The cold weather version of our summer reading poll: tell us about a great book to curl up with on a frosty winter night, and what fragrance we should wear while reading it.
Note: top image is Max the Brown Tabby Cat with Books 2 [cropped] by Found Animals Foundation at flickr; some rights reserved.
I rarely sit down to read much anymore; I am far more likely to listen to an audiobook while I putter around doing other things. However, with that caveat, I am thoroughly enjoying The Goldfinch right now. It has these wonderfully realized characters and a strong sense of place–it begins in NYC, meanders to Las Vegas, and now has me back in the City, years later. There’s a lot of darkness, some violence, drugs, and loneliness, but somehow the author has me convinced that there will be redemption by the end! (I hope I’m not wrong!!)
So, I don’t know–should you choose a rummy, dark scent (perhaps a little sleazy Tabu?) or should you wear something light to keep you from falling into despair (a dab of sparkling Ubar?)?
Marjorie Rose – Ubar! The girls i went to high school with (not the nice girls, either) wore Tabu. Can’t get over the association.
Oh no! I wore Tabu when I was in high school too. I hope I wasn’t looked at as one of the mean girls!
Scentfromabove, no one could be as mean as that crew was! I’m sure people just thought you smelled great.
I wore Tabu in high school, too, and thought you meant something else by “not the nice girls.” Fair enough, I thought, Did we go to high school together?
Laurels, that’s what I thought she meant, too! 😀
It’s funny–I know Tabu has such associations, but for me, it is just a more voluptuous and rounded big Oriental. Like Opium or Youth Dew, but with a bigger décolletage!
I loved the Goldfinch. I would go with something sleazy, but haven’t had the pleasure of smelling Tabu. I think I have a little vintage mini of it somewhere that I may have to break out today…
Have you read The Secret History? It’s another Donna Tartt and is wonderful as well. I think I liked The Goldfinch more, but it is still a really powerful, compelling read with a lush story and fascinating characters.
I saw that there is a copy of The Secret History at the library, and I wondered if I should put it next on my list. Thank you for the recommendation!
I will happily 2nd (or 4th or 5th ) The Secret History. That one goes on the desert island with me.
I’m just starting The Secret Having having read and thoroughly enjoyed The Goldfinch.
I did not like the LV portion of the story – downright depressing; and I really thought the righting could have benefitted from a stronger editor, but overall a great read.
Extra plus was actually seeing The Goldfinch painting at The Frick shortly after having finished the book!
I’m with you, Floralgal, I thought that The Goldfinch could have benefitted a lot from stronger editing. It was still incredible, but could have used some trimming in places. You all have to let me know how you like The Secret History!
I thought Goldfinch was about 200 pages too long and would have benefitted from a good editor. It is a long time since I’ve read the Secret History but that is a wonderful novel.
I’ll 4th The Secret History. Has anyone read The Little Friend? I bought it shortly after it came out, but my elder nephew was about 2 at the time, the apple of everyone’s eye, and I couldn’t bring myself to read it, due to its subject matter. If it’s anywhere near as good as the other two, I’ll have to steel myself and give it a try.
I read about half of The Little Friend, and I really did not care for it. I read it after I read The Secret History and The Goldfinch, but I just could not get into it. It’s not terrible, I just didn’t find the storytelling as compelling as in her other two books, and I think storytelling is such a strong suit of hers. I was pretty disappointed with it, but I didn’t stick it out, so who knows.
Loved Secret History, haven’t gotten to Goldfinch, could not get into Little Friend. Got about halfway in and just lost interest – put it down and never picked it back up until the book was due back to the library. I never ever do that – I read fast so I try to finish a book I’m not digging, just in case it get better. That one, I was not enjoying it and I did not envision an ending which would redeem it, so I gave up.
But it’s always worth a shot, I think, particularly when you’ve enjoyed some of the author’s other work.
Alright. So The Secret History has been placed on my library list.
I haven’t finished The Goldfinch, yet, so my opinion will surely evolve. And I can see why the time in Las Vegas could be seen as too much or extraneous. However, I feel like one of the themes of the book has been how we carry (literally and figuratively) our parents’ legacies with us into adulthood, and so I think it is important that we get to know Theo’s father first hand, at least a bit. But I agree, it isn’t *fun* to be in that world, and I am grateful to be out of it!
Yes, I did think the time in LV was bleak, but I also really enjoyed it. It’s such an important part of Theo’s life. And it’s also where we meet Boris, who is maybe my favorite character in the book. 🙂
Yes, Boris is a lot fun, isn’t he? A whirlwind of joyful chaos–you just know trouble is around the next corner whenever he’s in the scene!
Loved The Secret History! I also enjoyed The Goldfinch (though not as much as TSH). I’ve heard so-so things about The Little Friend.
Well, being the history nerd that I am, my book of choice this winter is Margaret MacMillan’s incredible “The war that ended Peace” which looks at the various events that lead to the first World War. Sounds a bit dry, but she is a marvelous writer and this book is actually hard to put down. Next I will tackle her previous book, that logically should be read after TWTEP, “Paris 1919” about the Treaty of Versaille that ended the 1st WW, but unfortunately created the elements that lead to the 2nd WW.
Reading book on history makes me want to sit by the fire in a library full of old books. So, scent of choice has to be some rich vanilla scent, like Havana Vanille, or some amber like Ambre Sultan. A*Men Pure Wood would/will also be a great choice.
History is a great choice! I’ve never read Margaret MacMillan, need to go shopping. Just gave away all my books on military history to a friend’s son. Hard to do, but he seems to need them more.
I’ve had Paris 1919 on my reading list forever.
Do read The War that ended Peace first as it makes it easier to understand who the characters involved in the Peace Treaty were. Soooo many people involved!
Thanks for the recommendation. I just read a review and it sounds fascinating. I love these reading list polls. NST people read the most interesting books.
Right now I am catching up on old best sellers. I’m reading Annie Proulx The Shipping News, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I often can sense the weird isolation of Newfoundland in the deep Poconos, lol. It can be equally dreary and charming here and that’s the truth. Any of my warm and civilised orientals will due for this book as a remedy to rustic isolation. Right now I’m wearing Guerlain Bois d’Armenie (trying to make up my mind – it’s so wonderful); but the other day I was wearing Coco, and I think I’ll be wearing Alahine or Bal a Versailles tomorrow….
I really enjoy the first 20 minutes of Bois d’Armenie, but sadly, it becomes very faint soon after that! It must last better for you, huh?
i may have a decant of Bois d’Armenie somewhere but despite that, I did not refuse a 1.5 mL dabber sample from the Bergdorf Guerlain counter. Guerlain counters are notorious for not providing samples but maybe I formed that wrong conclusion based on the stinginess of the Saks Guerlain counter. I know, you’re all probably all sick of me and my rants against Saks @@
I got my sample of BdA from the Guerlain boutique in Vegas, and she did not seem convinced that I was worth the cost of the 1mL she gave me. . . I have heard since that there are other SAs there that are quite friendly, but the lady I met seemed to be more attuned to the high-end cosmetics sales than the curious-perfumista-type.
Ugh, what a terrible experience. There is just no excuse for anyone making anyone feel like they are not worth x!
