Friday favourite: The Very Thought of You

Marylebone High Street... I've never been able to pronounce Marylebone, despite landing on it multiple times around the Monopoly Board. Fortunately, I never needed to ask for directions in how to get to the actual Marylebone High Street while living in London - I knew it was just across the other side of Regents Park from that glorious lookout point of Primrose Hill. That, and I could literally smell the books in the Oxfam Shop, just awaiting my attention - and my wallet.

It was in the Oxfam Shop that I came across The Very Thought of You, by Rosie Alison. It's her debut novel about an eight-year-old girl, set in London and Yorkshire during World War ll. I was instantly intrigued. It also looked like a delightful little book - I could almost hold it in the palm of my hand. So, without further ado, a purchase was made, and I trekked back through Regents Park in search of a suitable park bench.

It didn't take me long to be swept up into the story of Anna, relocated along with hundreds of other children of war, to the relative safety of a large Yorkshire estate. There she resides in the home of Thomas and Elizabeth Ashton, who have opened their home to these children. Yet, there are other reasons why children are welcome - and not so welcome - in this home, and Anna, an inquisitive, yet sensitive child, quickly becomes aware that not all is as it seems.

As described on the dust jacket, it's a story of love, loss and complicated loyalties, however, I was only just appreciating each of these when the story came to an abrupt end. Little did I realise, but I'd picked up a sample copy which contained the first 12 chapters and that was it!! I'm not sure how and why this copy came to be on Oxfam's shelves, or what the purpose of it was, but if it was to ensure the reader bought the full copy, it certainly worked!

And what's more, the remaining 44 chapters are just as good as the first 12!

Friday favourite: The Decadent Housewife

I only received this book on Tuesday, but it's already become a firm favourite. How could it not with a title like that: The Decadent Housewife: How to live lavishly on his budget! By Rosemary Counter

It opens with an introduction on what is a decadent housewife, and perhaps more importantly, how can you be one. After all, as the opening pages say: it's a hard job, but somebody's got to do it!

The following chapters are then divided into sections throughout the day, to ensure you get the most out of your decadent housewife routine:

Rise & Shine, 7.30 - 11.30am
"Your man will no doubt be grumpy and somewhat resentful. He is likely exhausted from years of hard work and sleep deprivation. Luckily for you, this has left him in a prime state for your first move of the day. Turn off the alarm and feign a smile. Purr, 'Good morning' into his ear, followed with a chosen pet name. 'Darling' or 'sweetheart' works well for most housewives, but a Decadent Housewife knows to use 'stud' or 'big man' or anything else that reinforces masculinity...
... Emphasise how he is the strongest/smartest/fastest police office/businessman/professional cricket player on the force/board/field. If unsure of occupation, us 'best man on the team'."
pp10-11

Ah - you've got to love it!

Lazy Lunches, Bawdy Brunches, 11.30am - 3.30pm
Already craving a liquid lunch. Take a mid-morning Martini break

Now you're talking!

The Lost Art of Idleness, 3.00 - 5.30pm
From people-watching to napping, bathing to retail therapy, a Decadent Housewife is never bored.

I think I have this section sorted!

Cinq a Sept, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Satisfied guests, delicious drinks, edible ho d'oeuvers: the dream can be yours - and all without burning your kitchen


Hospitality without Hostility, 7.30pm - 11.30pm
Real world recipes for girls who find chopping mean and basting perverted


Late Nights, Early Mornings, 11.30pm - 
Learn the magic man-managing power of your lady parts and you will be truly decadent!


Can you see why I love it!!

Friday favourite: Unaccustomed Earth

I love the look and feel of a new book, especially a beautiful hardcover one. I very rarely buy new books - mine tend to be second hand, or should I say pre-loved, from the local thrift shops.

But I was given Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa Lahiri for a birthday present, and even if I hadn't enjoyed the collection of short stories inside, it would probably still be a Friday Favourite for the cover alone.

Unaccustomed Earth was my first introduction to Lahiri's work (I've since read The Namesake and have  Interpreter of Maladies awaiting my attention!), and she quickly became a favoured author of mine. Her stories are beautifully written, and capture all you need, painting enough of a picture to give you a sense of time, space, feelings and thoughts, yet at the same time, allowing your imagination to create the rest.

This collection of (relatively) short stories depict the lives of Indian characters who have made their home in the US, predominately Massachusetts. Having been there for generations, the US is very much home, but their ties are still strong to their origins, and traditions and customs still firmly guide them in their North American worlds.

