Booknote: Shanghai Jazz & Montana Misery

WHAT I’VE READ RECENTLY Nicole Mones is an engaging writer.  Her background includes running a textile business importing wool from China, something she did for 18 years which means she writes knowledgeably and convincingly about that society and its culture.  Several years ago I read her novel, The Last Chinese Chef.  I absolutely loved this book, …

Tidy Tidbits: Reading & Red

READING There was a column about reading in the  recent Wall Street Journal Report: The Future.  I was pleased to see this, but think that Walter Mosley could have made a stronger case overall for the value of reading.  Nonetheless, he did write the following:  “There’s nothing like reading.  That interpretation through the nonconcrete medium of …

Booknote: Mysteries of Character

GEMMA, MAISIE, AND CLARE My mother devoured mysteries.  I think when she was raising her four children they were pure escape.  She would read a Crime Club mystery in an evening and then read several more over the rest of a week—all of that required frequent trips to the public library.  I am more selective …

Booknote: James and Ferrante

I have returned home from my Asian Adventure and along with re-adjusting to east coast time, I’m back doing more reading.  Here are my latest books. WSJ Book Club Sometime ago, I read that the Wall Street Journal was starting an online book club.  I was intrigued, but I was still working and didn’t think …