloween 2019? 😈
@rohit-sawant @Cinfhen

So conflicted about this one. One second I was marveling at the beautiful writing, then I was bored, then confused, then intrigued--and this cycle continued. Interesting idea: the fictional story of journalist and writer Ambrose Bierce who travels to Mexico apparently to die by joining Pancho Villa's rebellion. The real-life Bierce disappeared and no one knows what happened. This is a dreamy and philosophical explanation: I liked it just barely.

#bookhaul from Indy Bookstore Appreciation day Saturday.
Freshwater is a complete #blameitonlitsy pick - the reviews I've been seeing have been too intriguing to pass up.
The bookstore: McNally Jackson in NYC. It's a popular one, but only my 2nd time there, and have to say...pretty fabulous! Fiction shelved by world regions, staff recommendations everywhere, two floors, a cafe, bargain book corner: an all-around great experience ☺️

#Invisibletouch #anglophileapril
I can't think of Genesis, Huey Lewis, or Whitney Houston without one fan coming to mind. In the film, Bateman shares his critical insights on these artists with his soon-to-be victims. But the novel has entire chapters of just his analysis, with no other context. The effect is very different: you get more insight into his psychology and how his 'deep thoughts' on art are entwined with commercial success.

I'm going to echo what a lot of reviews have said: absolutely essential reading for anyone who isn't a survivor of rape. There's a haunting similarity in the accounts of how others respond when the authors described sharing their stories. Many reactions are cruel or callous, but others are well-intentioned and it's important to hear why those responses are not the support survivors need.

When I listen to audiobooks that are even a little strange, the strangeness is increased with my daily routine as backdrop- cooking, dishes, cleaning. So listening to the grim baritone of the narrator voicing Shields' thoughts about death during these activities was...strange. Equal parts memoir about conversations with his elderly father, quotes from famous people, & medical textbook describing the aging process, it almost works...but not quite.

#everybreathyoutake #anglophileapril
Every breath Ursula takes is quickened by the buried memories of her past lives, especially when she has the chance to alter her present life's tragic course. From the beginning, we learn that she may be stalking a prominent quarry, even as death seems to stalk her. The form sounds like the best part (and it is good fun), but the characters made the novel for me- they rank with the best British classics.

That line from Casablanca comes to mind: "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." I've long been interested in trying something by Mary Roach and this met expectations. Strange but true tales of digestion: Want to hear about chewing your food until it liquifies? See-through stomachs? Escaping from being eaten? The science of rectal transport? Flatulence-proof suits? Roach has it covered, in all its gross, yet scientific glory ?

Had a wonderful weekend at Hudson, NY scouting wedding venues and stopped at a bookstore and bar I've been wanting to try for years. It didn't disappoint: great books, beer, coffee hummus...(we went two days in a row 😀).
Got two books: Mr. Fox- Helen Oyeyemi and Swan- Mary Oliver. With the tagged book, I have a strange trilogy of fox references, coincidentally jiving with my favorite song of late: Portions for Foxes by Rilo Kiley. 🦊

My first Allende, but not my last I hope. I'd heard that she's fond of character backstories and that was definitely the case for this. It provides a rich background of the families of three main characters, but it was never boring because everyone is so fascinating. And what little forward motion there is excites: political subversion during Pinochet's brutal reign in Chile, with a slow brewing romance, and even a possession for good measure.

#ShesSoCold #AnglophileApril
The author on Barbara Stanwyck's portrayal of Phyllis Dietrichson: "a greedy, exciting woman avid for sexual kicks but almost certainly frigid."
Not sure if I'd use those words- I love film noir but this was not my favorite film book. But Dietrichson and Mary Astor's Ms. Wonderly of Maltese Falcon are two of my favorite femme fatales.
@emilyhaldi @Reviewsbylola @Mdargusch @Cinfhen

Celebrities often focus squarely on their private life in memoirs. Brownstein does discuss her early life and family, but it's nice to hear an artist devote attention to the story behind the art itself. Brownstein describes her passion for Sleater Kinney and why she stuck with them through sexist media coverage, grueling tours, tensions within the group, and health problems. Very inspirational- made me want to cheer like it was one of their songs.

Thanks @batsy for recommending this one: I really enjoyed the wild and manic ride down this Tasmanian river. Not quite the adventure story you might expect- the title character is pinned under a rock as the river rushes over him and sees visions of different points of his life and those of his father and ancestors. Questions of identity are key themes, but also how humans relate to nature. 👇

#bookmail
A big thanks to @dariazeoli for this giveaway vegan cookbook, bursting with color and deliciousness. I'm really looking forward to trying some of these, and love that it has many low carb recipes. I'm struggling with a new low carb diet due to reflux problems so this is perfect timing. Thanks again! 😃

#bookhaul
Made good use of my Barnes & Noble giftcard yesterday with these three that have been on my list for awhile. Afterwards I realized that all three are my third book from each author. For the most part, if I'm picking up a third book of an author, it means I'm already sold.

The novel's philosophy is shot machine gun style, repeating in bursts, over and over again. This creates the feeling of everything else being muted: the characters are more like sketches and even as the plot advances, there's a sameness to the story, despite the revelations. This may sound critical, and I wasn't always on board, but I think it holds together. The narrator may not have much substance but we feel his insomnia and insanity acutely.

