Good morning, and welcome to another Monday, in which we celebrate our reading, blogging, and life. Mailbox Monday is hosted in September by BooknAround; and Book Journey brings us another edition of What Are You Reading?
MAILBOX MONDAY:
This week, I received two review books and purchased two.
1. The Redgraves, by Donald Spoto (Amazon Vine)
The dramatic, poignant and revealing saga of the Redgraves, one of history’s greatest families of actors.
For more than a century, the Redgraves have defined theater and film while captivating the public eye. Their history is a rich tapestry of singularly talented individuals whose influence is felt to this day, yet their story has never before been told. In The Redgraves, bestselling biographer Donald Spoto draws on his close personal relationships with the family and includes both his interviews and unprecedented personal access to them. The result is a groundbreaking account of this extraordinary clan and their circle, including such luminaries as Elizabeth Taylor, Katharine Hepburn, and Sir Laurence Olivier.
The story began in 1907 with the marriage of actress Daisy Scudamore to matinee idol Roy Redgrave and the birth in 1908 of their son, Michael, who became a famous stage actor and movie star. Michael’s family and wild social circle knew that for decades he was insistently bisexual, notwithstanding his marriage to Rachel Kempson, one of England’s most glamorous and admired actresses.
Their daughter Vanessa, a great and revered performer, is the only British actress ever to win Oscar, Emmy, Tony, Cannes, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Awards—achievements that have been paralleled by a profound humanitarian commitment even as she tackled difficult and controversial roles.
Vanessa’s sister, Lynn Redgrave, led a triumphant and complex life in her own way, too. From her performance in the movie Georgy Girl to her prizewinning play about her father and her Oscar-nominated performance in Gods and Monsters, Lynn established herself as a very different Redgrave.
Corin Redgrave, their brother, was known for his acclaimed performances onstage and screen—and he was a tireless and outspoken political radical.
The family tradition of distinction continues with the careers of Joely Richardson and Jemma Redgrave and reached a high point in the life and career of Vanessa’s daughter, Natasha Richardson, who earned a Tony Award for her role as Sally Bowles in the revival of Cabaret. Natasha’s sudden death after a skiing lesson in 2009 shocked and saddened admirers of her work and graceful spirit.
The product of more than thirty years of research, The Redgraves recounts the epic saga of a family that has extended the possibilities for actors on stage, screen, and television in Britain, America, and around the world.
2. Click: An Online Love Story, by Lisa Becker (from the author)
Fast approaching her 30th birthday and finding herself not married, not dating, and without even a prospect or a house full of cats, Renee Greene, the heroine of Click: An Online Love Story, reluctantly joins her best guy pal on a journey to find love online in Los Angeles. The story unfolds through a series of emails between Renee and her best friends (anal-compulsive Mark, the overly-judgmental Ashley and the over-sexed Shelley) as well as the gentlemen suitors she meets online. From the guy who starts every story with “My buddies and I were out drinking one night,” to the egotistical “B” celebrity looking for someone to stroke his ego, Renee endures her share of hilarious and heinous cyber dates. Fraught with BCC’s, FWD’s and inadvertent Reply to All’s, readers will root for Renee to “click” with the right man.
3. The Glass Butterfly (e-book), by Louise Marley
In The Glass Butterfly, Louise Marley winds together a tale of subtle danger lurking in the past and a mother’s sacrifice for her son’s future. . ..
A new life. A new name. A complete break with the past. It’s the only way therapist Victoria Lake can think to protect her son–and herself–from a case turned deadly. She and Jack have barely spoken since he’s gone to college. As painful as it is, it’s better that he think she’s dead than let her enemies suspect that she’s not.
Jack could never stand his mother’s insistence that sometimes intuition told her things facts couldn’t. But he has a strange feeling that she’s alive, despite the meticulous police investigation and the somber funeral. Of course, Jack is reconsidering several things his mother said, now that she’s gone.
To survive, Victoria knows she has to reinvent herself completely. She can’t even listen to her beloved Puccini. But without the music in her ears, eerie dreams invade her sleep. Lush with the sounds and sights of 19th-century Tuscany, they’re also loaded with a very real warning she can’t afford to ignore..
4. In Name Only (e-book), by Carol Kilgore
No home. No family. No place to hide. For Summer Newcombe, that’s only the beginning.
The night Summer escapes from a burning Padre Island eatery and discovers the arsonist is stalking her, is the same night she meets Fire Captain Gabriel Duran. As much as she’s attracted to Gabe, five years in the Federal Witness Security Program because of her father’s testimony against a mob boss have taught her the importance of being alone and invisible.
No matter how much she yearns for a real home, Summer relinquished that option the night she killed the man who murdered her father. But Gabe breaks down her guard and places both of them in danger. Summer has vowed never to kill again, but she’s frantic she’ll cost Gabe his life unless she stops running and fights for the future she wants with the man she loves.
***
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
Welcome to a new week and a new month. A time to share our reading, blogging, and life adventures, and a time to enjoy our community of book bloggers.
