Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Tuesday. Attitude.

Tuesday. Service manager out again.

Started a book for possible scavenger hunt prompt "orange and brown on cover". LIGHT ON BONE by Kathryn Lasky. 1st of 2 in Georgia O'Keeffe mystery series.

Set in New Mexico in the 1930s. The sleuth is Georgia O'Keefe, who actually did suffer a nervous breakdown in 1933 when her husband Alfred Stieglitz had a somewhat public affair, was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment, and then traveled to the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico to paint. O'Keefe was approaching the peak of her fame and success, having just sold a painting for a record price. The narrative begins when she discovers the slain body of a priest in the desert. The plot includes several other murders, Georgia's burgeoning romance with the local sheriff, an international espionage plot involving Charles Lindbergh (who is staying at the ranch with his wife Anne), and lots of intricate twists and turns leading to a thoroughly unforeseen denouement. The strength of this story is how Lasky's elegant writing captures the emotional depth of this artist's turmoil and so stunningly reveals O'Keeffe's perception of the landscape that moves her to paint. It is not simply a who-dunnit mystery, but much more: It is a narrative of healing and resurrection of spirit.

Published 2022; 300 pages. In my youth, I read a lot about Georgia O'Keeffe. I'm liking this so far, however, the author does very well in the prose part; does very clunky dialogue. 

And a hold from the library came up this morning. THE SPAMLOT DIARIES by Eric Idle. Nonfiction. 

On March 17, 2005, Spamalot debuted on Broadway to rapturous reviews for its star-studded creative team, including creator Eric Idle, director Mike Nichols, and stars Hank Azaria, David Hyde Pierce, Sara Ramirez, John Cleese, and more. But long before show was the toast of Broadway and the winner of three Tony Awards, it was an idea threatening to fizzle before it could find its way into existence.Now, in The Spamalot Diaries, Eric Idle shares authentic journal entries and raw email exchanges—all featuring his whip-smart wit—revealing the sometimes bumpy but always fascinating path to the show’s unforgettable run. In the months leading up to that opening night, financial anxieties were high with a low-ceiling budget and expectations that it would take two years to break even. Collaborative disputes put decades-long friendships to the test. And the endless process of rewriting was a task as passionate as it was painstaking. Still, there’s nothing Idle would change about that year. Except for the broken ankle. He could do without the broken ankle.Chronicling every minor mishap and triumph along the way, as well as the creative tension that drove the show to new heights, The Spamalot Diaries is an unforgettable look behind the curtain of a beloved musical and inside the wickedly entertaining mind of one of our most treasured comic performers.

Published 2024; 208 pages. Should be a fast read if it's good. 

Sprints tonight.

Have a good day

Much love,

PK the Bookeemonster

No comments: