Back to School Means Back to the Book Reviews

Who likes book reviews? Do you want a quick summary to see if it is really worth your time before reading or purchasing? What about getting the highlights so you don't have to read it?

I love writing book reviews. It is a systematic way for me to stay up-to-date, think critically, and share with others. My hope is that the authors, other writers, librarians, publishers, coaches, educators, and other health-minded people will read them and get something in return. For now, I'm going to post them on Linkedin and cross-post here as well.

Georgetown Cupcakes

Since 2008, Georgetown Cupcake has been a tasty treat for the neighborhood. Below are some 6 a.m. shots of the bakery; it was pretty dark (had to use the flash) with only a few visible people inside. Not only do they have their own television show--shamelessly promoted on the window--but also they have written The Cupcake Diaries and another book available October 9, Sweet Celebrations. The two sisters, Katherine and Sophie, have expanded the business to Bethesda, New York, Boston, and Los Angeles.

Become a Facebook fan; each day they post a secret, not-on-the-menu flavor. Request it by name, and you receive it free. 

 

 

Julia's sweet 16 cupcake tower

 

Gone Girl to The Lion is In

Book update... thoroughly enjoyed Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. Onto the next, recommended by my sister, The Lion is In, by Delia Ephron.

Finally finished Madame Bovary

I thoroughly enjoyed, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot). I read the majority of it while in Corolla, NC. It was fascinating and I enjoyed discussing it with Jules--it was part of her summer reading requirement.

Then I was inspired--thanks to Audible's buy one classic, get one classic free--to listen to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith) and Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert). Smith's coming of age story was interesting and I would recommend it. Madame Bovary, on the other hand, dragged on and on. I did not like the main character, Emma, at all. Not to spoil it for anyone who may run out and read it, but the book ends with suicide (Emma), heartbreak and death (Charles), and abandonment (child). Anyway, I finally finished it on my run home today. 

I am sure this is why the half marathon felt like it was taking forever, because I was not entertained by the book at all.  

Next up.... Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn.