Books: Some Like it Cold & The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern
Today we are recommending Some Like It Cold by Elle MacNicholl. When Jasper returns home from college for a visit, she has no intention of returning but isn't planning on staying in her hometown either. She has no idea how to break the news to her family who are preoccupied with preparation for her overbearing older sister, Christine's wedding. Plus Jasper has always been a people pleaser, it is her way of coping because her autism made it hard for her to read people and fit in. Meanwhile, her old school nemesis, Arthur, who is making a documentary about the town seems to show up everywhere with his cousin and their camera, and the realization that what she feels for Arthur may not actually be hatred further complicates Jasper's plans.
This is a lovely book with sweet romance and beautiful found family vibes. The actual family vibes aren't always the best. Jasper's family can be pushy, overbearing, and opinionated, at least, at first, particularly her older sister and mother. However, in the end, they support her and her decisions, and their actions and words, contrary to their previous actions and words, show that they really do care about her.
On the other hand, Arthur's relationship with his siblings is warm, loving, and supportive. His relationship with his younger sister, Grace is especially heartwarming. Jasper has a great relationship with Grace as well. She touchingly takes the girl under her wing.
Jasper is a very admirable heroine who doesn't let her autism completely rule her life. She tries to push herself a little bit. However, she is realistically portrayed in that she can only go so far, and when she is put into a situation that is too far out of her comfort zone she has a breakdown. However, that allows Arthur to show what a great guy he is in the way he tenderly takes charge and rescues her even before they have admitted they have feelings for each other. The way her friend Odette drops everything for her even though their friendship is not in the best place at the time is also moving. In fact, this book is full of moving relationships and sweet moments. That is one of the best things about it.
Today we are recommending The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman. Years ago, when Irving Rafkin worked as the delivery boy in her father's pharmacy, he and Augusta became friends and eventually fell in love. Augusta thought they were on the verge of getting engaged when Irving suddenly married someone else and moved away. Now, on the verge of 80, Augusta retires and moves to Florida, where she is forced to come to terms with her past when she moves into the same retirement community as Irving.
Although, in reality, it can be quite touching when people are separated for years and come back together later in life, that is not usually so with books. It is often just an annoying misunderstanding that could easily be cleared up with a frank conversation that keeps characters apart. However, in the case of this book, there is a valid reason that these two characters have been kept apart which makes sense and makes the story unique and interesting.
However, much of the book deals with Augusta learning about the unconventional remedies her elderly aunt clandestinely whips up to help people that her pharmacist father cannot help. While this also relates to the ending, some may find these parts of the book less enjoyable especially if they do not believe in alternative medicines. However, the story and characters are still compelling enough to make this book mostly enjoyable to read.
TV Series: The West Wing
Today we are recommending The West Wing. The entire series has now been released in a Blu-Ray disc collection. Although the show may be extremely idealistic, it is still nice to watch something about people who are in politics for the right reason and genuinely care about helping people. The cast and writing are also terrific which is clearly indicated by the many Emmy nominations the show received and the large number it won during its run.
This set contains all 156 episodes from all 7 seasons plus plenty of exclusive extras. Special features include numerous commentaries, behind-the-scenes features, gag reels, and more.
The West Wing: The Complete Series is available now from Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.
And that's our view. Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday.
All pictures used in this post are our own. If there is a problem with any image, contact us here and we will look into the matter.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment