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A captivating, sometimes turbulent journey through the Mondavi family’s impact on American wine - rich with detail, drama, and history. Best for those who love big family sagas and want all the behind-the-scenes flavor of Napa’s legendary wineries.
The House of Mondavi is a gripping narrative that delves into the rise and fall of the American wine dynasty, focusing on the Mondavi family and their tumultuous journey through success and turmoil. The book expertly weaves together the intricate family dynamics, business strategies, and personal conflicts that shaped the legacy of the Mondavi empire. Written with a captivating style, the author skillfully paints a vivid picture of the Napa Valley wine industry and the larger-than-life personalities involved, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in business, entrepreneurship, or the history of American wines.
The storyline follows the Mondavi family from their humble beginnings to their eventual downfall, highlighting the power struggles, betrayals, and rivalries that ultimately led to the destruction of a once-thriving family business. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the author provides readers with a comprehensive historical perspective, shedding light on the complexities of the wine industry and the personal sacrifices made by the Mondavi family in their pursuit of success.
In February of 1906, a quiet twenty-three-year-old Italian named Cesare Mondavi climbed aboard a steamer moored in Antwerp called the Vaderland. After a rough, twelve-day crossing of the Atlantic in s...June 2007•470 pages- #2
Save:Dark, provocative, and unnervingly insightful - You Know You Want This is perfect if you want stories that disturb, challenge, and linger, but skip it if you prefer comfort reads or happy endings.
"You Know You Want This" by Kristen Roupenian is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of women's experiences, ranging from the horrifying to the mundane. The stories explore themes of sex, punishment, guilt, anger, pleasure, and terror, challenging readers to feel uncomfortable and to confront their own desires. While some stories are unsettling and darkly humorous, others focus on relationships, power dynamics, and self-deception, creating a diverse and intriguing narrative landscape that keeps readers engaged and surprised.
Our friend came over the other night. He and his terrible girlfriend had finally broken up. This was his third breakup with that particular girlfriend, but he insisted it was going to be the one to st...February 2019•186 pages - #3
Save:A wild, imaginative, and creepy ride for horror fans who love weird buildings and high-concept thrills, even if it sometimes favors ideas over polish. Great for a late-night scare but not for those who need everything to wrap up neatly.
'It Waits on the Top Floor' by Ben Farthing is a horror novel set in a mysterious office building that appeared overnight. The story follows Chris, a man dealing with his wife's departure, who is offered a job to explore the building. Meanwhile, Chris's newly adopted son sets out on a quest to find treasure within the building to please his new father. As they navigate through the horrors of the building, the characters' motivations and struggles drive the plot forward, creating a blend of eerie atmosphere and emotional depth that keeps readers engaged till the end.
This new tower didn’t belong. It was off by itself, in Northside somewhere, where it was all neighborhoods. Residential zoning issues weren't quite as eerie as the fact that last night, the building h...May 2021•297 pages - #4
Save:A genre-hopping collection with wild imagination and sharp prose - most stories are hits, but expect a few misses. Great for fans of uncanny fiction with a literary edge.
'A Natural History of Hell: Stories' by Jeffrey Ford is a collection of thirteen short stories that span a remarkable range in location, time period, genre, and atmosphere. The stories are mostly speculative, featuring elements of horror, magic, adventure, and noir, all smart and invigorating. Ford's writing style is described as beautifully disorienting, with each story being easy to pick up and harder to put down, despite the wild assortment of content and writing styles. The book presents a truly eclectic collection that contains stories set in past rural America, fantasy lands, and even futuristic settings, all with elements of the fantastic and supernatural.
She cried out and quickly set him on the floor. He showed her his big mouth full of brown shards and she smacked his face. The boy crumpled down onto the rug. She called out his name in a whisper, so...June 2016•278 pages - #5
Save:A compelling, sometimes uneven collection that humanizes the Israeli occupation and invites readers to question, empathize, and reflect. Essential for anyone wanting a literary, ground-level view of a deeply complex conflict.
In "Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation," a collection of essays by renowned writers, the book sheds light on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the plight of the Palestinian people. The essays provide a less publicized perspective on the history, effects of the occupation, and the lives of those living under these circumstances. The writing style is described as informative, important, and heartbreaking, offering insights into the devastating effects of the occupation on both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.
The book delves into the human face of the situation in Gaza, aiming to counter false impressions created by biased media coverage and government narratives. It brings forth personal experiences, detailing the daily dangers faced by individuals in occupied territories, the struggles for basic human rights and dignities, and the overall impact on their lives. Through a collaboration with the Israeli NGO Breaking the Silence and a team of talented writers, the book captures the voices of those directly affected by the ongoing conflict, presenting a multi-faceted view of the contested territories.
May 2017•449 pages - #6
Save:Palm Sunday is a quirky, uneven, but undeniably captivating tour of Vonnegut’s mind - best suited for devotees who want to hear the master storyteller riff on just about everything.
'Palm Sunday' by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a collection of essays, speeches, letters, and other writings that reflect Vonnegut's views on various topics. The book covers a 20-year period from 1959 to 1979, offering sagacious insights in Vonnegut's trademark style of simple, elegant, and spikey humor. The anthology includes a mix of autobiographical musings, literary reflections, and societal commentary, providing readers with a glimpse into Vonnegut's thought process and personality.
