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Post by Kao on Mar 27, 2020 14:53:43 GMT
Yeah, that's a good price for it; get it from Book Depository.  That's weird about the Strand. Yes, it's the one in NYC and I got an email from them a few days ago saying they would be doing online orders again.
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Post by Critical on Mar 30, 2020 5:33:08 GMT
Yeah, that's a good price for it; get it from Book Depository.  That's weird about the Strand. Yes, it's the one in NYC and I got an email from them a few days ago saying they would be doing online orders again. I know that one of the trade emails I get mentioned that Powell's is rehiring 100 employees because its online sales are doing so well.
I'm trying to be really budget-conscious now, so I may have to wait on that book for a while.
I finished The Dutch House on Saturday - the last 100 pages in one sitting. I kept saying, "Okay, in 40 pages, I'll go make lunch." Nope. I read it all without moving. Definitely 
I just started Emily St. John Mandel's The Glass Hotel and am already around 100 pages in. Definitely another winner.
I'm also about halfway through Chosen Ones, which is terrific. At a time when I really need a little escapism, this book has been perfect.
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Post by acookertv on Mar 30, 2020 11:00:51 GMT
Over the weekend I finished The Two Lives of Lyidia Byrd by Josie Silver. I really really liked it. It started out in the tone of a lighter romance type book - though the premise is that Lydia has just lost her fiancee in a car accident and she's trying to navigate through the grief. Not the kind of story light romance is normally built on, but she finds a way to "visit" her dead fiancee in her dreams, which is where the romance comes in. As the story goes on, it grows into a very genuine, honest and hopeful look at grief and survival. The depth that it offered made it a really special book. I recommend it!
Next up is The Whisper Man. So far, it's reading like a Stephen King novel but without the brilliant word smithing of King!
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Post by beerbelly on Mar 30, 2020 11:32:27 GMT
Oooh! I read the Whisper Man! Oh, it was a page-turner for sure. Enjoy!
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Post by acookertv on Apr 6, 2020 2:10:27 GMT
I finished Whisper Man tonight. If definitely did pick up! I read 150 pages today and every time I’d finish doing something I made more time for reading until I finished it!
Next up - Get A Life Chloe Brown
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Post by Critical on Apr 7, 2020 5:48:38 GMT
I finished Olive, Again in practically record time over the weekend. Not sure why it was so much faster a read than Olive Kitteridge. Maybe because I was familiar with the writing 
Now I'm on to The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton. I'm also reading an advance copy of Andre Leon Talley's upcoming memoir (it releases September 8th) The Chiffon Trenches. It feels like I've never NOT known who he is, but I don't really know that much about him. I'm just to his time at Women's Wear Daily and I've learned SO much. He's had a pretty incredible life!
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Post by beerbelly on Apr 7, 2020 11:14:37 GMT
Ooooh! I'm the same way, always knew who he was, but no idea how he became who he is today. I love the title. What is the most surprising fact that you have learned about him Critical?
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Post by Kao on Apr 7, 2020 16:17:58 GMT
I put Unorthodox on hold at the library because I enjoyed the Netflix series so much. When quarantine is lifted I'll be able to pick it up.
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Post by Critical on Apr 8, 2020 5:56:00 GMT
Ooooh! I'm the same way, always knew who he was, but no idea how he became who he is today. I love the title. What is the most surprising fact that you have learned about him Critical? Not really anything SO surprising. He's just lead a very interesting life. Kind of a Walter Mitty of the fashion world - he's worked for or known SO many luminaries in the fashion world.
I guess the most surprising thing so for would be that he has a Master's in French from Brown. I didn't think he was UNeducated, but that's a surprising degree, I thought.
He's just a very interesting person who's lead a very interesting life....and I mean "interesting" in the REAL way and not in the way that people use it when they can't think of another adjective 
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Post by Arielflies on Apr 8, 2020 14:34:57 GMT
All right, already - WHO IS THIS PERSON? I won't be reading the book but you guys are killing me! 
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Post by Kao on Apr 8, 2020 14:41:06 GMT
Andre Leon Talley is fabulous. Fat or thin, he's always looked wonderful with his own style. He's also one of the few people Anna Wintour actually listens to.
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Post by Kao on Apr 8, 2020 15:53:45 GMT
All right, already - WHO IS THIS PERSON? I won't be reading the book but you guys are killing me!  His Wiki covers a great deal of his accomplishments, Arielflies:
To be a Black, fat (at the time) man in the height of the fashion world for as long as he's been is quite the accomplishment. He was also a judge on America's Top Model.
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Post by Arielflies on Apr 8, 2020 17:01:14 GMT
WOW! I recognize his photo. To be black and gay in the 70s when he started his career rise was more of a challenge than having talent I would imagine.
