Book Report: ‘Just What Kind Of Mother Are You?’ By Paula Daly

Paula Daly is my new favourite author and she should be yours too.  I started reading her latest book ‘Just What Kind Of Mother Are You?’ a month ago and have looked forward to getting into bed with it every night since then.

The backdrop of this story is the Lake District in the North of England. I went there on my 29^th birthday when I lived in Manchester so making this an even more magical read.  It is definitely one place you need to experience in your life.  It is truly a romantic, seductive and beautiful place to inhale.  An innocent setting for a story such as this.

Picture windy roads splashed with grandpa trees, thatch cottages, Lilliput Lane imagery, poetry, lush gardens, deep walls of mist for miles, clean crisp winds, and the smell of grandiose spooky Lakes beckoning to get lost in.  The Lake District echoes safety, comfort and the love of nature.

I fell for Paula Daly’s brand of writing – it’s not often that you get swept into a fever to read quickly about characters after only the first few pages into a book.  This book is an easy ready but an intriguing one at that.  There are loads of lil details that are full of symbolism that require a slow digestion.

I was drawn in on the first page with the tale of a weird man stalking young girls on their way home from school.  Safety and comfort begone!  We are introduced to the main character Lisa, a kennel owner and mother who had a responsibility to care for her best friend’s child who dum, dum, dum —disappears on her watch.

Lisa is a likeable character.  Indeed full of flaws but a tour guide full of wonderment, self-reflection, self-doubt and a mistress of ‘taking on other’s peoples stuff in times of guilt’.  We all do this stuff.  Reading about these sentiments through this character made me reflect upon how I would have handled certain situations if I was in her shoes and my own complexes.

I found myself constantly examining the characters presented in the book and looking under rocks for them to trip up.  Daly kept the story very tight but at the same time left you wanting more after small reveals came to fruition in every chapter.

I appreciated the bubbliness and light hearted hand that Daly writes in.  This story is not overly complicated and a nice change from the heaviness of this genre.

The conclusion of the story is a jaw dropper.  No matter how many clues you collect on the way would you figure out who the true criminal is until the very last page.  This is a sign of good storytelling.

http://www.randomhouse.ca/books/226382/just-what-kind-of-mother-are-you-by-paula-daly

Buy it here!  Just What Kind Of Mother Are You?

Book Report: ‘Mick Jagger’ by Philip Norman

‘Mick Jagger’ by Philip Norman

Let me start off saying this book is an unauthorized biography but nevertheless offers interesting insight into the life and lifestyle of Mick Jagger.

Philip Norman’s tells the story about Mick from his early life in Dartford and how he turned into rock’s most notorious yet enigmatic icon. Throughout the five decades of fronting the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has been seen as the ultimate arrogant, narcissistic superstar, whose sexual appetite and cavalier treatment of women rival Casanova’s and whose supposed reckless drug use touched off the most famous scandal in rock history. Now a grandfather nearing seventy and a British knight of the realm, he still creates excitement at the mere mention of his name; still remains the model for every young rock singer whoever takes the stage.

Adam Levine, Tom Cruise in ‘Rock Of Ages’, Axl Rose and various other hair metal bands from the 80’s demonstrate Jagger’s elusive onstage sex god persona.  I remember being a teen and wondering what all the fuss was about.  The first time I really appreciated a Stones song was when I heard a band called The Sundays perform ‘Wild Horses’.  It blew my mind and led me on a path of discovery to learn more about the Stones music.  Than there came ‘Brown Sugar’, ‘Paint it Black’, ‘Miss You’ and ‘Satisfaction’.  As an adult – I still don’t feel particularly attracted to this man but the Stones Music is proving to be a burgeoning love affair.

I appreciated how Norman painted a portrait of Jagger warts and all in a historical retrospective.   I dwelled upon Jagger’s first gig as a Rolling Stone, his womanizing (which was not as shocking as I thought it would be), film roles and the influence behind  The Rolling Stones early songs such  as ‘Gimme Shelter’ and ‘Start Me Up’.