I loved The Shipping News, I should re-read it.
You know you want some… P-)
Loved The Shipping News.
In honor of “Shades of Grey” getting ready to release the movie in February, I would say to read the series. Don’t read if you get offended easily. My SOTD is Chloe EDP. So different from the original Chloe, but still a very nice fragrance. I am still on the fence whether it is FB worthy. Have a good weekend everyone.
I heard the most offensive thing about it was the complete lack of editing! Definitely get offended by that sort of thing…
Perfume blogger and professional translator Denyse Beaulieu of Grain de Musc did the French translation of 50 Shades of Gray. I heard on the radio in Montreal the ladies reviewing it said that the story was utterly boring but the translation was beautiful. 🙂 Ha!
I’m also a professional translator. I wouldn’t have touched Fifty Shades of Grey with a barge pole.
I wasn’t offended by the sex, but I did get totally annoyed by yet another story about a woman who defines her sense of worth by the man she’s with. Which, come to think of it, is part of what I detested about the Twilight books, too (of which Shades of Grey is apparently loosely based upon).
Ha, cosign.
Not many self-publishing authors bother to have their books edited. That one was no exception.
Actually, come to think of it, a lot of legitimate publishers dispense with editors/copy-editors/proofreaders these days. It’s a disgrace.
The perfect scent to cozy up to a book with ( any book– it’s the coziness that counts) is Santal Exotique which is filled with warm spices and real sandalwood. So glad the weather is appropriate for it to be my SOTD
Adding this to my sample list!
Yes, it sounds lovely!
It’s from Exotic Island Perfumer and I got it off of etsy
I’d curl up with Robertson Davies. World of Wonders is an amazing read. Or Patrick O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey/Stephen Maturin novels. Would choose something oriental – vintage Shalimar, perhaps. Or Ubar.
SOTD is Tubereuse Criminelle. Freezing to death and needed the weird, narcotic warmth. Definitely not one to wear to the office.
Oh I love Robertson Davies! I have read several of his books and so admire his writing style and wit.
And you can go back and read them again and again. More arcane, but also great – Edmund Crispin for old-style mysteries.
Duly noted! I will check it out and thanks for the rec 🙂
I love Robertson Davies, too!
I rarely have the time to sit down with a book for an extended period in winter – my book reading is usually relegated to summer – and I’m also another one who has made the switch to audio books, in the hope that I can get my literature fix while washing dishes. When I think “cozy,” in terms of scent, I think about Jacomo Art Collection #8 (chai tea), or something with a warm golden vibe, like Ambre Narguile, or Ambre Fetiche.
On a different note (sorry), I just got my order from Soivohle’ yesterday, and wanted to give a shout out to Liz Zorn, who creates the most intriguing and beautiful perfumes. Apparently, she’s going to stop making what she calls “mixed media” scents, and begin making only naturals at the start of the new year. Which leads to my point – there’s a 50% off sale on all of her mixed media scents through mid-December, with an additional 10% off store-wide. Naturally, the combination of a sale and impending discontinuation compelled me to do a bit of stocking up.
I just tried Jacomo #8 last week. I randomly grabbed it out of my untried samples and I loved it. It is the perfect Chai Tea. Not overwhelming, but still warm and spicy.
And thanks for the heads up about Soivohle. Any recommendations? I am definitely willing to give it a shot at 50% off!
Yup. I’m a lover of black tea scents, and I have whopping-large bottle of #8. I find it totally comforting and happy! To me, it’s Tea for Two without the smoke and with some added musk, which makes it much more versatile.
So far, of the scents I ordered, my favorite is Night Jar. Rather than the “hot summer night” referred to in the description, I find this one to be reminiscent of a cool, dark evening, with a glow of blooming night flowers. It’s lovely, and is, as described, a little haunting. I haven’t had a chance to really wear all of the ones I ordered, but I purchased 6, and from a short sampling session, I’m pleased with all of them.
Here’s the thing about her perfumes that I love, and that makes me feel confident in blind buying – no matter what, I’m always bringing my wrist up to my nose, thinking, “That’s really different, interesting, and intriguingly smellable.” I’ve smelled only a couple of scents from this line that I probably wouldn’t wear regularly, but given that I’ve sampled perhaps 15 or so, the odds are in my favor. I also like that they come in manageable 11 ml bottles.
I don’t usually recommend blind buying – for reasons we’re all familiar with – but I couldn’t pass up the sale.
That sounds wonderful. I’m not opposed to blind-buying, and I’m not very picky and have ended up liking almost all of my blind buys. You have made “Night Jar” sound extremely appealing. I think I will probably have good luck, and I hate to think there are scents out there I’ll never be able to smell because they’re being discontinued!
Only sells to US.
If only NJ unemployment would give me my money– I lost my job at the end of Sept, couldn’t get any money until interview with them yesterday, and now they say they won’t make a decision until after my school faxes them how many credits I am taking and 5-10 days after that (I’m assuming business days) and I’m getting real tired of having less than $5 in my possession. If I had money I’d be all over this sale– Soivohle is my favorite house. Unhappy girl here
I agree, Soivohle is a favorite of mine, as well. Don’t be unhappy – send me an email, and I’ll mail you some samples from my new stash! You can reach me at lisadarty, with the suffix hotmail.
So sorry! Good luck getting it worked out.
They don’t make it easy for you, huh. I hope the gears start moving faster for you soon.
What are some of the favorite Liz Zorn “mixed media” scents? I’ve never tried them, but some of the prices are doable for me. Thanks for the sale info.
PriscillaE, I don’t know that there are any real “favorites” from this line, because they tend to not have universal appeal. That’s what makes them so interesting. With that said, from the ones I just ordered, I think most perfumistas would find Night Jar and Daybreak Violin very wearable, and if you like gourmands, Figgy Plum (despite the unfortunate name) is yummy. Hmm, didn’t you post recently about trying to find a reasonably priced spicy rose? If that was you, I hope you read my response (in which I suggested you try Perles de Lalique).
That was me. Thanks for the suggestion. I’m going to try a couple of the Liz Zorn scents and I’ll look for Perles de Lalique.
Honeysuckle Bird is my favorite mixed media scent that I own, and I’d love to own Rose For Beacon Free
Thank you SO much for the Soivohle info – I adore Centennial, and although I had purchased another 11ml (my first one is half gone, and I love it so much on cold days) on my last birthday, I can’t just let it go out of existence without stocking up. #potentialhoarder
My other two favorites, now that Violets & Rainwater is gone, are Daybreak Violin and Rosa sur Reuse.
If I’ve enabled you into acquiring more for your perfume hoard, and cheaply, then my work here is done. I liked Daybreak Violin quite a lot, too. A previous purchase, Orris Ochre, is also a favorite.
I just finished O’Reilly’s Killing Patton, which was very good. My complaint is that he covers battles, troop movement, leaders, etc. of WWII in Europe from the time of America’s involvement in 1944, but it is only in the final chapter that he mentions anything to do with Patton’s death. So the title was very misleading. Fragrance maybe the above mentioned Bois d’Armenie for the smokiness/burning of war?