I AM A MEMBER of what I believe to be the last recognizable generation of full-time, life-time American novelists. We appear to be standing more or less in a row. It was the Great Depression which mad...June 1981•319 pages A boldly original, sometimes unsettling remix of familiar tales - brilliant for lovers of dark, clever reimaginings but definitely not your typical fairy tale collection.
The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror by Mallory Ortberg offers sharp, witty retellings of classic fairy tales and folklore. The stories weave together different elements, creating a mix of dark humor and chilling twists. However, the collection has a reputation for being uneven, with some tales resonating while others leave readers confused or disappointed. Notably, the retelling of The Velveteen Rabbit stands out as particularly disturbing, prompting strong reactions from readers.
Daughters are as good a thing as any to populate a kingdom with—if you’ve got them on hand. They don’t cost much more than their own upkeep, which you’re on the hook for regardless, so it’s not a bad...208 pages- #8
Save:A merry, jam-packed treasure trove for mystery buffs - just be ready for a big stack of varied stories and a little holiday darkness mixed with your cheer!
'The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries' by Otto Penzler is a collection of mystery stories centered around the theme of Christmas. The book features novellas from various time periods and genres, ranging from traditional to modern, and includes stories from well-known authors like Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The stories are divided into categories like traditional, funny, Sherlockian, pulpy, uncanny, scary, surprising, modern, puzzling, and classic, providing a wide variety of mystery reading options for the audience. Readers have praised the book for its diverse range of stories, engaging plots, and the nostalgic feel of revisiting vintage mysteries.
The book has been described as a perfect volume to sample great mystery stories and writers, with a mix of intriguing and entertaining mysteries that make it an ideal read during the holiday season. Readers have highlighted the value of the book, the enjoyment derived from the short story format, and the opportunity it provides to discover new authors and delve into the world of vintage mysteries. Overall, 'The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries' is seen as a delightful collection that offers a blend of profound, silly, cozy, and chilling stories, making it a recommended choice for mystery enthusiasts looking for a festive read.
“Ah,” said Mr. Jesmond, “but Christmas in England is a great institution and I assure you at Kings Lacey you would see it at its best. It’s a wonderful old house, you know. Why, one wing of it dates f...October 2013•654 pages - #9
Save:A bold, imaginative, and thought-provoking read - best for open-minded lovers of literary and historical fiction who don't mind a few narrative detours along the way.
'The Secret Magdalene' by Ki Longfellow is an inventive and imaginative retelling of the story of Mary Magdalene and Jesus, turning familiar narratives inside out. The book is told solely in the voice of Mary Magdalene, offering a unique perspective on well-known characters and events. The plot follows Mary Magdalene, known as Mariamne in the book, as she navigates her life from a privileged Jewish home to becoming a witness, student, and teacher alongside Jesus in a pre-Christian society dominated by Roman repression.
The writing style of 'The Secret Magdalene' has been described as evocative and exciting, with unforgettable sentences replete with deep meanings. The author, Ki Longfellow, weaves a masterful plot that transports readers back two thousand years into a world struggling to make sense of being human, while challenging traditional narratives and bringing ancient characters to life with a fresh perspective.
Salome, who is also allowed, pretends she is not as excited as I am, does not think I notice the care she takes with her toilette or how cross she is with Tata and the other slaves who dress her hair....March 2005•478 pages - #10
Save:A thought-provoking, sometimes harrowing YA about love, identity, and cultural clash - important, eye-opening, and (at times) brutally real. Imperfect in style but powerful in message.
In "The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali" by Sabina Khan, readers follow the story of Rukhsana Ali, a high school senior dealing with the challenges of coming out as a lesbian in a strict South Asian Muslim family. The narrative unfolds as Rukhsana navigates the complexities of hiding her sexuality from her parents, leading to a series of events that culminate in her being sent to Bangladesh under false pretenses. The book delves into themes of LGBTQ identity, Muslim prejudices, family dynamics, and the struggles faced by Rukhsana as she tries to stay true to herself amidst cultural expectations and societal pressures. Despite addressing heavy topics like rape, assault, and homophobia, Khan's writing is praised for its tactful portrayal of these issues, providing a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of Rukhsana's journey.
The novel is commended for its great characterization, particularly in the portrayal of Rukhsana as a relatable, resilient, and complex protagonist. Readers find the representation of OwnVoices Bengali culture and the exploration of family relationships to be standout elements of the book. Khan's ability to address racism, islamophobia, and homophobia through Rukhsana's experiences is highlighted as a strong point, offering a poignant commentary on these societal issues. Despite some criticisms of pacing and writing style, the book is praised for its exploration of contemporary topics and the author's sensitivity in dealing with complicated themes, making it a recommended read for fans of diverse YA fiction.
Mom laughed as she ground some coriander in the mortar with a pestle. “Don’t be silly. Aamir has homework, and you know very well that you need to learn how to prepare these dishes by yourself. When y...January 2019•336 pages
