Welcome to our annual summer reading poll! (And if you want more recommendations, see fall, winter and spring.
Author birthdays this weekend: Ann Radcliffe, Barbara Cartland, Oliver Sacks, June Jordan and Dean Koontz on Saturday; Marcel Proust, Jean Kerr and Alice Munro on Sunday.
The poll: please recommend a great book to add to our summer reading lists, and tell us what fragrance we should wear while reading it.
My recent reading:
Starting with fiction... I finished Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, which I'd started last quarter. Then I read The Tea Lords by Hella Haasse, which I thought Erin had recommended but it wasn't her, maybe it was one of you? At any rate, I liked it, and Bvlgari Omnia would be perfect. I got halfway through Amor Towles' The Lincoln Highway before deciding I did not care what happened next, so I gave it up. Amor Towles is a good writer but is not for me (I also gave up on A Gentleman in Moscow).
I read two non-fiction books, Happy-Go-Lucky by David Sedaris and The Last Days of Roger Federer And Other Endings by Geoff Dyer.
Once again I went through a pile of mysteries, starting with Joanna Cannon's The Trouble With Goats and Sheep and The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley. Then I decided to try Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot series (I read all of Miss Marple years ago, but never Poirot). I am currently on my 10th in the series, Three Act Tragedy. Hercule Poirot makes me think of Borsari Violetta di Parma, or an old-school carnation like Floris Malmaison. I'm also halfway through the latest in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths, The Locked Room.
Note: top image is Yinka Shonibara's [sic] The British Library [cropped] by Matt Brown at flickr; some rights reserved. You can read more about The British Library by artist Yinka Shonibare at Tate, or see the installation's website; or see The American Library website.
I love summer reading lists. I’ve been enjoying the Inspector Rutledge series, and the Bess Crawford series, both by Charles Todd. They’re excellent murder mystery series, set du5ring and after the First World War. One thing I love in particular, in both series, is the references to scent, whether it’s the smell of furniture polish, someone’s perfume, or the scent of a garden. So what scent to wear while you’re reading? What ever you like-there’s reference to a very feminine fragrance (maybe Fantasia Des Fleurs by Creed, or 24 Faubourg) or a sandlewood and lavender scent (Jicky). Furniture polish-you’re on your own there-I buy a homemade beeswax scent. You have to melt it in hot water, apply a thin layer, and really use elbow grease to get it off. I like the effect it gives.
Hope everyone has a safe and pleasant weekend,
Carole
I have looked at those but not read any, thanks for the info Carole!
I enjoy their books (I think Todd co-writes with his mum) as well, but can only take them in small doses, as the stories of the damaged soldiers can be tough. WWI–what stupid stupid stupid war.
I have two books I highly recommend that have had very good reviews. Also, I would recommend the book I am reading now.
1. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Ven Pelt is a lovely story about a widow that works at an aquarium and the octopus she connects with there. Obviously, there is a lot more to the story. This is a great book about love and loss. I think a good perfume with it would be Falling Into The Sea by Imaginary Authors.
2. Honor by Thrity Umrigar is about a journalist that returns to India to write a story. Not sure on perfume for this one. Very intense book, but well worth the read.
3. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is what I am reading now and is the book of the month for the Barnes and Noble Book Club. It is about two friends that are into the world of designing video games. I am only about 100 pages into it, but it seems good. I would probably wear something fun, but kind of weird like Byredo Pulp
Did you ever see the Octopus Teacher or something like that on Netflix? Sounds like Octopuses are having their moment! That sounds like a interesting book
Yes, my husband had that on tv one day, so I have seen that. I believe it is about a man that has the octopus in his house in an aquarium.
In the book I am talking about the lady works at an aquarium that people come to visit to see many different sea creatures. I think you would like it. It is very touching.
In the Netflix movie it’s about a man that lives in South Africa that forms a bond with an octopus 🐙 in the wild. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Octopus_Teacher
Oops. Obviously, it was something else my husband was watching. This was an octopus in an aquarium in their house.
I also just read Remarkably Bright Creatures, and enjoyed it a lot.
I am glad you enjoyed it too. I wasn’t really expecting to, but promised a friend I would read it. I was so glad I did as I thought it was very well written.
I am currently reading Madam Bovary, I think No 19 Poudre or Prada Infusion d’Iris would work well with this book. I am currently reading it today, but wearing 1932 by Chanel. Also a great fit! Would be curious to know what perfumes others here on NST would pick from this classic novel?
Other books on my TBR pile:
1. English etiquette : the motivation behind the manners. A friend read this and she said I would love it.
2. One Italian summer Serle, Rebecca
3. Distant Fathers Marina Jarre
4. The Switch by Beth O’Leary
5. Maybe another classic Charlotte Bronte…?
I also just finished The Bell Jar, another classic. It was nice to re-read this one. Different as an adult, versus when I was in high school.
One Italian Summer is good. You will enjoy that book.
Yay! I over heard two ladies talking about it on the airport with such enthusiasm so I put it on my list
Robin, I envy you the new-ness of the Poirot series! I’ve read them all multiple times, and nearly all are as charming on the eleventh read as they were at first. I have struggled lately to find new books that engage me so have been re-reading old favorites, but I did just stumble upon a new-to-me series of murder mysteries. They’re by Julie Mulhern and are set in the mid-70s (although written very recently) and contain lots references to 70s fashion (furs! Diane von Furstenberg!) and household items that nobody has anymore (curly telephone cords). They’re a bit like the Stephanie Plum series in the quirky-character-lineup and wry-humor departments, and are very quick reads. I’m not sure if I love them or hate them at this point, to be honest, but there are a LOT of them, and scenting them is very easy as we have the whole gamut of early 70s perfumes to choose from. So far there’ve been no references to scent, but since all of the main characters are wealthy and belong to a local country club, Chanel No. 5 and Cristalle EDT come to mind. Or Chanel 19, which is my SOTM.
