Books

I’m excited to share some favorite books that I’ve enjoyed and new books that are on my ‘to read list.*  If you’ve read a book that you think boomer women will enjoy (or perhaps written a book), please let me know a little bit about the book and I’ll add it to the list with your credit.

Happy reading!

I’m reading this book now: 

When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger (Novel)

This newest chicklit by the author of The Devil Wears Prada is fun, fun, fun summer reading. You’ll fly through it as you read about the lives of the three main characters. One you’ll remember – dear Emily is typical Emily, and two new ones, Karolina, the pretty one, and Miriam, the career gal who gave it all up to be a stay-at home mom. It’s nice and light reading. Get a glass of wine and spend a few hours with these whimsical women in Greenwich, CT.

The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin (Non-Fiction)

Did you read Gretchen’s bestseller, The Happiness Project? If you like her style then you’ll want to read this book to find out what your personality profile reveals about you and how to make your life better, and other people’s lives better too. In the book, Gretchen talks about Four Tendencies that people fit into: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels. I took the quiz and turns out I’m an Obliger – which means I meet outer expectations and resist inner expectations. Turns out she’s got me pegged right! To identify your Tendency, you can take the quiz at happiercast.com/quiz.

Books I can’t wait to read:

Sixty, A Diary of My Sixty-First Year by Ian Brown (Memoir)

Just read a review of this book and it sounds like a perfect memoir for boomers, especially since I just turned 60. This is written from a male’s perspective so will be curious to see how it is different or similar than my own thoughts as I manage my next decade.

The Singles Game by Lauren Weisberger (Novel)

I’ve read several of Lauren Weisberger’s novels, including my all-time best Devil Wears Prada (think I watched that movie about 10 times and likely will watch it another 10 times). The Singles Game is about a tennis player and sounded like a fun novel. I bought a hard cover copy for my daughter A, who is a quick reader. Will have to borrow sometime.

I met author Lauren Weisberger when she visited our local Jewish Community Center.

Going Gypsy by David and Veronica James (Memoir)

Looking forward to reading this memoir from travel bloggers at gypsynester.com. David and Veronica are a fun couple and share their “adventure from empty nest to no nest at all.” If your a boomer girl who likes to travel, I highly recommend checking out their blog.

Books I’ve already read…

Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (Novel)

Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors. I’ve read a few of her books in the past and enjoyed them. She really develops her characters. This book is about a family’s move to Alaska and the dynamics of managing through great change.

Victoria by Daisy Goodwin (Novel)

This is a novel about the young queen by the creator/writer of the Masterpiece presentation on PBS. You must watch season 1 and 2 – they are so good. The novel reads just like the screenplay. Marvelous!

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (Memoir)

This book is a deeply moving account of brilliant neurosurgeon and writer Paul Kalanithi, who died of lung cancer several years ago. His prose is overwhelmingly beautiful, as he was also an English and Philosophy major during his undergraduate and graduate studies at Stanford. He died much too young and was truly an amazing surgeon. I’m glad he shared his story before he left this earth. It’s a reminder to live fully and be grateful for each day.

Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran (Fiction)

I read this novel about a young Mexican immigrant woman, Soli, who arrives into the USA illegally, and a married woman Kavya, who is from a family of immigrants from India. The story follows their separate yet parallel paths on the role of motherhood for one little “lucky boy.” Soli is the boy’s real mother, Kavya is the foster mother who was never able to have children. Who will end up with the baby in the end? I found myself grappling with the answers. It’s a gripping novel and an interesting read considering the political world we are living in today.

Living With Intent by Mallika Chopra (Non-Fiction)

I attended an excellent presentation by Mallika Chopra at the 2016 Pennsylvania Conference for Women. In her book, Living with Intent, she guides you through steps to live a life with intention. She provides helpful tips and meditations to guide you through a new way of looking at your life journey.

Miller’s Valley by Anna Quindlen (Novel)

I give this book a two thumbs up. It was a great coming-of-age tale about a female protagonist Mimi Miller. Anna always develops her characters so well and is a wonderful storyteller.

Falling by Jane Green (Novel)

Jane Green is another chick-lit writer whose books I like to read for leisure. This novel has a female protagonist and it’s a love story. It’s an easy read.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (Novel)

This has to be one of the best books and movies. It is just charming to follow the story of this Irish immigrant, Eilis, and her life in Brooklyn during the 1950s. You’ll smile and shed a few tears, but it is just delightful from beginning to end. So is the movie.

