Memoirs of crazy childhoods are best delivered with a minimum of self-pity, and Mayes understands this. Mayes was "blessed" with a wonderfully dysfunctional family (what all writers wish for) and a childhood in the south (what many writers also wish for). The language Mayes, a poet, uses to evoke...
One of my favorite "mindcations" is "Under the Tuscan Sun". In my version, everything has the beautiful glow of Renaissance reds and golds. Even I am beautiful and glowing. Rustic, yet regal, my villa is filled with light, laughter, gorgeous food and great wine, good times and good people. Acclai...
A lyrical and enchanting and excellent book about travels in Europe. I was there with the author as she traveled, she is that descriptive and aware of the holy places. Her descriptions of starry nights brought me to my knees in awe as well as her attention to detail: architectural, holy places,...
This is a foodie book. It took me awhile to realize that. I was wondering why it had so much to do with meals and mealtime and then realized like a person who has had a big meal and is ready for a nap: oh, this is her entry into the Michael Pollan, Carlo Petrini genre. But it dances around many o...