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Post by Kao on Apr 9, 2020 5:19:31 GMT
WOW! I recognize his photo. To be black and gay in the 70s when he started his career rise was more of a challenge than having talent I would imagine. Maybe, maybe not. While I'm sure he had some difficulty he came along at a very interesting, creative time in NYC where different music, fashion, and people were beginning to really overlap, and it helped tremendously that he knew all the "right" art, music, and fashion people (Warhol, Grace Jones, Vreeland, etc). Warhol in particular was known for championing interesting people and a Black, Gay, French Lit major with an Ivy League education would have been right up his alley. Plus, after the whole druggy scene at The Factory and getting shot Warhol was a lot less petty and wanted to nurture talent instead of playing cruel games with people. Working for him at Interview magazine gave him a lot of access to people he wouldn't have had otherwise, and being a fluent French speaker in the fashion world made him literally worth his weight in gold.
I have got to read this book!
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Post by Critical on Apr 10, 2020 3:19:31 GMT
WOW! I recognize his photo. To be black and gay in the 70s when he started his career rise was more of a challenge than having talent I would imagine. Maybe, maybe not. While I'm sure he had some difficulty he came along at a very interesting, creative time in NYC where different music, fashion, and people were beginning to really overlap, and it helped tremendously that he knew all the "right" art, music, and fashion people (Warhol, Grace Jones, Vreeland, etc). Warhol in particular was known for championing interesting people and a Black, Gay, French Lit major with an Ivy League education would have been right up his alley. Plus, after the whole druggy scene at The Factory and getting shot Warhol was a lot less petty and wanted to nurture talent instead of playing cruel games with people. Working for him at Interview magazine gave him a lot of access to people he wouldn't have had otherwise, and being a fluent French speaker in the fashion world made him literally worth his weight in gold.
I have got to read this book!
I'm halfway through it now and I'd say that you shouldn't assume you know. Things are quite complicated when race is involved, especially when you're a "first" the way Andre was in so many things. His "pedigree" definitely paved the way for him, as did his close friendship with Lagerfeld, in particular, but it wasn't all hearts and flowers either. What's definitely true is that he's lead an incredible life and met so many amazing people. I have to laugh at how he remembers exactly what he was wearing at every event/lunch/meeting.
If you're a fan of Andre OR fashion, I'd highly recommend pre-ordering it. It's a pretty great read. He's a terrific writer.
I saw a de la Renta show in SF years ago and there, in the middle of the exhibition was a 19th century, (maybe 18th?) French wheelbarrow, loaned by ALT. Because of course he'd own one 
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Post by Kao on Apr 10, 2020 6:13:18 GMT
Maybe, maybe not. While I'm sure he had some difficulty he came along at a very interesting, creative time in NYC where different music, fashion, and people were beginning to really overlap, and it helped tremendously that he knew all the "right" art, music, and fashion people (Warhol, Grace Jones, Vreeland, etc). Warhol in particular was known for championing interesting people and a Black, Gay, French Lit major with an Ivy League education would have been right up his alley. Plus, after the whole druggy scene at The Factory and getting shot Warhol was a lot less petty and wanted to nurture talent instead of playing cruel games with people. Working for him at Interview magazine gave him a lot of access to people he wouldn't have had otherwise, and being a fluent French speaker in the fashion world made him literally worth his weight in gold.
I have got to read this book!
I'm halfway through it now and I'd say that you shouldn't assume you know. Things are quite complicated when race is involved, especially when you're a "first" the way Andre was in so many things. His "pedigree" definitely paved the way for him, as did his close friendship with Lagerfeld, in particular, but it wasn't all hearts and flowers either. What's definitely true is that he's lead an incredible life and met so many amazing people. I have to laugh at how he remembers exactly what he was wearing at every event/lunch/meeting.
If you're a fan of Andre OR fashion, I'd highly recommend pre-ordering it. It's a pretty great read. He's a terrific writer.
I saw a de la Renta show in SF years ago and there, in the middle of the exhibition was a 19th century, (maybe 18th?) French wheelbarrow, loaned by ALT. Because of course he'd own one  You know what? You're absolutely right and I of all people should have known better than to say that. I was thinking more of his connections and work ethic (which of course made things somewhat easier) but he's more than likely experienced some nasty things in his career.
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Post by Critical on Apr 10, 2020 8:04:35 GMT
I'm halfway through it now and I'd say that you shouldn't assume you know. Things are quite complicated when race is involved, especially when you're a "first" the way Andre was in so many things. His "pedigree" definitely paved the way for him, as did his close friendship with Lagerfeld, in particular, but it wasn't all hearts and flowers either. What's definitely true is that he's lead an incredible life and met so many amazing people. I have to laugh at how he remembers exactly what he was wearing at every event/lunch/meeting.