As for the past week, I did some blogging, beginning with a Monday Potpourri, in which I mused about strange and weird books.
Then I had some Creative Fun, sharing thoughts about Pinterest, blog headers, and excerpting from a WIP. Wednesday found me Checking In at the ROW 80 Challenge and posting an Interview with Author Carol Kilgore.
Hump Day Potpourri is often a fun place to share thoughts and commiserate about reading and blogging and life.
Then I did something I hadn’t done in awhile: I posted Thoughts From the Interior: Creative Obsessions.
Sweet Saturday Samples: Commiserating, continued our journey with Martha and Maeve, characters from Interior Designs.
My Sunday Potpourri is a collection of odds, ends, and tidbits.
And to tie up my reading month, here’s my Monthly Reading Wrap-Up.
Reading:
1. The Meryl Streep Movie Club, by Mia March (click title for review)
2. Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch, by Haywood Smith (click title for review)
3. Against My Will, by Benjamin Berkley (Review will go up on Oct. 1 during Blog Tour)
4. The Song Remains the Same, by Allison Winn Scotch (click title for review)
What’s Up Next?
1. Love Anthony, by Lisa Genova (click titles/covers for more info)
2. And When She Was Good, by Laura Lippman
3. Little Night, by Luanne Rice
4. Sharp Objects (e-book), by Gillian Flynn
***
And that’s my week….past, present, and upcoming. What are you anticipating? What did you accomplish? Come on by and tease me with your books.
Great haul! “Click” sounds interesting. I had an online love story myself – we’ve been married for 12 years now. 🙂
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Wow! I love stories like that, Diana…thanks for stopping by.
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All of your reading list for this week appeals to me!
Have a fab reading week
Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out
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Thanks, Shelleyrae….I am excited about the books, too. Glad you could stop by.
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Lots of new goodies made it your way! We have a couple of the same books on our stacks.
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Isn’t it fun to do this every week? I can’t imagine a reading life without blogging, Nise. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your reads.
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Looking forward to your thoughts on Love Anthony. Click sounds like a fun read and I’m keen to see what you think of The Glass Butterfly. Have a great week and happy reading 🙂
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I have Left Neglected on Sparky…so I’m pretty sure I’ll be reading it soon after Love Anthony. I’m looking forward to The Glass Butterfly, too. Thanks for visiting, Teddyree.
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You, my friend, have a ton of fascinating choices…how many books do you read in a week?
Do you pace yourself?
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Oh, I agree, Patty…I do try to pace myself, because I am easily distracted by other things (as you have noticed!). I read four or sometimes five books in a week, which allows for those other things, but with enough reading to fuel my passion. Thanks for visiting, and enjoy your week!
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All four of your upcoming reads are on my mental tbr pile, especially the Genova. I looove her stuff 🙂 Have you read Left Neglected or Still Alice?
Have a fantastic week of reading!
The Relentless Reader
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I haven’t yet read Left Neglected or Still Alice…but I have LN on my Sparky. I’m sure I’ll read Still Alice at some point, too. Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer…enjoy your week!
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What a nice selection of mixed reads! Like the Redgrave one particularly.
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Yes, I noticed that one on the Vine list and thought: wonderful! I haven’t read much about them, but do admire them.
Thanks for stopping by, Mystica…enjoy!
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Those are all new to me. My favorite book this week was Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith. Please come see what I’m reading now.
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Ooh, that sounds like a good one, Sarah. I’ll check it out! And thanks for stopping by. Enjoy!
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Such a rich rich post with all these lovely book titles. Most are unfamiliar titles but all the book covers look great.
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Yes, Myra, I do love book covers…the sad thing about reading on Sparky, my Kindle; but I usually have enough print books to satisfy my need. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy!
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So many good sounding books! I can’t think what to read at the moment. I have more than enough choice, but I read two amazing books in a row, and now I want that feeling of great satisfaction again. Enjoy your choices! 🙂
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Thanks, Wendy…I do like to mix mine up so the week is full of that great satisfaction. Glad you could stop by, and enjoy!
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I haven’t heard of any of these books, is that bad ;)? Love the covers!
Helene @ Helene’s World of Books
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No, Helene…it just demonstrates how many lovely books are out there. I get so excited when I see new ones that sound wonderful. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy!
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I think I want to read every book you have listed!!! This is why my tbr list keeps growing!
Have a great week and enjoy all your reads!!!
~Kristin @ Always With a Book
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I have that same problem, Kristin T. Before blogging, I read the same authors over and over, and maybe grabbed new ones from reading a review in a magazine or newspaper. This way is better, don’t you think? Even though our stacks are toppling? lol
Thanks for stopping by…and enjoy!
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Love your fall mailbox photo.
I like the sound of THE GLASS BUTTERFLY. ENJOY ALL your books.