The New York Times has put it better than I have:
"...the fact that America is still a place where the rest of the world comes to reinvent itself — accepting with excitement and anxiety the necessity of leaving behind the constrictions and comforts of distant customs — is the underlying theme of Jhumpa Lahiri’s sensitive new collection of stories, 'Unaccustomed Earth.'" 

I've recently got into the habit of reading a short story over a cereal bowl in the mornings. This book is definitely coming back off the shelf and on to the breakfast table!

Friday favourite: Portrait of a Turkish Family

It's been a while since I've shared a Friday favourite, but as I sit down with a glass of vino in hand to end the working week (she says while still in her slippers - although out of her PJs at least!), I decided now is as good a time as any!

The one that came to mind this week is Portrait of a Turkish Family, by Irfan Orga. It was about three years ago to the exact date that I added Turkey, in particular Istanbul, to my collection of travel destinations - and it instantly became a favourite. From the Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque, the sights, smells and colours of the bustling markets to the sweet taste of Turkish tea - Istanbul was a city that captured me.

And so too, did this book. An autobiographical account of a young man who grew up in a prosperous Turkish family in the twilight of the Ottoman Empire.

From the back cover: Irfan Orga's mother was a beauty, married at thirteen, who lived in the seclusion of the harem, as befitted a Turkish woman of her class. His grandmother was an eccentric autocrat, determined at all costs to maintain her traditional habits. But the First World War changed everything. Death and financial disaster reigned, the Sultan was overthrown and Turkey became a republic. The family was forced to adapt to an unimaginably impoverished life. In 1942, Irfan Orga arrived in London, and seven years later his wrote this story of his family's survival.

Inside the Blue Mosque

I was entranced by everything that happened to this family, the insight this story gave to this era of Turkish history, and the effect it had on its people. It's by no means a heavy historical autobiography, nor is it a "I did this, then I did this..." kind of read. Instead, the author has kindly opened the door to his family, the tears and heartbreak they endured, the changes they had to make, and the experiences that either killed them or made them stronger.

It is a lovely, gentle story, where the author's love for his family and his country shine through. And I have since fallen in love with Turkey myself. Although yet to return, Istanbul and the many other places that make up this extraordinary country are definitely on my list of places to return too!

Friday favourite: The Wideacre trilogy

Think English country lanes, generations of wealth, corruption, crime, and compassion and life in the 18th century. I was transported to this world in every page of Philippa Gregory's Wideacre Trilogy.

The story of Beatrice Lacey, a daddy's girl who is dedicated to her beloved ancestral home of Wideacre Hall, a home that will never become hers. It's the story of Beatrice as a child, a young girl, and a woman who grows up with a passion, a stubbornness, and the desire to make her mark in her time.

The Evening Standard described Gregory's main character in the following way: "For singlemindedness, tempestuousness, passion, amorality, sensuality and plain old-fashioned evil, [Beatrice Lacey] knocks Scarlett O'Hara into short cotton socks."

Despite many a good review of Philippa Gregory's work, the Wideacre Trilogy: #1: Wideacre, #2 The Favoured Child, and #3: Meridon, was my first real experience of Gregory's work and I'm still recovering from it. I simply couldn't put it down. Just when you thought you knew the story, another situation occurs; just when you think you've finally worked out a character, a new side to their personality appears.

The Wideacre Trilogy will keep you up at night, it will burn your dinner and make you miss the bus. You'll forget to brush your hair, the washing pile will be neglected, and crumbs will remain on the kitchen floor, waiting to be swept away. Life in the present day won't exist as you turn page after page of these books. Instead, you'll be at Wideacre Hall, experiencing life in the 18th century, and you won't want to return.

Friday favourite: The Reluctant Fundamentalist

I used to live with a fellow bookworm. Granted, his tastes were slightly more intellectual than mine, but we were still able to discuss, debate and enjoy our varying tastes in literature.

Inside the Blue Mosque

A few years back four of us decided to visit Istanbul - to date, one of my absolute favourite cities. It is beautiful! I've never forget stepping into the Hagia Sophia Basilica, or being served Turkish tea infront of the Blue Mosque, listening to the call to prayer and devouring copious amounts of Turkish delight... the real stuff!

But I digress. Fellow bookworm had a love for our local bookshop, Daunt Books, and returned to the flat the night before we left with a pile of books for the trip ahead. As he stood at the door to my room relaying his purchases, one in particular caught my eye: The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid.