Getting ready to crack open the third volume in Follett’s century trilogy, Edge of Eternity. I actually paid full price for a hardback book in support of a small, local bookstore. I’m usually much tighter than that! I’d definitely wear something like Aura Cacia’s Tranquility blend which is heavy on the ’60s patchouli.
Not a great book, but the recent airing of Outlander on Starz got me picking up the series where I left off a decade ago with Drums of Autumn. Descriptions of tramping through North Carolina forests had me wanting Norne so that’s what I am wearing today.
For a truly thought-provoking book, I recommend Touching the Void, by Joe Simpson. Two climbers in the Andes, one falls into a crevasse and cannot get out, the other must cut the rope linking them together or die himself. Would you, could you, cut the rope? BTW, this is non-fiction.
Drums of Autumn is probably my least favorite of the expansive Outlander series. Still worth a read, though.
And TOuching the VOid is gripping.
Anna Karenina and Chanel’s Cuir de Russie pair perfectly with the wintry chill.
And I don’t meant to hijack this post, but I need some advice!
Next month I’ll be attending a wedding in Rio de Janeiro, and I want to bring along a perfume that I can wear both for the main event and throughout my stay there (I won’t have time to shop when I’m there, unfortunately).
The weather is going to be stiflingly hot, so I want something light and easy to wear, nothing heavy or too complex. I’m thinking something tropical with white flowers, more pretty than beachy. I’ve recently tried the Brazilian-inspired Batucada by L’Artisan and Bahiana by Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier, and while I find them interesting, neither is love-at-first-sniff.
Hot-weather scents I like: OJ Frangipani, OJ Ta’if, Nasomatto Nuda, FM Lys Mediterranee, Hermes Eau des Merveilles (already own a bottle of this), Marni, MDCI Un Coeur en Mai
Hot-weather scents I don’t like: Manoumalia (too suffocating), FM Carnal Flower (don’t much love it in the cold, either), SL Datura Noir (meh), anything that has orange blossom as the predominant note (i.e. Seville a l’Aube – just doesn’t work for me)
Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
Gosh, the two OJs you mention would have been my suggestions! I haven’t had a lot of luck choosing truly warm-weather florals, since I like my scents to have enough complexity to keep my attention over time, and lighter scents tend to seem less interesting. I have nearly drained my bottle of Tauer’s Zeta (linden blossom) in two summers, but I don’t know how it would hold up in humidity. In the not-a-floral category, I love the sandalwood of Bois des Iles in warm weather. Good luck and hope you have a great trip!
Frangipani and Ta’if are both so, so gorgeous. My intention was to choose a new fragrance that I can associate with my trip, but I may just bite the bullet and bring a sample of both. You know, just in case. 😉
It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind!
Could try Dior Escale a Portofino. It’s very light and pretty, with a bit of almond complexity. There is some orange blossom, but predominant note is citrus. Lovely in warm weather.
Never heard of that one! I’ll try to nab a sample. Thanks for the heads up!
Do you like any of the Atelier Cologne? Rose Anonyme might work.
I have sniffed Rose Anonyme, and I remember thinking it was ok. Maybe a re-sniffing is in order (I’ve been known to change my mind!).
I would also suggest the OJs. But my favourite florals for stifling hot humid weather, and I experience a LOT of that, are FM Lys Mediterranee and Carnal Flower. Both are characterful florals that have a refreshing edge to them, the LM through a lovely aquatic dimension, it really is water-lily not just lily, and the CF through a kind of old-suitcase-y coolness that sounds awful but keeps the tuberose from being overwhelmingly sickly. I used to be a strictly citrus cologne girl over the height of summer but those two have given me something to live for while waiting for autumn!
Sorry, to clarify, I think you already have the best on your list, but it might be matter of trying them on location and they might surprise you with their suitability for that weather.
You may be right, beck. Thanks for the tip!
I really like Annick Goutal Songes in hot weather
You know, I tend to think of Songes as a late winter/early spring scent. But I must be really missing out, because I keep reading that summer is the time to wear it! Thanks for the reminder, tomate farcie!
FYI, a number of years ago I tried perfumes from a Brazilian cosmetics line, O Boticario. It appears they now offer a vast selection – might be fun to try if you get a chance.
I actually like Prada Infusion d’Iris in hot humid weather.
Must check it out! Thanks for the tip. 🙂
Hey, if you would like some tips about Rio, I’d love to help you out.
Any suggestions for must-see attractions/places to visit, let me know! We have Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Scenarium already on our list of things to do/see.
Sure! Just write me: anastasiaguidi, hotmail.
You’ll love Rio, and I have a few useful tips!
My favorite hot weather scents are Sous Le Toit and vintage White Shoulders. Not floral but excellent in high heat and humidity is Fils de Dieu ( I purchased it in the middle of a heat wave last year so I can vouch for it in 100 degree temps with humidity over 90%)
I’ll be sure to check those out. Thanks for the recs!
Frangipani was my first thought! Or Sampaquita? Let’s see, what else… Diptyque Eau Rose? Refreshing and simple but so pretty. Or L’Ombre dans l’eau for that matter. The Marni Rose flanker? I would say it’s even more suitable for hot weather than the original… A number of Ineke’s could fit the bill, if you haven’t tried them already.
Have a great trip! What fun.
I was actually just thinking I should try the Marni rose flanker! And I’ve yet to sniff the Diptyque – how does it compare to SL Sa Majeste La Rose (I find the SL quite nice, but a little bloodless, if that makes sense)?
Good question! It’s been a little while since I smelled Sa Majeste but if I’m remembering correctly, Eau Rose is actually a little quieter, so in that respect it may be too tame to fit the bill here. On the other hand, I find it more charming than Sa Majeste–Eau Rose is really very appealing for something so simple. It doesn’t have the oomph of, say, Ta’if, but it does wear great in hot weather!
Good to know! Thanks!
Wow. You and I have VERY similar taste. I suggest OJ Tiare. Have you tried it?
As a matter of fact, I’m sampling it as I write this. At first sniff, it’s heavier than I would like for the Brazilian heat, but the drydown is just killer. I’m thinking it would be a super elegant option for the wedding (which is, incidentally, black tie). Between Tiare and Frangipani, I may just be set perfume-wise. Ormonde Jayne is just too flippin’ good.
I’m almost at the end of Michael Chabon’s Telegraph Avenue. It would be a good winter read to cozy up with, since it’s long and intricate, but I have no idea what scent to wear with it. I don’t generally associate books and perfume. I did recently finish The Perfume Collector, and that was quite good fun.
Reading this now for book club and yes, it is good fun. Madame Zed, creator of Lanvin’s My Sin is one of the characters.
Talking about The Perfume Collector, of course.
Loving that cat picture. I wonder what he is reading!
A co-worker recently turned me on to the Louise Penny Inspector Gamache mystery series, and I am on my third.
Murder mysteries might be my favorite genre, I have always loved them ever since reading much of the Nancy Drew series in 3rd grade.
Next, I might treat myself to the second newest JD Robb. I typically wait until the price drop on kindle to read the new ones. Haven’t checked in awhile but hoping it’s close.
I’ve heard great things about the Louise Penny series! I’m a sucker for mysteries and I will have to check those out.
Do – the rumors are true 🙂
Just love starting a new series, because if I like thecharacters I get more time with them.