I thought my time had passed to see The Stones but fear not, it hasn’t.  As per nme.com, ‘yesterday (January 4), the band hinted that they would like to play more live shows in 2013, saying that their shows at the end of 2012 were “not enough”.   Mick Jagger revealed how, after their brief run of gigs in London, New York and New Jersey at the tail end of 2012, the band are in fine form and keen to get back on onto the stage to continue performing stating: “I’m going to see what’s on the table and discuss it with everyone. We’ll announce it when we’ve figured it out.” Guitarist Keith Richards, meanwhile, added: “Really, all you’re going to have to do is wait for an announcement.”

Their comments came after Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood recently claimed that the band will “rock till they drop”.’  Rumor has it they are playing Coachella this spring – move over Tupac Hologram, these gentlemen will be the real thing.

Mick Jagger:  By Philip Norman

Hardcover: 640 pages

Publisher: Ecco (October 2, 2012)

Buy it here!  http://www.chapters.indigo.ca

Book Report: ‘The Longest Way Home’ by Andrew McCarthy

The Longest Way Home – Andrew McCarthy

I think you’d be hard pressed not to read this book if you didn’t find Andrew McCarthy dreamy in St. Elmo’s Fire and Pretty Prink as a teen.

I was keen to get lost in this book – which I did but it was a tad disappointing.  Let me just say that up front.

In this book you will experience Andrew being unable to commit to his fiancée of nearly four years.  With no clear understanding of what’s holding him back—he found himself at a crossroads, plagued by doubts that have clung to him for a lifetime. Something in his character has kept him always at a distance, preventing him from giving himself wholeheartedly to the woman he loves and from becoming the father that he knows his children deserve. Instead of staying at home to figure out next steps – he takes off on a travel adventure.  Hmmm, yep.

Hobbling up the treacherous slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, dodging gregarious passengers aboard an Amazonian riverboat, and trudging through dense Costa Rican rain forests—the journey is exquisitely written, beautiful exotic images and true moments to reflect within on your own as a reader.

On his soul-searching voyages, Andrew traces the path from his New Jersey roots, where acting saved his life—and early fame almost took it away—to his transformation into a leading travel writer. He faces the real costs of his early success and lays bare the evolving nature of his relationships with women. He explores a strained bond with his father, and how this complex dynamic shapes his own identity as a parent. Andrew charts his journey from ambivalence to confidence, from infidelity and recklessness to acceptance and a deeper understanding of the internal conflicts of his life.

I appreciated his moments of self discovery and his love song to his wife but at times it felt like he was whining.  It was obvious the man had wanderlust and there is no fault that.  But the constant rocking back and forth on if he should marry this woman made me yawn.  I didn’t care enough.

That said – I enjoyed reading his travel writing and odes to off the beaten track spots.  This book inspired me to jot down these spots in prep for a land mark birthday next year.

If you are keen to read a good piece of travel writing, learn about people Andrew meets on his way and some neat life anecdotes – this book is worth a purchase.  Don’t get bogged down with his marriage woes.  It all comes together in the end.

The Longest Way Home

Andrew McCarthy

Print Length: 290 pages

Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1451667485

Publisher: Free Press; 1 edition (September 18, 2012)

Sold by: Simon and Schuster

Buy it here!  http://www.chapters.indigo.ca

Book Report: Mortality by Christopher Hitchens

‘It’s no exaggeration to say that Christopher had few equals in the sphere of spirited commentary.  But there was something in his saucy fearlessness, in his great turbine of a mind, and in his sociable but unpredictable brand of anarchy that seriously touched kids in their twenties and early thirties in much the same way that Hunter S. Thompson had a generation before’.  (Foreward by Graydon Carter in the book ‘Mortality’.

Christopher Hitchens and I would have disagreed on some major personal beliefs.  But that aside he alongside Martin Amis were huge inspirations in my early 20’s whilst at university studying English Literature.  I struggled early on when writing papers upon papers in my English Lit Program but then I would read works from my favourite writers in my quiet moments their words would keep egging me on to work harder.

Christopher Hitchens’, the legendary writer who died last winter at the age of 62 had been battling esophageal cancer.  His last memoir, ‘Mortality’ was released last month and is a gulping, tear brushing and succinct read.

