Rules of Civility by Amor Towles Book Review

The New York Times bestselling novel that "enchants on first reading and only improves on the second" (The Philadelphia Inquirer) This sophisticated and entertaining first novel presents the story of a young woman whose life is on the brink of transformation. On the last night of 1937, twenty-five-year-old Katey Kontent is in a second-rate Greenwich Village jazz bar when Tinker Grey, a handsome banker, happens to sit down at the neighboring table. This chance encounter and its startling consequences propel Katey on a year-long journey into the upper echelons of New York society—where she will have little to rely upon other than a bracing wit and her own brand of cool nerve. With its sparkling depiction of New York’s social strata, its intricate imagery and themes, and its immensely appealing characters, Rules of Civility won the hearts of readers and critics alike.

-Barnes & Noble

Quite simply, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles is one of the best novels I've read. Period. Not only is it filled with wonderful writing detailing the year long journey of a young woman discovering the upper echelons of 1930s New York City, it is filled with poignant meaning that I will ponder for a long while. There aren't many novels that I want to reread, but this is one that I'm sure I've missed something worth gleaning.

Katey Kontent, the protagonist of this novel, is keen, witty, and intriguing as we follow her through one life changing year. One moment, she and her best friend Eve, are working girls in New York City, looking to spend a night out, and in the next serendipitous moment, they've met the man that would change both of their lives dramatically...Tinker Grey. I enjoyed every single moment of this novel...new characters, music, and imagery. I enjoyed the sights and sounds evoked in this piece. Towles is a master of characterization and voice. I couldn't have imagined any other character narrating this novel other than Katey, whose voice has a journalistic quality to it, and a way of showing emotion without over sensationalizing. It worked so well that one could believe that Katey is a real person of which Towles is simply taking dictation.

Towles has painted New York in the 1930s to a tee. It's as if he has jumped into a time machine and zipped back give us a walking tour of this roaring city. Being a New Yorker, it was such an alluring experience to know I am within walking distance of many of the churches Katey frequents, along with many places that may have once existed. He paints New York almost as a love/hate relationship that tends to mirror relationships within the novel; The city can draw one in like a siren with its sparkling lights, exciting people, and promises of dreams while awake...yet it is a mercurial behemoth with so many facades that one may not be able to keep up. There were so many surprises to be uncovered that I  could not put it down.

Bare In Mind: This novel contains profanity, and adult content/situations.

Rules of Civility carries the weight of lives lived, pondered, and squandered. What most touched me was that I chose this novel as the one I would take into my next year (My Birthday Novel) hoping that it would carry some great meaning I could take with me. Katey is the same age as I am, and experiences a struggle that many of us do, with deciding what directions our lives will take, and who will come into these new dimensions with us. It felt for a while that I were going on my journey with another who understood, minus the many nouveau riche Katey meets. The novel contains all of the glamour, excitement, and secrecy, but also carries the question of its' worth. Is it worth what it might take to gain the American Dream? Is it worth squandering childlike wonder for the world around you? Do you really know who you are, and who your friends are? These questions and more define a beautiful experience with the novel!

I give this novel 5 out of 5 flutes of sparkling champagne and a night on the town.

Spotted #2: Barnes & Noble Union Square

Spotted is a Feature on Novel Days where I spotlight books which I discover whilst about town.

The Time Travelling Fashionista at the Palace of Marie Antoinette by Bianca Turretsky: I saw this and immediately the little girl in me who loves to play dress up began to cheer. This novel surrounds a thirteen year old who wind's up in Marie Antoinette's court. Who wouldn't want to be in her court, if not just to experience it all by proxy! Macarons, pastels, bustling skirts...I think so. This might be a really light refresher to my list.

Zombies vs. Unicorns Edited by Holly Black: Every time I see this anthology I laugh inside, because it seems  such a crazed notion that someone would even pit a grotesque and slimy Zombie with a beautiful Unicorn. I guess from the last, you all know what side I'm on! Give 'em grief, Unicorns!