I second Louise Penny. I suggest reading the books in order of publication.
For scent, I wore Balmain Ambre Gris to bed last night, and that was cozy.
The other day I tried Bvlgari Black on one wrist and 20 minutes later Vanille Incensee on the other. I liked both, and I liked them together. Going to have to try each separately now!
I do adore Penny’s stories, but very hesitant to read her latest one as I’ve heard it’s quite a change from her previous writing.
Gosh, I learned about the Penny series here on this blog and loved them- I have read the entire series so far and love how Penny is so adept at nuancing her characters! Enjoy!
I grew up on Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and Agatha Christie, have enjoyed several other (ungruesome) mystery series, such as “The Cat Who…”, and was excited to read my first Louise Penny… but I just couldn’t get into it. I tried. I really really tried. I’m still not sure why it didn’t click with me.
Love Agatha Christie. So happy she authored so many books over her lifetime!
I’m in the middle of a few things at the moment, all great for winter. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, which is unlike any of his other works I have read. Far less bleak. I’m also in the middle of Bonjour, Tristesse, by Francoise Sagan and The Woman Destroyed by Simone de Beauvoir, which are both wonderful, but incredibly Melancholy. While not necessarily a scent associated with winter, I like them with a bit of Apres L’Ondee because it manages to capture the melancholy imagery, but also leaves you feeling hopeful, which is much needed after these reads.
I would be curious if anyone has any suggestions for movies they like in the winter? What movies are you watching?
On an unrelated note (sorry folks!), I thought I’d ask another question here since you all are such an intelligent and eclectic bunch of lovely people. Has anyone seen the film Celine and Julie Go Boating? And does anyone know why this film is weirdly hard to get a hold of? I watched it last night (absolutely stunning, whimsical, wonderful) but it has taken me years to obtain a copy. I work in a library and ended up begging a library in Wisconsin to ILL it to me. Still, it was only a region 2 DVD so I had to play it on my computer, plug in my HDMI cord, and THEN I could watch it on my television.
I don’t understand why this film is so difficult to come by. It seems crazy to me, and I’ve looked into it, but all I can find is that it IS difficult to come by, not WHY.
Sorry for the long-winded post, folks. I just cannot figure this out! Please share about the movies you’re watching too, if you’d like!
Oh, this is one of my favorite movies! I have no idea why it’s so hard to get though – except it is obscure, and long, and French, and old… Still you would expect to see it in the Criterion Collection or something. Sorry I don’t have any information for you, but just wanted to share the love!
It is SO wonderful! I had watched it before a bunch of times on Youtube with horrible subtitles for the first hour and a half and no subtitles for the last hour and a half. I emailed Criterion over the summer inquiring as to why they didn’t have it, and they said they would “look into it.” I just don’t understand! It’s such a wonderful, wonderful film. Long, for sure, but such a fun and whimsical journey. I’m so happy the library in Wisconsin would loan it out to me. It was nice to have quality subtitles throughout the whole film and good video quality. The movie was SO different with well-translated subtitles that actually sync up to when the actors speak. I hope to see it on Criterion someday!
Cormac McCarthy is wonderful! He shoots straight from the hip and is such an honest writer. I loved The Road which won the Pulitzer and is starkly beautiful. Many find is depressing and pessimistic, but to me, the whole point of the story is the power of love- about sacrifice, transformation, and enduring tenderness.
I love The Road too! I found it to be less depressing than a lot of his other works too. I think it’s really a sweet (?) and moving tale. His writing style is so unusual too. Very compelling. Blood Meridian is another favorite but it is VERY bleak and I felt very down while reading it. All the Pretty Horses is a very happy medium. I think there’s even going to be a love story! And nobody has died yet, although I think that will probably change. But still…
missylulu, I’ve never seen C&J Go Boating, but I’m putting it on my list. Whimsical and wonderful is just what I need in my movies, these days. Your description of the movie brings to mind one called The Science of Sleep, with Gael Garcia Bernal and Charlotte Gainsbourg, which I recommend.
If you like Science of Sleep, you should definitely watch Celine et Julie! Science of Sleep is one of my favorites. Go to your local library and see if you can ILL C & J. Then tell me how you like it! Lots of libraries won’t lend out A/V media, but I believe the one library that has it in WI is the one who lent it to me.
I tend to read several books in the same several week period. The two books I am currently reading are:
1. A mystery – “The Marco Effect” (Department Q Series) by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. I love this series and its quirky characters. The setting runs anytime year-round so while this is not necessarily a winter book, it’s a nice read. There’s a character Assad whose origins are mysterious but he keeps his Moslem practices and makes his colleagues drink what I can only describe as sinus- and gut-clearing tea – I don’t know what kind of tea can be made this strong. Anyway, Bvlgari Black would be a cozy scent to wear while reading this.
2. Fiction – Bones Never Lie by Kathy Reichs. For some reason, I thought the Bones series used to be classified under Mystery but it is now in the regular fiction shelf. The setting for this series vacillates between North Carolina and Montreal (and other locations as the characters pursue the murderers). I think I’ve read every book in this series and every new one keeps me engrossed. I would cozy up to amber scents as perfumes with amber keep me grounded, a nod to Temperance Brennan’s (the main character) forensic anthropologist profession.
I love Kathy Reichs as well and impatiently waited for her new books to come out when she first started the series. Haven’t read her in a while now but liked her protagonist better than Scarpetta from the Cornwell book series.
I stopped reading Patricia Cornwell right around the time she introduced Andy Brazil. Ever since then, her writing became tedious to read and her unhealthy relationship with Marino painful to see devolve.
Yes. This. I used to be a BIG Cornwell fan (and it was probably spurred on by the fact that my sister lived in Richmond and I was familiar with many of the places in the early novels), but in the most recent Scarpetta novels, her writing style became sort of… choppy? Not to mention depressing, what with the characters all dissolving into basket cases.
I loved the Dept Q series!
SOTD = a gourmand perfume that a perfumista friend wants me to guess what it is. I have an idea but will have to confirm later.
And now, another rant…off topic but you could equate it to perfume if you wanted to…
Some of you who like/love Starbucks probably know there is a limited edition sterling silver Starbucks card. The Starbucks store I happened to be at this morning has the item but when I asked to see it, I was told that they are not allowed to bring it out unless the requester buys it. Of all the stupid rules — did she think I was going to walk away with it without paying for it? She could have said it is in a sealed package (I don’t know if it is) and therefore, there is no way to examine the item without first buying it. While the idea of having a sterling silver card appeals to me, I was so put off by the barista’s poor attitude that it took the “joy” out of possibly getting it. I suppose it is money saved. Ah and of course, now that I think about it, I probably would not want the item to be swiped at the register and get the fingerprints of baristas if I chose to use it as a Starbucks card.
Would YOU buy the equivalent of jewelry without first looking at the item in person?
I think that’s just it, it isn’t a jewelry store and so they’re clueless as to handle this. Obviously nobody coached them on what to do if somebody asked them to see it. It seems pretty obvious to you and me, but for a barista who handles coffee maybe not.
What does it go for? It’s an interesting idea.