I am enjoying them, thanks SheriG!
Your series sounds interesting, will take a peek at them when I’m done with Poirot.
Thanks Sheri! I added Julie Mulhern #1 to my library hold list.
Ooh! So you need to read the Mulhern series in order?
It would probably help, but I didn’t and I still got the gist. The books are definitely sequential, but the author includes enough info to keep the reader from being totally at sea.
I’ve been reading lots of sci-fi and fantasy series lately as an escape from the awfulness real life has been. I can recommend the Paradox series by Rachel Bach and the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I think Hyacinth and a Mechanic would fit both heroines. Also, the Iron Druid series by Kevin Hearne is good. For single books, I liked Corrections in Ink, by Keri Blakinger, about a woman who goes to prison for dealing heroin and gets her life back on track, Fly Girl, by Ann Hood, a memoir about being a flight attendant in the ’80’s, and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid, in which a dying movie star reveals secrets from her past. Evelyn Hugo would wear something big and classic, like Joy or No. 5. I’d leave the other two women unscented. I decided to keep track of my books at last year’s summer reading poll, and I use Librarything. I’ve read 183 books in the past year due to being stuck inside. I expect the number will go down this year as I resume some activities.
I love the reading polls and I’m on the lookout for recommendations! SOTD is Sunset Hour.
I think that’s why I’m reading mysteries so much right now too — escape! I’m finding it harder to read serious fiction.
Ditto
Will check out Librarything. I never got into Goodreads but my sister loves it.
Not able to read right now as I am having a hard time. Very depressed and anxious about the inability to sell my house, plus the dog I’m babysitting is driving both me and my dog crazy with his incessant barking and getting up in her face. I want to help my friend so I’m not telling her how difficult it is, but this is going to be an exceedingly long month and I won’t be babysitting him again for a very long time if ever. Wearing TRNP Polynesia to try and pretend I am anywhere but here. All the horrific news in the world is not helping either.
Just a note to say I hope this feeling passes for you. I always loved your posts on POL. Your house will sell-I had the same thing-job in one province, house in another. I felt like it would never come together but it will. Try and take some deep breaths, and try to stay hydrated. It sounds trivial but it will help.
Take care,
Carole
Thank you Carole, I’m not good about drinking water, will focus on that today.
Oh no. So sorry Cazaubon. Keeping fingers crossed that somebody will come along and buy your house.
I had a period of time during Covid when I lost my desire to read. I became very worried about myself. It will come back. I hope your house sells. Its been a strange market for house selling and buying.
You are a good friend cazaubon. I remember you having trouble with that dog in the past.
I know in my heart that your house will sell and you will be able to proceed forward.
With the uncertain times and horrible news every day, I get overwhelmed with anxiety too.
It’s hard I know, and I am sorry. ❤️
Thank you so much lillyjo, I’m praying constantly for the house to sell, and for all those suffering in the world.
Bah. Finance worries are the worst because we feel so guilty about them at the same time. I’m with lillyjo that the house will sell, but just now it is a tough market. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and suggest you get some help taking care of the annoying dog. He sounds like he is adding a thick patina of no fun at a time when you need peace. Is there someone, another friend, with whom you can split dog duties? I know when I am feeling raw, I really need quiet and calm. Sending you a huge hug.
Yes, I have someone I can call, but I’m also not feeling great and could be getting sick, so I’m going to stay isolated in the house.
Sending you great, big vanilla hugs! (as if there is really any other kind 😉 ) I’m sorry the dog is acting up and you are a good friend for watching him. Agree on the horrific news too. It seems like the news is all bad and has been for quite some time now. But this shall pass, you will feel better and your house will sell. Please take good care of yourself. Did you order anything from fragrancebuy for the July sale? I placed my first order w/ them and it is enroute!!! 🙂
Thank you! I did order some Francesca Bianchis.
I have nothing useful to add to the good comments already made, but will say that I’m sorry you are in a rough patch, and I hope that all will resolve soon, for the better. And that you are not getting sick!
I am indeed sick, probably Omicron, but not to9 bad, just a bit of headache, sore throat and fatigue.
Oh no. Thinking of you. It’s a tough time. Hugs.
Oh drat. Hoping you will have a light case.
I also have nothing original to add except that you must feel very overwhelmed right now, and I, along with others here, feel that you will be saying adios to your house soon. Also seconding Oakland for getting another hand or two with the trying dog. And fingers crossed that you are germ free! *big hug**big hug*
Thank you! Feeling overwhelmed for sure.
So sorry you are feeling down. Your house will sell. I can just feel it. Big hugs to you. Hope this dog situation will settle down for you.
Thank you Kris.
I am with ya on not being able to focus and read. Do your best and put the day behind you. hugs.
Thank you apsara!
Hugs to you. It sounded like you had a great time in Montreal – let the good feelings wash over you if you can.
Easier said than done but that dog sounds like a menace and I’m sure you can find a way to let your friend know that you wouldn’t be able to dog-sit for her in the future. I bet a kennel rejected the dog.
