WEDDING PEOPLE - Party Crasher Tries to Die Puts a Plug in Wedding People's Plans

Alison Espach's rom/com novel, WEDDING PEOPLE starts off with major bummers for its heroine, Phoebe.  Phoebe's husband leaves her for the wife of their close friends, she miscarried, her unfinished novel is going nowhere, she's unmoored at work and her beloved cat died.  Life pretty much sucked for Phoebe who decides the thing to do is take herself for a last hurrah  to a four star hotel to live it up on her last dime and then commit suicide. Phoebe arrives at the posh hotel dressed in her silky green best, no. luggage in tow; ready to throw in the towel.  Fortunately or unfortunately for Phoebe, her plan for a permanent solution rubs Lila, the bride-to-be planning to hold her wedding at this elite establishment. Lila's perfectly hatched plans would simply be ruined by a corpse crashing on the property. Mistakenly, Phoebe obtained a hotel room in what Lila thought was reserved or her and her entire wedding party.  Despite being depressed, Phoebe's pugnacious attitude towards Lila who believes she's in charge of everything and everyone, gets us to root for Phoebe to push back at Lila and stick around a little longer as a thorn in the side of the consummate Godzilla bride. WEDDING PEOPLE is for people on vacation, on a plane or at a beach. This is light fluff with funny moments and gratifying comeuppances for the bride and also a snide sister-in-law to be.  But, the predictable plot outcomes are obvious and cloying.  Depression never overshadows the light at the end of the tunnel. WEDDING PEOPLE doesn't belong on the same literary bookshelves mentioned at the fancy hotel or referenced by Phoebe as an adjunct English Professor.   Spoiler alert: Phoebe doesn't kill herself and the intended nuptials are put asunder. WEDDING PEOPLE falls under the category of a palette cleanser between the pages of a Eng. Lit.  course syllabus.

Ed Asner's Autobio Son of Junkman-Not Junk but Not Glitz

Ed Asner passed away at 91 in 2021 having won the hearts of millions of TV viewers as Lou Grant on the mega-hit "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-77) in the role of Lou Grant; the crusty news editor with a heart of gold.  Asner's portrayal of Grant was so beloved and heralded (earning 3 Emmys), CBS created a spinoff show with the titular name "Lou Grant." This new show took a new trajectory as a serious news drama about the inner workings of a fictional LA newspaper.  Again, Asner played a news editor.  Asner's  depiction of his comical role on earned him two additional Emmys. The focus of "Lou Grant" was on journalism as well as controversial topics such as gay rights, mental health, child abuse and nuclear proliferation.  Interestingly, Asner's political convictions regarding Central America became enmeshed in the cross hairs of his real life role as President of the Actors Union.  Asner's writes with candor about his political positions.  This proved admirable  a fascinating and provided an inside look into this tumultuous time period. Asner's stark honesty addresses his own failings particularly in his marriages due to his numerous affairs. In large part, this book reads as an unabashed apology to his first wife; mother of two of his sons and a daughter.  However, this abruptly short bio didn't contain a lot to satiate my curiosity about his fascinating career.  He speaks about his Jewish upbringing within a loving family. Asner's ascent into acting came about circuitously not wanting to follow into the family scrap metal business and he delved into his serendipitous acting career that got its genesis in college in Chicago. The full title of Asner's biography is "Son of a Junkman:  My Life from the West Bottoms of Kansas City to the Bright Lights of Hollywood." Asner spoke of his fondness for his "Marty Tyler Moore family" although there was an underlining pin of disassociation between him and Moore that piqued my interest but wasn't elaborated upon. I got the sense of Asner as a man of integrity (apart from his infidelities) and as a kind, thoughtful person.  A significant portion of "Son of a Junkman" which comes at the end is an interview Samuel Warren Joseph which is written out verbatim.  Joseph contributed to TV shows in the 90s but his relevance or connection to Asner was ambiguous. The interview does asked detailed questions asking Asner about his working relationship with various actors and celebrities and about his specific roles and performances. While the questions drew more insight into Asner's career, personality and relationships, it felt like a requisite expansion to Asner's account. Perhaps, this was a blatant representation of utilizing a ghost writer.  Moreover, Asner's life story felt written on behalf of his family.  Asner shared his life without a lot of bunk but all the refuse in his life felt like clutter without much glitter.  I think it could have used more spunk!