Hitchens had  written a series of Vanity Fair columns about battling the disease before his passing which are featured in ‘Mortality’.  Although grim as a man faces cancer head on in his last months of life – his words as usual are extremely Hitchenesque in its poetry, obstinate views and charming curmudgeon.

‘My chief consolation in this year of living dyingly has been the presence of friends.  I can’t eat or drink for pleasure anymore, so when they offer to come it’s only for the blessed chance to talk.  Some of these comrades can easily fill a hall with paying customers avid to hear them: They are talkers with whom it’s privilege just to keep up.  Now at least I can do the listening for free.  Can they come and see me?  Yes, but only in a way.  So now every day I go to a waiting room, and watch the awful news from Japan on cable TV (often close-captioned, just to torture myself) and wait impatiently for a high dose of protons to be fired into my body at two-thirds the speed of light.  What do I hope for?  If not a cure, then a remission.  And what do I want back?  In the most beautiful apposition of two of the simplest words in our language:  the freedom of speech’. (page 54-55 from ‘Mortality’)

Indeed it’s ironic that a man that had such strong atheistic views had of all things his voice silenced in his dying days.  Some may say it was punishment.  Personally I don’t think that’s fair.

Atlantic Books also published Hitchens’ other memoir “Hitch-22,” the best-selling “God Is Not Great,” and “Arguably.”   These books although again extremely controversial will challenge you as a reader and a writer.

The book is written in a bit of a patchwork of sorts but at the same time strung together with stories that even on his death bed he was grappling with.  Religion, death, illness, and politics – this man was using his talent in writing and debates to fight cancer and yet also trying to stay future focused.

A quick read but not an easy one.  This book reminded me that I should continue to work on myself, enjoy moments and work harder.  I only have this life.   ‘Mortality’ may not have been his intent to inspire readers with this line of messaging but in typical Hitchens fashion I will take from his writing bits and pieces that challenge my views but perhaps won’t change them.

‘For the fact is that Christopher was one of life’s singular characters – wit, a charmer, a troublemaker and a dear and devoted friend.  He was a man of insatiable appetites – for cigarettes, for scotch, for company, for great writing and above all, for conversation.’ (Foreward by Graydon Carter in the book ‘Mortality’.

Book Report: ‘Charlotte Street’ by Danny Wallace

If you are a fan of Nick Hornby’s style of British cheeky writing you will enjoy Danny Wallace’s ‘Charlotte Street’.  It’s an easy and fun read woven within an endearing story line.

It all starts with a girl . . . because yes, there’s always a girl.

Jason Priestley (not that one) has just seen her. They shared an incredible, brief, fleeting moment of deep possibility, somewhere halfway down Charlotte Street.

And then, just like that, she was gone—accidentally leaving him holding her old-fashioned disposable camera, chock full of undeveloped photos.

And now Jason—ex-teacher, ex-boyfriend, part-time writer and reluctant hero—faces a dilemma. Should he try to track The Girl down? What if she’s The One? But that would mean using the only clues he has, which lie untouched in the beaten-up camera.

Unlike Nick Hornby’s style of writing, Danny Wallace doesn’t plug in loads of ‘between you and the writer tongue and cheek jokes’.  I did enjoy the music and cultural notes that Danny Wallace did pop into ‘Charlotte Street’.  It keeps me interested and reminds me that I have likeminded interests to the main character.

Danny Wallace writes characters that are holding their own lil secrets from the reader.

If you are looking for a fun book to get stuck into for a holiday or even as you commute to work and school – pop this into your bag.  It’s a clever twist on the age old story of boy meets girl.

But the book at amazon.ca and chapters.ca.  Voila!

http://www.harpercollins.ca/books/Charlotte-Street-Danny-Wallace?isbn=9781443411844&HCHP=TB_Charlotte+Street

Happy Birthday Mr. Strummer!

