Tag: Books

On Filling My Time: Virtual Author Events

~ Sarah Joyce ~ 1 Comment

We’ve been at home for a while now. Everyone is bored. Zoom is now an obligation. There is nothing left to clean and everyone has baked all the bread. 

So what else are we supposed to do?

Lucky for us book lovers our favorite Indiepend book stores hit the ground running last month and Virtual Author Events are now a very real very fun thing that you can do in your pajamas with a glass of wine.

You can even get all of your bookish friends together in a group chat and watch together. You can freak out over new book news, get excited about character revelation, and cheer general feel good statements without getting that annoying side eye from the person down your row who would really like you to stop whispering. There is no row. There are no other people around. Cheer all you want. Enjoy. 

I bring this all up as I have been watching through Midtown Scholar’s Madeline Miller event last Friday. It was inspiration and led me to their youtube channel, where they had also uploaded events with authors like Casey Cep, who I reviewed last year, and a ton of other favorites. 

Literati is also doing “At Home” events with some amazing authors. This week they Rebbeca Dinnerstien Knight will be live to talk about her new book, The Hex and next week they will be featuring Lillian Li, who is also one of their booksellers as well as a celebrated author. 

Also a shameless plug. Literati is my local indie of choice, so check them out. They are a wonderful store. 

This week Parnassus has Don Winslow. Politics and Prose has a full week of live events, including a talk with Samantha Irby. Greenlight also has an impressive schedule to close out April. Women and Children First is hosting 2 book launch events including one for Dancing at the Pity Party. Harvard Book Store is also going virtual with a packed schedule for April and May that includes Emily Gould and Bess Kalb. Most of these events are free, but you are incouraged to pick up books by the featured authors (or just your next must read book) by the presenting Indie seller. Makes sense, right? 

I know this is not an exhaustive list of virtual author events happening right now. It has been heartening to see our community come together to still bring joy and social interaction in a time when we are all stuck at home with our own thoughts and loneliness. 

If you come across any other fun events let me know in the comments. If you have already attended a virtual event that has past link me to the recording, if available! Oh, and if you saw Emily St. John Mandel at the end of last month when I was not mentally capable of keeping up with my dog, let alone the onslaught of digital content please know I envy you. 

September in Review

~ Sarah Joyce ~ 2 Comments

And just like that it is officially Fall. October began yesterday with an unnecessary heat wave, so I am spending my time inside reflecting over a very eventful September. 

We kicked off Labor Day with a killer hot dog bar and a ton of fun with friends and family. Then we promptly spent a week recovering. 

I did a 5K and went back to my favorite Spin Classes. I still talk my boyfriend into seeing our personal trainer a couple times a week. I like to bake cookies. We both like fitting into our clothes. It’s a balance. 

Last weekend my parents took our family to Mackinac Island. We stayed at the Grand Hotel. My boyfriend and I pretended to be fancy people for a couple of days. We sat on a big porch by the lake. We took a carriage ride. I bought so much fudge. 

I also did a ton of reading. I finished Pumpkinheads, Pride, Prejudice and Other Flavors, To Kill a Mockingbird, Go Set A Watchman, A Discovery of Witches, The Ten Thousand Doors of January and What We Talk About When We Talk about Books. I posted reviews for most of these. Follow the links! 

I also had a ton of bookish thoughts. I talked with you all about cookbooks, banned book week, graphic novels, and book clubs. You guys gave me lots of fun feedback. Thanks 

I showed my love of Harper Lee, Neil Gaiman, Harry Potter, and everything pumpkin spice by baking lots of tasty treats. My pantry is a little less full now. It’s okay though. I have a ton of great ideas for October to share with you. 

Basically, the blog has been hopping! It has been great to read all of your comments, and to find so many awesome new book lovers to follow.

Now, I am so excited for October. I am planning on going to lots of cider mills. I have a trip planned to see my best friend in Chicago. There is a Read-A-Thon at the end of the month I am gearing up for. 

Now before I do all that I want to share with you some of my favorite bookish news of the last 30 days. 

I wish my library had a miniature book collection. They’re so perfect, small, and fun. 

I’m sure you already know librarians are magic. They are also detectives. Here’s a great story on some librarians tracking down those titles that might elluide you. 

Have you also noticed Goodreads lack of innovation? 