I had such a wonderful time in Montreal, felt at home and joyful for the first time since the start of Covid. So it’s hard to think the house might not sell and it will be another year or more of misery with my life on hold.
Spent most of the day in bed yesterday feeling sick and the dogs were very calm, sensing I wasn’t well. I hope as time goes on they will both relax into a routine. When he gets too much I just crate him, he fusses for a few minutes then calms down.
I’m sorry that you are so down right now. And having to look after your friend’s dog on top if it all; glad you got him to calm down a bit.
It’s definitely stressful times and I’m having a hard time relaxing too. Perfume and watching youtube videos are helping, especially when I can’t sleep.
I haven’t been very good at reading books in a long time, but my aunt(💓) recommended Caste and a Malcom Gladwell book-who I used to read a lot of.
I’m wearing Confetto lotion and it is just as beautiful as the perfume.
Hope everyone has a lighter heart this weekend.
I’ve eyed that lotion, I bet it’s great!
It is very fragrant and I highly recommend. Feels good, too.
I just started Caste last week, after buying it last summer. It is (so far) not at all what I was expecting stylistically, and I am thinking a lot about how Wilkerson pulls together so many disparate threads.
Thanks for the description. My aunt is struggling, emotionally, so I couldn’t quite understand the gist of the story.
I recommend The Cherry Robbers by Sarai Walker, about a family whose daughters are doomed to die after marriage. Their mother believes it’s a curse brought on by the wrathful spirits of those killed by the family’s gun manufacturing. It’s spooky (but not outright scary) and sad and has sumptuous descriptions of food and clothing. Obvious perfume choice: Lost Cherry by Tom Ford, or in honor of the mostly 50s/60s setting, an iconic fragrance from one of those eras. (Apologies, those eras are a huge gap in my fragrance knowledge…maybe Chanel No. 5 or Fracas? Both earlier but popular throughout the decades.)
This sounds like a good book. Adding to my list.
Love this poll. But first in perfume news: a lovely colleague is in Paris and just picked up a bottle of Jicky extrait for me. I must stop buying perfume as I have enough to last several life times, but Jicky parfum!
I’m going to wear Jicky (edt) today.
Okay. Books.
I mostly read/listen to lite fiction (am thoroughly enjoying listening to the ridiculous cozy mystery A Quiet Life in the Country by Kinsey, which is weirdly atonal on class, managing to be snobby and classist in humble-brag fashion, but I couldn’t care less 😉). I loved The Candy House (Egan), which is not lite, but very readable.
Right now I am reading Bette Dam’s Looking for the Enemy, about her research in Afghanistan on Mullah Omar—excellent if you are interested in Afghanistan. Really enjoyed iO Tillett Wright’s memoir of their childhood and young adulthood in New York and Europe, a powerful writer. Also loved Stranger in the Shogun’s City, which is a biography of a woman based on her found letters and those of her family, as well as from extensive research on daily life in Edo (later Tokyo). Although the writing was fine but not amazing, I couldn’t put down (well whatever is the audible equivalent!) The Woman they Could Not Silence about Elizabeth Packard’s fight in the 1880s to reform the laws in the US that allowed men to commit their wives to mental institutions with almost zero oversight. She herself spent years in an “asylum.” And I enjoyed, based on a recommendation from someone on NST, Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England, although I wished there was more information on the daily lives of women. Especially loved the commentary on humor at the time—what was considered funny, or sexy, or offensive.
Can’t wait to read about everyone else’s good reads!
I am adding The Woman They Could Not Silence. This sounds really good.
Great list!
I think of you every time I see my Mary Renault books on my shelf.
Tell us more about Jicky!!
She just texted me a pic of the sealed box, so that is as much as I know for now. Based on absolutely no real information (bare this in mind), my theory is that Guerlain is going to stop manufacturing the low selling extraits—too expensive to produce for such low sales. They are making money hand over fist with the AAs and the pricy L’Art & Matiere lines, so why bother with reformulating and sourcing the extraits? Anyway, that was my excuse for pulling the trigger!
Sounds like a good enough reason to me! I follow your logic and it makes total sense. Do you have this same sense of foresight when it comes to the stock market?😉
😂
Ironically, I just got the last bottle of Jicky extrait at Holt Renfrew in Montreal. The word on facebook is that the extraits will be repackaged in 125 ml bee bottles and sold for 900€. Yikes!
Really? I didn’t know we always had Jicky between us 💕💕
Interesting about the 125 mls. Ounce per ounce, the cost isn’t that much different, but 125 mls of extrait kind of melts my brain. I love the pretty, old-fashioned 30 ml bottles. Now I’m wondering whether I, of never buying back-up bottles, should invest in a 30 ml L’heure bleue extrait back up.
I think that would be very prudent. My favorite version of L’Heure Bleue is edp and I bought that as well as Mitsouko edp in Montreal. Après l’ondée is next on the list.
Oh dear, now I want some Jicky Extrait.
Oh my! Barbara Cartland! I used to read those when I was a teenager pilfered from my mothers endless paperback collection. I got two of my cousins hooked on them way back in the day! We used BBC as an acronym when talking about the books because they were so uncool and we didn’t want anyone to know we were reading them. The good old days!
I’m going to wear ELDO Fils de Dieu today for some errands and then refresh for work tonight.