Today marks the 60^th birthday of Joe Strummer.  60.  This past weekend was also the Annual ‘Strummer of Love Festival’ coordinated by his lovely daughters in Somerset, England.  I’m thinking next year possibly hitting it up for my 40^th birthday.  http://www.strummeroflove.com/

I have a funny relationship with The Clash.  I liked them as a teen but didn’t get really into them until my early 20’s.  I remember having a crush on a boy in highshcool that used to make tapes for me which always had ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go?’ on them.

A few years ago, my friend A reintroduced me to them and again it was a love affair.  Time passed and again, The Clash got shelved for some new music of the moment.  Then recently another chap sent me home with another bagful of Clash books, DVD’s and the like.  The Clash on the brain much?  I need to stay away from boys who like The Clash methinks.

I’ve liked many a band growing up.  In a way I sometimes think I have music adhd.  But whenever my iPod and mood find myself coming back to ‘Combat Rock’ and ‘London Calling’ – I feel so happy.  The music instantly takes back to my teen years when it was all about spinning vinyl on the crappy record player in my bedroom and forgetting about homework for hours on end.

Last week I received a fresh paperback copy of The Clash with a lovely hot pink cover.  It tells the unique story of the Clash, by the Clash. The Clash was a band like no other. Pioneers of British punk rock, their incendiary gigs, intelligent song writing, definitive style and passionate idealism caught the spirit of the times and made them a worldwide phenomenon. Rolling Stone magazine declared London Calling one of the greatest albums of all time, their autobiographical documentary Westway to the World won a Grammy, and their music lives on, influencing emerging bands and exciting new audiences today.

This is the first official book to be created by the band. With unprecedented access to the Clash archive, this landmark publication brings together previously unseen material–including tour posters, artwork, and photos of the band at home, on stage, in the studio and on the road–with each member telling it like it was, in their own words.

Trendsetters, icons, revolutionaries: their story is steeped in mythology. Many people have an opinion about what made them who they were – this book gives the chance to read the full story, from all four band members themselves.

What I appreciated about this book is that it gives small bit size pieces on each of the lad’s stories at certain times in their musical history.  Paul Simonon is my favourite but between him and Mick Jones they kept me giggling throughout this compact pocket edition.

Initially when this book came out in hard cover I thought ‘how am I going to read this book tucked up in bed?’  It’s an easy read and so unlike in the long windedness of ‘Redemption Song:  The Ballad of Joe Strummer’.

There are so many good bits to the book:  the disco graphic snapshot retrospective, global historical tour dates, film information highlights and fantastic vintage pictures of the band.

Ah yes, not only is the book a good chuckle but reading it will bring you closer to the band.  It’s pretty emotional at times – be prepared.

I have an extra fresh copy of The Clash book to giveaway to one of my lucky readers.  Thank you to Chapters Indigo!  All you need to do is sign up to my blog and you will be entered for a chance to win it.  The deadline for entries is August 31, 2012.

Lastly, Happy Birthday to my fellow Leo, Mr. Strummer!  Wherever you are in the heavens…we miss you.

Book Report: Spring Reading Ideas

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The other day I was sitting at work about to go on my dinner break and thought ‘I don’t have any books to read’.  I love spending my dinner breaks doing some light reading not only to rescue me for an hour but also to get me through the next 4-5 hours at work.

Here are some neat spring book ideas to get you through the next few months as we move towards the summer.

Girls in White Dresses:  Jennifer Close (Random House $19.95 CAD)

This is the perfect paperback book to pop into your purse or book bag to travel to and from work, school or a summer job.  It’s an easy read and I really like that Jenn Close doesn’t create insipid and lame-o female characters.  Indeed a bit girly but nevertheless cute and mindless read when you need a mindless read  to skim your eyes over.

Isabella, Mary, and Lauren feel like everyone they know is getting married. On Sunday after Sunday, at bridal shower after bridal shower, they coo over toasters, collect ribbons and wrapping paper, eat minuscule sandwiches and cakes. They wear pastel dresses and drink champagne by the case, but amid the celebration these women have their own lives to contend with: Isabella is working a dead-end job, Mary is dating a nice guy with an awful mother, and Lauren is waitressing at a midtown bar and wondering why she’s attracted to the sleazy bartender.