Mademoiselle De Maupin by Theophile Gautier:  I'm always on the lookout for really wonderful French Classics. Since falling in love with Guy De Maupassant, I wanted to explore more iconic pieces. Taking a stroll past the B&N Penguin Classic's section, the cover caught my eye straight away. It's illusory, intriguing, puzzling. I'm very curious. (Contain's Adult Themes)

Willful Impropriety-13 Tales of Society, Scandal and Romance Edited by Ekatarina Sedia: Totally excited about this anthology of no doubt beautifully engaging tales about the darker sides of society! Honestly, anything Victorian, or smack dab between the 20s and the 60s...I'm sold. There's something so much cooler and more drawing about the secrets lying in these eras than in present day.

Diva by Jillian Larkin: It's set in the 20s, and there are Flappers involved. This needs no explanation ;-). Anyone else love ths series?

Laura Lamont's Life In Pictures by Emma Straub: This novel makes me happy to see placed all around bookstores. It has such a beautiful cover, and a premise that the 20s lover in me is thrilled to dive into.

Battle Royale by Koshun Takami: This. Novel. Of course this is The Hunger Games before The Hunger Games came to be. Seems quite the work. Vicious, raw, and even in the midst of all this, I'm curious. I'm really hoping that it's not violence for violence sake. But, yeah...seems pretty frightening overall.  (Contains: Violence)

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace: Does anyone truly know what this novel is about? Have any of you read it? I know many have placed it on their challenging books list with hopes of conquering it as one would seek to defeat War and Peace or Anna Karenina. I always like a good challenge, that's why I'm hoping to finish Murakami's 1Q84 before year is over.

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell: I watched the film starring Jennifer Lawrence surrounding a young girl who's in search of her father in the poverty stricken Ozarks. Something that I can't explain captured my attention. I didn't watch the film long enough to know every bit of the story, but when I discovered that there was a novel, I thought it would be interesting to read. I also have a fascination with Appalachia and areas surrounding this territory and culture. It seems a whole other world there. 

What novels have captured your eye lately?

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Getting To Know Me

 

I decided I would join in on the festivities of Book Blogger Appreciation Week a bit too late to swap an interview with one of you awesome bluestockings, I thought I would take on this nice little getting to know me questionnaire!

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
It really depends on what 'snackage' is around at any given time. Though, an ideal would be a steaming cup of Irish Breakfast/Cocoa/Chai, and some kind of biscuit.

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
I think a bunch of you will cringe upon reading my response, but I not only mark my books while I read, I write whole passages of thoughts at times. There's something about imprinting books you read that intrigues me. Of course, it depends on the book. If it's an expensive, epic tome, perhaps I'll save my ink for elsewhere ;-). I like to think of it as a sort of diary. When you go back to read it again, you'll know just the kind of impression you had of it/how it affected you at the time.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
I either use one of those handy Strand Bookstore markers they give out for free, or a Fuji Instax polaroid... they're fun! I love breaking the spine of a paperback...makes me feel accomplished ;-).

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
Fiction mostly. I love losing myself in other worlds, but every now and then something that's non fiction will grab me. I particularly love Christian Inspirational Non-fiction.

Hard copy or audiobooks?
Hard copies...period. I'm not sure I can stomach someone else voice reading over a novel for me...but I guess if the actor/speaker used is awesome, I could.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?
I try to read until the end of every chapter. It can be so strange to try and reconnect midway the plot, after you've had to take a break.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?
Most times, I'll underline every unfamiliar word, and look them up afterwards. This is a bit easier if I'm reading on a Kindle or iPad.

What are you currently reading?
I'm currently reading Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. SUCH a good book so far.

What is the last book you bought?
My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares...also a good book!

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?
I'm a bit jumpy when it comes to books. I try soooo hard to stick to one at a time, however, I always end up feeling like I'm missing something, or being counterproductive if I don't read, at least, one extra. It's a deceit, I know :-).

