The Art of the Affair: An Illustrated History of Love, Sex, and Artistic Influence by Catherine Lacey and Forsyth Harmon

** spoiler alert ** A fun, light book that can be read in an afternoon. Many of the names I knew but I learned of a few people who were celebrated in their time but unrecognized now. The book claims Frida Kahlo fell in love with Leon Trotsky. They had an affair but I don't think it was love. Trotsky was her revenge.

If you love salacious gossip from the 20th century, read this book!!!

rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

Frida: The Story of Her Life by Vanna Vicci

 

I am enamored of Frida Kahlo. Ever since childhood, I have been fixated by her. Another reviewer disclosed on the presence of sapphic images. Considering that Frida was openly bisexual, I think Vicci demonstrated a light hand on her lesbian liaisons. I find it remarkable that someone with grotesque physical pain could demonstrate a sex life to the capacity Frida lived. Spinal pain, atrophied leg, ulcers on her foot... there were few, if any, body parts that weren't damaged.

All of that and she still managed to live. An exceptional woman.

rating: 5 out of 5 stars

New Yorkers: A City and Its People in Our Time by Craig Taylor

 

I sensed depression and anxiety with many of the interviewees. I don't think most people possess the fortitude to live somewhere so maddening for an extended time. There's an abundance of excitement yet much misery makes itself known. Anyone looking to live or visit New York, New York ought to read this book.

4 out of 5 stars

Sisters and Lovers by Connie Briscoe

 

Wonderfully realistic... I identify with Beverly. I didn't think she was too picky. It's necessary to be picky when there's so much nonsense. I think she should have stayed single until her peace returned. But the three main characters needed a dose of clarity. I may read the sequel to see what became of the sisters.

It's my first time reading Connie Briscoe. I don't think it'll be the only time.

rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Tomes

 Tome- a large heavy book, especially one dealing with a serious topic. (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

Tome-any book; especially a large or scholarly book. ( The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, College Edition)

I prefer the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary definition. A tome qualifies to be a book of mighty length. When I read a tome, it must be a topic that fixates me. Most books I read exceed 200 pages yet I measure a tome at 400 pages and above.

Twenty tomes I've read thus far:

1) A Life in Letters by Zora Neale Hurston, collected and edited by Carla Kaplan. 912 pages

2) Mick Jagger by Philip Norman. 640 pages

3) Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011 by Lizzy Goodman. 622 pages

4) Mystic River: a novel by Dennis Lehane. 592 pages

5) Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do by Studs Terkel. 589 pages 

6) Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon - and the Journey of a Generation by Sheila Weller. 584 pages

7) Mother of Believers by Kamran Pasha. 560 pages

8) Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs at the Turn of the Millennium edited by John Bowe, Marisa Bowe, and Sabin Streeter. 560 pages 

9) The Years with Laura Diaz: a novel by Carlos Fuentes. 528 pages 

10) Jubilee by Margaret Walker. 497 pages

11) A Piece of Cake: a memoir by Cupcake Brown. 472 pages

12) The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende. 448 pages

13) Spinning Straw into Gold: What Fairy Tales Reveal About the Transformations in a Woman's Life by Joan Gould. 448 pages

14) Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros. 439 pages

15) It's All About Love: Black Writers on Soul Mates, Family and Friends by Marita Golden. 432 pages

16) The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah. 430 pages

17) Life Notes: Personal Writings by Contemporary Black Women by Patricia Bell-Scott. 429 pages

18) Peach Blossom Pavilion by Mingmei Yip. 421 pages 

19) Big Sex Little Death: a memoir by Susie Bright. 412 pages

20) Kite Strings of the Southern Cross by Laurie Gough. 400 pages

Feel free to share your opinion. Present books that engaged you. I might read them. 

Cheers!!

postscript: I read hardcover and softcover formats exclusively. Keep this in mind when disclosing your recommendations. 

Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do by Studs Terkel

 

True to the name: an essential and laborious book.

Thank you, Studs Terkel.

rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Happily Ever After & Everything In Between by Debbie Tung

 

Debbie Tung does love her husband but she likes him less than he likes her. He believes he grants her inspiration (130) and strength (131). I realized in her previous book that she prefers the quiet life, overflowing with thick books and hot tea. I believe Debbie Tung would confirm agreement with this quote: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ~C.S. Lewis. A book with quaint charm ****

rating: 4 out of 5 stars