With a wry sense of humor, Jennifer Close brings us through those thrilling, bewildering years of early adulthood as she pulls us inside the circle of these friends, perfectly capturing the wild frustrations and soaring joys of modern life.

Instant Iron-Ons:  Julia Rothman (Chronicle Books $14.95 US)

Featuring houses, bicycles, and quirky alphabets, these playful iron-on decals make distinctive statements on T-shirts, tote bags, tea towels, and more.

I like this wee book.  These days, t-shirts at the Gap, H&M or even Old Navy are losing quality and everyone in your hood seems to have the same o’l same o’l look going on.  I like the idea of going to American Apparel and buying some neat quality tee’s, plain skirts or cotton scarves and doing my own lil iron – on project.  A lil funky but also badass is always of the time for me.   I heart all of the iron-on’s in this book – my fav’s have to be the ghetto blaster, French bicylettes and ice cream cones.  The overall vibe of the book is very old school 1970’s New York Vintage.  It’s worth a look.

The Tools:  Phil Stutz and Barry Michels (Random House $29.95 CAD)

I’m a Youth Worker by day and blogger by night.  I encourage a therapeutic approach with my clients while at the same time demonstrate practical and realistic thought as they work on their core issues.  I always like reading honest and straight up books that hit the ground running when it comes to trying new techniques towards a positive change.  The Tools is not only an easy but a fascinating read.  I read this book on my lunch breaks – it really gives a boost to my work.

The Tools addresses the most common complaint patients have about psychotherapy: the interminable wait for change to begin. Barry Michels, an LA-based therapist, was frustrated by his inability to bring his patients faster relief from the issues that plagued them. He found a mentor in Phil Stutz, a psychiatrist who years before devised a methodology that arose from a similar disenchantment. The traditional therapeutic model sets its sights on the past, but Stutz and Michels employ an arsenal of tools–exercises that access the power of the unconscious and effectively meet the most persistent problems people face–and the results are electrifying. Stutz and Michels are much sought-after–a recent profile in The New Yorker touted them as an “open secret” in Hollywood–and treat a high-powered and creative clientele. Their first work, The Tools transcends the typical self-help genre because of its paradigm-changing material, the credibility of its authors, and the instant appeal and empowerment of its message.

Katrina Onstad:  Everybody Has Everything (Random House $22.99 CAD)

It’s funny a few weeks ago I was hanging with my sister’s as we celebrated our Mom on Mother’s Day.  My sister who is mother to my niece and nephew mentioned to me that she would put the kids in my other sibling’s custody if anything happened to her or her ex-husband.  It was a simple statement but man it rocked me.  I remember thinking, ‘Um, I live in a 1 +1 condo and this girl likes not to come home some nights.  How do I take care of two kids?’.  Yep.

‘Everybody Has Everything ‘ is about what happens when the tidy, prosperous life of an urban couple is turned inside out by a tragedy with unexpected consequences? After a car crash leaves their friend Marcus dead and his wife Sarah in a coma, Ana and James are shocked to discover that they have become the legal guardians of a 2½-year-old, Finn. Finn’s crash-landing in their lives throws into high relief deeply rooted, and sometimes long-hidden, truths about themselves, both individually and as a couple. Several chaotic, poignant, and life-changing weeks as a most unusual family give rise to an often unasked question: Can everyone be a parent?

The Petite Advantage Diet:  Jim Karas (Harper Collins $25.99 CAD)

I saw this chap, Jim Karas on Marilyn ‘Fish Face’ Denis a few months back.  I really liked what he said about this book and educating us ladies under 5’4 who are aging and hitting a different metabolic stage in our lives.  This book encourages us to get educated when it comes to nutrition, exercise and lifestyle to stay trim and healthy.  An easy and investment read ladies.

Just as an aside it also was an easy ready and gave some amazing info on the chemistry and science of losing weight.  The exercises I will say were not cool.  They pretty much all required the use of a band.  I’m sorry I don’t have a home gym to fasten a band to.  I would have prefered toning exercises utilizing my body weight.