I feel seen or attached I don’t know which – Gourmet Baking Shows are Secretly Reality TV for Frustrated Writers 

Buying this lovely illustrated guide to New York bookstores. You should too. It is super cute. 

Everyone’s favorite lions are getting a bath! The NYP Library is taking Patience and Fortitude off display for a few months. 

Public Domain is everyone’s best friend. I am so here for more initiatives to provide everyone access to books. 

I would so get married at a library. I would also rather pick up a marriage licenses from a librarian than a clerk at our city call. 

Milton read, and annotated Shakespeare. Woah. 

Y’all, Salinger’s estate is going to publish all of those works he stuck in a locker before his death. We’re also getting centennial covers of all of his seminal works. Guys. I. Am. Pumped. 

Banned Books on Screen : Adaptions for Busy Readers

~ Sarah Joyce ~ 3 Comments

I’m sure you’re a busy person. I’m a busy person. I don’t know many people that aren’t.  There are too many books to read, meals to cook, dogs to pet and general merriment to be had. Also work. There is always work, and working out, and commuting (why do I spend so much time in my car?!?!)

So this year for Banned Book Week instead of trying to read ALL THE BOOKS EVER I thought maybe I should look into adaptations. I love me some good bookish movies and series and also it is much less hazardous to fall asleep watching something on Netflix then reading a book. 

This may be coming from someone who has recently fallen asleep reading and dropped her Kindle on her head. Maybe.

Both the Kindle and I are fine, by the way. Thanks for asking. 

Anyway here are a few of the Banned Book Week adaptations I am excited to jump into. I hope you all get a chance to watch a few of them too. 

Fahrenheit 451

I love me some Michael B Jordan. I do not love this Bradbury classic. I get how it is important. I understand how it moves people. I just hate Montag. I refuse to do another reread, but will watch the movie.

Catch 22

Major Major Major we have a winner! Okay, I love Catch 22. It was my favorite book for years. Somehow I haven’t gotten around to watching this Hulu series. It is on my watch list, just as the book is a constant on my “reread when the world stops moving so fast” list. Plus I have heard great things about the acting. I just need to convince my boyfriend that this will actually be funny and not just war 100% of the time and maybe I can actually get some quality time with Yosarian and company this week. 

The Great Gatsby

Okay, Gatsby isn’t a long book. Don’t judge me too poorly. I don’t have time this week to get disillusioned and lost in the Jazz age. I do have time for a couple hours staring at Leo DiCaprio pining over a lost love while I pack for vacation, tho. 

To Kill a Mockingbird – Also Read Furious Hours

Disclaimer: I read To Kill a Mockingbird last week so I could do a Food and Fiction Friday post for this week. It still lives up to its hype in every possible way. However, Gregory Peck is perfect. Did you know he was friends with Harper Lee after filming? He is always how I picture Atticus Finch, and if you  haven’t watched his Oscar winning performance yet you should give it a chance. It is old but perfect.

Also, Furious Hours by Casey Cep was one of the best books released this spring, so if you’re looking for something Lee adjacent check it out!

1984

Another oldey, but it is so good. I love everything about 1984 and I love this adaptation. If you haven’t gotten around to reading the book and want to be in the know about Big Brother this is for you!

Gone with the Wind

Frankly, my dears, I do not have the time. I do not. No no no. Margaret Mitchell’s classic is one of 2 books to win a pulitzer prize the year it was also the best selling novel in the US. By every right I should read Gone with the Wind. I went on a HUGE southern fiction kick last year. I just can’t stand reading about the Civil War in fiction. It is too messy. The casualties too great. 

The Hate You Give


This was one of the most challenged books of last year. This is one of the few adaptations on the list that I actually want to go back and read. I think the movie may be too much for me to handle. However the subject is deeply imporant and everything I see makes me think it will be a future classic. 

A Wrinkle In Time

I didn’t read this absolute classic until last year when my absolute FAVS Oprah, Reese, and Mindy were instagraming about the movie. I got super excited. Then I didn’t see it. I did like the book though and have zero time or inclination to read it again. Maybe it is finally time to watch the movie?

Perks of Being a Wallflower

This was one of the books being challenged when I was still in high school. I loved the book growing up. It was one of the few books geared towards young adults that I actually read in high school. (Sidenote: My YA phase started at like 23.) When the movie came out a few years ago I couldn’t bring myself to watch it. I had too many memories of the book and didn’t want them corrupted. Now I think I can finally go back and see Emma Watson and Ezra Miller turning a Charlie’s life upside down.

