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Friday, April 15, 2011

Summer Reading Plans!!!!

Hello there.. Did I really say summer?  I do look forward to summer reading.  Some new options have arrived that I'd like to share.  They all look amazing!
(Thank you Random House and Penguin)
To Be Queen.  A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
by Christy English.
The author of The Queen's Pawn delves into the early life of the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine in her new historical novel.

After her father's sudden death, fifteen-year-old Eleanor is quickly crowned Duchess of Aquitaine and betrothed to King Louis VII. When her new husband cannot pronounce her given name, Alienor becomes Eleanor, Queen of France.

Although Louis is enamored of his bride, the newly crowned king is easily manipulated by the church and a God that Eleanor doesn't believe in. Now, if she can find the strength to fight for what she wants, Eleanor may finally find the passion she has longed for, and the means to fulfill her legacy as Queen. 
Christy English has a bachelor's degree in history from Duke University. She lives in New York City.

My Fair Lady.  A memoir.
By Jen Lancaster


It's a JENaissance! The New York Times bestselling author of Pretty in Plaid gets her culture on.
Readers have followed Jen Lancaster through job loss, sucky city living, weight loss attempts, and 1980s nostalgia. Now Jen chronicles her efforts to achieve cultural enlightenment, with some hilarious missteps and genuine moments of inspiration along the way. And she does so by any means necessary: reading canonical literature, viewing classic films, attending the opera, researching artisan cheeses, and even enrolling in etiquette classes to improve her social graces. 
In Jen's corner is a crack team of experts, including Page Six socialites, gourmet chefs, an opera aficionado, and a master sommelier. She may discover that well-regarded, high-priced stinky cheese tastes exactly as bad as it smells, and that her love for Kraft American Singles is forever. But one thing's for certain: Eliza Doolittle's got nothing on Jen Lancaster-and failure is an option.

Half a Life. A memoir, by Darin Strauss

about this book (from Random House)
Winner, National Book Critics Circle Award (Autobiography)

In this powerful, unforgettable memoir, acclaimed novelist Darin Strauss recounts a tragedy and its aftermath. In the last month of his high school career, just after turning eighteen, Strauss is behind the wheel of his father’s Oldsmobile, driving with friends, having “thoughts of mini-golf, another thought of maybe just going to the beach.” Then out of the blue: a collision that results in the death of a bicycling classmate and that shadows the rest of his life. In haunting, penetrating prose, Darin Strauss explores loss and guilt, maturity and accountability, hope and acceptance. The result is a staggering, uplifting tour de force.

12 comments:

Kaye said...

My Fair Lazy sounds like a lot of fun. Happy reading, Toni!

Mary (Bookfan) said...

To Be Queen is on my wish list - so many good reviews for it among book bloggers. The others sound good too!

Toni said...

Hello ladies..thanks for stopping by. I will be poppin' in soon to see what everyone is reading. Thanks for leaving a comment when I have been MIA so long. ;)

Ti said...

Wow! Summer. I can't even wrap my brain about that one. I LOVE summer reading though!! I have yet to put my list together though. Looks like you chose some good ones.

Teddy Rose said...

To be Queen is on my TBR as well. It sounds so good.

Kim said...

Fun books! I can't think summer yet--it snowed this morning just north of Seattle. Yes, the calendar does say April 21st!
*smiles*

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carrie#K said...

To Be Queen sounds like a great read! Eleanor of Aquitaine had the most fascinating life. Sounds like a nice summer reading plan, Toni!

Unknown said...

"To Be Queen' looks like a good one, the cover is captivating.
Mike

PS Stop over at my blog and say hi.
I'm having a giveaway for "Heads You Lose.' By Lutz.
http://mikedraperinguilford.blogspot.com

Jenny Girl said...

Love the slippers on My Fair Lazy. Hope things are well and see you around :) Happy reading.

Wanda said...

Just started my summer reading yesterday with The Time In Between by David Bergen, it's shaping up to be a great read. So, what have you decided to go with as your first summer read?

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

To Be Queen and My Fair Lazy both sound fun! These all look like great summer reads. Enjoy!
2 Kids and Tired Books