Hungry for books

It's been a little while since I posted a book review here, but I haven't had a chance to do much reading these days! Fall flew by, and the holiday season has been pretty crazy. But I finally got around to reading Food: A Love Story by comedian Jim Gaffigan – a very timely read for a season filled with favorite indulgences – and wanted to share my thoughts on it today (in a fittingly food-centric outfit, of course!).

Food: A Love Story is essentially comedian Jim Gaffigan's food diary that chronicles all the different types of typically American cuisines he's sampled (or rather, engulfed) during his cross-country travels. It serves as a foil to any and all health-conscious reads, and as someone who definitely loves an indulgence or two, I thought I would enjoy this one. Here's the thing, though. Comedy is really hard. It's probably one of the most difficult things you can do as a performer, especially if you aren't blessed with an innate gift for it. And even if you're a successful stand-up comedian (like Jim Gaffigan is), it's difficult to be able to translate that into a medium that people merely read, rather than watch. I actually like Jim, but overall, I felt like he was trying a little too hard to make this book funny – which is pretty much a death sentence in comedy – and like he was really trying to stretch out a very simple concept to fit a certain length. I'm an avid reader, but I really had to slog to get through this one; it became very repetitive very quickly, and honestly, it just wasn't that interesting to me after a while. I've had an on-again-off-again unhealthy relationship with food, and I related to a lot of his sentiments on some level... but even so, I had to force myself to keep reading it – which isn't exactly what you want with a book like this. The book has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon, so perhaps if you're less critical than I am – and you're looking for something lighthearted – you'll enjoy it. It made me think a lot about how acceptable it is within society for a man to be overweight and indulge in whatever he wants virtually without judgment, but women are rarely afforded the same courtesy. As someone who's struggled with weight for most of her life (and as someone for whom food is certainly a vice), perhaps I am just too sensitive to enjoy this book as it should. In addition, I'd rather read a funny memoir than a concept book, so take opinions with a grain of salt (food pun intended). I usually love anything to do with food, but this book let me unsatisfied. At least it gave me an excuse to wear this skirt! The Very Hungry Caterpillar will always be one of my favorite food-related reads. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Food: A Love Story. However, it might just be a really great gift for the junk-food-lover (or basically any dad) in your life. If you're interested, you can find it here!

Outfit Details

Very Hungry Caterpillar Skirt: Interrobang Art & Fashion

Red top: Bernie Dexter (similar)

Belt: from another dress

B.A.I.T. shoes: Zulily

Have you read any good books lately? I'd love some recommendations!

I received this book from the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Have a great weekend!

Bathing Suits + Book Reviews

I don't normally do non-Friday-Favorites posts on Fridays, but since I needed some extra rest once I got home from California, my blogging schedule got a little backed up. You might remember that I'm attempting to make book reviews a semi-regular feature here on The Soubrette Brunette. I'm also trying to find ways to tie the books in to an outfit post feature. Last month, I reviewed The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers (a memoir with a few laughs and a few problems), and I happened to wear a vintage dress that perfectly matched the book's cover. This month, I've entered the world of fiction with my review of Summer House with Swimming Pool by Herman Koch – and I'm wearing a new-to-me swimsuit for the occasion; I figured I'd pair a somewhat-scary story with the somewhat-scary premise of posting a photo of myself in a bathing suit on the internet.

I was completely unfamiliar with Mr. Koch's work prior to this experience, which can actually be a good thing, as I had neither expectations nor biases diving in to my reading material. I initially wanted to read the book because it was marketed as a murder mystery (and I looove those): when a famous actor dies under mysterious circumstances, his high profile doctor has to come up with answers. The trouble all started the summer before, when the actor and his wife invited the doctor and his family to their summer home in the Mediterranean – they soon find out that no one can be trusted.