Do you have a favorite Banned Book that has been adapted for the screen? Let me know what I’m missing in the comments!

Neil Gaiman Changes my Life and All I Have For You Is Cozy Pumpkin Banana Bread

~ Sarah Joyce ~ 10 Comments

Growing up I had pretty basic tastes. Nothing too weird. No Sci-Fi. Fantasy was okay if it was Harry Potter. I only wanted stuffy historical fiction, nothing steampunk or fun. Literary fiction was my jam. No weirdness. Nope. Not for me. 

Then in college I expanded my horizons. I was forced to read outside of my comfort zone.

I was also  introduced to Neil Gaiman. First it was just through the Sandman series. At the time I was still very anti-comic but still read the entire first volume. Then I came across The Graveyard Book and fell in love. 

Bod was loveable. His adventures amazing. Jack was just threatening enough. I read the book in a night. I was at the library the next day looking for more Gaiman. 

I found Coraline (which I didn’t love. Don’t @ me.) I found Stardust. I found Neverwhere and American Gods.

American Gods changed the way I viewed my country. It changed the way I thought about books. I found it incredibly powerful. The combination of mythology and the presence of the new Gods was fascinating, innovative. Shadow was a compelling character. The overall story was addiction addicting. The Somewhere in America segments brought balance and history. It was everything I needed. I still think about it regularly. It has a special place in my heart. 

American Gods is usually the first book I gift people. It is one I list as a favorite. It is one I would recommend people read if they want to understand me better.

I also think it is hands down Neil Gaiman’s best work. 

In other grand statements I also like the TV show. Both seasons. Yes even season 2. 

But I digress. 

Neil Gamain was a gateway author for me. I didn’t know fantasy could be so fun, that it could be so relatable. I didn’t know that relevant stories could be told. 

I also didn’t know that seeing an author speak could be so much fun! I have seen Gaiman twice now, and have several signed copies of his books. He is funny and insightful. Watching him is a deeply rewarding experience. He made me love author events. He also prepared me for future long lines at signings.

It’s okay, I can be patient sometimes, maybe. 

I still look back at Gaiman’s words with love and comfort. This year I finally read Neverwhere and Anasi Boys. I wasn’t as starstruck as my first few reading experiences, but I enjoyed what I read. 

It also reminded me of one of my favorite Gaimanisms. Back when I was first falling in love with his work I read somewhere his descriptions of American Gods and Neverwhere as a comparison. As I can’t find it now on the internet (shocking!) I’ll summarize here.

  • In England when you’re looking for something dig down –  you’re looking through the history of societies built upon each other, and that’s where you’ll find things.
  • In American when you’re looking for something drive – go far – you’ll find what you’re looking for in the distance. 

I realized how accurate this statement was. It is also plays into my love of American Gods. America is huge. Sometimes when things seem impossible, or nothing is going right, or you’re just searching for something it is really easy to get in a car, or plane, train or bike and go until you find what you’re looking for. 

And hopefully what you’re looking for today is a very tasty Pumpkin Banana Bread recipe complete with chocolate chips and lots of warm spices. It is soft, tasty, and the exact opposite of wishing a snow storm into existence a la Shadow Moon.

Ingredients

4 large eggs

1/3 c unsalted butter softened

1/3 c canola oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/3 c sugar

3 1/2 c flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

3 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup pumpkin puree*

2 to 3 medium bananas, mashed. 

2 c mini chocolate chips

Steps

Heat the oven to 350 degrees and spray 2 bread pans with nonstick spray.

In a large bowl, add the eggs, butter, oil, sugar and vanilla, mix until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Combine and mix. 

Add in the pureed pumpkin and mashed bananas and mix. 

Stir in chocolate chips. 

Divide batter between the 2 greased loaf pans. Cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour covered and an additional 10 to 15 minutes uncovered.

Loaf is done when a toothpick can be inserted into center and removed clean.

Jane Austen Talk Over Pancakes

~ Sarah Joyce ~ 1 Comment

Hello. My name is Sarah. I’m a Jane Austen Addict.

I’m not as bad as some. I usually only read a couple of her novels a year. I try to check out only a few retellings or adaptations a year. I do not force my Jane Austen love on others. 

I fully do not expect my boyfriend to talk Darcy to me. 