Very Fond of Food:  A Year In Recipes:  Sophie Dahl  (Random House $34.00 CAD)

Remember when Sophie Dahl used to be a more voluptuous model on episodes of Fashion Television?  Well I guess she gave in to the dominant discourse. 

Bestselling author Sophie Dahl offers up 100 wholesome recipes for health-minded home cooks who yearn for a bit of indulgence in her gorgeous second cookbook. Favoring natural sweeteners, minimal meat, and abundant produce, these dishes satisfy yet never feel ascetic. Recipes ranging from Roasted Pumpkin with Sautéed Greens and Toasted Cumin Dressing to Rhubarb Rice Pudding are organized seasonally, and the book finishes with a full chapter of luscious desserts. But the recipes are only part of the story–Sophie’s food-filled memories and musings on the good life make this a book to treasure for its charms as much as for its advice in the kitchen.

Very Fond of Food will enchant the eye with evocative photography and whimsical drawings; inspire the mind with witty recollections on family, travel, and romance; and captivate the palate with recipes that comfort body and soul. Sophie Dahl invites you into a delightful world where every meal is a story, and there’s always an excuse for cake.

Anna Sui:  Andrew Bolton (Chronicle Books $60.00 USD)

I used to watch Fashion Television religiously as a teen growing up in Rexdale.  Man, watching the likes of Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson and Marc Jacobs and Todd Oldham not only influenced my style sense as a teen they also challenged me to be an independent fashion trend setter in my world.

Watching Anna, Todd and Marc translate grunge street fashion into a posh and designer brand fascinated and also irritated me.  What was wrong with my $6 plaid shirt that I bought from Bargain Harold’s? 

Anna Sui’s trendsetting rock-and-roll looks have made her one of this decade’s top five fashion icons (Time). Here, in the first book to cover the entire scope of Sui’s twenty-year career, fans get rare access to the designer’s creative process. This richly visual retrospective celebrates her influence; from her first show that snared the support of supermodels Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Kate Moss to the role she’s played in making the baby doll dress one of fashion’s most iconic silhouettes. With more than 400 photographs from legendary photographers, this exquisite shimmering foil-stamped cover is essential for all fashionistas.

That said this book is more than a coffee table book.  Indeed it is heavy and beautifully written and photographed but it’s nice to see from beginning to end how Anna out her looks together back in the day.  Now that Betsey Johnson is off the block – watching an icon like Anna continue to carry a brand in this fickle fashion landscape is something to be celebrated as she stayed not only true to her fans but herself.

Moleskine Passions: Music Journal

Moleskine Passions:  Music Journal

Being a total music geek, I love to learn about new and cool bands.  I love listening to music on my ipod to and from work, travelling, going on short subway trips as I run errands etc.  – It’s such a huge part of my self-care. 

There are times when I feel slightly inundated with tunes.  Last summer at Lollapalooza in particular – there were just so many bands, so much music and so many different things going that I wanted to research when I got back to Toronto.  I remember hoping I had something to write in to document my fav tunes and musical journeys.

This summer – I have myself sorted.  Why you ask?  Well I picked up a ‘Moleskine Passions:  Music Journal’.   Here are the deets (it’s a bit luxe, but that’s me):

Moleskine Passions: Music Journal

It’s fully embossed cover, 3 ribbon place markers and double expandable inner pocket.

6 theme-based sections to fill in: Artists, Lyrics, Playlists, Concerts, My Life in Music, Music Map.

6 tabbed sections to personalize as you wish with adhesive labels.

12 pages of staff paper and 28 blank pages in which to unleash your passion’s creativity.

Several adhesive labels: 80 to be used on the blank tabs, 150 with coloured icons and 12 to customize the cover.

13×21 cm, 5 x 8, 240 pages, acid-free paper.

This lil baby is something I keep in my purse and work bag – for easy access.  My friend’s mentions, tweet’s, Facebook status music updates – all go into it.  Gone are the days of me scrambling to pop it into my phone, scraps of paper or napkins.

