I loved The Imposters, quit on Commonwealth. This year’s favorites included biographies of Katharine White and Judith Jones, who discovered Anne Frank’s diary and launched Julia Child (among other cookbook authors).
Commonwealth was trying at the beginning---I wasn't sure I cared enough to continue but I persevered. It would have made for a long book-less flight(s) back from Madagascar! Not a single English book could be found in the airport or Charles de Gaulle midway!
You know, it wasn't terrible. Maybe it was the Mount Gay on ice that influenced my enjoyment. If I was 12, I'm sure I would have a big crush on the kid and (if we were permitted to pin anything on our bedroom walls) a big poster of him with his hair swept just so. I'm not sure if you have a Tim Horton's location near you in (but I know we have drifted over the American borders!) but a few years ago they launched TimBiebs--three flavours of Justin Bieber-designed Timbits. Chocolate white fudge, sour cream chocolate chip and birthday cake waffle. An all-Canadian trifecta! He grew up in Stratford, Ontario--2.5 hours from where we live (there's an ongoing Bieber exhibit at the local museum). Gosh, I feel like I've had a lot to say about Justin Bieber!
Ohhh, interesting! From hosting a women-only literary salon in Boston to becoming the first woman permitted entry to Harvard’s library! Has this book made it's way into your teaching curricula? Thanks for this, Jenna!
Farley Mowat—wow, Jules! I read A Whale For The Killing by that guy, ages ago. Sad tale, beautifully told. The best thing I read in 2024 has to be The History of Mistresses. I forgot the name of the lady who wrote it. The story of the “other woman” starting with Abraham’s slave girl Hagar who bore his son Ishmael, right up to about 2004 when it was written. A lot of the book covers famous literary figures like Dashiell Hammett, the Romantic Poets, Abelard and Heloise, etc. If a lady was associated with a Royal, or just about any other famous or historical figure, you’ll probably find her story in this book. I’ve probably read on average a book a week since I was ten, and I dread the thought of (hypothetical, thank God!) vision loss. Merry Christmas, Jules and Kim!
I loved The Imposters, quit on Commonwealth. This year’s favorites included biographies of Katharine White and Judith Jones, who discovered Anne Frank’s diary and launched Julia Child (among other cookbook authors).
I'm intrigued by both, Rona! I had to look up Katharine White but now see your attraction to her bio. Wow. For anyone eavesdropping here, this archived NY Times article is a small snapshot of her big life and relationship with E.B. White. https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/97/08/03/lifetimes/white-katharine.html?module=inline
Commonwealth was trying at the beginning---I wasn't sure I cared enough to continue but I persevered. It would have made for a long book-less flight(s) back from Madagascar! Not a single English book could be found in the airport or Charles de Gaulle midway!
WHERE is the Justin Beiber book review!?!? 🤣🤣🤣
You know, it wasn't terrible. Maybe it was the Mount Gay on ice that influenced my enjoyment. If I was 12, I'm sure I would have a big crush on the kid and (if we were permitted to pin anything on our bedroom walls) a big poster of him with his hair swept just so. I'm not sure if you have a Tim Horton's location near you in (but I know we have drifted over the American borders!) but a few years ago they launched TimBiebs--three flavours of Justin Bieber-designed Timbits. Chocolate white fudge, sour cream chocolate chip and birthday cake waffle. An all-Canadian trifecta! He grew up in Stratford, Ontario--2.5 hours from where we live (there's an ongoing Bieber exhibit at the local museum). Gosh, I feel like I've had a lot to say about Justin Bieber!
What was your favourite read this year, Jenna?
Yes, that WAS a lot of Beiber information! Ha! I loved FINDING MARGARET FULLER…I think that was my favorite of the year.
Ohhh, interesting! From hosting a women-only literary salon in Boston to becoming the first woman permitted entry to Harvard’s library! Has this book made it's way into your teaching curricula? Thanks for this, Jenna!
Not yet, but I’m trying to squeeze it in/badger the lit dept to teach it
Farley Mowat—wow, Jules! I read A Whale For The Killing by that guy, ages ago. Sad tale, beautifully told. The best thing I read in 2024 has to be The History of Mistresses. I forgot the name of the lady who wrote it. The story of the “other woman” starting with Abraham’s slave girl Hagar who bore his son Ishmael, right up to about 2004 when it was written. A lot of the book covers famous literary figures like Dashiell Hammett, the Romantic Poets, Abelard and Heloise, etc. If a lady was associated with a Royal, or just about any other famous or historical figure, you’ll probably find her story in this book. I’ve probably read on average a book a week since I was ten, and I dread the thought of (hypothetical, thank God!) vision loss. Merry Christmas, Jules and Kim!