As he went away to pack, I hurriedly finished throwing in the necessities for a long weekend in the city, set the alarm for 3am (yes, these were the days of catching early morning flights at bargain prices), and should have turned the light out. Instead, I opened The Reluctant Fundamentalist and was immediately transported to another world.

It's the story of a young Pakistani man, Changez, living and studying in America, and going on to work in a top-rated US valuation firm. He's a success story. With his Princton education behind him, and his life ahead of him, Changez is living the American dream. His professional career takes him around the world, and when the story is written, he's on assignment in Manila. It's September 2001. All of a sudden, Changez American dream takes on a life of its own. As he returns to New York, the city that has become home, he's confronted with a different America. People look at him differently, levels of trust dissipate before him, and when he returns to visit his family, Changez suddenly realises, not only has the world become a different place, but he has changed as well.

This book is spellbounding. I was capitivated by it, engrossed in it, and before I knew it, I'd finished it, leaving myself with only a few hours of shut eye before heading to the airport. But it was worth it.

Friday Favourite: The Food of Love

This Sunday is our first wedding anniversary so I thought it seemed fitting to have a romantic theme for this week’s Friday favourite.

PipPhoto.co.nz

My wonderfully wacky – and now official – ma-in-law gave this book to me as I was recovering from an operation several years ago (that's what playing a social game of sport will do!). Holed up on the couch for two weeks, with hubby-to-be tending to my every need (no I am not making this up – he really is the best nurse!), The Food of Love, by Anthony Capella was exactly the tonic I was looking for.

 

Tommaso is a humble Italian waiter, working in Rome. He has laid eyes on Laura – an art history student who has vowed she will only date men who can cook. The problem is, Tammaso can’t... but his friend Bruno can. As a love triangle quickly develops, these two handsome Italian men charm Laura, devour food, get caught up in antics only lovestruck Italian men could possibly get caught up in, and through it all, test their friendship.

The author describes it as a delicious comedy of errors, a romance as light and dazzling as one of Bruno’s own chocolate desserts, in which Laura has to choose between beauty and passion, Bruno has to decide between friendship and love, and Tommaso realises he’s bitten off more than he can chew.

The Sunday Times reviewed it as “Delicious in every way” and I’d have to agree. The Food of Love was mouth-wateringly good. It will have you dreaming of pizza and pasta for days!

Add a splash of wine, savour every page, and enjoy.

Friday favourite: The Book Thief

Ever since arriving in London almost four years ago, I’ve been intrigued by World War ll history. I’m not quite sure what it is, or why: perhaps it was visiting the city of Berlin and taking in all its history, or talking to German colleagues about growing up in the country where it all began.

History for me, was learning about the Tudors and Stewarts. High school history lessons were about the beheading of Charles 1 and the reign of Elizabeth 1. It was also about NZ history – but that’s no surprise given my mother’s occupation! But there were no classes relating to WW ll – that I can remember attending anyway!

Much has been written about this era of history, which is perhaps why The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak instantly became a favourite... it was so different. A story of WW ll from the perspective we’d never read about before – that of death. Yet, it was so real, so charming, and so absorbing.

Following the exploits of Liesel and Rudy, I felt as if I was tiptoeing around the streets, sneaking in and out of windows trying not to make a sound, and flipping through the pages of the sketchbook. It was as if I was going downstairs to visit Max, hidden away in the basement of Liesel’s foster parents home. If a footstep was heard overhead, I heard it too. If the breeze moved the curtains in the windows, I felt the rustle of the material myself.

The Book Thief is a sweet book, set in a dark time; a book of friendship set when it seemed trust was non-existent; it’s a book that will capture you, charm you, and leave you unable to think of anything else, but finding the time to devour it just one more time.

If you haven’t already read The Book Thief, add it to the top of the pile now – it deserves pride of place! 

Friday favourite: The Caliph's House

When you’re lying on a beach chair, suncream in reach and cocktail in hand, you want a book you can’t put down. When you’re on an intrepid journey, navigating potholes on dusty roads, riding camels, and walking in the mountains, you’re unlikely to get much reading done. So what do you do if one of your holiday reads is too good to leave in the backpack? You take it with you of course – in the car, on the camel, up the mountain....

With this Friday favourite I’m returning to my beloved Morocco. I’ve mentioned before how I love to read a book set in the country in which I’m visiting – that’s how I came to have The Caliph’s House.