If you're a fan of Andre OR fashion, I'd highly recommend pre-ordering it. It's a pretty great read. He's a terrific writer.
I saw a de la Renta show in SF years ago and there, in the middle of the exhibition was a 19th century, (maybe 18th?) French wheelbarrow, loaned by ALT. Because of course he'd own one  You know what? You're absolutely right and I of all people should have known better than to say that. I was thinking more of his connections and work ethic (which of course made things somewhat easier) but he's more than likely experienced some nasty things in his career. There were definitely a few times where I gasped at things that he dealt with. I think his intelligence, talent and style (as well as some very influential friends/mentors) probably helped him a lot, but for some people, the color of his skin was probably the thing about him that mattered the most. Since I was raised to not factor the color of anyone's skin into my judgment of them as a person, I'm still shocked by people who seem to ONLY see color.
BTW - I hope I didn't come off as lecture-y in that post. That absolutely wasn't my intention.
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Post by beerbelly on Apr 10, 2020 13:00:35 GMT
Oh! I love this thread. This sounds so good. My mother used to work for Vogue and whenever she would tell a story, she would explain what she was wearing and what she ate. My dad and I used to tease her when she started a story 'wait! What were you wearing? What did you eat'. We also used to call her 'Diana' after Ms. Vreeland because she would send me to my room for so many outfit changes.
I hope you don't mind me reminiscing. This thread reminded me of that. Anyhoo, this book sounds fascinating! Thanks for the recommendation Critical!
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Post by Kao on Apr 10, 2020 18:12:48 GMT
You know what? You're absolutely right and I of all people should have known better than to say that. I was thinking more of his connections and work ethic (which of course made things somewhat easier) but he's more than likely experienced some nasty things in his career. There were definitely a few times where I gasped at things that he dealt with. I think his intelligence, talent and style (as well as some very influential friends/mentors) probably helped him a lot, but for some people, the color of his skin was probably the thing about him that mattered the most. Since I was raised to not factor the color of anyone's skin into my judgment of them as a person, I'm still shocked by people who seem to ONLY see color.
BTW - I hope I didn't come off as lecture-y in that post. That absolutely wasn't my intention.
Not at all, I was thinking more along the lines of being a female POC in a white and male dominated creative field whose work gets politicized regardless of what I do simply because I'm a POC I absolutely should have known better. I've been lucky enough to not have to deal with overt racism. Microaggressions, on the other hand...
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Post by Navybelle on Apr 11, 2020 5:23:27 GMT
I am reading "The Last Year of the War" by Susan Meissner, who's one of my favorite authors. It is set partly during WWII when German and Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps in the U.S., and it follows two young girls who met there and became close friends despite being of different races. They didn't see it that way: they were both American teenagers, and had a lot more in common than their families, and government, thought.
It's a little ironic to read, during the pandemic and stay-at-home orders! But it makes me appreciate that we are free and we're not being imprisoned because of something like our race, but we're encouraged to stay home to keep people safe and healthy. However, some of the emotions I'm reading about, I can definitely relate to! She's an excellent author, able to pull on my heartstrings; I really empathize with the characters.
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Post by Critical on Apr 11, 2020 9:12:58 GMT
There were definitely a few times where I gasped at things that he dealt with. I think his intelligence, talent and style (as well as some very influential friends/mentors) probably helped him a lot, but for some people, the color of his skin was probably the thing about him that mattered the most. Since I was raised to not factor the color of anyone's skin into my judgment of them as a person, I'm still shocked by people who seem to ONLY see color.
BTW - I hope I didn't come off as lecture-y in that post. That absolutely wasn't my intention.
Not at all, I was thinking more along the lines of being a female POC in a white and male dominated creative field whose work gets politicized regardless of what I do simply because I'm a POC in that field I absolutely should have known better. I've been lucky enough to not have to deal with overt racism. Microaggressions, on the other hand... Having dated several black men and being around any of my friends who are POC, I've witnessed some microaggressions that just shock the hell out of me. That stuff is so ingrained that I think some people don't even realize what they're saying....although some people definitely DO and they don't care.
I know Andre Leon Talley wrote a previous memoir, appropriately titled ALT, but in the one I'm reading now, he talks about how he didn't really express his true feelings about some people in that book. He pulled some punches. In this book, he's pretty darned honest, I think, although I don't know if that would be different if Karl Lagerfeld was still alive. He was pretty quick to cut people out of his life with NO warning.
Based on ALT's descriptions, I have to imagine that being "friends" with Anna Wintour is a pretty one-sided thing. It doesn't seem like she actually has any true friends in the sense that many of us would define that term. Kind of sad.