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?
Everyday, anytime, anyplace. But I have been wanting to find a place like Bryant Park, or a beautiful library.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?
I think over the years I've grown so used to reading books that are a part of a series that when a stand alone does creep onto my TBR it's often bittersweet.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
I think I've recommended The Hunger Games so many times, I know I should break from it. It's just so good.

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)
Organization? That exists?

Thanks so much for reading along with me on day two of Book Blogger Appreciation Week! I can't wait to look at all of your interviews!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week: Bluestocking Love

 

Bluestocking: -noun
            1. a woman with considerable, scholarly, literary, or intellectual ability or interest.

Kicking off this Book Blogger Appreciation Week with a bang, the first topic is love, ladies and gents. Here are a few bluestockings that I adore in the book blogging community!

Casee Marie at Literary Inklings: I adore Literary Inklings! Casee's reviews are smart, intriguing, and she has an eye for wonderful literature that one many not otherwise encounter.

April at Good Books and Good Wine: April's blog was one of my inspirations to start up Novel Days! I love her reviews, and her witty voice!

Lenna at Confessions of An Inner Aspen: After 'meeting' Lenna via a blog hop, I'm so happy I have. Her blog is filled with keen reviews, musings, and overall imaginative awesomeness.

Gabbie at This Girl Gabbie: Follow Gabbie as she shares her journeys via DIY Projects, beautiful art which she creates and sells, and books, of course!


Bluestocking Vloggers

Christine PolandBananasBooks: Christine is the craziest breath of fresh air book vlogger I've encountered on youtube!

Camilla at The Artsy Gal 12: Camilla is a wonderful vlogger that has such passion for books, it causes the same response in viewers.  She's also an AMAZING artist!

I'm so excited to participate in this years Book Blogger Appreciation Week! Who are your fave bloggers?

My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares Book Review

Daniel has spent centuries falling in love with the same girl. Life after life, crossing continents and dynasties, he and Sophia (despite her changing name and form) have been drawn together-and he remembers it all. For all the times that he and Sophia have been connected throughout history, they have also been torn painfully, fatally, apart. But just when Sophia (now "Lucy" in the present) finally awakens to the secret of their shared past, the mysterious force that has always separated them reappears. Ultimately, they must come to understand what stands in the way of their love if they are ever to spend a lifetime together.

*Car Screech* I know what you Fallen fans are thinking. Two people, named Daniel and Lucy, in a love affair spanning the dawn of time.... Sounds a bit familiar to me. I thought the same thing. But, Ladies and Gents', this is a whole other ball game. My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares is my first read of hers, and I was delightfully surprised. This novel is one of the best romances I've ever read. Brashares turns the, at times, overused theme of star crossed love into something fresh, intriguing, and gripping. 

My Name is Memory read like a historical epic, jumping from the present, to several time periods spanning a thousand years. It is written partially in Daniel's point of view, and partially in Daniel/Lucy close third person pov. I had such a great experience with Daniel's personal pov! Brashares successfully  captures a voice filled with the weight of ancient knowledge, while simultaneously allowing for the vulnerability and clever attitude of a 18-24 year old guy. It has a haunting quality to it, as Daniel experiences multiple harsh lives. It is also rich in lush detail of the ancient city of Constantinople, Cappadocia, England, and many more beautifully depicted histories. 

Lucy's (Sophia) aspects of the story were also intriguing, and I loved how she discovers who Daniel really is as the novel progresses. Can you imagine what it would be like to have someone come up to you and reveal that they have loved you throughout the ages? Such a wonderful premise. It was great to experience a character who is unknowledgeable of the full scope of things, seeing as the novel is steeped in Daniel's knowledge. 

Brashares does not paint a romantic picture filled with sap and warm fuzzies. This romance is heavy with the weight of certain harsh realities this world can carry. There are moments that are so heartbreaking I could cry for Daniel and Lucy. Out of all of their past histories, I most connected with that of Daniel and Lucy as Constance. It was so emotional and sincere, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

This novel is one that I could see becoming quite a beautiful film someday. 