LAKE AFFECTS Swimming in Family Squabbles in the 70's by C D Sweeney

LAKE AFFECTS  is particularly affecting when delving into the family dysfunctional dynamics despite falling short in the various endings for its main characters.  C D Sweeny's novel set in Rochester, NY during the 1970s commences enticingly with the discovery of the actual guide book, "The Joy of Sex" (1972).  "The Joy of Sex" was a revelatory sexual manual and became a bedside table staple across America. The two Larkin sisters, both in their teens, stumble upon the "Joy of Sex". While the younger sibling is gratified by the attention bestowed from her big sis, Clara, it's Clara who appreciates the value this uncovered treasure contains.  Clara intends to utilize this sex manual with her hearthrob who happens to live across the street.  Little do the sisters or the boyfriend his sis across the street realize their parents have embarked on an illicit affair that is about to shatter both their families. The girl's mother, Nina Larkin has been in a sexless marriage to Sam for years due to Sam's repressed homosexuality.  Nina's neighbor, father of the unbeknownst boyfriend of Clara, runs a successful, local grocery chain. He's more than game to engage in a fling in part due to his wife non-existent sex drive.  The fling becomes more than a mere dalliance.  Nina hesitantly agrees to flee with him for a quickie divorce and re-marriage. The sexual revolution of the 70s is an exhilirating platform to spring forth a novel of sexual awakenings across generational divides. While Sweeny's skillful writing draws credible characters it's not engrossing enough especially when more could've been made regarding their lusting libidos.  Furthermore, too much time is paid to resentments built-up between the young, star crossed lovers and the hostilities directed towards their parents for their selfish actions.  Not enough ground was covered describing what the neighbors thought of the first rebels who broke free from their marital bonds and found new partners after leaving  their exes. The homosexual yearning of Sam Larkin could have been explored further. And, less time spent amongst the spoils germinating at the local grocers causing havoc. The consummate payoff at the end where Clara's younger sis finds true love with the neighbor boy Clara first kissed and wished to bed along with Nina's swan song made the novel far less than satisfying leaving a rather rancid taste in my mouth. 

Josh Brolin's Memoir From Under the TRUCK-Written in a Muddled Haze

I'm an admirer of Josh Brolin' both as an actor and as a person.   I've had the pleasure of business dealings with him. (Full Discloser - We bought our current home from him and his wife.)  This gave me an additional interest in learning more about his tumultuous life and reckoning into the talented actor and devoted family man he is today. Certainly, I wanted to about hear about his eight year marriage to Diane Lane and a little insight regarding the relationship shift from assistant to wife with his third, and current wife who is the mother of their two young daughters. There's not a whimper, a hint nor slight reference made to either of this significant and titillating primary relationships. I was not looking for a kiss and tell but I would have liked to know more about any bad blood between him and famous actors/directors he's worked with or known.  Brolin coyly refers to Barbara Streisand, his mother-in-law as the singer but their connection is not elaborated upon. Brolin's actor/father and husband to Barbara seems to have been missing in his childhood and from his mother's life for the most part but there's no pathos on having him as his father; growing up or now.  For the most part there was a hazy look back at his rough and quixotic childhood. It would seem he (and the boys he hung with) were left to fend for themselves amongst wild animals and tough characters. Brolin's purported best friend shot himself when they were just teens arguing for their unsupervised upbringings. But again, it's not clear if this scarred Brolin or caused him to have a hard carapace for dealing with others in his life. Brolin's mother led an unconventional, untamed lifestyle consorting with rough men, staying out late and drove recklessly, alone and with Josh and his younger brother in tow.  The call informing him his mother was in a fatal car accident falling on his birthday did not come as a major surprise nor did it leave him bereft having been an absentee parent. Brolin's amazement at his own success in films, being sought after by elite directors seems to surprise to both Brolin and readers of his memoir because it's ambiguous as to the honing of his skills his dawning passion for his craft.  Brolin  refers to his first wife with whom he has two grown children while in his early twenties. This segment was  disappointed for not sharing his feelings at this time for being so young nor what led to his early, first marriage.  I'm happy to note Brolin has an enviable relationship with his two adult children and with his wife and girls today.  He take great delight and amazement at how fortunate he now feels.  Brolin has led an extraordinar life.  However, his memoir is murky mirroring his drug infused early days. While he shares parts of his life, the telling leaves a lot to be desired,  There's a talented writer on these pages. Perhaps, Brolin's genre is more tuned to a creative nature as a novelist.  Regardless, I'm thankful for his portrayals on screen and for having sold us his magnificent home in Malibu. Thank you!