However this year I have read Emma, Mansfield Park, and Pride and Prejudice. I am halfway through the Persuasion audiobook. I have done another watch of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries and the Joe Wright Pride and Prejudice.

This all comes to a head now as my library hold for Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors has come in. I am loving it so far but it reminded me of this past winter curled up with Austen and all of the new revelations, and old creature comforts, I partook in. 

I love the women Austen writes. They’re complex. They take me back in time. Their dialogue is always perfect. They make me think about my own, modern life and see things from a different angle. Relationships are ever present. Family issues are always a thing. Love is all around. (cue the Love Actually soundtrack!) I feel thoughtful when I am immersed in Austen. I feel safe. 

I think Northanger Abbey is underrated, Anne Elliot is kind of boring, and that Kitty Bennett deserves more love. I want to go to Bath and Pemberly. Mansfield Park is easily forgettable. Colonel Brandon is adorable. 

I try to remember that these books are not perfect. Every year I enjoy the criticism and commentary at Austen in August. It gives me something to think about, and a million posts to devour about my favorite characters and places. 

Sometimes when I feel sick, or sad, or just blah the best thing to get me out of my funk is a little Austen. 

Sometimes all I need is Pride and Prejudice and Pancakes. Preferably buttermilk pancakes that don’t taste like cardboard and crushed dreams. Pancakes stacked with berries and loaded with pure maple syrup. Pancakes that are perfectly fluffy.  Pancakes like this.

Ingredients:
1 cup buttermilk

2 eggs

1 stick butter, melted

1 cup flour

4 tsp brown sugar

4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

Steps:

Melt butter. Set aside to cool. 

In a large bowl mix together all the dry ingredients. 

In another bowl mix together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and butter once it has cooled (unless you really want scrambled eggs in your pancakes.) Once mixed together let sit for a few minutes. 

Heat skillet with cooking spray (or a little oil and butter.) Once hot scoop ½ cup of the pancake batter into the skillet. Top with your favorite berries. Wait until bubbles form and bottom has browned and the flip. Repeat with the rest of the batter.

Serve with more berries, maple syrup, or your favorite jam.

List Love: End of Summer TBR

~ Sarah Joyce ~ Leave a comment

If you can remember back to Monday, you’ll recall that my summer has a bit of a theme. Like any reasonable person I am embracing my current reading obsession with open arms. Here are a list of books I hope to get to in the not too distant future. 

Lavinia – I’m a sucker for female centered retellings of classic stories. After powering through the Aeneid I am curious to see what powerhouse Le Guin can do with Lavinia. She’s only mentioned a handful of times in the original text, but her existence sets so many things into motion. I hope to see her have real agency. Her perspective on war and marriage should be fascinating. 

Galatea – Admittedly I knew little of Galatea, the marble statue come to life before this summer. However I would currently trust Madeline Miller with my reading life. Short stories are also some of my favorite things to read so I am extra excited to see how much information could be packed into this small package. 

Mythos & Heroes – Both by Stephen Fry, these are retellings of all the myths we’ve grown to know, love, yawn at, reference poorly, and everything in between. After reading Norse Mythology last year I was desperate to find a modern take on Greek tales, and it seems like I have finally gotten exactly what I asked for. My two copies are sitting by my nightstand now, waiting to be read. 

The Cassandra – World War II. A Seer that no one will believe. Sign me up. I have noticed a surprising (at least to me) lack of Cassandra retellings in my searching. Her myth is so iconic, and her plight so easy to translate across settings and eras that I was expecting to find them everywhere. I’m hoping this lives up to expectations

Gods Behaving Badly – It’s modern day and our favorite Gods are feeling a little irrelevant. They’re sharing a flat in London and wreaking havoc on their neighbors, and possibly the world! This sounds like an adult Percy Jackson to me and I am so here for it!

The Penelopiad – The Odyssey but from Penelope perspective. Also they’re in Hades. And there may be some repercussions for slaughtering all her maids. Sign me up.

A Thousand Ships – Lastly we have what sounds like The Silences of the Girls on steroids. This is toted as being the Trojan War told entirely from the perspective of the different woman that lived and suffered through. I cannot wait to get my hands on this. I will probably need a lot of chocolate and other comfort foods to compensate for all of the misery. It’ll be worth it.

So that is my Mythology related TBR. I hope there are a few you haven’t heard of and may join me in reading!