Shields has written two other books, but this is the first one I have read. I have always thought she was a good actress, but I didn’t really know much about her life. This book is a big part of her story. Here is my book review Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields.
Who is Brooke Shields
Well if you don’t know who Brooke Shields is you must be living under a rock. Child star, model, film and Broadway actress, author and comedian, she has worn a lot of hats through her life. In this book Brooke talks mostly about what it’s like as someone who is known for her beauty, to deal with the aging process.
Growing Old
Though growing old can sometimes be difficult, I’d much rather grown old than not. But for celebrities that process is even more difficult with the societal pressures to always be young and beautiful. Shields talks about the monumental moments in her career and as a woman were aging becomes an issue.
Although I liked this book, and it had some humorous stories, it’s kind of hard to identify with someone like Brooke Shields. She may seem like the girl next door but her life has been vastly different than most women. Her take on aging and her insight into her aging as a women, wife and mother I enjoyed, despite our very different kinds of journeys.
***Three stars for Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Grow Old by Brooke Shields.
Thank you for reading my book review Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Grow Old by Brooke Shields. See last week’s book review The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.
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As we age, each one of us looks back on our life through glasses tinged with regret, grief, experience and love. Virginia Evans has created a character whose life has been written in correspondence. All of her regret, grief and experience recorded in thousands of letters. Here is my book review the Correspondent by Virginia Evans.
A Life Fully Lived
Evan’s own website about her debut novel describes The Correspondent in this way;
A woman tries to heal old wounds and make sense of the world the only way she knows how—through letters—in this charming, laugh out loud debut novel about a life fully lived.
Fully lived struck a chord with me. Can we ever ask for anything more from life? Evan’s character of Sybil Van Antwerp makes us realize we all have a bit of Sybil in us. An aging women who has spent her whole life committed to written correspondence, and an occasional email. Despite this vast record of her life, she is not fully understood by family or friends. Sybil has carried a burden in her heart for decades, after loosing a child. She has struggled to fully admit what happened that day. And her own grief and loss also caused her to make someone else life miserable.
A Life of Letters
A very small life, recorded in detail for sixty plus years, provides the reader a beautiful look into how Sybil finds the wisdom to forgive herself. She will recognize her accomplishments and find love in family and friends she thought long lost.
Filled with humor and heartbreak, this novel was just the thing I needed after some dark and difficult books of late. A little book of joy, of a life fully lived.
*****Five stars for The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Thanks for reading my book review The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. See last week’s book review Fiend by Alma Katsu.
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Tank is full. Car is packed. House sitter is installed. It’s time to go. I hope you will Follow Our USA Road Trip.
Something Old Something New
As the 9th year of the Grand Adventure continues, we are tackling something different. Over the next four weeks we will drive from Washington State to Maine and back. Our stops include Yellowstone National Park and Buffalo in Wyoming. Chicago Illinois, Cleveland Ohio and leaf-peeping in Vermont and New Hampshire. Next we will spend a week celebrating our son and his new wife in the Hudson River Valley New York before popping over to Maine to visit friends. Turn around and head back West with stops in Cooperstown New York, Detroit Michigan and Couer d’Alene, Idaho before returning to our home in Washington State.
Not Our First Rodeo
This will be our 6th time doing a round trip across North America. This one we estimate to be about 6500 miles and 18 states. We are hitting some old favorites and some new to us destinations, as well as finding time with friends and family along the way. Of course I will try to blog as time allows and will be posting reels on Instagram and Facebook so come with us and Follow our USA Road Trip.
Note – I was provided this book gratis by MB Communications in exchange for my honest review.
Horror Genre
I used to never pick up a book in the horror genre, just assuming I wouldn’t enjoy it. But as you know if you read this blog regularly, I am a fan of V.E. Schwab and have also enjoyed several other novels in this genre. But Alma Katsu is a new to me author, despite her many novels and her popularity.
Just Released
Katsu’s brand new novel Fiend, just hit book shelves yesterday (September 16th) and is highly anticipated by fans. I was actually surprised how much I like this book and how it held my attention. I read it very quickly while on a recent camping trip.
