Tag: books

What I’m Reading Now: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Book: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Fiction/Nonfiction: Fiction

Author: Kathleen Rooney

Have I Read This Author Before: No

One Sentence Summary: On New Years Eve, 1984, 85 year old Lillian Boxfish takes a walk in her hometown of Manhattan, encountering many people, having adventures, and recalling her long, successful career as an advertising woman for Macys, in a male dominated industry, and her sometimes challenging life as a wife, mother and divorcee

Best Thing About the Book: She is a very compelling character with lots of confidence and grit, making this a fun, easy story to read

Worst Thing About the Book: There wasn’t really a plot, just some meanderings and musings. I’ve been reading mostly thrillers, so this wasn’t a “I can’t wait to find out what happens” suspense book

What I Learned: A lot of interesting facts about life in the 1920s and 30s: During prohibition, it was possible to get a prescription for a pint of liquor “for medicinal purposes only.” Also, when the Empire State Building first opened in 1931, during the depression, much of its office space remained unrented, so it became known as “The Empty State Building.”

The Bottom Line: A very enjoyable read with a most interesting, adventurous character with a well-lived life, and nice descriptions of NYC

Would I Read This Author Again: Yes

Next Book to be Read by This Author: From Dust to Stardust

What I’m Reading Now-Robinson Crusoe

Book: Robinson Crusoe

Fiction/Nonfiction: Fiction (Loosely based on a real event)

Author: Daniel Defoe

Have I read the Author Before: No

One Sentence Summary: A man is shipwrecked on a deserted island for 28 years and survives by learning how to hunt, farm and manufacture everything he needs before getting rescued

Best Thing About the Book: Robinson Crusoe was written in 1719 so I was worried about following the language, geography, references to unknown things; it reads like a diary and while a little mundane in spots, I found it to be a great story that did read pretty easily

Worst Thing About the Book: some long descriptions regarding directions around the island and when in a canoe; pretty much impossible to picture the paths taken and relative locations of different things

Did it Make Me Want to Keep Reading: Yes, I was anxious to find out what happens

What I Learned: Many things about how to survive with minimal provisions and tools; I hope I never have to exercise those skills!

The Bottom Line: Thought to be one of the first “novels” and reputed to be second only to the Bible in the number of translations, it was an interesting story that I’ve heard references from for years ( I was anxiously awaiting the arrival in the story of Friday!) and I’m glad to have read it

Would I Read This Author Again: Yes

Next to Read by This Author: Moll Flanders