An evening with author Beth Hoffman

Tonight despite all the organizational challenges I faced, I made it to Books and Books in Coral Gables to listen to Beth Hoffman. She is the author of the much anticipated book Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. I started the book last night and one of the things that hooked me was the first sentence: "Momma left her red satin shoes in the middle of the road". I couldn't stop thinking about why and what had happened for her to do this. As soon as I'm done with the book, I will write my review/comments. What I can tell you is, what a treat to have met Beth! She is so genuine, authentic...How refreshing to meet someone like that. She talked to us about how and why she started writing the book. The events in her life that led her to start writing again. If you would like to read more about her, let me suggest you go to www.bookreporter.com. Jaime Layton from Duck's Cottage has a revealing interview with her...Keep you posted! Oh and by the way, if you are also reading the book, please let me know. I would love to exchange some thoughts and ideas with you.

Happy 101 Awards

I'm new at this and just realized that I must now pass on the Happy 101 Award. way too cool!Now it's my turn to talk about 10 things and 10 blogs that make me happy.
Now the 10 things that make me happy can change...
1. Claudia and Diego, my children
2. My work in the International Studies Program
3. Listening to NPR
4. Alfajores...delicious Argentinian cookies!!!
5. Receiving in the mail my magazine suscriptions
6. Splashing Agustin Reyes cologne after I take a bath
7. Having my hair washed at the Beauty Salon
8. Going to author events at Books and Books
9. Organizing my books...and of course, reading!
10. Any hammock in Progreso Beach, Mexico...The best place to read and forget about the world!

These are my "discovered" blogs and I know they will make you happy too. There's only one small problem, you'll get hooked! Believe, I am...
1. Molly at http://mycozybooknook.blogspot.com
2. Coffeemuse at Vivere est Cogitare at http://livingtothink.blogspot.com
3. Alyce at http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com
4. Elizabeth at http://451challenge.blogspot.com
5. Liz B. A Chair, A fireplace & A Tea Cozy at http://yzocaet.blogspot.com
6. Ann and Michael at http://booksonthenightstand.com
7. Melissa at http://melissa-coffeebooksandlaundry.blogspot.com
8. http://gilmoregirlschallenge.blogspot.com
9. Janet at http://imanavidreader.blogspot.com
10. E.L. Fay at http://tselfoninternets.blogspot.com

Happy 101 Award by Helen's Book Blog

I have to share with all you great news. Helen Murdoch at Helen's Book Blog has awarded me the Happy 101 Award. Helen was given the award by MissAttitude at Reading in Color. Helen wrote about 10 things that made her happy and then 10 blogs that made her happy. She picked this blog as one of them and you can see and check out the other blogs that make her smile at http://helensbookblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/happy-101-award.html. Just for you to know, Helen was and is!, my first blog follower. Thanks Helen!

First 2010 Book Review: Oliver Kitteridge

I have to start off by wishing everyone a fruitful 2010 Reading Year! I'm so happy to have discovered the world of blog-book lover readers around the world. I feel like I have found my niche. I'm also happy to add that my book club has recharged their batteries and has regained the energy we had lost. We met this morning in a deli-restaurant in Coral Gables, Florida and had breakfast to discuss Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. We thought it was brilliantly written and were amazed of how the author interweaves the main character with everyone else in her small town. The themes that were talked the most, I feel, are the fear of isolation, suicide and "hunger". All the characters are "starving" for something in their lives. As a matter of fact, my favourite quote is what Olive tells her students: "Don't be scared of your hunger. If you're scared of your hunger, you'll just be one more ninny like everyone else." I can tell you that even though it's not one of my all-time favourites, I do think it's worth your time and money! Don't be afraid and pick it up the next time you're in your local independent book store or library.

New Year Read-A-Thon Update

I have to learn how to balance reading a book with reading blogs about books. I love reading blogs and get so caught up it that I forget to actually read! I finished my books but have spent most of the time reading blogs. If you like Memoirs -and for the last two years,it's one of my favourite genres- you have to read Funny in Farsi and Laughing Without An Accent. You won't stop laughing and it will also warm your heart. If your family moved from another country when you were young, it will specially touch you. I know I should start reading Olive Kitteridge, it's our Book Club pick and have to finish it by next Sunday. So, see you later readers!