Fiend
We are introduced to the very wealthy American Berisha Family. Of Amenian descent, the family is one of the wealthiest in the country with their import company. But something is bit off about this family and their wildly successful business pursuits. The Berisha’s are “lucky” while anyone who might be their enemy or their rival stumbles into bad luck and sometimes even death.
A Mystery
As the three Berisha children come of age, heir to the empire Dardan lacks what it takes to run such a mega corporation. But middle child Maris is the most driven and business savvy. She wants to take over for her father, but a woman has never held the position…and her father says a woman never will. Youngest daughter Nora, takes full advantage of her wealth and is the family’s carefree party girl.
When Things Go Wrong
But when all the good ‘luck” begins to unravel the family members start to stab each other in the back…both literally and figuratively. When Maris finds herself thrust into the role she has dreamed of all her life, it’s not what she imagined and the family secret….always assumed to be a fairytale…begins to kill off people one by one.
Who Will Survive
Who will survive this cunning modern-day horror story of greed and power within one family. The secret is out…can anyone put things back in order?
Four stars for Fiend by Alma Katsu. I found this book easy to read and intriguing, although I wasn’t particularly fond of the ending. Still, I recommend it and think I might check out some other novels by Alma Katsu. Thank you for reading my book review Fiend by Alma Katsu.
Be sure to see last week’s book review Vianne by JoAnne Harris. We are always grateful when you pin, share and comment on our book reviews. Thank you.
Location: Mount Rainier National Park Washington State USA
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I had no idea what a little paradise I lived in. As kids we never do. Only as an adult and after traveling all over the world did I truly grow to love Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. Today is the final post in my summer series. I hope you enjoy Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ashford to Paradise.
Myrtle Falls, Paradise Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford – Gateway to Mount Rainier National Park
We had avoided hiking in Mount Rainier for most of the summer, due to how busy it can be. But as fall came a knocking we started visiting The Mountain again. We hiked on the Sunrise side of Mount Rainier National Park two weeks in a row. Then, we decided to spend three days in Ashford with easy access to the Paradise side of Mount Rainier. I am so glad we did, a perfect hidden gem.
Whitaker’s Bunkhouse is one overnight option, and also a great place to have ice cream
History of Ashford
Ashford, Washington, was founded by Walter and Cora Ashford, who homesteaded there in the 1880s and platted the town in 1904. Named after the couple, Ashford became a railroad terminus for the Tacoma Eastern Railway, facilitating logging, mining, and importantly, tourism to the newly established Mount Rainier National Park. The impressive Ashford Mansion, built in 1903, served as a rural hotel and is a testament to the family’s success and the town’s connection to the park’s gateway.
Ashford General Store is small
Today there is not a lot to see and do in Ashford, except it is the perfect place to stay if you want easy access to the park. Ashford has a couple restaurants, a gas station and convenience store as well as a teeny market that does not offer much. But we came to stay at the Ashford Lodge.
Ashford Lodge
When I saw the vintage trailers that are part of the Ashford Lodge on Airbnb, I knew this was the perfect place for us. The Ashford Lodge has cabins as well as four vintage trailers set out in a field. Each trailer is authentically restored and includes a separate building next door for toilet and shower. We stayed in the Layla trailer, a vintage Shasta from the 1950’s. Layla is the largest lot of the four, and includes the biggest cherry tree I have ever seen, with a comfy hammock to enjoy.
The same trailer we had when I was a little kid. Somehow we slept six people in it in the 1960’s
We came prepared with enough food for our two nights and three days, and found the cooking set up reliable and the bed comfortable. We would certainly consider staying here again.
Beautiful restoration of the Shasta
Clean and functional toilet and shower
Peaceful
Paradise Lakes Trail
Mount Rainier National Park’s busiest area is definitely Paradise, home to the historic Paradise Inn and the very nice Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center (opened in 2008).No matter when you visit in the summer it will be busy though, and parking can be a challenge despite hundreds of parking spots. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER Dogs are NOT allowed in the park, nor should you leave your pet in your car. Be smart and leave your animal at home.
We arrived about 9:30am on a gorgeous hot day, the day after Labor Day. The weather was hands down the hottest weather I have ever encountered at Mount Rainier, well over 80 degrees Fahrenheit at 7000 feet. The mountain too seemed to have the least amount of snow on it I can remember in my lifetime.
The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, Paradise
Lakes Trail on a glorious September day
Lakes Loop Trail
We found parking pretty easily and headed out to do a hike called the Lakes Loop Trail that we had never done before. Our first stop was Myrtle Falls. Getting to the park early meant we were able to take some beautiful photos of Myrtle Falls before the crowds descended. Often this destination, only 0.5 miles from the parking lot, is crawling with visitors.
At Myrtle Falls before the crowds arrived
After Myrtle Falls we continued on the Lakes Loop Trail. It was hot. We walked and climbed and enjoyed the spectacular views. We ran out of water though, even though we were carrying a lot. We returned to our car where a welcome seltzer awaited in the cooler. Such a great day.
We had the Lakes Loop Trail all to ourselves
Back to Ashford Lodge and our cute little Layla where we enjoyed dinner I had brought from home and relaxed with a glass of wine.
This isn’t roughing it
Paradise Skyline Loop
The weather was going to be hot again, so we got up early and entered the park at 6:50am. We were on the trail by 7:20am. The Skyline Loop Trail is the most popular trail for visitors to Mount Rainier. We had done this hike once before and loved it. On this day we encountered few visitors in the morning, but by afternoon it was busy again.
Beginning the climb on Skyline Loop as the sun comes up
Wildfires in the region cause the sun to have an eerie glow
The Skyline Loop trail is not for everyone. It takes anywhere from 4-5 hours depending on your ability and speed. It’s just over five miles total but includes some uneven rocky surfaces and loose shale crossing as well as an over all elevation gain of 1800 feet. But the views are what everyone comes for. On this day however, the Pacific Northwest was experiencing heavy smoke from several forest fires burning in the region. Forest fires in Washington State are not uncommon in late summer, although this problem has gotten much worse with climate change.
At the top of Skyline Loop. You can see the hazy smoke in the valley below.
Despite the smoke, such a beautiful day
Some of Skyline Loop is very rocky and loose
Wildlife in Mount Rainier National Park
In addition to the spectacular views, spotting wildlife and birds is a favorite part of visiting this spectacular park. While hiking the Skyline Loop Trail we were thrilled to see several mountain goats (caution these animals are dangerous and people have been killed), dozens of marmots, pika, chipmunks and a new to us bird, the white tailed ptarmigan.
Four mountain goats napping just off the trail
Marmots are common and not dangerous
Ashford and Elbe
There are a few other things you can do in Ashford as well as in neighboring Elbe. We visited the Ashford Creek Gallery, filled with art, pottery and historic images and books. We also really enjoyed visiting the Ashford Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park – home to a fantastic outdoor collection of art made from scrap metal. Very entertaining. Alder Lake is very close, although at the end of a long hot summer there was very little water in this reservoir lake. The water level changes seasonally.
Ashford Creek Pottery
Spirit of Iron Sculpture Park
We also made a brief visit to Elbe. Elbe grew as a logging town until the Alder Lake dam project in the 1940s flooded the valley. Today, Elbe is a small community known for its historic Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church built in 1906, the Elbe Market Country Store, and its location on the route to Mount Rainier National Park, attracting tourists with its historic railroad depot, home to the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. We wanted to have breakfast in Elbe at the Mount Rainier Railroad Dining Company to eat in a railroad car. Alas they don’t open until 11am. If you want to visit be sure to check hours on their website.
Elbe’s Evangelico Lutheran Church
Elbe General Store and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
Hidden Gems of the PNW – Ashford to Paradise
There are other hikes and activities in the region and I definitely think we will come back again, stay in cute little Layla and explore even more of Ashford to Paradise. I highly recommend you do too.
It’s been a great summer. More fun travel on the way! Thanks for your continued interest and support. We love it when you comment, pin and share our blog posts.
Note – I was provided this book gratis by MB Communications in exchange for my honest review.
This is a prequel to the 1999 novel Chocolat by Joanne Harris. This new novel, which released just last week, returns to France to learn the back story of Vianne Rocher, the protagonist in Chocolat. Here is my book review Vianne by Joanne Harris.
Who is Vianne
The beloved book (as well as additional series and film) Chocolat left readers wanting more…how did Vianne Rocher arrive in Lansquenet and make such a magical impression as a chocolatier? Here is the novel you have been waiting for to learn the answer.
Before
Six years before Chocolat, we find ourselves in New York, where a young woman is scattering the ashes of her mother. She has spent her life adrift with her mother, changes cities and aliases always as her mother would say, avoiding the man in black.
Vianne now finds herself alone, and pregnant. With forged papers she makes her way to France and into a job with room and board at a bistro in Marseille. But Vianne has spent her life in fear and flight mode…and she begins to feel too settled in Marseille. Vianne’s magical gift helps her see inside of people and understand their past griefs. As she gets to know the old and crabby bistro owner, she knows what he is hiding, and the grief he has carried for twenty years.
Chocolat
Vianne also makes friends who are trying to open a Chocolateria. Here she she hones her cooking skills and learns she has a talent for making chocolates with a magical touch. As the babe inside her grows, she too grows in awareness of what she must do, to secure a future for herself and her child.
Joanne Harris
Harris states in a press release that her own life has mirrored Viannes over the past twenty-five years, and she felt it was time to stop and take a deep look at the past. Understanding where we come from, she says, helps us move ahead. A great reason to write a novel, and an important task for each of us to follow in midlife.
Book Review Vianne by Joanne Harris
I really did enjoy this book, even though I have never read Chocolat or anything else by Joanne Harris. I think I will now. At times the magical aspect of the story seemed unnecessary, but it still added a romantic flavor to an already flavorful plot.
We listened to this book on Audible on our recent road trip in British Columbia. Both my husband and I found it very engaging, and it kept us guessing until the end. Here is my Book Review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall.
A Murder Trial
The book opens with a murder trial. The reader is made aware that someone is dead, and someone is on trial for murder. But who? Hall will develop the story in a way that keeps you engaged, even while the reader begins to realize the reality of this sad tale.
Thirteen Years
Hall will give the story two timelines. First it’s 1955, young Beth really wants to go to college, but college is not an option for most girls in 1955. She will meet Gabriel, way out of her league in family and wealth status. But she loves him and so does her family, so Beth endures the not so subtle hints from Gabriel’s mother that she should move on.
Next we see Beth in 1968. She is a hardworking farmers wife, to her devoted husband Frank in the town they both grew up in. A tragedy has touched their young lives…they have lost a son. Though their grief is acute, and touches all aspects of their lives, they have managed to keep their marriage and their farm intact.
Gabriel
When Gabriel makes a sudden reappearance in Beth and Frank’s life, with his own son in tow, nothing will ever be the same. Gabriel has returned to his families estate, after splitting with his American wife. And this is when the drama begins…a love triangle and a life of lies. For Beth, for Gabriel and even for Frank. It’s a sad and sordid tale that will end in another tragedy and a murder trial. But it may not be what you think, so keep reading.
Book Review Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Parts of this book I really loved, and parts I found infuriating. The story is so well crafted you really don’t guess the outcome until right when it happens. The characters have kept so many secrets from each other, that the last few chapters the truths are just tumbling out in a rushing stream.
I loved the character of Frank although I found him to be too besotted with Beth to change the course of events, though he really is the hero. I did not love the character of Beth who should have been stronger and more dedicated to her husband, not so selfish. And the character of Gabriel, well, his life of privilege skews his thinking and bad things will happen.
But I give Broken Country 4 stars**** for an imaginatively written novel of family, love, loss and most of all, being brave enough to do the right thing.
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