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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer

Tweet: A gripping mystery with a fascinating, original protagonist. Once started, impossible to put down.

I picked up Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer because the cover button announced “WINNER 2014 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.” This will be great, I thought. I love old peculiar crime novels. Silly me. I didn’t know that that Theakson Old Peculier is a British ale, or that the company sponsors one of the top crime writing festivals in the U.K.  Its 'Crime Novel of the Year' designation is a coveted and well regarded award, notable for allowing the public to vote in addition to a jury.  Well, I may be an idiot when it comes to beers, but I definitely know crime novels and mysteries, and here is what I know about Rubbernecker:  It is truly an excellent read.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Tweet:  A wonderful book for the hopeful declutterer that focuses on joy, order, and yes, changing your life. Believe it or not, it works.

     My home never seems to be neat. I’m not a hoarder; more like the Glamour Don’t of Housekeeping. I have tried every decluttering method, purchased half of the Container Store and followed Flylady.net religiously, all to no avail. I admit it: I am a slob. So when Marie Kondo’s tiny tome, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,  appeared in the B&N best seller bay, I did my best to ignore it.  But after weeks of watching it walk out of the store with multitudes of housekeeping hopefuls, I succumbed to its peaceful cover and brought it home. It promised magic, but did it deliver? Here’s what happened to me…