Today I thought that I would write about books and films I have recently enjoyed.
I was sent “A Piece of My Heart” to review just before we came out to France. As soon as I started to read the first page I realised that I was going to love this book. Not just because it was set in the early ’60s. I think that we all have a period in our youth that we might refer to as our heyday. This would have been mine. I was working as the Press Officer of Browns of South Molton Street at the time. It was owned then by Mr. and Mrs. Burstein and was on the ascendant. It was to become the premier boutique for high-end fashion in London during his Era. I was lucky enough to have attended a photoshoot for Vogue where David Bailey was the photographer.
I read Lessons in Chemistry some time ago so I have left it to my friend Dee to write a short review below as she has read it more recently. I agree with what she has written.
“Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is one of those books that is hard to put down, but at the same time, you don’t want to finish it. The plot is clever, unique, and entertaining and the heroine, Elizabeth Zott, brings to life the challenges of women in the 1960’s. It is thought-provoking, full of humour, and at times sad, and the characters are unforgettable. Even the dog.
FILMS
I watched the original film so I was familiar with the story. However I found this version made as a series very engaging and well acted.
Available on Amazon Prime. I watched this movie yesterday evening. Brilliantly acted and very engaging story. It bought me to tears at the end. You can watch the official trailer on YouTube.
If you have read any good books or watched films that you would like to recommend do leave the titles in the comments box.
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What I wore in France - holiday styles for Summer
Our journey through France and overnight stay.
Black linen short sleeved shirt dress from the Uniqlo life wear collection
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Thanks Josephine for your suggestions, I’m going to get the Bonnie Garmus book now. How interesting that you worked at Browns, I remember buying perfume from them before the internet, I used to phone up speak to a nice lady, send a cheque and get my perfume posted. I can’t remember what it was called but was their own brand.
I love the Inspector Gamache books by Louise Penny; take place in fictional Three Pines in Quebec area. Great reading!
Also, Alexander McCall Smith books - both the "Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series and his series taking place in Edinburgh...the "Isabel Dalhousie" series and the "44 Scotland Street" series with darling little boy, Bertie.
A recent read is "The Women" by Kristen Hannah.
Reading all these books should keep you occupied for a while. I have others too numerous to name so I'll let other readers make their suggestions, lol.
Hi Josephine: Lessons in Chemistry is on my Amazon wishlist, so now I will definitely order! And, you might be interested in this one: When Women Ran Fifth Avenue by Julie Satow. It's New York, but for those of us who worked in any fashion/retail back in the day, it sounds fascinating. I worked at several of the big NY department stores and am so sad they are no longer......
I have just read the last book in the Maisie Dobb's series The Comfort of Ghosts - excellent and another excellent recent read was Landlines by Raynor Winn.
As I have AMD I now have to rely on large print books or Kindle. I have just finished "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn " by Betty Smith and, although I had read it many many years ago, I really enjoyed it. It's a picture of a bygone time beautifully described and with a "message" that still resonates.
The Women, by Kristen Hanna. On Call, by Anthony Fauci, M. D. The Demon of Unrest, by Eric Larson. I recommend all of these.