I actually had a Starbucks coffee yesterday – it’s not my coffee of choice but it was the only thing open at 5:30 AM in the morning. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty the dark roast was. And of course they’re all decked out for the holidays…
You are right – it’s a coffee shop. All the holiday stuff is out in full force!
Ooh, let me rant along with you! I had a similarly crazy customer service interaction at my gym. After my workout, I forgot my combination lock, and on my next visit I asked at the desk if I could check their “lost and found” box to see if my lock was there. The clerk told me that this was impossible – they didn’t allow members to examine any of the locks that they collected from the locker rooms. Does this make any sort of sense? Why would I claim a lock that wasn’t mine, for which I have no key or combination? Even if the lock had a key in it, to what dastardly advantage could I put it? It’s a lock, without a valuable, fer Pete’s sake. Crazy. 🙂
That’s really silly. I’ll just mention that my gym which I haven’t been to in a long time but keep paying for (shame on me) warned us not to use combination locks with the TSA key hole because anyone with a master key can have a field day. Mine is an old fashioned school locker type lock- right. left past the original number and right again.
A) No and B) here’s a shot:
http://www.starbucks.ca/promo/sterling-silver-starbucks-card
I think a 50-dollar card and a 150-dollar piece of jewellery would be a better way to spend the money, personally.
I agree! I think $150 can get me a nice pair of earrings at Tiffany’s 😉
This is such a great Christmas gift, however, for those that love Starbucks coffee.
You’re enabling me to walk into Tiffany’s. I haven’t been in a while and it is walking distance from the office 🙂
I really think that’s bonkers. You shouldn’t have to pay for it without being able to examine it first. I work in retail, and that would be a BIG no-no. We sell fragrances and have testers for EVERYTHING. Even if it is something like a shower gel, or a foaming face wash, or a foaming body oil for the shower, products that wouldn’t normally have testers, if someone wants to try it, we open one up and put it in a little sample pot or bottle for them to take home and try. If we have manufacturer’s samples we will also give them one of those. Yes, we have to put a bottle of product aside, but it is good customer service, and it is what establishes loyalty. Maybe your barista just wasn’t thinking and the company hasn’t given them a good policy on how to handle this type of situation yet. My long-winded point is, you should DEFINITELY be able to see it before you purchase it.
One of the barista’s didn’t even know what I was talking about! I guess they are not as well trained as they should be. It’s really not just about the coffee anymore!
Man, that’s a bummer. It looks pretty cool, too! It’s really not just about the coffee anymore.
After just finishing Suzanne Rindell’s The Other Typist (Shalimar is a perfect fit for that one), I’m re-reading Belle Cora by Phillip Margulies since the first time I read it, I ended up drifting off to sleep since I only had time to read it in the evenings then. It’s really engrossing and even more so since somewhat based on an actual madame from the 19th century. For this one, I’m wearing Violetta di Parma because it seems delicate but has a vein of strength woven underneath.
So can anyone offer opinions on monthly perfume subscription boxes? It seems like I’ve read mention of a few (though I can’t remember where for the life of me) and I was checking out Olfactive yesterday and am intrigued. But I don’t know what’s out there, which is the best for value and variety and so on.
Any thoughts or experiences would be very welcome. Happy weekend!
I loved The Other Typist and Shalimar is the perfect complement to it. Good choice!
I have been subscribing to Olactif for nearly a year and have only like the past 2-3 months. I can’t out my finger on it, but there feels likenesses is a theme and I would guess that there is only one person choosing the scents based on their personal tastes, which varies greatly from my own. If considering this one in particular, see if you can scroll through the previous months and see if there are things you already know and like. I always try them on skin when I get them and have had quite a few scrubbers. But then, I know I am in the minority because I found several raved about on NST to be scrubbers…! It is fun to know you’ll be getting something new each month. Good luck!
“Likeness” should be “like there!”
Glad I’m not the only one who’s had to scrub a few! I think it was Parfums Retro Grand Cuir that smelled wonderful on my boyfriend, but like old aftershave and burnt hair on me. Not boring, though! 🙂
I subscribe to and really enjoy Olfactif. I’ve been a member a bit over a year now. I’ve only bought a couple full bottles through it, and there have been a couple of “meh” months, but it’s fun to see what’s picked and try new things. She’s also featured a couple of amazing indie perfumes I’d never have tried otherwise. Also, if there’s ever a problem with your samples or order, Tara (the owner) will bend over backward to make it right. Amazing customer service. I had an issue with a bottle leaking (bad manufacturer seal), and she was beyond awesome about it.
Thanks! I’m leaning toward just giving it a go and seeing how it works out. It really is such a good idea I’m surprised there aren’t more companies doing it given the plethora of monthly subscription programs out there.
A am a couple of weeks away from becoming a mom (fingers crossed), I finished Bringing up Bebe and now I am onto Birthing from Within.
The perfume I like to read while reading these days are No 19 Poudre or Jersey. One smells soft and wears like a cashmere wrap and the other one has the lavender note that is relaxing.
Ahhhh!
Usually a cup of warm apple cider or a nice tea does the trick for a relaxing day curled up with a book.
Congrats! I read Bringing Up Bebe out of curiosity right before discovering I was pregnant with my 1-year-old (surprise!) and it had some really useful info as well as a lot of grounding common sense. Hot apple cider is a joy. Sadly, from month two until well after I gave birth, I couldn’t stomach barely any of my perfumes with my lo. It was the strangest thing and never had been so bad with my other two pregnancies. My skin also went nuts and I’m guessing because it was my first solo girl pregnancy–something about all those hormones really did a number on me. 😉 I had b/g twins twelve years ago, but back then everything made me ill pretty much the entire time. lol
Best of luck, congrats again and happy reading. 🙂
I am having a girl, my first and so far so good.
My skin seems to be ok- the first trimester I hated all perfumes and anything that had a strong smell.
What a sweet time for you…
Wishing you a very smooth, easy and healthy delivery.
I could definitely see a few sprays of Jersey in the delivery room too 😉
How exciting. Good luck!!!
Congratulations! I was about to donate these books – shoot me a message if you would like them mailed! Kathymic, sbcglobal, but that is dot net not com!
How Eskimos Keep Their Babies Warm
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
French Kids Eat Everything
Yes! Thank you!
Wishing good things for you and the little one.
Almost halfway through Pamuk’s Snow I’m not exactly sure I’d be willing to recommend it (Robin, if I’m not mistaken, you found it hard going, right?) although I’ve enjoyed some of his other novels. Let’s see, for comfort reading perhaps Murakami’s Hardboiled Wonderland…? No idea about a matching fragrance, though.
I tried to read Snow. I think I got almost half way through it but I could not sustain my interest. I hear his other book are easier to read.
They are easier but only so far as they don’t require that you are familiar with the social and political context of the plot, I think.
Lol, a matching fragrance for Murakami is an interesting question. I would almost think something that is deceptively simple, decidedly weird, and secretly complicated, dark, and whimsical. I’m stumped, but will try to come up with something. For me, maybe Flashback from Olfactive Studio. Or Wisteria Hysteria from CdG. I just don’t know! Even those don’t seem quite right.
I like the idea of Olfactive Studio and CdG. For some reason, deceptively simple makes me think of Gucci Rush.
