Welcome to another Tuesday celebrating bookish events, First Chapter/Intros, originally hosted by Bibliophile by the Sea and now hosted by I’d Rather Be at the Beach; and Teaser Tuesdays hosted by The Purple Booker.
Today’s feature is a new download I’m eager to read: The Red Address Book, by Sofia Lundberg,follows 96-year-old Doris, who writes down the memories of her eventful life as she pages through her decades-old address book. But the most profound moment of her life is still to come…
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Intro: The saltshaker. The pillbox. The bowl of lozenges. The blood-pressure monitor in its oval plastic case. The magnifying glass and its red bobbin-lace strap, taken from a Christmas curtain, tied in three fat knots. The phone with the extra-large numbers. The old red-leather address book, its bent corners revealing the yellowed paper within. She arranges everything carefully, in the middle of the kitchen table. They have to be lined up just so. No creases on the neatly ironed baby-blue linen tablecloth.
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Teaser: The doctor’s eyes are fixed on the stack of papers in the dark-blue plastic document holder.
“Your stats look better.” He leafs through the first three sheets, reading chart notes and test results. (59%).
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Synopsis: Meet Doris, a 96-year-old woman living alone in her Stockholm apartment. She has few visitors, but her weekly Skype calls with Jenny—her American grandniece, and her only relative—give her great joy and remind her of her own youth.
When Doris was a girl, she was given an address book by her father, and ever since she has carefully documented everyone she met and loved throughout the years. Looking through the little book now, Doris sees the many crossed-out names of people long gone and is struck by the urge to put pen to paper. In writing down the stories of her colorful past—working as a maid in Sweden, modelling in Paris during the 30s, fleeing to Manhattan at the dawn of the Second World War—can she help Jenny, haunted by a difficult childhood, unlock the secrets of their family and finally look to the future? And whatever became of Allan, the love of Doris’s life?
A charming novel that prompts reflection on the stories we all should carry to the next generation, and the surprises in life that can await even the oldest among us, The Red Address Book introduces Sofia Lundberg as a wise—and irresistible—storyteller.
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The aging woman living alone in Stockholm captured my interest. I am eager to start reading. What do you think?
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I love it! Now that I’m among the “elderly” I love a story about a 90+ woman. It makes me feel like a kid.
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Ha-ha…I’m sure that’s the reason I enjoy books with older characters, too. Plus, it gives us all hope that interesting things can still happen.
Enjoy your reading, Margot.
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I did really enjoy this one and Doris has a lively voice despite being in her 90s!
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Thanks, Cleo, I love that you enjoyed it…and older characters have always intrigued me. When I was a young social worker, my client base was the elderly, and I learned rather quickly how fascinating their view of life could be.
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Totally love the intro, it really makes me curious. On my list it goes. Here’s my pick:http://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/2019/01/first-chapter-first-paragraph-tuesday_15.html
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Thanks, Diane, I found the intro fascinating, too. It gives us a clue about the character’s perspective and her routines. Enjoy your reading.
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I think it sounds like a great novel. My reviewer Susan read it and loved it. See what I’m featuring at Girl Who Reads
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Thanks Donna, I have heard only good things about it, so I’m eager to begin reading it. Enjoy your books.
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Yes, I remember reading Cleo’s thoughts on this book and thinking that I ought to try it. Thanks for reminding me again! I think it sounds very appealing. Off to see if my library has this one.
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Thanks for visiting, Kay, and I love when favorite bloggers love a book. It is a signal to add the book right away!
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This does sound like an absolutely charming read! I’m so pleased you shared this.
Here is my Tuesday post!
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Thanks, Sassy, I think so, too. Enjoy yours!
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Sounds interesting.
sherry @ fundinmental My TT
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Thanks, Sherry, I have heard such good things about it. Enjoy yours!
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I can see why you are eager to read this one. It sounds fascinating.
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Thanks, Yvonne, I am excited about it. Enjoy yours.
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That does sound like an interesting book. Thanks for sharing it. My Teaser
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Thanks for stopping by, Laura, I am eager to read this one. Enjoy yours.
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Love the premise of this novel. Look forward to your thoughts.
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Thanks, Nise, so do I!
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Love this intro! I’ll bet this woman had a fascinating life. Hope you are enjoying it! And thanks for stopping by my blog today!
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Thanks, Denise, I love looking forward to books.
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I LOVED this book, and I KNOW you will too.
ENJOY, Laurel.
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Thanks, Elizabeth, I am really looking forward to reading it.
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Yes, I would keep reading. This sounds very interesting.
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Thanks, Vicki, I am loving it!
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Well, better stats seems like it’s a good thing! And the book sounds pretty interesting, especially since nobody my age really uses address books. Thanks for stopping by! Happy reading!
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Thanks, Louise, I have fond memories of “old school” address books.
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