Very Valentine, by Adriana Trigiani

March 30, 2009 on 6:04 pm | In Fiction, Kay's Picks | No Comments

I first read Adriana Trigiani while working as a bookmobile driver. After reading Trigiani’s book Big Stone Gap, a coworker shared a passage from the book during a staff meeting. The passage, in which Trigiani described the story’s bookmobile librarian and sexpot, Iva Lou, led me and all the rest of the staff to stampede the office computers to get on the waiting list for our chance to read the book.

I’ve read and enjoyed many of the books Trigiani’s written since then, but none as much as her latest, Very Valentine.

Valentine is a 30-something 100% Italian American single woman who’s learning the family business– crafting hand-made wedding shoes–from her 80-something widowed grandmother. When the business falls on hard times, will Valentine find a way to revive it? And, will she get the man as she does so, and if so, which man will Valentine get?

Trigiani’s humor, her depiction of Italian American culture, her descriptions of complex people, beautiful places, and dreamy SHOES, and, of course, a story you’re dying to read more of, make Very Valentine a very satisfying read.

Read with me!
Kay


A Pick for April, National Poetry Month: Spend some of your April with The Kingfisher Book of Family Poems

March 30, 2009 on 4:10 pm | In Adoption books, Kay's Picks, Poetry | No Comments

The Kingfisher Book of Family Poems was the second book I ever reviewed for Adoptive Families Magazine, and as such, it’s a sentimental favorite of mine.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone with a new baby or newly adopted child, an Easter gift that the whole family will enjoy, or want to get an early start on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day shopping, this book is a great choice.

And, April is National Poetry Month! There’s no better time to order this book from Amazon, or check it out from your public library, and share a little poetry with your family.

Janet S. Wong is one of several big-name contributors to this book, and this book was my first introduction to her work. I’ve since become a fan. Her artful use of language (wow, that’s lame!) is beyond description. You have to read it to believe it, so…

Read with me!
Kay


Three Little Words: A Memoir

March 25, 2009 on 9:36 pm | In Adoption books, Kay's Picks | No Comments

Three Little Words: A Memoir, by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

Rhodes-Courter tells the story of her experiences in foster care, and how “the system” failed her. Through the help of a court appointed advocate, she was eventually adopted.

I appreciate Rhodes-Courter’s honesty when talking about her adoptive family–her attachment to them took time, and she doesn’t pretend otherwise.

The mother in me is proud of the woman Ashley has become! WAY TO GO, ASHLEY!

Read with me!
Kay


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