In the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, the wife disappears one morning after putting on what sounds like Diorissimo cologne. I think the vintage parfum would do for that novel.
Ohhh, a vintage parfum would totally work. Wind-Up Bird is one of my very favorite books ever. I could see Gucci Rush, and could totally see vintage Diorissimo or Balmain Ivoire.
Wisteria Hysteria sounds right to me 😉
I found it very hard going! And I gave up.
That’s what I thought!
I started reading Red years ago. I enjoyed it but started to feel that I should be taking notes in order to track the symbolism, and I was very busy at that time and stopped about mid-way through, I think. Did you like that one, Dusan?
nozknoz: I liked Red but nearly as much as I’d hoped to. I guess it had been hyped too much for me to really love it after The Black Book and The New Life, which I adored.
*NOT* nearly as much, duh!
I’m reading Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult. It suits our outdoor snow situation so Zi ‘me really able to get deep into it…lots of cold settings. Nuit Etoilee EDP!
I liked Lone Wolf and you nailed it with Nuit Etoilee as the perfect companion scent. I’ve read all of Jodi Picoult’s books – I love her character development.
These choices are sounding pretty hard-hitting, so for a change of pace I’m going to suggest “The Jolly Christmas Postman” pop-up book. And has anyone seen the rumoured pop-up Madeline?
A pop-up Madeline?!?! That sounds like a dream!
I used to have the Madeline pop up book (when I was a child), I loved it. And I forgot about the Jolly Postman – that was always so much fun to bring out for Christmas.
I am tempted to add the pop-up Madeline to my Christmas wish-list…It looks darling.
I’ve just started The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. I am wearing AG Eau de Charlotte just because I like it a lot and is a nice scent to have on as I read and watch the snow fall outside.
Love the tabby in the picture.
I read this book when it first came out – it was fabulous. I wanted a sequel but the author passed away before completing this book (or perhaps before it was fully edited).
It’s also excellent in audiobook form!
I really enjoyed that book!
Love that book – have re-read it a dozen times! I’m not familiar with Eau de Charlotte, but the Goutal bottle is a perfect fit. For scent befitting the book, I guess I’d search for something green and floral and pastoral, and maybe a little old-fashioned, but with an edge to represent the bits of the story referencing the war. Not sure what that would be – I’m too much a newbie.
I just finished The Boy in the Box which I picked up at the library. It was a quick read, two days tops. It was okay.. The characters didn’t much stay with me and the plot was pretty predictable. It dragged in the middle, but at least it was a short drag.
I also finished this week The Secret of No. 5 which I mentioned the other day
and found it to quite interesting…and of course I learned a ton.
I love to read, and it’s one of the highlights of my day, but it’s usually done on my commute to and from work on the subway. So, I can’t say that I choose fragrance based on what book I’m reading.
I love this post and will be adding a number of new books and authors to my list of what to read next!
I am reading Stepping Stones: A Journey Through the Ice Age Caves of the Dordogne by Christine Desdemaines-Hugon. It’s just fantastic-A great mix of science, art, speculation, wonder and amazement. These people were so ahead of their time artistically that some of the techniques used were not seen again until 18th-19th century art. Highly recommend to anyone interested in human history, art history, or science.
As far as a fragrance is concerned, I think maybe reading this while wearing Musc Tonkin would be a match made in heaven.
Oh, I love cave art – I feel the species became human art began. I bet they had perfume and incense, too!
This sounds super interesting, I’ll check it out!
This sounds fascinating. I am putting it on my Goodreads right now, and I’ll see if I can get it from the library today. Have you seen “Cave of Forgotten Dreams”? It’s a documentary by Werner Herzog about the art found in some of the caves in France. Really beautiful, and they even have a perfumer give commentary, although I thought the perfumer-man-person on there was kind of silly. I have to say, it’s not the most exciting film. It has a pretty meandering vibe, but it’s still really fun to watch, even if I have fallen asleep almost every time I’ve watched it.
Ahh, I believe the caves in this book and in the documentary are one in the same!
Missylulu, yes I did see the film (Fantastic!) and learned about it here on NST not too long ago. The caves the author focuses on are ones the general public can still access, which I think is great if you happen to be traveling in that region and want to do a day trip to some of them…
This time of year I like to read a nice long novel such as A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki or The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters. I’d curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a nice Amber perfume such as L’Ambre des Merveilles, Ambre Fetiche, or Ambre 114.
A Tale for the Time Being is fabulous. One of my favorites I read this year.
So good! Even though it was long, I could hardly put it down.
Have you started The Paying Guests yet? I love Sarah Waters, so it’s definitely on my “to read” list.
Yes, I’ve read it but haven’t read any of her other books.
Ohh, The Paying Guests is on my to-read list. I’ve never read any of her other stuff. Any suggestions as a place to start?
This was my first (but not last!) book by Sarah Waters. I’m looking forward to reading more from both these authors.
I really liked Fingersmith, melodramatic mystery (but in a good way!), atmospheric – makes a great winter read.
I’m one of the history nerds and reading “Napoleon, A Life” by Andrew Roberts, comprehensive and readable while wearing Ambre Russe! On the much lighter side, “To Rise Again at a Decent Hour” by Joshua Ferris wearing something by Smell Bent.
As a former English major, it pains me to say all I am reading is multitudes scholarly articles on anti-poverty policies, therapeutic modalities, and various human development theories. Ugh, only another year and a half.
I’m wearing BV The Knot, and I love it more and more everytime I wear it. That said, no joke, I can STILL smell a bit of the Montale Black Oud on me from two days ago. Never. Again.
Last, I know we’re not talking movies, but I saw Nightcrawler last night with Jake Gyllenhaal. It was one of the darkest movies I’ve see in quite a few years, McCarthy-esque, as it were. JG was absolutely amazing. I can recommend it on artisitic merit, but it’s a work in nihilism. Yikes.
Ohhhh, I really want to see that! I heard it’s crazy dark, and very violent.
Oh yes! It’s definitely violent, although no more than your standard mainstream fare I guess.
The real darkness lies in the absolute sociopathy of JG’s character (not giving anything away, trust me – you find out in the very first scene) – and the horrific world he creates.
Like I said, artistically and acting-wise it’s dazzling and brilliant. I hope JG wins and Oscar because his portrait of Louis Bloom is haunting. Think DeNiro-Calibre in Taxi Driver, but with less redeeming qualities, were that possible.
That said, it’s hard to recommend because it’s so dark, nihilistic, and also is really tough to analyze because Bloom’s world is so devoid of any sense of meaning or redemption. Save for one particular character and another smaller character, none of the other characters have any shred of goodness or decency or depth or even hope. The entire movie is a bleak and corrupt world.
I do love dark films, but I like them to have some humanity in them as well. This does sound very interesting though, so I feel I have to check it out. And I love JG. I’d love to see him give a performance like Deniro in Taxi Driver too. That sounds bone-chilling.
I saw Nightcrawler, as well, and was totally creeped out by Jake Gyllenhaal. I didn’t love the film overall (it is quite dark), but I thought it was a super interesting concept, and of course, Jake is great in it.