It’s the story of Tahir Shah, who having spent time in Morocco as a child, now as a father and husband moves his family to the city of Casablanca. Purchasing a house, employing staff, and integrating himself and his family into the Moroccan way of life isn’t necessarily an easy thing to do – but in this instance, there are certain unexpected incidents that come Shah’s way, not least of all the jinns (spirits).

Shah has written his story in such a way, that you feel as if you’re experiencing it all with him. It’s by no means a blow-by-blow account of how he came to set up his new life, but instead a story that is captivating, enjoyable, at times laugh out loud, and with the most wicked of all twists on the very last page.

In fact, Amazon’s product review has hit the nail on the head to describe this book:  

“...a gloriously vivid, funny, affectionate and compelling account of how [Shah] and his family - aided, abetted and so often hindered by a wonderful cast of larger-than-life local characters: guardians, gardeners, builders, artisans, bureaucrats and police (not forgetting the jinns, the spirits that haunt the house) - returned the Caliph's House to its former glory and learned to make this most exotic and alluring of countries their home.”

Needless to say, despite carrying this book around wherever I went, it didn’t take long to finish. Nor did it take husband, brother and fellow travel companions much time to finish either. In the end, one final traveller departed Morocco with The Caliph’s House in his own backpack – which meant I had to return to the bookshop for another copy to go on my shelf!

Friday favourite: Open, by Andre Agassi

I don’t tend to read much non-fiction. I excuse it by saying my addiction to news sites around the globe is non-fiction enough, so a book allows me to escape into another world entirely. When it comes to (auto)biographies, I could probably count the number I have read on one hand, but that’s not to say I don’t enjoy them.

Andre Agassi’s biography was one such read. Recommended to me by a friend who said “It’s surprisingly good”, Open suddenly became passed around family members, friends, and neighbours. The title of his autobiography is very apt, for throughout the book, Agassi is completely and utterly open. He recounts his childhood, his relationship with his parents and siblings; tennis games, coaches, camps, and academies; travel, international competitions and family.

He recalls a time when his father was looking to buy a new house. It seemed his only criterion was that there was space in the backyard for a tennis court. Measuring tape in hand, he would walk through the house to the back garden to determine how much space – or lack of – there was. No viewing of the kitchen, lounge or bedrooms would take place if the backyard was too small.

Agassi also spoke of his time on the tennis circuit. At times, crippled with pain, he would spend his nights on the floor - the only way he could get a decent sleep in preparation for the game ahead. He talks about his evaluation and strategies of opponents, and his own mental challenges he had to fight so hard against in his head.

To become a World Number 1 in a sport, you have to be a certain kind of person – and Agassi’s own personality certainly comes through here. He’s open and frank, tells the reader what he thinks and makes no excuses for his behaviour. He’s arrogant yet admirable, stubborn yet sensitive – and despite at times being left frustrated by his seemingly carefree approach to those around him, I am left with a sense of wonder at what this man has achieved.

Friday favourite: Tuesdays with Morrie

Whether surprisingly or not, my younger brother and I have similar tastes:  we both have a sweet tooth, like travelling, hunting and watching Top Gear, listening to Tom Petty (although that’s where our musical similarities end) and we have been known to take to the road on two wheel bikes, training for various levels of endurance races.  There’s a difference of two years and about six inches between us, but despite the advantage he has over me in height, he will always remain my little brother.

When it comes to literary tastes – we don’t necessarily read the same books. I’ve yet to see him pick up a Jackie Collins or a Marian Keyes, and I in turn haven’t quite managed to make my way through Nelson Mandela’s extensive biography or Bill Bryson’s Down Under (although chances of me reading these before little bro reads Marian Keyes is probably much higher!). Yet, without fail, a birthday or Christmas present in the mail is in the shape of a book – and to be on the safe side, it’s usually a Lonely Planet Guidebook.

But for my 28^th birthday – as I was jetsetting off to celebrate it in the 28^th country I had visited (that was a challenge in itself!) – stowed away in my hand luggage was little bro’s birthday present to me: Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom.

“It’s pretty good,” was all he had said of this book, and yes I had heard much about it, but never knowingly understood what it was all about. I can only say that for once I was incredibly grateful for an uncivilised, early morning Easyjet flight from Gatwick where it was guaranteed that every other passenger would be fast asleep – because while reading Tuesdays with Morrie I was crying my eyes out. The tears couldn’t seem to fall fast enough down my cheeks as I turned page after page as we flew across the English Channel and over Europe, enroute to Copenhagen.