The only things I didn't love about this novel are it's pacing and it's ending. There were moments in the novel that I felt were a bit dragged out. Perhaps one of its intents was to show you an example of how Daniel and Lucy feel to wait for perfect circumstances. But at times, I just wanted to grab Daniel by the hand and say, Dude, please...there she is, tell her that you're here so you both can frolick into the sunset. In terms of its ending, I have to say, I did actually like it. But it made me wish there were a sequel. After doing some research inquiring of a sequel, I discovered that, though intended to be a trilogy, dwindling book sales have caused the publishers not to push for it. Let's turn their minds around guys!

Bare in Mind: My Name Is Memory contains sensuality, profanity, and the subject of reincarnation.

My Name is Memory gave me the same feeling I had whilst reading The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. It's beautifully written, romantic, smart, and reads like a modern classic. There were so many underline worthy ponderings on life and love, I'll have to reread to get them all down.

I give My Name Is Memory by Ann Brashares 4 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Spotted #1: Barnes & Noble Midtown

Spotted is a Feature on Novel Days where I spotlight books which I discover whilst about town.

The Twitter Diaries by Georgie Thompson: An entire novel written in the form of twitter updates. I wanted to turn up my nose at this, but I couldn't help but think of how fun this could be. Not to mention, it takes a good writer to write a compelling plot within 140 spaces.

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire: I believe I caught on to this novel some months before it caught fire amongst readers/bloggers everywhere. It's comparison to Fifty Shades is almost completely wrong, but the one way that they link is the self published/independently published factor. It's novels like these that make me so excited to self publish my own novel. A few years ago, who would've thought that it was possible for a self published author to gain a spot on The New York Times Bestseller List? Seeing this novel in a bookstore made me smile!

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: I watched this novel float from tweet to tweet for almost a full week. How can I ignore such craze? I think I'm the only one who hasn't read it yet. What do you guys think about this novel? I'm game for a good mystery...as long as it isn't drawn out.

How To Write A Sentence and How To Read One by Stanley Fish: Because after Grad School I really need to re learn these basic functions.

The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern: I started reading this about a month ago, and now I'm ready to jump back into it. I've heard the most magical things about it, and the more I see it around, the more I would love to take a journey to a real life night circus (if such exists).

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles: Today, I picked up this promising gem as an early birthday present. One of my best friends and fellow bluestocking, Casee Marie from Literary Inklings, has consistently recommended this novel to me until I couldn't resist any longer. There's just something about the 30s and 40s that I'm fascinated with. It seems as if even daily life was romantic back then. I'm really looking forward to this one.

One Day by David Nicholls: This. Book. In my review of it, I talk of how this novel wracks my brain. Whenever I see it, I feel a mixture of awe, sadness, and irritation. Dexter will do that to you...that ending will do that to you.

Cosmopolis by Dan Delillo: I'll admit that I've only turned my eyes to this novel because of my dear, Robert Pattinson. I tried reading it while I was still in Wales, and it certainly seemed like our generations' Ulysees. I'm curious to read more, as I enjoyed the sound of the dialogue after seeing a few scenes from the movie. It is so slow and calculated. I'm almost sure that it's our version of Shakespearean language. I'm looking forward to discovering the meaning of each word.

The Conde Nast Book of Unforgettable Journeys-Great Writers on Great Places: There's nothing better than good writing that evokes a sense of place that makes one sure they've travelled. Good writing can certainly make a place seem mythic and lovely by bringing out the natural, untapped beauty of the place described. This would be an interesting addition to my library.

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss: So, I've had this novel trapped in my closet for the past 2 and a 1/2 years. I've heard pretty mixed reviews, but this quote: "Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering."--keeps me hopeful. One of my great missions as a writer is to discover new ways to write about and describe the act of loving someone, and this novel seems a treasure trove of inspiration. What do you guys think?