I’m currently reading “How to Ruin A Queen” by Jonathan Beckman. This is some great narrative nonfiction with quite the cast of characters: Marie Antoinette, a gullible cardinal, and a pair of audacious scammers among them. The scam is known to history as The Diamond Necklace Affair and what a necklace it was – so heavy that it had to be weighted in the back so that the wearer wouldn’t fall over. The author does a good job of providing context for the affair; as he puts it, the scandal was “the Revolution in microcosm.”
Hmmm… (adds title to list)
Having just tried Hermes 24 Faubourg for the first time, it would be my absolute number one go-to perfume for being at home on a winter weekend. It’s meltingly gorgeous but lacks sufficient spine to be capable of going to work, parenting or even going on a rare date night. (No offense, Princess Diana.)
I love that perfume- a little goes a long way.
Sometimes when it’s cold I spray a little on my scarf before I go outside.
I am reading Hexagone, which is a history of France told through its roads, by Lorant Deutsch, who also wrote Metronome, the history of Paris told through its metro stations. I figured Tubereuse Criminelle would go well with French history. 🙂
Hexagone sounds fascinating. Let us know how you like it. I have Rutherfurd’s Paris next up on my TBR pile.
Graham Robb’s “Discovery of France: A Historical Geography From the Revolution to the First World War” might be a good complement to your reading – it’s wonderful, highly readable.
The Call by Yannick Murphy is a lovely little book that journals the happenings of a large animal veterinarian. The vet talks about his daily work calls, and musings of his family life and relationships. This book is an absolute gem! As a fragrance pairing, I would suggest anything with the scent of hay and barns (and anything that smells like manure – I’ve never sampled but read of some, just can’t remember names).
The Human by Matt Haig. Another gem about an alien that takes over the body of a brilliant scientist and lives with his family while he discovers all the flaws of humans, which he eventually learns is what makes humans so special. It sounds far-fetched with the alien theme, but it isn’t sci fi at all. I would pair something like Bvlgari Black, quirky yet cozy and comforting.
And The Call just went on my TBR list.
Last summer, I read the entire Maisie Dobbs mystery series, by Jacqueline Winspear. I believe another gentle NST commenter recommended it in the previous reading poll and I must thank whoever that was! I loved the settings and characters, especially Maisie, an independent woman “investigator and psychologist” in England before and after WWI.
Next I read the Starbridge series by Susan Howatch, which was recommended by Ms. Winspear.
Apparently, Ms. Howatch was already a successful author when she moved to Salisbury, England, during a time of personal spiritual crisis. She was drawn to Salisbury Cathedral, studied Anglican Christianity, and had the idea of using her talent for family sagas to tell the story of different branches of the Church and the psychology of faith through the imagined lives of members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in a fictional Starbridge diocese modeled on Salisbury.
None of this sounds like anything that would interest me, and the interaction between the lurid family stories and religious thought is really peculiar. Nonetheless, I was fascinated by the dialogue and interaction between the characters. As Ms. Winspear noted in recommending these novels, they are indeed mysteries in that very tangled situations are investigated (by spiritual advisers rather than detectives) and set straight in the end.
Fragrance is sometimes mentioned in these books but never named. The Anglo-Catholics use incense, but the others are horrified by it. There is an American character who might have worn EL Youth Dew or Faberge Tigress. Since most of the narrators are male, I’m going to go with Penhaligon’s Sartorial, with its odd blend of flowers, beeswax, old wood, stony chalk, incense, and, according to Kevin and Katie Puckrik, old men.
Today I’m wearing is Clinique Wrappings, a Christmasy chypre. What a strange perfume! They must have felt compelled to do Happy to atone for the weirdness of Aromatics Elixir and Wrappings. I love them anyway.
I’ve only read the first book in the series, but I really liked it! I plan on reading some more Maisie Dobbs at some point.
I usually find the later books in any series less and less interesting, but I find the reverse is true with Maisie Dobbs, whose changing circumstances and times, and personal growth are compelling.
Another fan of Maisie Dobbs. I don’t read a lot of mysteries, but Maisie and the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books are favorites of mine. Susan Howatch’s original family saga novels have been a guilty pleasure of mine since I read the first one, Penmarric, when I was 13. It was many years later that I discovered that those novels re-imagine the history of the Plantagenets, and that her The Rich Are Different/Sins of the Father series was based on Caesar and Cleopatra. I guess authors have to get their characters and plots somewhere!
I read Penmarric when I was about 13, too, and I don’t think I’ve thought about it again until now. At the time, I classifiednit as being in the same league as the Victoria Holt romances that my silly 13-year-old self loved.
I also am a fan of the Maisie Dobbs series.
Ahh, Victoria Holt – haven’t thought about her since *I* was 13. Did any of you also read Mary Stewart’s pre-Arthurian-Legend romance novels? I loved them too, but they haven’t held up as well as I would have expected. Except for The Ivy Tree, my favorite.
Yes! I remember wanting to try a honeysuckle fragrance after reading a scene from “The Crystal Cave,” where a character smelled of honesuckle. 🙂
I used to read Victoria Holt, too!
Errr, maybe it should be “I, too, used to read Victoria Holt.”
ADORE Susan Howatch. I think my favorite of her novels is The Wheel of Fortune (based, as Aparatchick says, on the Plantagenets), but I’ve enjoyed her Church of England series as well.
A good tale’s a good tale, historically based or not. And I am always fascinated by the way that Howatch shifts points of view during the book – you get, say, the first third in one character’s POV, and you form opinions about the situations and other characters… and then you’re on to the second third, with another character, and the focus changes. It’s masterful storytelling.
Exactly, mals – the shifts in point of view throughout each book and from one book to another are fascinating. Also how the narrator’s own perceptions are sometimes skewed, sometimes shattered, and ultimately reach a new plain by the end of each book. And I also like learning about something that I would never have explored otherwise.
Oops – I think I meant “a new plane.”
I’m pretty sure that I was your Maisie recommender. Glad you enjoyed it. Since you did, I think you’d also really enjoy Charles Todd’s Bess Crawford series. She’s also a WWI nurse who investigates murders, but unlike Maisie, she’s still serving and the war is still going on.
Thanks and thanks, Rapple – I’ll check out Bess Crawford, too!
Off topic – I just got in my sample of CB I Hate Perfume’s Black March. It’s nice but it is EXACTLY Demeter Thunderstorm of which I have a full bottle.
I’m curious what happened there, as I know Christopher Brosius was the creative director with Demeter once, I believe. Anyway. Now I just sound like a conspiracy theorist. It’s just interesting to me
Supposedly part of his reason for leaving was that he felt the quality was going downhill, if that helps.
If you’re curious, the CB I Hate Perfume website has some info about his trajectory, I believe.
A couple of winters ago I reread Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey, after first reading the books it lovingly parodied: Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto and Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho. Etro Messe de Minuit would have been perfect to provide atmosphere, or possibly CdG Avignon (which I have yet to smell). Northanger Abbey was as entertaining as I remembered, and not to impugn Jane Austen’s taste, but I found Udolpho a bit of a slog.
Oh, and SOTD is Sweet Anthem Ulalume, from a sample, which I am really enjoying–a warm floral (I smell more of what I think is ylang-ylang than my idea of gardenia) that improves with time. I think it’s going on my “to buy” list.
