It was a chance encounter with a high-level Smithsonian Institution official at a luncheon held in Massachusetts that led the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks to the 147-year old skeleton of America’s greatest stud sire and champion thoroughbred.
The life of that distinguished stallion, named Lexington in homage to his city of birth, provides both the imagined and true subject of Brooks’ newest historical novel, fittingly titled Horse.
Horse transports readers to the racially … [Read more...] about Horse
I became interested in Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s younger sister, after watching the Netflix series The Crown.
So when I discovered Lady Anne Glenconner’s book Lady in Waiting:My Life in the Shadow of the Crown, I was delighted.
One morning at the beginning of 2019, Lady Anne Glenconner’s phone rang.
Hello?
“Lady Genconner? It’s Helena Bonham Carter.”
The actress asked if she could visit Lady Anne who’d been lady in waiting to Princess Margaret for 30 years to get some insights … [Read more...] about Lady In Waiting
I adored this book. Caroline Paul was recovering from a bad accident and thought things couldn't get worse. But then her beloved cat Tibia disappeared. She and her partner, illustrator Wendy MacNaughton, mourned his loss. Yet weeks later, Tibia waltzed back into their lives. His owners were overjoyed. But they were also...jealous? Betrayed? Where had their sweet anxious cat disappeared to? Had he become a swashbuckling cat adventurer? Did he love someone else more? His owners were determined to … [Read more...] about Lost Cat
Billie Jean King, No. 1 tennis player in the world and tireless advocate for women’s equality, would earn 39 Grandslam tennis titles, triumph over Bobby Riggs at the Battle of the Sexes, be voted one of the 25 most influential people of 1981, earn the medal of freedom from Obama at the White House in 2009, and champion inclusivity for all.
Even so, there was one battle that was harder to win and would almost destroy her in the process. If she could win it though, it would give her the … [Read more...] about All In: An Autobiography
When you hear the term “impostor syndrome,” you probably think of a negative feeling of self-doubt—that you’re not really as intelligent, creative, or charming as people think you are. In his new book, popular psychologist and bestselling author Adam Grant shares surprising new research that feeling like an impostor can actually motivate you to work harder and smarter in order to reach your goals.
What about searching for happiness? According to Grant, new evidence suggests the more people … [Read more...] about Think Again
Unwinding Anxiety
This is an excellent book that offers a concrete explanation of how and why we feel anxious and tips and strategies for dealing with anxiety. Really enlightening and helpful. … [Read more...] about Unwinding Anxiety
Lessons in Chemistry
My daughter stopped by while her car was being worked on and picked up this book that I was reading. After 50 pages, she insisted that she had to take it home to finish it, even though I was already halfway through. Such a fun read.
Meet Elizabeth Zott: scientist by training, cooking show host by default. One meal at a time, she galvanizes her audience to question the lives they’ve been served.
Here's why Elisabeth Egan of the NYTimes picked it: Like the lunches Zott packs for her … [Read more...] about Lessons in Chemistry
Carrie Soto is Back
Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote one of my favorite novels, Daisy Jones and the Six, and now she's back with another great read. For tennis lovers and those who love Serena, you'll get a kick out of Reid's take on her own superstar tennis protagonist's return to the game after everyone thought she had retired for good. Enjoy! … [Read more...] about Carrie Soto is Back
You Have More Influence Than You Think
In her book You Have More Influence Than You Think, Vanessa Bohns reveals that all of us underestimate our influence on others. Have you ever wanted to compliment a stranger or express gratitude to someone? But you didn’t because you thought your words wouldn’t have any impact. Have you ever stood up in front of a group of people, those of you who have been teachers know about this, having poured your heart and soul into what you’re going to say, only to wonder if you’re having any impact at … [Read more...] about You Have More Influence Than You Think