It’s very sleek and just looks like an uber cool music notebook.  Very organized and a great place to pop in newspaper articles, Metro pictures, concert tickets and working playlists for working out and ‘on the go’ travel.  I’m always thinking about travel playlists so when I have a Genius Mix that pulls up a song that I haven’t heard in ages – the reminder goes directly into my Moleskine. 

The other night going home from work ‘Animal Instincts’ and ‘You and Me’ from The Cranberries appeared out of the blue.  It was so lovely.  I scribbled in a reminder to make a playlist around it for future trips home from work.  It’s the lil things people.

Yours in music,

Mel xo

Book Report: ‘Please Look After Mom’ Written by Kyung-Sook Shin

'Please Look After Mom' Written by Kyung-Sook Shin

‘Please Look After Mom’

Written by Kyung-Sook Shin

It’s very rare that I read a book and feel so utterly moved that I take moments out of my reading and think about what emotions and memories they evoke for me from my own past.

I had an emotional reaction whilst reading ‘Please Look After Mom’.  It made me think of my relationship with my own mom.  Those early years as a rambunctious teen with a whole lot of mod attitude and giving her the hardest trailblazing time.  Hey, I was the first born and I wanted my fun and fought for it.

‘Please Look After Mom’ tells the story of a family’s search for their missing mother — and their discovery of the desires, heartaches and secrets they never realized she harboured within.

When sixty-nine-year-old So-nyo is separated from her husband among the crowds of the Seoul subway station, and vanishes, their children are consumed with loud recriminations, and are awash in sorrow and guilt. As they argue over the “Missing” flyers they are posting throughout the city — how large of a reward to offer, the best way to phrase the text — they realize that none of them have a recent photograph of Mom. Soon a larger question emerges: do they really know the woman they called Mom?

Told by the alternating voices of Mom’s daughter, son, her husband and, in the shattering conclusion, by Mom herself, the novel pieces together, Rashomon-style, a life that appears ordinary but is anything but.

This is a mystery of one mother that reveals itself to be the mystery of all our mothers: about her triumphs and disappointments and about who she is on her own terms, separate from who she is to her family.

Getting back to my teen years – some battles I won.  Some I lost.  But all these years later I see how those battles and wins shaped me similarly to what the characters in the book experienced.  I only have my mom to thank for that.  My love of music, art, travel, drive, emotion and sometimes brassiness – all comes from her.  Her sacrifice – always endless.  Even today.

‘Please Look After Mom’ reminded me of everything my mom has done for me, given me, cooked for me, fought for me and cherished for me.  There were moments I actually wept because of the pure beauty in the words, language, tone and sentiment of this book.  In a way it kinda changed my life.  I know – it’s cheesy to say.  But it’s true. 

There was a moment in the last few month’s where I actually thanked my mom for something she did for me as a teen.  This is something let’s say we don’t really do in my culture.  Now I said it over the phone (small steps) – but I’m glad I told her. 

Thank you to Lindsey at Random House – I have a free copy of ‘Please Look After Mom’ up for grabs.  Sign up to my blog and you could win yourself this lovely work.  If you are already subscribed consider yourself already entered.  Contest Closes on May 12, 2012.

If you don’t win it, pick up a copy for your Mum’s for Mother’s Day and remember her to thank her in your own special way.

Best of Luck! 

Mel xo

The Toronto Star: J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore site for all things Harry

Muddled Muggles online rejoice!

J.K. Rowling’s long awaited online venture, Pottermore, an everything Harry Potter-related website is set to launch in April.

The site was supposed to launch in October of last year, but the expected demand caused those behind it to push back the launch.

A statement posted on the site this week says testing was extended after feedback from early users made it “clear that our original platform wouldn’t be suitable when millions more users came on to the site.”

The site currently features a welcome video from Rowling, and notes that Pottermore is in Beta. The video states the site is a place for Potter fans to come together, but there will also be ways for them to engage and help build the site, although it’s not exactly clear how they will be able to contribute and participate.

The site is also supposed to offer audio and e-book editions of the seven Potter novels, but Rowling spokesman Mark Hutchinson said Thursday that the sale date for e-books had not been confirmed.

Rowling had for years resisted making her work available in digital form