Starting December #bookspin while finishing June's to get all caught up with only one 2024 DNF.
@TheAromaofBooks
pickI‘m not usually a short story fan but if Amor Towles is writing it, I‘m reading it. Some were excellent. Some were pretty good. Definitely one of the better short story collections I‘ve read and it was great to visit Eve again.
Happy Thanksgiving! (Not shown-audio of Thomas Mann‘s Magic Mountain as a prep for Olga Tokarczuk‘s new take on his classic.) Going slow with Poems 1962-2020, & The Long-Winded Lady. Flying thru Scaffolding (a surprising amount of philosophy which is complementing the Mann), & the next Isabel Colegate for our Author Spotlight series. The 1st story in the Towles reminds me of the almost old fashioned storytelling found in A Gentleman in Moscow. ❤️
pickThis collection of short stories and a novella is exactly as good you'd expect it to be when written by Amor Towles. Every single short story is powerful and beautifully written, and the novella gave me a chance to revisit Evelyn Ross from Rules of Civility, which I loved! 5 stars! This was my August #Bookspin. @TheAromaofBooks
pickJust delightful. I am not a huge short story fan but relished each of these. One of my favorite authors.
An anger stoked by that long parade of preachers and teachers and Prince Charmings, wannabe puppeteers all. At every stage of her life, Eve had met them. But nowhere had she encountered as many puppeteers as in Hollywood. Every agent and manager, every director, producer, and studio chief had his arms out and his fingers extended, looking to grab a woman by the strings.
Before we go further, perhaps I should mention that I love Tommy. I loved him the first night we went out; I loved him when he got down on one knee to propose in his pajamas; I loved him when he almost missed the birth of our daughter....; and I love him right now at this very minute. But when a man is paid to provide his opinions and he's had some success in doing so, he is bound to become a little insufferable.
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No idea what he means. 🤣🤣
The FICTION bracket had all the action for June! There were 3 novels that could have taken the top spot, and I struggled to crown one. So 2 ended up in the bonus spots to battle each other! After much deliberation, the tagged book got the nod. It was a tough pick. And it was difficult to choose the one to move into the finals. In the end, though, my heart had to go with the Thornton Wilder-Ann Patchett two-fer.
#2024ReadingBrackets
pickI liked the novella Eve in Hollywood best. I enjoyed one or two of the short stories but the rest were just ok.
pickAnother impeccable and unforgettable book from Towles - exquisite writing. An excerpt/novella from Rules of Civility as well. The story settings are Moscow/Bolshevik revolution, N Y City, and Los Angeles. I‘d read anything he writes❤️
#ReadAway2024
@Andrew65 @DieAReader @GHABI4ROSES
pickI‘m not normally a fan of short stories—just when I get into the plot, it‘s over. But I enjoyed this collection from Towles. I read a different one every day instead of trying to plow straight through. He does a wonderful job of character building. My favorite story was the novella titled “Eve in Hollywood.” I could definitely go for more Evelyn Ross.
pickI love short stories and I loved Towles‘ writing style. He mixes the mundane life with cultured tastes with unique yet flaws characters with an appreciation of moments that makes life worth living. These aren‘t turn pagines because of plot; they are because of characters.
pickI heard about this collection of stories being published from a podcast, & I had to put it on hold at the library asap. I enjoyed the short stories—I often don‘t remember short stories well by the end of the book, but this time I could. I also loved the “novella”which is actually book-length & told from several characters‘ POVs that Eve (from Rules of Civility) meets. The story ends up being thrilling/suspenseful. Between 4.5-5 ⭐️
so-soNot sure how to review this. I've loved all his books, but this one left me shaking my head. I didn't know it was short story collection. And each one left me wanting resolution. I've never been a short story reader so maybe that's why. The book was beautifully written as all his books are. Lyrical, excellent use of language. Can't even discuss the stories, read for yourself if you want! ⬇️
pickEverything he writes is magical and this book is no exception. Not usually a fan of short stories but these six stories all have interesting characters with something to say. And the novella…each chapter is one character and how his/her life revolves around Evelyn who is a first time visitor to LA. You will love Evelyn, smart as they come and a great friend to have.
pickWith a book of short stories I‘m best served with a physical copy of the book on my nightstand where I read and absorb just one story every couple nights. This book contains 6 fascinating Russia / NYC short stories and a 1930s LA noir novella. I enjoyed all of them, but my favorite was the short story, The Bootlegger, about of a new patron of Carnegie Hall aghast at the actions of an elderly patron. The cover art is perfection for the content.
pickAbsolutely fabulous and fantastic. I‘m finished - now what do I do? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Not enough stars for this one.
pickI am not usually a fan of short stories but I have loved everything I‘ve read by Amor Towles so I decided to give this a try. While I am still not a fan of short stories, these are the best I‘ve read. Definitely recommend.
Enjoy the sprint with a book from an author I really enjoy. Just starting the first story and is promising
These two I did buy though! And yes, those in slightly stickers came off cleanly!! Whew!
Happy (almost) birthday to me 😊
Table For Two | 