Currently reading “Embrace Fearlessly the Burning World” by Barry Lopez, a favorite author of mine for years. It’s a collection of essays, some already in print and some new, that came out after he passed away. They revolve mostly around wilderness, humanity’s place in that wilderness, and what we, as a species, owe that world. Highly recommend. One of my favorite books by him is “Arctic Dreams” which goes in depth in every imaginable way into both poles. He is a very dense writer, not in language particularly, but in ideas. I have to sit and think after I read a few pages, so for me it’s slow going.
Another I’m reading is “Immortal Irishman” by Timothy Egan, who I also love. It’s about Thomas Meagher who was banished to a Tasmanian prison colony for stirring up trouble in Ireland against the English (no surprise there!). Two years later, he somehow not only survived and escaped, but popped up in the US where he fought quite heroically for the Union army. Then to Montana where he disappeared… So a bit of mystery is involved. Just getting into it, but it’s very engaging and well written. It gives a brief history, stunningly written, about the suppression/extermination of the Irish by the English since way back. It doesn’t harp on this aspect, but it does set the reader up for the firecracker that Meagher matures into. So far, a very good read! Egan also wrote “The Worst Hard Time” about the American dust bowl years, “Short Nights of the Shadowcatcher” about Edward Curtis, and several others.
Happy reading and weekend!
Oh, and for anyone interested in Antarctica, I highly recommend Bill Green’s “Water, Ice and Stone” about the buried lakes in Antarctica! Read it years ago but it made an impact on me. Some of science may be a bit old now, but still wonderful. Every time I think of it, I remember the Geologist I met in Arkansas who pointed me in the direction of cool geologic rock formations at a state park there. We had a nice chat and he told me about his “life changing moment while researching on the Juneau Ice fields” years back. You could tell it still affected him. 👍🏼
Thanks for this rec. I sent to Mr. She-ra. He went to Antartica twice for work.
Hey Deva, I have an author rec, if you haven’t yet read his books. Robert MacFarlane. You may enjoy his writing: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/jul/02/old-ways-robert-macfarlane-review
I just read Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park. While Austen is never bad this is my least favorite of her novels. I’m about to re-read Northanger Abbey. Hope I enjoy it more. I recommend The Diamond Eye, a fictionalized version of a real historical woman who was the only female sniper in the Russian Army in WWII. I’ll have to post the authors name later. She goes from the beach in Odessa to freezing birch woods on the front and even to the USA where she meets Eleanor Roosevelt. All true! I can’t think of a good scent except it might be something woodsy beside a fire in frigid weather. I also read several Icelandic mysteries that were ok—engaging but not my favorites from that country. That would be the Inspector Erlendur series by Arnaldur Indridason—Nordic Noir at its best.
I’m still commando today but enjoyed wearing Autoportrait yesterday.
Kate Quinn is the author of The Diamond Eye. I would never have believed it was based in reality while reading it—only found out at the end.
Winterkill and Whiteout are the two Icelandic novels and the author is Ragnar Jonasson. I liked some of his previous novels better than these. He’s a good writer but his genre is a version of the sort of licked room mystery—a puzzle mystery—and they aren’t my thing. I like mysteries that are more character based.
Locked room!
I will write these down. I’d been reading the Inspector Sejer series from Karin Fossum, but then stalled out on book 7 where she wrote it from perspective of the murderer. I just could not get into it and then finally gave up.
Yes, I’m not a big fan of her work either. Do you know the Harry Hole mysteries by Jo Nesbo? Very violent but fantastic. And I really do love the Indridason mysteries. Wonderful. My favorite is Jar City, and there’s also a quite good movie version of it.
I don’t! But thanks, will write these down too, maybe I’ll be inspired to start reading again.
I would agree that Nesbo has a lot of great books. I have not read anything recently, but have enjoyed many of the earlier works.
great list
Taking down these recs! My cup of tea. And I couldn’t agree w you more about Mansfield Park. I never warm to Fanny, and all the rest of the moralizing I find dreary. The charm of say P & P, is that people behave badly but it is all at the level of foibles or snobbery (unless they are the chief villains, such as Willoughby or Wickham or my absolute fave–Lady Catherine “If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great proficient” de Bourgh).
Do you have a favorite? I think I like Persuasion best. I’m not looking forward to the new movie but will probably see it anyway out of curiosity.
Second vote for Persuasion as the best! Also my favorite movie adaptation. I do prefer Mansfield Park to Northanger Abbey, but those two occupy the bottom of my personal Austen ranking.
Third for Persuasion.
If I had to choose just one, it would probably be P&P because I love Austen’s humor in that one, but Persuasion is the best story and the most relatable, imho. I didn’t know a new Austen film was coming out. A favorite pastime since I was a teen was choosing the cast to star in Austen-book films. I’m going to look up the new one right now!
My own favorite is Sense and Sensibility (wherefore the name of my blog, Scents and Sensibilities). I just love the movie, with Emma Thompson, I’ve seen it dozens of times and it never gets old. Have you seen the movie “Lady Susan”, based on an early, unpublished novel by JA? The movie is fabulous — very funny, beautifully acted and filmed.
Love & Friendship is such a good movie. I wish Kate Beckinsale was cast in comedic roles like that more often because she is so great with it.
I’m the odd one out here. I liked Mansfield Park a lot. I need to read Persuasion, though.
I also liked Mansfield Park a good deal, so you’re not alone! I’m always hard pressed to name a favorite or even two favorite Austen’s. I’ve enjoyed them all so much in different ways.
Reading “To Paradise” by Hanya Yanagihara (not nearly as intense as her last novel, but very enjoyable and huge [it’s heavy to carry])
Wearing Rivieres de Cartier: Insousance. I love this stuff. Very carrot-y iris, violet and fruits. It’s the epitome of summer ’22 for me, this year
((bear hugs)) all around, we all need hugs these days, while we turn off the news 🙂
I loved To Paradise! Its big but I found it worth it. How are you liking it so far?
I also loved A little life -Jude stayed with me for days after I finished that book. As heart breaking as it was there was part of me that never wanted that book to end…
Hugs back
Glad to hear praise for To Paradise. I really liked A Little Life, but felt so emotionally drained after it that I’ve been avoiding To Paradise. Sounds like it won’t be as heart breaking though, so I’m moving it up on my list.
I would say her writing style is the same but the books are very different other than location (NYC)
I loved A little life and glad I stuck it out, 800+pages
Turning off the news was my, and many others’, coping mechanism during 2020; it seems things are heading in a no-news direction once again. And I like to be fairly well-informed.
Hugs back! Nice to see you pop in!
That perfume sounds great, will have a look for it, not sure if anyone in San Diego carries Cartier though.
Not reading anything at the moment, but I’m about to start listening to a BBC 4 radio program called Annika Stranded, about a woman detective in Oslo. The series was written by Nick Walker, and is performed by Nicola Walker (no relation, I hear). I recently watched Annika on PBS Masterpiece Mystery, which is based on the original radio character but located in Scotland, and I really enjoyed it (it stars the same Nicola Walker in the title role). Since the role in both versions is performed by the same actor, I thought I might enjoy the radio series.
Appropriate scent — at least for the version located in Scotland — would be something marine, with dark notes. Maybe Zoologist Squid. Although I’ve never sampled this one, it sounds like a match, since Annika is the leader of a maritime police unit, investigating suspicious deaths in the waters of Scotland.
Thanks for these recommendation. The show and radio program both look good.
I really liked the tv series, and hope there is a second season. The title character does that “talking to the viewer” fourth wall thing, which I usually find annoying, but it works really well here. The character is smart, wry, and funny.
I like that actress very much. Good to know about these.
Me, too — I’ve seen her in a few other shows, and she’s always really good.
Me three! I’ve been a fan of hers since MI5/Spooks. She also has a bit part in Four Weddings and a Funeral as an awful wedding singer. I was so surprised to recognize her there during a recent rewatch, long before I knew who she was!
I watched the show but did not listen to the radio program, curious to hear how you like it.
Have been watching Season 3 of Nicola Walker’s The Split, but obs as a show about divorce lawyers it is not cheerful, and so not watching it as quickly as I might otherwise.
Completely random post script! PS Has anyone here enjoyed the TV series “Hacks”? Season 2 has an NST-relatable episode where Debra’s favorite perfume is going to be discontinued. Panicked, she has her assistant research where she can still lay her hands on bottles, and purchases enough to last her until she is 102. If you were a fan of season 1, I think I may actually have enjoyed season 2 even more. Just sayin’!
Ha! That’s awesome. We started watching it and then got distracted with other things. I thought Jean Smart was hilarious. We also recently watched her in Mare of Easttown.
The run out of fragrance episode was great. I watched the end of season two last night.
Testing ll Benjoin 19 in anticipation of September purchase.
Reading about business process mapping for work. This week I go to Santa Fe to meet up with my sissy. I hope the travel gods are with us. She needs to change flights, but is an easy one for me out of LAX.
Terribly saddened by Abe- sans assassination. Every day is sad. I hoping for a bit of lightness when my sister and I are together.
Met with my financial planner. He advised me to work full time till 71. So okay. One year, ten months. The project I am on is longer, so maybe I can close it out on this one.
apsara, yes, I hope your visit with your sister is full of joy.
thank you, skalolazka!
That sounds like something I used to do back in the day. Bags and bag fulls. Ugh, I still have a lot of it.
I keep meaning to watch Hacks. It seems right up my alley.
I totally enjoyed it!
Yes, I love Hacks! I was so delighted at the whole tracking down a discontinued perfume storyline.
Oh, thank you for a new show to watch. It sounds great!
I’m currently reading two non-fiction books, one I’ve just started about the immune system and one about the horrendous price gouging of drug companies. Nothing leaps to mind for perfume choices.
Meanwhile, Covid drones on. My beloved is mostly better, and I’m improving, but still really tired. I needed half an hour an hour sitting on the couch to recover after making porridge for breakfast.
My big fear has come to pass, I can barely smell anything. What I can smell still smells right, but so faint! However, everything I have read says that nearly everyone comes right, so that is reassuring.
Hope you and yours continue to feel better, Gaynor! Your non-fiction books sound interesting.
Oh no! I’m very sorry and let’s hope it is back soon.
Best wishes for your convalescence.
Both of these books sound very good.
I hope you come right soon. I lost my sense of smell last year when I was sick and I reckon it came back at double- power . It takes time to recover unfortunately .
I wish you energy and olfaction, Gaynor! I’m sure they’ll both come back.
So sorry to hear about your anosmia! I’m pretty sure I have Covid too right now (just spent 12 hours in an airport/plane) but it’s not too severe, I have a lot of fatigue too. Healing wishes to you!
I’m in 12+ sprays of PdN L’Eau Mixte from this morning and just added another four sprays. It’s hot today, but 106 is the prediction for tomorrow. Yes, you read that right. I’ll be wearing the same thing tomorrow, methinks!