What awesome reads have you spotted around lately?

Autumn Top 12

There are simply too many novels I would love to read by the end of the year, but I've narrowed my Fall/Winter List down to my Top 12.

This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz: Drown was one of the best short story collections I've ever read, so I flipped when I discovered that Diaz is coming out with a new collection.

Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin: I thoroughly enjoyed All These Things I've Done, and this next installment promises more surprises, mob family drama, and illegal chocolate. What more can I ask for?

Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama: Mermaids. Crazy ones. I'm intrigued by mermaid folklore, and I love them more when they are depicted in a raw sense, instead of the Walt Disney singsong version. That being said, I also have to finish The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova.

Laura Lamont's Life In Pictures by Emma Straub: There's nothing better than exploring the world of Moving Pictures in the 1920s. Such glamour, intrigue, and beauty. I discovered this via the lovely, Casee Marie at Literary Inklings.

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick: More Patch. The end.

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone: After reading My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares (Look for this review next Monday!), I quite love romances involving time travel! If it were possible to carry on a love from Kerouac's time, I would jump right in!

The Elementals by Francesca Lia Block: Ms. Block showed me as a senior in high school with her novel, Echo, that I wanted to write in a way that would immerse readers in a lush, magically realistic world. Can't wait to read her latest mystery!

Meant To Be by Lauren Morril: After hearing that this novel is suggested for anyone who loved Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, I had to add this to the list. There's nothing better than a great romance that can have you feeling euphoric, regardless of other opinions.

Eight Girls Taking Pictures by Whitney Otto: This novel promises an intriguing look at female artists in several vignettes around the world. I adore photography, and thought how interesting it would be to look into several photographers lives.

Out Of Reach by Carrie Arcos: I love a nice dark, and lyrical tale depicting intrigue and addiction battles. I had to include at least one angsty tale on this list.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman: This novel has been on my TBR list for a bit over a year. I've heard so many wonderful things about it, that I would love to dive into it, and it's sequel Where She Went.

Twenty Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler: I have been trying to read this novel all summer long! At first, I thought it would be a lighthearted read, but after hearing many raving reviews, it seems to be a balanced novel detailing what it is to grieve and move forward over the course of a summer. I love novels that take me by surprise!

What novels are you excited to read this Fall/Winter?

Kippa Picks: What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn Book Review

Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together. And then he falls in love… With the last girl he would expect… Totally not in his game plan. Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig. But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it.

-Amazon

What A Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn was a fun and entertaining read. Sebastian Hawkins (Bastian), is that guy we all knew in high school, who is all swag and ego. The guy that makes you bristle a bit on the inside, bit also tilt your head in consideration because you know you love it. But, being the character masochist I am, I absolutely love when authors turn this kind of guy on his head, and place them in situations that they could've never prepared for.

As What A Boy Wants progresses, we see Bastian fall for his best friend, Aspen, and what a beautiful fall it is. I found I loved his character more and more as the novel progressed, because we see his protective nature for his mother, and his best friends. I loved Bastian's relationship with Aspen, they were wonderful best friends. Aside from all of the 'Hook-Up Doctor' 'cocktastic' banter, he is a lovely guy at heart who learns that there is a bit more to love than merely a formula. Although it was mainly lighthearted, there were moments of heaviness that balanced it all out. Bastian shows his more vulnerable side as the novel progresses, and I couldn't help but melt for him!

Dawn has a talent for creating characters that you want to hang out with, and who remind you of your own friends. I fell in intrigue with Bastian's good friend, Jaden, and I need to know what happens between him and their friend Pris in What A Boy Needs.

Bare in mind: This novel contains profanity, and sensuality.

What A Boy Wants is a fun novel filled with entertainment, drama, and the ups and downs of being smacked in the face by love.

I give What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn 4 out of 5 cups of Pepsi (Because lets face it, these kids aren't drinking Earl Grey ;-).