Friday Finds

I've been making a lot of repurposed paper art using discarded books for an upcoming exhibit that's part of the Central Coast Book and Author Festival in September.

Here's where I've been getting some of my inspiration from:

The Art of Paper Jewelry by Marthe Le Van

The Paper Jewelry Book by Jessica Wrobel

New Directions in Altered Books by Gabe Cyr

Paper Art: The Art of Sculpting with Paper by Michael G. LaFosse

Paper in Three Dimensions by Diane Maurer-Mathison

Happy Bloomsday!

Today is my birthday -- yah -- as well as Bloomsday!

Here's a little bit of information about this internationally celebrated literary holiday.

From culture.wnyc.org:
James Joyce, author of the epic novel Ulysses, has amassed a following of epic proportions since his novel's 1922 publication. On Thursday, Joyce enthusiasts around the world will convene for Bloomsday, an annual celebration of the novelist and his work. Named after the book’s protagonist Leopold Bloom, Bloomsday has been taking place each year since 1954 on June 16, the single date on which the novel, set in Dublin, Ireland, takes place. This year, the 107th Bloomsday, holds particular significance for Joyce fans since it falls on Thursday, the same day the novel takes place.

Book Tour for The Mistress's Revenge

Although both Sally and Clive have partners and children, they embark on a five-year elicit love affair. When Clive ends the relationship, Sally doesn’t want to let go. She becomes so obsessed, she allows her whole life to crumble.

I couldn’t help but wonder if this was going to be just another formulaic female stalker novel, à la Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. Other than being told in the first person through Sally’s journal entries, would The Mistress’s Revenge have anything new to offer?

The writing was good, though sometimes confusing as Sally loses her grip, yet the story was intriguing enough that I found myself wanting to know how it ended. I have to admit I had a hard time connecting with the main character -- yeah, she had a pretty good sense-of-humor, but she was way too selfish for me to invest in/care about. But the book did have a twist surprise ending that I never saw coming, which is always a good thing, in my opinion.

This is Ms. Cohen’s first novel and her work has lots of potential. I just hope her next book has characters I actually like. A better title would be good too.

2 1/2 Diamonds

(Received complimentary copy for review purposes only.)

Blood Work by Holly Tucker

Blood Work: A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution by Holly Tucker is meticulously researched and retold in a way that sucks the reader right in. While the subject matter is itself very interesting, the fabulous writing by Ms. Tucker raises it to an even more impressive level. With her extensive education and experience, I feel that there is no one better to bring us this true tale of life and death than Holly Tucker.

I very much enjoyed the religion versus science debate. With regards to the current stem-cell research controversy, it’s clear that the old adage is still true: Those that don’t learn from history are bound to repeat it. Often with seriously negative consequences.

Great surprise ending! I thought I knew what the outcome was going to be, but I admit I was fooled. I never would have guessed who the real culprit(s) was. And it was a happy ending of sorts. I was worried that Denis would be punished for trying to help others. Although Denis did want fame and fortune, he was able to affect others in a positive fashion, especially with his last, and greatest invention.

Even though some parts made me feel a little bit squeamish, this book is by no means gruesome -- just intriguing. Blood Work is a terrific read and should be considered a must for anyone interested in medical history.

4 ½ Diamonds