So, books: I’ve read about a third of Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions, by Mario Giordano. Pretty sure this was recommended by one of you folks in a previous reading poll. It’s a fun summer read, a mystery comedy. La Parfumerie Moderne Annees Folles or anything with a brisk, Mediterranean feel to it would be a great match.
I read A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron, about the soul of a dog that is reincarnated multiple times. I thought I’d be safe reading the book rather that seeing the movie, but the book Is a weeper too. I have no idea what to wear with it. Pick your own comfort scent?
Also reading Elizabeth & Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton. Kind of a fun, gossipy escape, but the way the two women were raised and how differently they were treated was a bit sobering. I’d wear either No.19 or Mona di Orio Nuit Noire.
Happy weekend everyone! 😊
I bet A Dog’s Purpose is a weeper. We saw the movie a few years ago.😓 12 sprays is a lot! The only one I could really do that with is Chanel Biarritz.
I just cannot get into reading lately. I have 2 books checked out from the library and they’ve been sitting on the coffee table for weeks. I should probably just take them back.😞 I don’t know what’s wrong with me.
The last book I did read, and frequently page through is Caroline Hirons’ Skincare: The New Edit. Skincare has definitely become my latest obsession.
I was up early today and baked a coffee cake to take to a baby shower for a former colleague. It was fun to see my old pals and do something social. I wore Molecule 01 and added a spray of Carnal Flower when I got home.
This weekend is a huuuuuge art fair here, Art Fair on the Square. I’ll hit that tomorrow morning before the crowds. I try to go every year and never have anything specific in mind, I go with the attitude: I’ll know it when I see it.😉 It’s usually super hot and humid this weekend, but last night the wind switched and the humidity lifted. It is absolutely perfect!🌞
Isn’t it just gorgeous out!?
Have fun at the fair!🌞
A skincare obsession is what got me into perfume, via MakeUpAlley 🙂
The fair sounds like fun, hope you find a treasure!
I read Air Fart first.🤣
And skin care is a big deal. I have been getting back into it a little, but I should be better.
Recent favorites for me were all centered around WWII or shortly after. “The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn (same as “Diamond Eye?”), novel about female code breakers in England, “A Woman of No Importance,” biography about an American WWII spy and leader in the French resistance by Sophia Purnell. Both riveting. A little fluffier was “The Gown” by Jennifer Robson, a novel about the making of Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Good fun. Currently listening to “The Consequences of Fear,” the next-to-most-recent Maisie Dobbs novel. I’m going to be at a loss when I run out of them and the Inspector Gamache novels. Not sure what would be WWII-ish. Maybe Chanel No 5, No 19 or Bois des Iles.
Ha ha yes I’m sure it’s the same Kate Quinn and I bet you would enjoy Diamond Eye. I’m ahead of you on Maisie Dobbs–but only because a good friend buys them all and then passes them along to me.
Sampling Perris Monte Carlo Jasmin De Pays which is really beautiful. Jasmine with clove. I am often not a fan of clove or carnation but the touch of clove really sets off the jasmine here.
Do I need a FB? Perhaps but have to see how similar it is to the Diptyque Essences Jasmine…I have a FB of the one already but haven’t done a comparison yet.
Otherwise I am thoroughly disgusted with news and the better part of the world in general. 🙂 Mr. She-ra continues to feel better (but is still isolating) and I am grateful for that. Just put a hold on The Outcast Dead…I need to pick the Ruth Galloway series back up…she is up to book 14 or so now it seems.😳
Good to hear Mr. She-ra is on the mend!
Also glad to hear about Mr She-ra!
I love jasmine, looking forward to hearing more about those two scents. 🙂
She-ra, if you decide just a decant will suffice of Jasmin de Pays, give me a holler. I very recently got an almost full bottle at a great deal, so I’m happy to share. I’m at my NST username at g mail. And fwiw, I think it’s different enough from the Diptyque to warrant having both. 😉
I’m reading Edith Wharton Ghost Stories, the hard back was less expensive than the pocket book edition, go figure.
Started the day in Guerlain Cologne du parfumeur and when it faded I tested Opium Fleur Impériale which I’ve just received today. IMS, I think Jalapeno wore it not long ago. In any case I like it a lot and it completes the two I already have, Fleur de Shanghai and Poésie de Chine.
Great find Aurora!
If I ever get to England first stop is your perfume cabinet. You have so many treasures!
You would be most welcome in my home Lillyjo, fall and winter perfumes have replaced spring and summer in a chest on the balcony, so it’s half the collection in the apartment leaving me blissfully unaware of how many bottles I really have 😃
Love Edith Wharton. House of Mirth so good.
I reread The House of Mirth regularly, The Custom of the Country is also a favorite, and then there is also The Age of Innocence, and Scorcese’s movie was so masterful.
These recs make me wish I could hole up for a month and just read read read. As noted above, I’m reading Caste (Isabelle Wilkerson). Am also reading and loving The Fabric of Civilization: How Textiles Made the World (Virginia Postrel) and *just* started What the Eyes Don’t See (Mona Hanna-Attisha), about her experience as a pediatrician in Flint during the water crisis. I’m reading this last one for a new course I’m developing, and am completely engaged by the author’s story-telling ability and passion.
That’s a lot of non-fiction for me! My fiction reading right now is a lot of re-reading for an article I’m working on.
I don’t have any scent pairings, though for the textiles book maybe Borneo 1834, since (IIRC) SL talks about how textiles were shipped in trunks with patchouli. What I am actually wearing today is Cristalle Eau Verte, my day-late CP finale.
Sorry, I misspelled Wilkerson’s first name — I thought I had corrected the autocorrect, but looks like it outsmarted me. She is ISABEL.
https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/arts_ents/17387982.book-review-threads-life-history-world-eye-needle-clare-hunter/
You might like Threads of Life by Clare Hunter. I read a while ago but it is nicely written
Fabric of Civilization sounds right up my my my sleave! Will check it out and Threads of Life too.
Soup Of The Day is Vanille Abricot; nice stuff, but faded so fast I barely got to enjoy it. Tomorrow I am thinking Valentina.
I finished my book of Millay poetry and am considering what to check out when I visit the library next week. I am eager to continue with the Washington series that I began with Volume 1, but not sure I want anything too heavy for summer. So I may check out On The Road, which has been on my bucket list for a while and, as a road trip book, will fit in nicely for the season. If anyone else can rec’ it, it will be a sure thing!
I read On The Road so long ago that I can’t remember it, sadly! So I should read it again.
I’m reading Dharma Bums right now, it’s fun.
I’m reading Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder, which I never would have picked (it was a gift) but which I now think should be mandatory reading for every mother of young children. What scent would capture suburban frustration? Jo Malone?
I am too late to read it then! Suburban frustration — presumably something aspirational so you can indulge your urban envy. So Le Labo Santal, ha!
(But you’re right Jo Malone is probably more accurate)
I only have time to read books on vacation, so last one was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I started it on plane to destination, finished on plane back. I liked the book, felt compelled to read it due to how long it was on bestseller list but it didn’t blow my socks off.
I have been moving more to nonfiction, my daughter’s cast offs, last year read Say Nothing and then The Empire of Pain both by Patrick Radden Keefe. Those books were superb. The first is about the Troubles in Northern Ireland which I recalled vaguely from the news but was too young to pay much attention. The Empire of Pain is about the Sackler family and the opioid epidemic. I think lawyers write good books.
Next vacation is a road trip to the southeast coast and I will bring The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. I will be a driver part of the way but maybe in the hotel.
I was thinking of Empire of Pain, glad to know it is good!
I also read empire of pain. I enjoyed it but thought there was a lot about the earliest family members…lots of background….and not quite as much about the latest members. I wonder if for legal reasons? Glad that it included Nan Goldin but I would have liked more from the art institutions
Robin, if you haven’t read any of the mysteries by Josephine Tey, you might enjoy those! I used to devour English mysteries, and she was one of my favorite authors.
Read them all, but thanks, good rec!
Recently read a bunch of “summer” reads. Black River by JJ Marsh, which I enjoyed. It’s the second in a series – the locations in Brazil are intriguing. The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz- his Sherlock Holmes novel. Didn’t grab me as much as I hoped, and checked out the second one Moriarty from the library but had to return without even starting it. Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane – a total beach read.
I’m now reading The Splendid and The Vile by Erik Larson. Loving it. An easy read, but it’s a big book. “A saga of Churchill, family, and defence during the Blitz.” I already extended my library loan so need to stay on track. I’m kind of a WWII nut, so this is right up my alley.
The Splendid and The Vile added to my list, thanks LizzieB!
I don’t have any book recommendations. I do have a funny video though. A Seinfeld compilation of getting words wrong.
https://youtu.be/CNQsAy7Z_sw
Made me laugh.
Sotd was Chance eau Vive. I also sampled Chloe de Rose’s, which I liked.
We’re no book rec twins! The video was pretty funny.
Are you and your daughter feeling better?
I’m feeling alright.
I think what my daughter had was her first migraine headache. Since that night I’ve just had her resting. I will speak to her doctor about it when she goes next month.
Good luck with your daughter! I remember when I had my first migraine, think I was about 14 or 15 and thought something was wrong with my brain. Sending her a hug.
Thanks for the laugh!
Love the video! Reminds me of a boss who always wrote about certain principles being one of the “tenants” of the business.
Robin, I can’t get into any Amor Towles books either. I find them airless.
I have been mostly rereading some favourites and reading manuscripts and I can’t remember what I have mentioned before so I will stick with books I liked
1. Paolo Cognetti, The Lovers. Set in the Italian alps about a man who has left his wife and goes and works in a restaurant in the mountains. Simple and nice landscape
http://www.publishersweekly.com/9780063115408
2. Colin Thubron, The Amur River: Between Russia and China. Quiet and observant. Nice reflections on life and surroundings.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/a-2000-mile-journey-through-russias-lonely-borderlands-with-china/2021/09/16/9d5d633e-14c5-11ec-a5e5-ceecb895922f_story.html
3. Still thinking about this one by Australian author Ruth Wilson who took a year away from her husband when she reached 70 and started a PhD . It s called The Jane Austen Remedy. Good if you like Austen or you’re feeling flat and uninspired
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7740398/all-the-ways-to-read-and-re-read-jane-austen/
4. Super Infinite, Katherine Randell . Superb book on poet John Donne
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/katherine-rundell/super-infinite-john-dunne/
5. Howards End. Glad I read it. I was taken with how well Forster inhabited the female characters.
Started Ruth Ozeki Book of Form and Emptiness but it’s not for me
Last one, for film people or Geoff Dyer People, Zona about the movie The Stalker
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/feb/16/zona-geoff-dyer-review?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Wearing Jicky and dealing with positive boys in isolation. Room service loses its appeal when you’re the one doing the serving. Dear old Covid, the gift that keeps on giving.