As such, Tuesdays with Morrie, in which Albom shares life’s lessons he has learned from his dying professor, is now firmly cemented on my most favourite of bookshelves and there it will stay until I have the strength and the supply of tissues I need to pick it up again.

Friday favourite: Q&A

I don't always remember where I buy books (possibly a downfall of buying so many!), but I certainly remember where I read them. At the beginning of 2009, husband and I left London for Cuba. At the same time, journo friend and hubby-to-be left New Zealand for the same destination. We were meeting halfway because journo friend wanted to visit Cuba before Castro carked it! (Well, why wouldn't you!)


Over the years, said journo friend had been the provider of many a good read (she still is) and this one was no exception. Q&A, by Vikas Swarup, had me mesmerised from the first page. Short, sweet chapters, so cleverly written, each a story in itself. Yet, despite each chapter standing alone, this book was definitely a whole - and one that I couldn't put down! As we drove past Cuban villages, lazed on beautiful beaches, walked through Cuban countryside - I had my nose inside this book.

I'd never heard of Q&A before - well at least I didn't think I had. And some of you may feel the same way... but here's the secret. The other name for Q&A is Slumdog Millionaire!


Seen the movie? Loved it? Well the book is 100 times better. Once again, I was left frustrated by the film. I appreciate that to turn a book into a film takes some creative licence, but I couldn't for the life of me understand why this story needed to be changed. It works perfectly as is - and has a MUCH better ending than the film!

A Friday Favourite: The Bronze Horseman

I’m not short of love – I have a wonderful husband who remembers anniversaries (even when I don’t – woops!), buys me jewellery just for doing his washing (told you he was wonderful), cooks me dinner, brings me breakfast in bed and supports me 100% in everything I do. The story of his proposal to me makes other women weep, and he even goes so far as to eat all the chocolate in the house when I’m on yet another diet!

Yet despite being showered by love and wrapped in a wonderful loving environment by family and friends – I love a romantic novel... and this is my favourite! The Bronze Horseman, by Paullina Simons has been around for a while – so too has its sequels (The Bridge to Holy Cross also known as Tatiana & Alexander, & The Summer Garden) but despite other romantic novels that have come and gone – and a few raunchy Jackie Collins’ & Jilly Cooper’s thrown into the mix – The Bronze Horseman still gets pride of place on my bookshelf of favourites, and is recommended to anyone and everyone!

Set in Leningrad in 1941, Tatiana immediately stands out as a character. Quiet, beautiful yet full of strength. It’s only a matter of time before she meets her knight in shining armour – and he himself is irresistible. Their story and life together has everything you want in a romantic saga – love, loss, despair, emotional partings, romantic reunions and a family of their own. You’re guaranteed a happy ending of course, but it takes some time to get there and along the way you wonder if it will eventuate.

For me, The Bronze Horseman is the ultimate in romantic novels and perfect for curling up with this Valentine’s Day – as you eat chocolate and your hubby cooks you dinner!

http://www.paullinasimons.com

A Friday Favourite: The Tea Rose

This book should come with a health warning – you will not be able to get out of bed, nor will you be able to converse with others around you. Reading this book will make you very unsociable, unaware of happenings around you, and you will lose a week of your life – but it’s worth it. Every minute of it!

The Tea Rose is, without a doubt, my absolute favourite book. I first read it years ago while house sitting for my now mother-in-law. She’d jetsetted off to the Mediterranean on a six week cruise – a birthday present from her son, now my husband – dishing out presents like that I wasn’t going to let him get away! Her house was on a farm under the shadows of Mt Pirongia, a beautiful mountain in the heart of the Waikato region of New Zealand. But as beautiful as it was, I quickly found out that country living is not for me. I lasted all of about 26 hours of those six weeks on the farm, before leaving the house sitting duties to husband and returning to my childhood home – in the city!

Yet, I would escape back to the countryside on weekends, and it was one of those days that I spent immersed in The Tea Rose. A captivating historical novel with its beginnings in a Jack the Ripper era of London. A cast of well-developed characters that each has a story of its own, and a perfect mix of danger, intrigue, romance and sorrow. I disappeared for days into the pages of The Tea Rose and several years later, when I’d moved to the magical city of London, I discovered the sequel, The Winter Rose. There went another week of my life!