The reviews I've read have called the book a "psychological thriller," and have compared Herman Koch to a "modern-day Agatha Christie." When I finally finished the book, I could see the truth in the former, but not in the latter. Mr. Koch has an incredibly distinctive voice – one that is very different from my own – and his writing is powerful and compelling. His writing is definitely controversial and it's clear that he likes to push boundaries with his readers; he even admits that he likes to make them feel uncomfortable and enjoys playing devil's advocate through his characters. Koch's narrator isn't likable or reliable (he actually borders on sociopathic), but he's absolutely captivating. The book is told through a series of flashbacks, and there were times that I gasped out loud through the story's many twists and turns. In many ways, the book could be considered a mystery, but unlike Agatha Christie's work, Koch's main characters are in no way endearing. He also makes astute comments on socialized medicine, creative types and the human condition; the "thriller" aspects of the book come in much later, and the story is built in such a way that it's a bit difficult to box it into a specific genre. All in all, despite how despicable many of these characters are, I completely relished the book. I couldn't put it down (and I don't say that about many books these days). It was my go-to reading material for my recent travels, and if you aren't super-squeamish, I'd recommend this book for sure.

If you're interested in reading Summer House with Swimming Pool, you can find it here!

Have you read any good page-turners this summer? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Outfit Details

Swimsuit: Pinup Girl Clothing (swap & sell group)

Mel by Melissa wedges: similar

Popsicle necklace: similar

Sunglasses: Unique Vintage

Donut pool float: Amazon

Have a great start to your weekend!

I received this book from the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.

Baby Blue + Book Reviews

I've always been an avid reader, though I've recently found it difficult to find the excess time or energy to dive in to a new book. I love the written word, and I'm convinced that my early love of books helped me to become a skilled writer and eloquent speaker. It's been a challenge to make reading part of my routine again (I'm usually so exhausted by the end of the day that I pass out pretty quickly!), so I realized that if I combined it with my blogging calendar, I'd be able to reach my reading goals and provide some different content for my readers – a win-win! I'm planning on making it a semi-regular feature, and first up for review is The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers.

In general, I am very much a fan of biographies and memoirs, especially ones that chronicle those in the entertainment industry. I love being able to peer into the lives of fellow performers (even when their books aren't especially well-written), and these books usually provide a lot of sound advice. I always liked Joan Rivers, and since I also have an incredibly close bond with my mother, I was eager to learn more about Melissa's and Joan's relationship. Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I felt the humor was forced at times (Melissa has an immense appreciation for her mom's humor, to be sure, but her own execution of it often fell flat). Joan had such a big personality, and I'm impressed by how skillfully Melissa held her own and learned to thrive while working so closely with her mom.

The book felt a bit scattered, and I wish Melissa's editors had been more unwavering in their duties, as there were some cringeworthy oversights that they failed to catch (though admittedly, they were things that most likely bother me more than they would the average person, i.e., the use of "guesstimating" and incorrect usage of semi-colons). Joan wrote two memoirs of her own, and ultimately, I wish this book had relied a little less on Joan's voice and comedic bits; although I was amused by all of the Joan-isms peppered throughout, I would have been interested to read a more focused account of their unique relationship. It seemed to me that Melissa feels like she has big shoes to fill in terms of comedy and tried too hard to make her jokes land. The book would've been a more successful piece if Melissa had simply remained true to herself and let go of the desire to make everything laugh-out-loud funny. Comedy doesn't work if you're trying too hard or if you're not being honest, and I wish those facts had been among the many lessons that Joan taught her daughter. However, writing a book is no easy task, and I think Melissa is to be applauded for the heartfelt moments that she did manage to include in this book, especially when Joan's sudden passing is still so fresh. It's clear how much Joan doted on her daughter (despite any jokes made at her expense), and finding out more about their bond was certainly the highlight of the book for me.

If you're interested in reading The Book of Joan for yourself, you can find it here! 

Have you read any good books lately? Do you have any recommendations for my next review?

Outfit Details

Vintage dress: Geronimo Vintage

Book ring: ModCloth (similar)

Flats: Aerosoles (similar)

Have a great Monday!

I received this book from the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review.