I've been down for the count for a few days--stomach virus--and have had the compensatory pleasure of many hours of reading/listening to books. This one will stay with me: A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Southern literature and I grew up in the Deep South during the 1960s and '70s; I've spent a lot of time in the region of NC in which this book is set. I can't believe this is a first novel. It's pitch-perfect in sense of place, character development, and distinctive voices of all narrators. An utterly absorbing and heartbreaking story.

I'm so glad I have the sudio version--the readers are amazing and add so much dimension to an already superb work of literature. I can't wait for more from Wiley Cash.


View all my reviews

Hopelessly Obsessed With Dexter

I admit it. I can watch five episodes of Dexter back-to-back. Amazon.com makes it easy because you can buy an episode for 2 bucks and watch it instantly.

My favorite person on the show is Debra. I can't help loving her vulnerable/tough/funny/tragic character and her potty mouth. Something about her creative swearing appeals to my inner twelve year old. Here's my favorite Debra outburst so far:



Can't resist this music video. Let's hear it for guilty pleasures!
That is all.

Hi. Please find me on Goodreads! I want your book recommendations. I'm finding this a great way to mark books I want to read and find the info when I am ready to order them on ILL. I've sworn off paper books, except through the library, so I now think ILL is the bee's knees. http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8130275-nancy

Do you remember Muguet Des Bois? It was my first "grown-up" cologne, when I was 12. I didn't know it was even still available; I found it on Amazon and it arrived today. I've been on a scentimental journey since 10 this morning. Ahhhh.... Now I need to get some Jean Nate body splash and some Bonnie Belle 10 o 6 and I'll be young again.

Another thing that makes me feel young again? Reading like crazy. I've been indulging myself with fiction all summer. That hammock on the deck, and the four days off per week, have allowed me to make a little dent in my "to read" pile. Bliss.

One more thing that makes me feel young? Hanging out with my daughter, who looks eerily like my mother in her youth and a bit like me in my youth--only much more lovely and very like herself! Most of all, sharing books with her and laughing at the same things. Yep. Procreation can be a very good thing. 
Caitlin, 2012

Mom, 1947 (ish)

Me, 1977 (yes, I know we look funny. Not a lot of teenage photos of me!)

Disjointed? Yes. Am I drinking a bottle of wine? Yes. It's my "Saturday". Made gazpacho--dinner in a blender. Thanks, Cuisinart!