I have already read the book I received last week and have an author giveaway for it. LOL!! 🙂
Have a good week.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
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That happened to me when I received Gone Girl, Elizabeth. Some books just won’t wait their turn! Thanks for stopping by…and I always enjoy bringing out symbols of fall.
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Click and The Glass Butterfly both look like great reads! Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by My Added to the Bookshelf Post!
♥ Melissa @ Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf
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I agree, Melissa…I can’t wait to read them! Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting.
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Some great books!! The Glass Butterfly and In Name Only just went on my list. The new Laura Lippman book, just ended with a tour with Partners In Crime Tours, and all the hosts raved about the book. I can’t wait to read it myself!! Thank you for stopping by and have a great week!!
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I was so tired last night, but managed to read the first couple of chapters of And When She Was Good…I love it so far! Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl…enjoy your week.
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Oh, I bet The Redgraves is excellent!
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I am looking forward to it, Kathy. Thanks for stopping by…enjoy your week!
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You got some great books this week. The Redgraves looks good. Enjoy your reading week!
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I think so, too, Laura…thanks for stopping by, and have a great week!
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Wow! The book on the Redgraves looks interesting.
Here is mine
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When I saw it, I realized that I don’t know a lot about them, even though I admire them. Thanks for visiting, Brooke.
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You are reading wonderful books with more ahead.
Happy Reading!!!
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I agree, Lori…thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your week.
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I enjoyed Click and have been waiting for Lisa to come out with a sequel I hope you like it http://frellathon.com/2012/09/02/monday-mailbox-10/
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Oh, that’s good to hear, Jess. Thanks for stopping by.
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The Redgraves looks so interesting. I only like fiction when they are auto/biographies about people who interest me. I’ll have to put that on my “list”.
Colletta
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I am picky about the auto/biographies, too. I have to be a little bit in awe of the subject.
Thanks for stopping by, Colletta, and enjoy your week.
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Some new ones for me this week. Click sounds interesting and I’ll be listening to the new Laura Lippman book in the next few weeks.
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I have started reading the Lippman book…loving it so far. Thanks for visiting, Leslie, and enjoy your week.
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I can’t wait to hear what you think of The Redgraves as well as Click! Have a great week!
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Hope you enjoy your week, too, Mary….and I will probably read The Redgraves soon, since it is a review book. Thanks for visiting.
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Oh wow, ‘The Redgraves’ sounds amazing. I’ve always been fascinated by the talent in their family and I grew up with ‘101 Dalmatians’, convinced Joely Richardson was the most beautiful woman in the world! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Juli @ Universe in Words
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Oh, me too, Juli…I love Vanessa’s work, as well as Joely’s; also Natasha.
Thanks for visiting…enjoy your week.
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Oh.My.Gosh … what great reading you have coming up! You have been a busy bee! I wasn’t a HUGE fan of Genova’s last book, but it WAS good reading! I read Sharp Objects last year and liked it a lot (but I LOVE Gone Girl). Have a wonderful reading week!
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Reading Gone Girl hooked me into picking up Sharp Objects. Thanks for stopping by, Julie…and I hope to enjoy the Genova book. I have Left Neglected on Sparky, but haven’t read it yet.
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You always have such interesting books on your list – I’d love to read the Redgraves one – May have to look it up! And I’m reading “And When She Was Good” this week as well! I love Fall – it’s my favorite reading time!
Here’s my list, if you have time to drop by! http://sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com/2012/09/its-monday-what-are-you-reading.html
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Thanks for visiting, Sharon…I love fall too! I’m enjoying And When She Was Good.
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I just added some more books to my TBR list. I have read and enjoyed Still Alice so I look forward to reading, Love Anthony! I just read Gone Girl, so I am definitely going to check out Sharp Objects. Thanks for the great suggestions! My first stop to your blog, definitely going to stop again. We seem to have similair taste in books! Might be that we are/were both social workers 🙂
Jen C@Readinginwbl.com
http://readinginwbl.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-post.html
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Thanks for visiting, Jen C…it is great to add more books to our lists…even if the lists grow to massive proportions…lol
And you were a social worker, too, so I am sure we will be drawn to some of the same books.
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Everything looks so good. I love Luanne Rice’s books. Have a great week!
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Me too, Yvonne…so glad you could stop by; enjoy your week.
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Glass Butterfly sounds especially intriguing! Thank you for sharing your reads.
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You’re welcome, Deb…I am excited about all of the books. Thanks for visiting….
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I can’t wait to see your review of Sharp Objects I want to read that one so bad I hope you have a great reading week 🙂
Come see what I’m reading this week 🙂
–Kimberly @ Turning the Pages
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After Gone Girl, I knew I had to have it, Kimberly…I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for stopping by.
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I’m looking forward to that Luanne Rice one myself 🙂 Great taste! The Brunette Librarian’s Blog
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It is definitely the kind of book I enjoy….thanks for visiting, Brunette Librarian…have a great week.
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The Glass Butterfly looks really good. Happy reading!
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I am excited about it, too, Anna. Thanks for stopping by!
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