Laurie’s Rants Provide Ideas for Book Shopping

Laurie Ellis is married to my cousin Shady. They live in Arlington and I see him more than I do Laurie. But the one thing I do enjoy about knowing Laurie is knowing about Laurie’s Book Rants.

Here is a quote from a review of a Calvin Trillin novel:

Oh to be loved so well. This is a beautifully written book about an incredible love that death does nothing to diminish. Sad, made me cry, but not depressing. Almost joyful/hopeful for the rest of us? …to know such depth of feeling is possible. I read it in two sittings, but probably about an hour total. I wanted to save and savor it, but just couldn’t stop myself.

She reads more than the average person….it seems like she goes through dozens of books a month. Then she writes short little summaries, sort of stream of consciousness little snippets about what she thought of the book. Sometimes she doesn’t finish the books, but most of the time she does.

Today is Cindy’s fiftieth birthday. We had a wonderful time at dinner last night with our close friends Jack and Laura, enjoying sea bass and the piano playing of Emory Smith at Carmelina’s. A blanket of new snow has fallen, and we slept late and ate french toast in our pajamas. Now we’re heading out, armed with discount coupons, to Barnes and Noble. And the first place I went before we left, to get inspiration for our shopping–Laurie’s Book Rants!