I have now read three of Marie Arana’s books, and can thus truly call myself a fan of her work. I first became aware of her when one of my book groups read her novel, Cellophane, a fascinating story abut a paper factory set in the Amazon jungles of Peru. Then I heard her on the … [Read more...] about “Lima Nights” by Marie Arana Reviewed by Pamela Lear
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Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers from Tatcha
If just the idea of going back to school makes you feel like breaking out, Tatcha's all-natural blotting papers will save the day -- and your face. Gorgeously packaged and handmade of the finest abaca leaves, each leaflet is drizzled with real gold flakes which won’t transfer on … [Read more...] about Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers from Tatcha
Woman to Woman: Our Exclusive Interview With Author Robin Antalek
Robin Antalek's debut novel, The Summer We Fell Apart, is one of those rare exceptions to the rule, "You can't judge a book by its cover." The cover of this book is so rich and vibrant and beautiful, it's a dead-on reflection of the writing inside. The story of four siblings in a … [Read more...] about Woman to Woman: Our Exclusive Interview With Author Robin Antalek
reader laurie doyle reviews “little bee” by chris cleave
I was hooked from the first line of Little Bee, “Most days I wish I was a British Pound coin instead of an African Girl. Everyone would be pleased to see me coming.” Such a sad beginning to a story that is not only sad at times, sweet at times but even political at times. I loved … [Read more...] about reader laurie doyle reviews “little bee” by chris cleave
Louise Nayer Talks About her Devastating Memoir, “Burned”
Wow. Louise Nayer's devastating memoir, Burned, will rip your heart out, then slowly but determinedly put it back together again. When she was just four years old, Louise's parents fell victim to a flash fire and spent nine months in the hospital, separated from their two little … [Read more...] about Louise Nayer Talks About her Devastating Memoir, “Burned”
Margaret Dilloway on “How to Be an American Housewife”
How to Be an American Housewife has only been out for a few weeks but it's already going back to press and has been selected as an Indie Next List Notable because it's SO GOOD! It's the kind of book that makes you want to call your mom, and send out a prayer of gratitude if … [Read more...] about Margaret Dilloway on “How to Be an American Housewife”
Mare Henderson Reviews “American Taliban” by Pearl Abraham
"But knowing yourself makes you wise." - American Taliban American Taliban opens with the reader embarking on a journey through a normal Americanized Lilly Pulitzer pink and green town with a surfer/skateboarder/future Brown University student from a wealthy upper middle class … [Read more...] about Mare Henderson Reviews “American Taliban” by Pearl Abraham
Mare Henderson Reviews “Cakewalk” by Kate Moses
"The by-product of suffering, if you're lucky, is appreciation -- the savor of chance windfalls." - from Cakewalk. Cakewalk, a memoir by Kate Moses, transports the reader on a frosted yet roughly-chopped mixture of her baked goods, sugar-filled, candy-lane life. Written with … [Read more...] about Mare Henderson Reviews “Cakewalk” by Kate Moses