The lovers sounds like it would be up my alley
I read The Lovers about three weeks ago and enjoyed it. It’s deceptively simple, like Hemingway’s writing.
Good to know !!
Airless, exactly.
Howard’s End is my favorite Forster.
The Jane Austen Remedy looks right up my alley!
Mine too, since I’m on an Austen kick right now–just starting to re-read Northanger Abbey.
I really liked it. It had warmth and depth.
I love Colin Thubron, recently read Kailash. The Lovers and Jane Austen Remedy sound good too.
I enjoyed it. I seem to be attracted to books by older writers at the moment. They are mostly calm in tone and draw on a life
The only Anor Towles I’ve read is Gentleman in Moscow, and I actually listened to it. Resisted it for a long time, but I loved it. I wonder if the airlessness you and Robin (and others?) are sensing is a function of the central character’s predicament.
Chiming in late!
SOTD = Harmonist Royal Earth
So good – powdery iris – ❤️
No book recommendations at this time. Perhaps by the next poll!
Looking forward to the favorite reads!
How does this iris compare to others?
I just finished reading a really great book, Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse, sequel to Black Sun. It’s a very ambitious and super addictive high fantasy, set in the pre-Columbian Americas. It does not really stand alone by itself so I would recommend to read Black Sun first, and then get in line with rest of us waiting for the final book in the trilogy. Matching perfume: something with cacao – which serves as currency in the books – and earthy notes (for the catacombs) plus over the top, cornucopia madness for the dueling gods. In other words, Angel. I happen to have Liqueur de Parfum version on hand and that’s a perfect match since there is a LOT of drinking in Fevered Star.
Thank you akimon, I don’t read much fantasy but that looks really interesting.
No perfume yet as I’m just lying low and resting. Will pick something light, probably Rosa Ribes by 4160 Tuesdays.
I hope you regain some peace this week. I am sorry things are so tough.
Thank you. I am doing some hard thinking about how much of a loss I’m willing to take on the house in order to be free. The less I sell it for, the less I can afford in Montreal, but perhaps it is worth it for peace of mind.
It sounds as if the peace of mind might be worth it.
Hope you feel better soon. Difficult to make decisions when you feel bad.
I hope the rest does you some good. 😀
It surely will. That and some good drugs. Thank heavens for aspitin with codeine and sleeping pills.
I’m sending you lots of luck with the house-selling and dog-sitting. You will get through this!
Awww. Cazaubon. Sorry to hear of your troubles. Hope each day you feel better.
We took a hit on our last house, but were desperate. I would do it again with this house, too if it impacted my health inside and out.
My 2 cents.
You deserve joy.
Monday and I can leave isolation and go to the supermarket. It’s been a cold, winters week but there is such a sense of promise and renewal in the garden. The magnolias have huge , furry buds and the rhododendrons too. First snowdrops are out. I love seeing signs of spring and the sense of anticipation. Life moves on, light gets in. So happy this morning. Like a cow getting out of a barn. Wearing La Dolce Vita.
All this makes me happy for you.
Even better would be if you find good deals at the grocery store!🌞
How wonderful! I love the freshness of spring.
My tetanus shot reaction should subside in a few days, right? It has gotten redder, more swollen, bigger and is going down my arm, today. I had it on Thursday.
The MR. always wants me to hit the clinic.
Anyhoo, sampling Ghost in a Shell, which I love, but really should get rid of other perfumes, first. Eek.
Happy Day!
I hope your side effects get better soon. Have you tried icing the spot?
No, I didn’t even think to do anything. Thank you for the suggestion, I’ll give it a whirl.
I really enjoyed State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. And currently reading Pachinko. Next up is The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.
The Vanishing Half was on my list of possible reads.
The Vanishing Half is very good. I recommend you both read it 😊
2nd that.
I’m such a slow reader I didn’t finish anything recently. But I’m going to recommend a book I finished a few years ago because I noticed it’s been adapted into a show for Apple TV. The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry. I’m only on the second episode of the show, but so far, I much prefer the book!
The setting for the book is cold and coastal, not sure how I’d scent it. I seldom sample any marine scents, but maybe Squid or Wood Sage + Sea Salt would work.
I’m back from a visit to my parents. It was a lovely trip, always nice to see my son spending time with my parents, but it also feels good to be back home. I’ve just been catching up on laundry this weekend. I also went to the flea market with a friend yesterday and found two nice pieces of jewelry. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone thrifting and it was fun! Not looking forward to being back to work this week….
That’s nice your son spent time with your parents. Precious memories they’ll all have.
Thrifting is fun! Seems like a great weekend!💜
I liked that book…if you watch the series, do tell me if it is worth getting apple tv just to see it! I feel like I have so many paid channels already.
A warm day so have just finished a travel spray of Heeley Menthe Fraiche. Have been reading fluffy lgbtq novels, for a different take on the tropes of romance novels.
good thought! 🙂 I was at my city library on Friday. The selections they chose to highlight for Pride month were still on display.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was there, I enjoyed reading it a lot when it was first published.
sotwe = Tuberose Flash
Wore TF Saturday and today, it’s lovely even in the warming temperatures.
I’m reading Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad. She is diagnosed with leukemia as a young adult. I’m 52 pages in, liking it enough to finish.
Also reading Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. As a chronic people pleaser I find her advice helpful.
Love the reading poll! I’m always interested to learn what NSTers are reading.