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Kathy Bates recommended Lincoln in the Bardo in Books (curated)

Lincoln in the Bardo

George Saunders | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry

8.3

(6 Ratings)

Book Favorite

"This remarkable novel, which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize, takes place in a cemetery the evening after the burial of Lincoln’s son, Willie. The chorus of the dead, an astonishing cast of over 60 characters, are trapped in the Bardo, the state of existence between life and death. Another kind of bardo is taking place at the White House on the night before Willie dies. Historical diaries and letters written by those who attended the grand ball illustrate the struggle in Lincoln’s soul. His role is to be President, but he longs to be with his beloved son."

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Kudos

Wallace Shawn recommended Topsy-Turvy (1999) in Movies (curated)

Topsy-Turvy (1999)

1999 | International, Comedy, Drama

(0 Ratings)

Movie Favorite

"Well, England is to my taste a great, great film country. I don’t think any filmmakers have been greater than Hitchcock, fabulously represented in the Criterion Collection by The Lady Vanishes and a great box set, Wrong Men & Notorious Women; Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, represented by many films, including The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (one of their very best, also made during World War II); and of course Mike Leigh. Topsy-Turvy is so fascinating, because Mike Leigh celebrates precisely the approach to acting that he has driven his own actors farther and farther away from in his own films."

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Kudos

Erica Jong recommended Memories of a Catholic Girlhood in Books (curated)

Memories of a Catholic Girlhood

Mary McCarthy | 2011 | Biography, Religion

(0 Ratings)

Book Favorite

"The nonfictional account of Mary McCarthy's idyllic childhood, cut short by the death of her parents. McCarthy was orphaned by the influenza epidemic that followed WWI; both of her parents died in a flash. She was then raised by her grandparents in Seattle. The wonderful thing she does in the book is to tell what happened, and then to write about what might have happened. It takes 'memoir' to a whole other level. It gives you a shot of adrenaline; it makes you ask yourself, 'What was the transformational moment in my life when my story really begins?'"

Source

Kudos

The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Bellman & Black in Books

Oct 7, 2020

Bellman & Black

Diane Setterfield | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry

9.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

Despite William Bellman's humble beginnings, his intelligence, hard work and business acumen made a success out of everything he touches. However, much like the rooks that dance in the skies, death was always swooping in and out of his life.

This haunting tale is a truly compelling read and Setterfield is a very exciting talent. She has the ability to mold and shape a story together with her characters and settings that all blend in together to make one, complete vibrant picture. You can read my full review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2013/10/15/the-many-collective-nouns-for-rooks/