Just finished reading #45

A secret kept - Tatiana De Rosnay

I finished this bookgroup book this afternoon while sitting by the fire after a stint in the garden.  I thought it was an enjoyable light read that fulfilled my need to be absent in mind from my surroundigs.  Set in Paris and other bits of France, I got 'Google Earthing' to check out some of the locations.  I think it is a good sign when you do this.  I also had a croissant for breakfast as well so I was in the zone.  The author penned 'Sarah's Key' so I knew what I was getting into.  I read a review which totally slammed it but I don't care, I enjoyed it for all its flaws.   So, the main character is called Antoin.  He is divorced, unhappy and hates his job.  Helping his sister celebrate her 40th birthday in a favourite childhood holiday spot, he unwittingly opens up the wound of losing his mother as a child.  Along with his teenage kids issues, his ex-wife issues, a car accident and long hidden family secrets we are treated to a Parisian tour.   I liked how it ended,  I liked the writing, the story and the characters.  A nice weekend read. 

Kindness

I am on a bit of a roll tonight.  After a month of inactivity, largely earthquake related inertia driven, I am feeling inspired to share a whole lot of stuff all of a sudden. In one week we were the recipients of two very kind acts from others.  Nic and his entire school received 'bedtime beanies' from the wonderfully kind knitters from around the country.  It was amazing to see everyone bouncing out of school in wonderful hand knitted hats. Each one came with a little note...ours said 'made with love in Tauranga'  No prizes for guessing what that felt like. 

 Then came home a gorgeous bag of goodies presented to all families at school full of cosmetics and other useful things for the whole family.  This was put together by the very generous Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association.  Wow!! Sooo kind. 'Something to brighten your day' said the little note.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for every kind earthquake thing.  Every nice comment, little treat and acknowledgement is very supportive and does bring a ray of sunshine to our lives.

Just finished reading #44

I have been reading but such is the state of my mind, I can't actually remember a few of them.  For the life of me I just can't but I do remember this little gem.

Dolci di Love - Sara-Kate Lynch

I have read all of SKL's books and really enjoy them.  I bought this one when it was my turn at bookgroup last month and it was just the perfect thing for when you just can't get into a book.  There is no pretense as to what the books are for and this one totally fulfilled its promise. 

 When childless Lily Turner finds out her perfect husband has a secret family in Tuscany she goes there to find him but gets tangled up with an underground league of Italian widows hell-bent on mending broken hearts - including hers.  It is full of interesting characters, foody themes and some interesting twists and turns.  There is also Lily the slightly annoying heroine.  A common feature of SKLs books.  Anyway, a good weekend or holiday read Thanks Sarah-Kate for taking me to Tuscany when I really needed not to be here.
BTW - the two other titles I bought for book group were 'The conductor' by Sara Quigley and 'The brief wondrous life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Diaz.  Cant WAIT to read them both.

Who'd a thought

Another freaking huge earthquake has punctuated the month since I last wrote.  I was feeling bad about not writing and now I just feel the need to do that.  There is so much to share but it is a bit hard to share as it is so hard for people who have not experienced a series of life altering earthquakes to understand the devastating effect it has on everyone's lives, dreams and futures.  You just can't get it.  However, people have really tried and the sympathy, love, treats and support is AMAZING!  No one should have to deal with this much heartache but many 1,000's of people all over the world live in fear and hardship everyday with no dreams or futures.   I feel lucky to live here in New Zealand with a democracy, caring government, caring and generous people and a positive attitude.  We are sooo lucky.