Just Kids From The Bronx by Arlene Alda (Non-Fiction)

If you are a kid from the Bronx like me, you’ll enjoy reminiscing about the good old days at the Bronx Botanical Gardens and other sites, sounds, and specialities that the Bronx was known for when you were growing up. The delis, the bakeries, the butchers, and playing ball in the streets. It was fun to meet Arlene Alda during a reading at my local Jewish Community Center.

I met Arlene Alda, wife of Alan Alda and author of “Just Kids From The Bronx,” at our local JCC.

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Novel)

After reading The Nightingale and loving it, I decided to finally read this Pulitzer Prize winning novel. It was a very emotional story about a blind girl in France and a young German guy during WWII.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Novel)

I loved this book about two sisters in France during World War II. I hope they make a movie of this book. While at times sad, it was so interesting to see how Kristin Hannah develops the characters and depicts what happened during this time in history.

Where in the Om Am I? by Sara Divello (Novel)

I enjoyed this chick-lit about a corporate PR woman who trains to be a yoga instructor. Sara eventually gives up her corporate career to pursue a more fulfilling and spiritual life as a yogi. (Sound like someone you know? Moi, moi, moi! Know wonder I liked it. Glad my BFF R recommended I read it.)

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Novel)

I really liked this Pulitzer novel about a boy who loses his mom following a tragedy at my favorite Metropolitan Museum of Art and the adventures he faces afterwards. The book is so well written. I shared my Kindle with my boyfriend L so he could read it too. He loved it. Can’t wait to see the movie version when it comes out. Wonder who will play the leads. Any ideas?

Still Life With Bread Crumbs by Anna Quindlen (Novel)

Loved, loved, loved Anna Quindlen’s novel about a sixty-something photographer who leaves NYC to find herself in the country. May just have to read it again. It was so good. See my full review on my blog post Triple Crown for all the details.

Bond Girl by Erin Duffy (Chick-lit)

I admit to being a fan of chick-lit. I’ve read Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, No 1) by Sophie Kinsella and The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel by Lauren Weisberger and other chick-lit books including In Her Shoes and other chick-lit by Jennifer Weiner. So when I read about Erin’s novel about a young woman who aims to make it on Wall Street, I thought it would be a fun read…and it was.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed (Memoir)

I met Cheryl Strayed at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women a few years ago. It was interesting to hear her story about how she journeyed through the Pacific Crest Trail to find herself after her mother died. It’s a great memoir of loss, love and facing and overcoming challenges. The strength that Cheryl exemplified is to be applauded. I don’t know how she survived such a grueling adventure and lived to tell the tale.

Cheryl Strayed is the author of “Wild.” I just watched the movie of her story featuring Reese Witherspoon – it was very good.

Paris A Love Story by Kati Marton (Memoir)

I attended a luncheon with Kati Marton at our local Jewish Community Center. Her memoir about how she begins her life anew after the death of her husband, Richard Holbrooke, is an uplifting story. She loves Paris and if you don’t already love Paris, you will love it too after you read Kati’s descriptions of the city. She is an award-winning former NPR and ABC News correspondent.

Kati Marton, widow of Richard Holbrooke, wrote a touching memoir of her life in Paris after losing her husband.

Prime Time by Jane Fonda (Self-Help)

In her 70s, Jane Fonda continues to amaze me. Yes, I know she has had some work done to her face and likely her body, but she looks and sounds incredible. I wish all the Jane Fonda workout videos worked as well on my body. Wish my hair looked as good as her hair too. This book is about ‘making the most of all of your life – love, health, sex, fitness, friendship and spirit’ during your second act. Jane wrote this self-help book a few years ago, but it offers some evergreen advice for those from 45-50, and especially 60 and beyond. She says that these years can be times when we truly become the vital, loving, fulfilled people we were meant to be. Go Jane!

My Favorite Cookbooks

Jerusalem by Yotam Ottolengeni and Sami Tanimi 

The beautiful photos and appetizing recipes in this best-selling cookbook will make you want to head to the kitchen. I’ve already tried the eggplant and lamb entree and prepared the homemade hummus several times as an appetizer. Some of the seasonings are hard to find in a regular supermarket, but you can always improvise. Wish I could visit the authors’ restaurant in London. Maybe they will eventually open a restaurant in New York City.

Plenty by Yotam Ottolengeni 

This is another book by the talented duo from the Jerusalem cookbook. Their books are just amazing and the recipes delicious, especially if you like veggies. The book is worth it just to look at the mouthwatering food shots.

Plenty More by Yotam Ottolengeni 

Once again you will be wowed by these recipes and images. The combinations of herbs, spices, vegetables and more, are tantalizing to the tastebuds.