Hello, Bookies: We're winding down our January book poll, which closes at 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, December 19. Our four choices come courtesy of discussion leader Danielle Virgin, one of RS.com's IT liaisons extraordinaire. Make your pick! What Should We Read in January?survey software
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Paper + Cup Event in Brooklyn this Weekend
For any of our Simply Stated readers in the NYC Metro area, the brand-spanking new Paper Source on Smith Street in Brooklyn is hosting a book signing and demo this weekend with Minhee & Truman Cho of Paper + Cup. They just released a book, Paper + Craft, in October, and it’s fantastic.
I Capture the Castle: Part 2
Hi, Bookies: I’m going to tell you something that shows, I think, just how attached I’m getting to these characters: When Cassandra wrote that this would be her last time performing her beloved Midsummer Eve rites, I thought, Oh, no! Then I got really wistful for her passing childhood. And then I thought, um, Maura, this is fiction. But that’s […]
Happy New Year (Reading)!
Hi, Bookies: Oh, yes, it’s our first pick of 2011, from an interesting quartet of choices. These come from Danielle Virgin, an integral part of RealSimple.com’s IT team and January’s discussion leader. Be sure to vote for your favorite by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, December 19. Thanks, everyone! Ellington Boulevard, by Adam Langer A colorful multicharacter cast crowds a […]
A Few Words From the Author of The Postmistress
Hi, Bookies: A couple of questions came up in your discussion of The Postmistress, and Sarah Blake was happy to answer them for you. Question from Kristin Appenbrink: I wonder why Sarah Blake decided to leave all three of the main characters on their own in the end? Sarah Blake: As so often happens when writing a novel, characters arrive […]
I Capture the Castle: Part 1
Hi, Bookies: So what is it about second daughters that they make such great literary companions? I’m thinking about Elizabeth Bennet and Jo March, and now Cassandra Mortmain. I love her voice: smart and funny, pragmatic, and occasionally naive. When I first read that the book was told in diary form, I was a little hesitant. I don’t know what […]
Jessica Seinfeld Dishes on Her New Cookbook and the Holidays
Attention, holiday shoppers! Today kicks off the opening of the first-ever Real Simple holiday pop-up store in the heart of Rockefeller Center (right across from the giant tree and skating rink). If you’re in the area, stop by and say hello, plus get great gift ideas and holiday tips from our team of experts who will be doing demos and offering advice each day.
One of our experts is Jessica Seinfeld, who will be demonstrating her Whoopie Pies and doing a book signing at the pop-up store this Friday at 1 p.m. I was able to catch her on the phone recently to get a little insight into her new cookbook and how she handles the holidays.
Hi, Everyone!
Hello, Bookies: So we get to close out 2010 together, though even as I type that I still can’t quite wrap my head around the fact that the year has blown by. I’m Maura Fritz, a deputy editor on RealSimple.com, and like Noelle and Kristin, I’m on my second go-around leading the club. Here on the site I have a […]
Announcing the December Book and The Postmistress: Part Three
First things first, I’m happy to report that I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is the winner of our December book club. Check back later this week when Maura Fritz will introduce the herself and the book. And now on to The Postmistress.
Well, based on your comments from section two (and I’m sorry I’m belated in getting this post live), it seems like many of us are feeling the same way about the characters heading into this section.
I was happy to have the remainder of the story play out in Franklin, and I wasn’t surprised at all that Frankie went there. But I found it very interesting to see how she interacted with the people in the town. Before we get to that part, what did you think about Iris holding onto the letter from Will’s landlady? This was obviously the letter that wasn’t delivered—the one that was discussed in the introduction. Do you agree with her reasoning, that because it didn’t have a definite answer about whether or not Will was alive that it was better to wait until after Emma’s baby was born? Was she being considerate or cowardly?
Last Call for Your December Vote
Hi, Bookies: Don’t forget, the December book poll closes at 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, November 21. So if you haven’t voted yet, make your pick of the four books below: results on Monday. Have a great weekend! To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Lee’s powerful tale of childhood, race, and class is a Pulitzer Prize winner and […]
