The other day, I was eavesdropping on a conversation between two young guys on the street. It went a little something like this…
Guy A: OMG that totally reminds me of that book (didn’t catch the name), have you read it?
Guy B: I don’t read books.
Rosie: *eyes widen and gag reflex is activated*
In times like these I hear my mentor, John Waters, and his very wise words…
“We need to make books cool again. If you go home with somebody and they don’t have books, don’t fuck them.”
A Sport and a Pastime, James Salter
Goodreads says… “As nearly perfect as any American fiction I know,” is how Reynolds Price (The New York Times) described this classic that has been a favorite of readers, both here and in Europe, for almost forty years. Set in provincial France in the 1960s, it is the intensely carnal story—part shocking reality, part feverish dream —of a love affair between a footloose Yale dropout and a young French girl. There is the seen and the unseen—and pages that burn with a rare intensity.
Rosie says… YAWN! Rare intensity? Nope, not this book. I honestly was ready for some bodice-ripping, member-quivering, good ol’ fashioned smut and this was anything but! Sure it had it’s moments of filth but I guess what was considered shocking back in the 60s is normal these days. The story didn’t seem to progress and I was so frustrated by the repetition and primitive language. It also lost me at times as it’s told from the aspect of a voyeur and his fantasies; “none of this is true . . . It’s a story of things that never existed.”
Read this book… if you like the idea of 50 Shades of Grey set in the French countryside.
The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen
Goodreads says… The Lamberts – Enid and Alfred and their three grown-up children – are a troubled family living in a troubled age. Alfred is ill and as his condition worsens the whole family must face the failures, secrets and long-buried hurts that haunt them if they are to make the corrections that each desperately needs. Stretching from the Midwest in the mid-century to Wall Street and Eastern Europe in the age of globalised greed, The Corrections brings an old-time America of freight trains and civic duty into wild collision with the era of home surveillance, hands-off parenting, do-it-yourself mental healthcare, and New Economy millionaires. It announces Jonathan Franzen as one of the most brilliant interpreters of American society and the American soul.
Rosie says… The Lamberts’ are a family that you either are a part of or know very well. I was torn between wanting to head butt these characters and wanting to give them a great big hug! They’re frustrating and cringe-worthy and so well fleshed out that it was tough to read at times. I absolutely loved the story and really enjoy Franzen’s writing style, which reminds me a lot of Donna Tartt (The Goldfinch – another fabulous read!). I’m not afraid to tell you that the ending had me sobbing like a baby as it hit a little too close to home.
Read this book… if you’re into family drama.
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Read any good books lately?…
Ciaosies 💋
Categories: Books
A Red Lip And A Nude Shoe 
LOL love the John Waters quote!
I’ve contemplated having it tattooed 😂😂
I feel your pain at meeting non-readers, Rosie! This week a guy said to me “Sorry, I would have come to your book event, but I don’t read, so…” and I had no idea what to say to someone who claims they never read!
Oh my! Right? What’s the best response to that? I can understand that some people don’t have the time or certain genres don’t appeal but to actively NOT read books is beyond me! 😞
It’s even stranger when people seem proud that they don’t read.
There must be books for everyone so I feel sad that they must never have founds the right book to capture their imagination. 😦
Exactly this! Why are they so proud, like it’s an achievement LOL!
That John Waters quote has always been my mantra : nothing sexier than a hunky guy who reads! 😊
Right?! I love nothing more than a gorgeous man giving me reading recommendations 😻
Non-readers are difficult people. One can only give them a book and hope they change.
Hahaha too true! I like to keep recommending books hoping one will hook them and convert to the dark side 😂😂
I think it might be the only way.
👍🏻😊
I sincerely try not to be judgemental (and fail on a regular basis – LOL), but I think that if someone declares themselves a “proud non-reader,” they should be locked in a library for a month… or so… *grin*
Oh that would be the BEST punishment! I love it Traci 😂💋
My brother is a big sports/football fan. I offered him the loan of the autobiography by a man who used to play for our local team.
“You want to borrow it?”
“Nah.”
“It’s Shaun Goater.”
“I know.”
“City’s Shaun Goater.”
“I don’t read.”
“Autobiographies?”
“Books.”
“AT ALL?!”
“No. I’ve never read a book.”
I nearly needed resuscitating. You wouldn’t think we were brothers. I read constantly, all of my life. At least two books a month. He doesn’t read ANYTHING (including what I wrote). I don’t trust people who don’t read-I think it shows an absence of imagination.
I’m gonna get a DNA test!
By the way: I’m currently reading A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.
Absence of imagination indeed! I can’t even fathom a life without books!!
Do you recommend it? I’ve just started Go Set A Watchman
Yes it’s good, and long reaching. As for Watchman-I understood the furore around it, being a huge fan of To Kill A Mockingbird. But I think it can be still enjoyed if seen for what it is-a stand alone book; a first draft of Mockingbird, and not a sequel as it appears to have been marketed.
I’m a little torn now as I also heard that she never intended to release it and it was her family that did after she died 😦
She was alive when it was rediscovered. And apparently okay’ it. Though their was some who doubted her ability to fully understand and give permission at her advanced age, an investigation into alleged abuse was dismissed. Lee knew what she wanted and was tickled by the furore concerning her beloved character Atticus. Watchman could have been better edited, but it seems Lee wanted it to go out as it was.
Oh that makes me feel so much better – thanks for clarifying Andy!!
I once overheard a guy say “Oh hey, if you’ve never read a book I can highly recommend…. that you shut the f*** up…!” Still tickles me even now!
Hahahaha love it 😂😂
I silently (not so silently) judge people who are proud of not reading books. I actually enjoy catching public transport because it gives me time to do it in relative peace and comfort. The Corrections sounds good, and i did like The Goldfinch so I’ll keep an eye out for it.
That’s the one thing I miss about driving into work – losing that extra time to read!
I too internally cringe when a man says he doesn’t read – really? Is the gym really all you do aside from work? Books can improve your skills, take you away when you need a break, or help solve problems. Really the benefit of books is endless. As a rec.. The Hating Game was interesting…Just finished it. One interesting thing about this book while it lists one location in it, that’s NEVER a focal point which I sometimes find is now a primary character (the location).
Keep up the great work!
I know, it boggles the mind!!
I will definitely pop that on my list, I love it when the location is the focal point! 🙂 xo
Sometimes I’ll pick a book b/c of the location – a place I lived or a place I know and have visited. It’s almost like being there.
Same here!! I especially love finding books set I my side of the city