You’ve got yourself a trifecta of Gothic goodness right there! And this is the right time of year for them, too.
CdG Avignon would pair brilliantly!
Haven’t gotten to Northanger yet, but I remember Otranto being moody and intriguing (if a tad predictable at this stage in its existence), and Udolpho, as you say, a slog.
Interesting to read those and then move on to a more recent Gothic novel – like Rebecca or one of du Maurier’s other novels.
I’m reading The Fall of Cartague, which I discovered in one such poll at Bois de Jasmin, and it’s so much fun, and at the same time so exquisitely researched. To go with the first Punic War, I think 4711 or any good classic cologne is a good fit to enhance the Ancient Sicily images which are so lively in this part of the book.
As for fiction, I’d recommend Aurélien, by Louis Aragon, a tale of Paris between the two great wars. Paired with l’Heure Bleue.
Love this poll, perfume people have the best recs!
This sounds interesting! Who is the author of The Fall of Cartague?
Adrian Goldsworthy. Amazing writer and careful historian. Best of both worlds. 🙂
Just finished Matt Haig’s The Humans. I think it was Elsamarie who recommended it to me? If it was someone else please shout out – my memory malfunctions quite often.
In any case the book is definitely on my top favorites list. Highly recommended: both funny and profound, a rather rare combo.
Hi Merlin, that was me! I also recommended it on this thread few posts above. Funny and profound is a perfect description. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Thanks so much Nightingale. I find it quite difficult to find books I really enjoy so this recommendation was much appreciated!
I just checked above, and yes, I agree Bulgari Black would be perfect 😀
I just bought this book…in paperback…a little bit more expensive than the Kindle edition but I still like holding books instead of some tech device.
I definitely find it easier to find things in physical books, like if I want to find a certain quote or passage. My kindle gives me ways of taking notes and bookmarking and stuff but the note thing doesn’t seem to work and I haven’t figured out the technicalities of it all…
And in The Humans there are lots of quotes worth taking down!
Yes! I wrote down many quotes and even photo copies a few pages!
Yeah, these days I’m just to lazy to write out passages I like! But there were many noteworthy ones in this.
I always drop and break my kindles, and then I’m left bookless. Not for me, I’m too much of a troll…
I’m reading Lascivious Bodies: A Sexual History of the Eighteenth Century by Julie Peakman. It seems like hygiene is the only thing that’s really changed since then 😉
Some real civet or musk would probably go well, but in the interests of good taste and animal loving, something else with a bit of skank. Post-coital sheets, sweaty undies and bumcrack perfumes that have all been mentioned at some point would work. (ok, so I lied about the good taste..)
Good taste is highly overrated 😉
I recently finished Jared Diamond’s Collapse. This book changed how I understand how the world works. Not for the faint of heart!
My first dip yesterday into the sample of Rose Cut was disappointing. It smelled great on my wrist for about an hour, and then disappeared completely. Maybe I underapplied?
SOTD is the sample of Oriza Legrand Jardin des Armide…this is a big scent which is pushing back against our cold weather here! It’s going through change after change and I am noticing and enjoying them all so far! What fun! I am sort of a quiet person, but I seem to be enjoying loud perfumes these days. LOL…
You smell great! I adore Jardins d’Armide
If you like Collapse, you should check out The World Until Yesterday by the same author. I find him a little tedious to read as he repeats an idea over and over again but just in a slightly different way. You can tell by his writing style he is a scientist first and writer second, but still he has good theories and ideas.
Ooops! that was supposed to be in response to Meredifay’s post above.
I’ve just finished “The Sea” by John Banville, a beautiful novel full of references to aromas, very sensual in its way. An appropriate perfume would need to have a touch of salt and vanilla – un Bois Vanille layered with Jo Malone’s Wood sage and Sea Salt. Would that work?
My reading habits lately have been a bit embarrassing to admit to – lazy reading, if you will. However, a few of you mentioned the Louise Penny series, and since I love mysteries/police procedurals, I downloaded a couple of free samples and think Louise may have hooked me (thanks!). Off to load up my e-reader!
On the perfume front, yesterday’s was Chanel N. 19 edp from a newly acquired bottle. I’ve enjoyed the edt very much and thought I should become better acquainted with her sister. They’re very much alike, yet different in subtle ways. I’ll be investigating further.
I don’t if I’ve mentioned this one before in a previous books post, but I recently read and greatly enjoyed Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy (Oryx & Crake, Year of the Flood and MaddAddam). She takes what is overall a pretty dystopic story and injects enough humor to make it a pretty fun read.
Another one I just started is “Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the Elements, from Arsenic to Zinc”. I’m not terribly far into it yet, but I’m enjoying it so far. It’s a series of stories about the elements of the periodic table, but weaving them into cultural history.
I’ve been too busy packing (and, of course, the books were the first thing boxed up) to sit down and read or even find a new audiobook to download. I find that since I’m having to think about what I’m doing and leave the room so often I’m listening to easy reads I’m already really familiar with, so this week has been the Old Kingdom trilogy by Garth Nix (read by Tim Curry). I always forget how good these stories are, especially for YA Fantasy. Not a sparkly vampire in sight, the bad guys are actually evil, and the characters make fairly believable decisions. I can’t think of one perfume for the series, although I think I could scent each novel. For Sabriel, I would go with a good weird one like Black March, lots of decay and earth. Lirael should have something musky and cuddly to cut through the ice, MKK perhaps: and Abhorsen needs a big sweaty evil leather, so how about Montecristo.
In my spare time, I’ve been equally split between perfume blogs and trashy romance manga (bishounen bad-guys abound here so I’m making up for my moderately highbrow listening). Scenting the manga would certainly require something really sweet; Peche Cardinal might fit the bill or maybe Rose de Siwa.
I’m reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. I picked it up randomly at my library. It’s a bit creepy, suspenseful, and often mentions Jane Eyre. What fragrance would Jane Eyre wear if she were with us today? Something ladylike, maybe a classic Dior fragrance would suit her.
The story is set in winter, and twin children are another recurring theme, so I would love to wear Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black and Nirvana White while reading . . . off to Sephora tomorrow for a sample if I’m lucky . . .
and then to the library. I’ve reserved Susan Howatch’s The Wheel of Fortune and Louise Penny’s Still Life. Thank you for the reading suggestions!
God, I wish I could read The Thirteenth Tale again for the first time. It’s such a fun ride!
I’m reading The Problems of Dostoevsky’s Poetics by Mikhail Bakhtin. I’ve been meaning to read it for a long while and somehow gray days in November are just right for this kind of rather dry literary analysis. I’m only a hundred pages in so far and already aching to reread The Brothers Karamazov, so maybe that’s next! I like to wear Tea for Two with Russian novels ever since I read Victoria’s evocative review of it on BdJ, but lately I’ve been wearing Rahät Loukoum (SL) and that works just fine too.
I’m also reading The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett, which I’ve also always meant to read and never gotten around to… It is wonderful and I’m kicking myself that I never read Pratchett as a teenager! I think it would go well with a sparkling, happy fragrance and I have so very few of those… Orange Sanguine, perhaps!