1. What are you currently reading? Touched by the Sun: My Friendship with Jackie by Carly Simon. I picked this up eagerly. All my life, JBKO has been my ideal of femininity, independence and indomitability. Carly Simon's lyrics have resonated with me for decades ("The Right Thing to Do" and "Like a River" are two favorites). Now I learn that two women who mean a great deal to me meant a great deal to each other.
I'm surprised so far by how intimidated Carly was by Jackie. This does not feel like a relationship of equals, and as far as I can tell, that's because of Carly's insecurities. It makes me feel sorry for both women. How could someone as sexy, acclaimed and talented as Carly feel second to anyone? And how could Jacqueline Onassis ever feel anything but isolated, if everyone she met treated her like a queen from the pages of a history book?
2. What did you recently finish reading? The Twist and Shout Murder: A Murder-A-Go-Go Mystery by Rosemary Martin. The cover blurb refers to it as "That Girl meets Mrs. Marple." I suppose that's accurate. It's a murder mystery, set in 1964, and our heroine, Bebe, loves mod clothes and pop music and solves a murder.
It's pretty well plotted and it's great on the atmosphere. I loved reading about her mid-century clothes and furniture and her slang is right on. But it's not as strong on character development. The men, especially, were hard to take seriously or care about. Once I finished it, I gave it away to my aunt.
3. What will you read next? Michelle Obama's autobiography. Unless I change my mind.
Michelle Obama's autobiography is a good read.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't Carly Simon have crippling stage fright?
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