Tidy Tidbits: Reading & Dining

RECENT READING Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton I purchased this novel since I had recently visited Cuba and figured I would like the setting.  Cleeton has written several contemporary romances, but this book and her newest, When We Left Cuba, take place in Havana and were inspired by stories of her own family.  Adopting the popular trend …

Tidy Tidbits: Stage & Page

LIVE THEATER—FARCE VS. FUN This week we attended the last two performances of our Asolo subscription series.   Noises Off at the Wednesday matinee and The Cake the next evening.  I am not a particular fan of farce, but went to Noises Off with an open mind.  I thought it started out slowly, but then picked up and became funnier.  As usual, …

Tidy Tidbits: Books & Local Scene

RECENT READING Love is Blind by William Boyd I have known of Boyd’s work and watched the TV production of Any Human Heart, but until now had not read any of his novels.  Love is Blindwas a very satisfying read.  Set in the years from 1894 to 1906 and in a variety of venues ranging from Edinburgh, …

Tidy Tidbits: Books & Culture

WHAT I’M READING NOW I have two books going currently.  One is a book of essays by Janet Malcolm, a staff writer for The New Yorker, called Nobody’s Looking at You.  The other is Kate Atkinson’s latest novel, Transcription.  Several years ago I read her Life After Life which was excellent.  Our island book group will be discussing Atkinson’s new novel shortly, and I’m really …