#90sSpringFling @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB
Playlist 2/2
And this list has the 90s music I would listen to today. Some overlap with the last list (e.g. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins), but at the time I didn't know much more existed besides what was featured on alt-rock radio. I've really enjoyed rediscovering the 90s in the two decades since!

#90sSpringFling @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB
Playlist 1/2
I decided to make to make two 90s playlists- what I was listening to in the 90s and what I listen to now from the 90s. This one has my favorites from middle school to high school (1994--2000). I'm not holding anything back (if you've never heard of a band called 'Creed', I'd skip that track 😳). Most of the rest isn't bad, though not at all diverse in terms of music or the bands themselves! 🤦🎸

#90sSpringFling @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB
Playlist 1/2
I decided to make to make two 90s playlists- what I was listening to in the 90s and what I listen to now from the 90s. This one has my favorites from middle school to high school (1994--2000). I'm not holding anything back (if you've never heard of a band called 'Creed', I'd skip that track 😳). Most of the rest isn't bad, though not at all diverse in terms of music or the bands themselves! 🤦🎸

#90sSpringFling @BarbaraBB @Cinfhen
Loving all the 90s photos and now I'm regretting not planning ahead and phoning my parents for some. I'll have to settle for some living history: two of the oldest shirts in my wardrobe. How old are they? In continuous operation since high school? Could be...no one really knows. But flannels and baggy wide-leg jeans (about as wide as I was tall) were definitely my thing!

#BecausetheNight #MarchIntothe70s
Because it too starts with 'because'.
Because this is a fantastic story collection.
Because I keep meaning to read more Gaitskill.
Because somehow this had no posts before now.
@Lizpixie @Cinfhen

#HungryHeart #MarchIntothe70s
Have been a little stumped on these lately, including today's. And meanwhile, I'm in an audiobook desert where I'm weeks away from my next audio hold. Listening to the last @ReadingEnvy episode solved both problems when @Bianca reminded me I've waited far too long to read a book about one of my favorite bands of all-time. And somehow it was available wait-free on Overdrive- which never happens! @Lizpixie @Cinfhen

They don't come much darker than this tale of a woman who escapes to Tanzania in the wake of a horrific accident in which she was implicated. Yet an eerie series of events seem to follow her. I was hooked most of the way through: I couldn't read it fast enough. Finn crafts quite a knot of paranoid connections and dread. The ending was a letdown though. It leaves some interesting interpretations open, but wasn't satisfying.
(TW for a rape scene)

I feel guilty for not liking this more because of the incredible story and important political message. The author recounts her grandmother's experience in Tibet, first as a nun, then raising a family. The family must flee to India following the Chinese invasion and persecution of Tibetans. The story traces their journey up until present day, describing the author's activism for Tibet. Amazing story- I just didn't connect with the telling of it.

I love a good mystery, but I think I need to accept that psychological thrillers are not a subgenre for me. I think I might have liked this one better if it were written as a ghost story instead. But as it stands I could feel this building towards a conclusion I wasn't going to like, and I was right about that. I only average 1-2 pans a year though so I have no right to complain!

Brilliant examination of the forces that shape the destiny of a famed art collector who may or may not have forged paintings. It's a story on the scale of Dickens but with the sharp wit of someone like Wilde: there are some great gems of dark comedy sprinkled throughout. I really loved how it considered artistic expertise, and big questions about the significance of art in one's life. I can't wait to read more Davies @CarolynM !

So...in Iceland is getting margherita pizza a sign that your pizza tastes leave something to be desired? Or is this a common Italian view that citizens in European countries are more aware of (the pizza was ordered by American tourists)? In the U.S. it's a delicacy- we have several pizza chains that serve far worse varieties 😳

#Psychokiller #MarchIntothe70s
In the film Adaptation, Donald Kaufman shares an idea with his screenwriter brother for a film about a serial killer that sends demented clues to the police with a twist ending revealing he has multiple personalities. Charlie is not a fan of the idea.
This is a film, but partly adapted from Susan Orlean's novel The Orchid Thief. But screenplays of the real-life Charlie Kaufman should count- they remind me of books.

#wontgetfooledagain #MarchIntothe70s
I read this play in college and all I remember was a cowboy guy lassoing bedposts. Doesn't sound like a play I'd rush to see now, but I like everything by Sam Shepard that I do remember, so maybe I should? 🤠
@Lizpixie @Cinfhen

#youresovain #MarchIntothe70s
I'm taking @TrishB 's lead and going with wordplay.

They probably thought this book was about them. 😉

@Lizpixie @Cinfhen

Very excited to find this waiting for me in the mail today: thanks again for the giveaway @GatheringBooks ! 😃

This probably joins Wiesel's Night in terms of memoirs that pack the most power in so few pages. Baldwin reflects on key moments in his childhood through his time as a successful young writer to highlight Civil Rights-era dynamics that are glossed over in the typical historical summary, and never so eloquently explored. More like a memoir-essay that takes the best of both forms. Excited to read more of his work, including his fiction.

Trying to reboot a book jar practice I did once awhile ago: taking names of authors I've never read from a Strand bag, picking one and trying a book from them. I enlisted my fiancee's help for this pick (the photo session got a little silly, as all our photo sessions tend to do). Hunter S. Thompson is not someone I'd pick of my own free will, but the jar has spoken, so I'll give him a shot and see what happens!