This piece of paper is a treasure for two reasons – the event and the location. Cru Restaurant was a favourite for several years and for even more reasons. The ambiance – comfortable, intimate, not too loud, not too large – made it a treat to go for dinner. The menu and wine list were,... Continue Reading →
The President’s Hat, by Antoine Laurain. Book report extra #7 (2022)
The President's Hat, by Antoine Laurain. Pub 2012. Translation by Gallic Books, 2013. This is a wonderful semi-modern fable of the power of talismans over fate, luck, and confidence. The titular president is François Mitterand, President of France from 1981-1995, and he was well known for his sartorial elegance, especially his scarf and the also-titular... Continue Reading →
2022 Reading Challenge – summary
Wow – I did it! The goal was 37 books, and I did it and then some. As in the past, book selections later in the year had to be more strategic to get through all the categories, which led to some interesting choices. I’m looking forward to a fresh slate for 2023 and an... Continue Reading →
Broadsword Calling Danny Boy, by Geoff Dyer. Book report #32 (2022)
Broadsword Calling Danny Boy, by Geoff Dyer. Pub 2018 This book will only appeal to those who have a) seen and b) enjoyed (ideally several times) the 1968 movie Where Eagles Dare. For those who haven't, this book is meaningless. For those who have and like it, this book is a joyful and hilarious retelling of... Continue Reading →
By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept, by Elizabeth Smart. Book report #37 (2022)
By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept, by Elizabeth Smart. Pub 1945 I originally had somewhat positive hopes for this one, as I do usually enjoy a more lyrical/poetic narrative. This was not that. Lyrical and poetical yes, narrative not at all. There are only a few concrete incidents in the entire story (and I... Continue Reading →
The Children of Men, by PD James. Book report #36 (2022)
The Children of Men, by PD James. Pub 1992 Sperm counts around the world declining "Suicide is generally available to people. (MAID helps people) who, for physical and possible mental reasons, can't make that choice themselves and do it themselves." David Lametti, Justice Minister and Attorney General for Canada. Canadian retailer's commercial celebrates the "hard... Continue Reading →
The Cellist of Sarajevo, by Steven Galloway. Book report #35 (2022)
The Cellist of Sarajevo, by Steven Galloway. Pub 2008 I had read this only once before, not long after it first came out, but the story has stuck with me and it felt worthy of being read again (that, and "book with a place name in the title"). Using as inspiration the story of a... Continue Reading →
The Plum Review. Book report #34 (2022)
The Plum Review, from Broken Sleep Books. Edited by Aaron Kent. Pub. 2022 A few years ago, I learned of this poem: This is Just to Say, by William Carlos Williams I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox and which you were probably saving for breakfast Forgive me they were delicious so... Continue Reading →
The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery. Book report #33 (2022)
The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery. Pub 2006. Translation by Alison Anderson, published 2008. This was a gift from my fellow book-clubber, and while it took me awhile to get into it, it turned out to be a nice little story of surprising friendships. Reneé is a concierge at an elegant Parisian apartment... Continue Reading →
The Missing of the Somme, by Geoff Dyer. Book report #31 (2022)
The Missing of the Somme, by Geoff Dyer. Pub 1994, updated 2016 Last year, one of my favourite reads was But Beautiful by Geoff Dyer. At the time, I looked at his bibliography, but nothing leapt out at me. Then I heard him on a book-chat podcast a few months ago, and enjoyed his discussion, including a... Continue Reading →
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