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Post by Critical on Apr 16, 2020 6:26:34 GMT
I spent most of the day reading Know My Name by Chanel Miller - she's the woman who was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner at a Stanford frat party. It's not only really moving because of the events, but she's a really gifted writer. In the hands of a lesser writer, this would just be reportage. It's so much more than that. I'm sad that THIS is her first book because I wish her assault had never happened, but I hope it's not her last book.
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Post by Critical on Apr 19, 2020 6:38:27 GMT
I'm about halfway through Emily Giffin's upcoming (6/2) The Lies That Bind. I've not read any her previous books, but this seems like it might be more serious. Don't get me wrong, it's not Tolstoy, but I always thought her books were quite fluffy (no shade). The retelling of 9/11 was pretty hard to read, just because I still remember it so vividly.
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Post by acookertv on Apr 19, 2020 12:06:43 GMT
This morning I finished Valentine by Elizabeth Westmore. I loved this book! It’s the story of a collection of women in the 1970s in Odessa Texas. In an oil boom time that the men of the town have all sorts of choices and potential, this examines the desire for choices among the women. It’s one of those great pieces of historical fiction which at the same time examines the realities of the past and explores the truths of today. It was fantastic!
Next up for me is In Five Years! It arrived in the mail just in time!
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Post by FannyMare on Apr 19, 2020 22:31:47 GMT
Darling Rose Gold.
What a completely twisted read! The format (alternating chapters from the point of views of Patty and Rose Gold) really add to the tension, for the reader follows both women from the past to the present, Patty focusing on repairing the tarnish on her name while Rose Gold delves into what transpired the five years her mother spent in prison...
. The challenge is knowing whose point of view you can trust (if any) in a completely astounding series of twists and turns, I really didn't see this ending coming. No wonder I was up until 3.00am, in order to finish this book...
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Post by acookertv on Apr 23, 2020 0:57:49 GMT
I finished In Five Years tonight. I absolutely loved it! Thank you for the recommendation Critical! When you first mentioned it I really wanted to read it because I loved The Dinner List. Thanks to your putting it on my radar I ordered it when SIP began and I’m so glad it was a part of my reading to get through all of this! This evening was rough and it was the perfect escape to relax and finish such a great book!
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Post by Critical on Apr 23, 2020 4:00:10 GMT
I finished In Five Years tonight. I absolutely loved it! Thank you for the recommendation Critical ! When you first mentioned it I really wanted to read it because I loved The Dinner List. Thanks to your putting it on my radar I ordered it when SIP began and I’m so glad it was a part of my reading to get through all of this! This evening was rough and it was the perfect escape to relax and finish such a great book! Glad you liked it!  I loved knowing the ending, but then not really knowing.
I just started Mara Wilson's memoir Where Am I Now? - she was a child actor known for films like Matilda and Mrs. Doubtfire, but has since left the business. I'm having a hard time reading more serious stuff right now, so lighter novels and memoirs like this are fitting the bill.
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Post by razorbacker on May 7, 2020 11:08:51 GMT
Our only bookstore, the Barnes & Noble, was completely destroyed in out recent tornado. Not sure if it will ever reopen, but if it does, it will be months. By the way, celebrities, beginning with Daniel Radcliffe will be reading the 1st Harry Potter book online, one chapter at a time. The 1st chapter is available & the others will be released on a weekly basis here: www.wizardingworld.com/chapters/reading-the-boy-who-lived
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Post by Critical on May 17, 2020 5:06:23 GMT
I've read a pair of very different memoirs in the last few weeks - Jon Cryer (fluffy celeb stuff) and Edward Snowden (fairly terrifying look into our intelligence community). Now I'm reading Leigh Bardugo's Ninth House:It's long, but still a page-turner, if not a little scary for me (the big chicken  ) There have been a few moments when I've been reading it in bed in the dark and thought, "I really should NOT be reading this right now." There are mixed reviews on Amazon (it's got 4.4 stars overall) but the bad reviews mostly seem to be people who think it's too scary or too violent or too complicated. Someone mentioned a lot of sex, which I don't think it the case....I guess unless you read really tame stuff. I'd definitely recommend it for those who enjoy paranormal spooky stuff.
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Post by acookertv on May 17, 2020 13:55:57 GMT
Last week I finished The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek. I can't say I loved it, but i would definitely recommend it. At times it was slow - but needed to be. It introduces the reader to a lot of history I think most people don't know a lot about - depression era book runners who spread literacy through apaliacia, and the blue people of Kentucky which I was surprised to learn was a real thing. Not all historical fiction is highly informative, and this was!
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