Rachel Cusk's OUTLINE-Minimalist Plot but Observes a Lot

Claude Debussy famously stated "Music is the space between the notes." Rachel Cusk's novel OUTLINE is sparse in plot and heroine development but much is revealed in the dialogues and encounters enveloping  our narrator. In fact, there are minimal facts ascertained from our narrator other than she's an author, writing professor, divorced with 2 grown children and resides in London. The story begins on a flight from London to Athens in which the narrator becomes engaged into a conversation with an older man over the course of the flight and over the middle seat occupied by a young passenger. The narrator name's is never revealed and this is perhaps a clever device in Cusk's deceptively insightful novel as the narrator serves to draw out conversations, admissions and derisions of others. The male flight passenger pursues our heroine who submits to his invitations to go with him on his small motor boat to enjoy a swim in the ocean. Our senses are engaged by the arid, congested drive to the dock, the thrust of the boat which almost causes her to go overboard and the invigorating chill from the glinting water as she gives herself over to its lull. She's no pushover and the man's passes are expertly combatted. Still, this doesn't stop his confessions of his past failed marriages and estrangements from his troubled son. The narrator is a succubus of information from those she encounters in a medley of conversations that ebb and flow depositing tidbits of jetsam that appear random. She asks her writing students to talk about what they encountered on their sojourn to class which turns into a master class of observational writing. There are interloping bizarre encounters that which added a piquant tidbits to savor within its loquacious storytelling. I found Cusk's serrated writing intoxicating. I was thoroughly captivated by every seemingly incongruent conversation that gushed forth. I was mystified and engaged by what individuals revealed, where their talk would lead and where the next exchange would be derived. OUTLINE is sparse in plot but abundant in human frailties and frivolities and overpowered with a sense of disconnection and loneliness. 

Christie Brinkley's UPTOWN GIRL-the Beauty Bares All

Christie Brinkley's daughter, Alex, with her ex-Billy Joel, said to her mom after reading UPTOWN GIRL, "You really spilled the beans." Brinkley asked her what that means and Alexa told her, "You know mom, you really told it all."  Brinkley does share your life's story from a young girl with a father who used harsh corporal punishment on her and her brother and then gave up paternity rights to her mother and step-father who became her beloved father. Four marriages that ended in divorce although she maintained "I never wanted to end things with Billy." She faults his drinking and feeling abandoned while Joel toured and "the worst kind of loneliness because you just can't make it work together." Brinkley's first marriage was to a young French man she met in Paris where she went to study art before she was 20. She was discovered by a photographer in the city which was the catalysis to a rapid rise in the modeling world. "Modeling was never in my plan. Never." Her fourth marriage to Peter Cook was sensationalized in their divorce proceedings revealing his illicit affair with an 18-year old. There's the harrowing helicopter crash that she and the other passengers miraculously survived. She spilled the beans about having made love to Taubman, her 3rd short lived marriage while he was in his hospital bed following the crash, their short lived marriage and the birth of her son, Jack. Taubman signed sole paternity over to Brinkley for a payout all at his request. Through everything Brinkley writes in a style that feels honest and direct. Her decades as a COVER GIRL and swimsuit model always presented a happy, smiling and of course, beautiful face. There's much more to the surface with Brinkley than just an exceptionally pretty face and I found myself admiring her for her confidence without conceit, her devotion to friends and family and her convictions. "Write you own script!" was her mainstay mantra that served her well. I found myself invested in getting to know Brinkley and relating to her as a career woman, wife, mother, daughter and friend. I'm sorry I didn't catch her performing in "Chicago." But, I'm recommending UPTOWN GIRL for its depth into the life and character of a highly photographed woman whose inner beauty radiates through her setbacks and successes. It was an inspiring and compelling read from cover to cover. 

NIGHT WATCH-Skittish Civil War Novel on the Outskirts of VA Disappoints`

Jayneanne Phillips Civil War novel NIGHT WATCH won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction (2004) although I found it a disappointing melodrama. The novel blends historical fiction along with romance and psychological mystery that misses being engaging on all flanks. The story jumps between the last year of the Civil War to a decade later set in the mountains of W VA and within an insane asylum in Alexandria. The casualties of war are borne on the battlefronts as well as the home fronts for those left behind in its wake. The story is first set atop the highest ridges in western VA which sided with the Union. Here we meet Eliza and her young daughter, ConaLee and their closest  neighbor, Dearbhla. Learning how the three managed to sustain themselves was the most interesting part of the novel. This provided an insight into the difficulties endured by those left behind by loved ones who fought on the battlefields. There is a shroud of mystery regarding the man Dearbhla raised from infancy who enlists with the Union Army. The father to the infants Eliza gives birth to during the war and then turns over to nearby widows remains nebulous. In fact, the storytelling tended to be oblique and confusing. The isolation and stark existence noted was not without its joys and unity amongst Eliza, ConaLee and Dearbhla. However, their safety is destroyed by a straggler who finds their shelters. He demanded to be called Papa while he invaded their home and held them captive. Several years after the war and years of abuse, Eliza' withdrew into a catatonic state. "Papa" took everything of value from them and abandons Eliza and ConaLee outside the sanatorium in Alexandria. The historical asylum and physician are factual but this trajectory takes an insane plot turn that draws estranged parties into an unrealistic reunion that borders on ridiculous. The far superior novel COLD MOUNTAIN told an engrossing story of women managing on their land during the Civil War years. NIGHT WATCH was solely compelling when describing the scant existence during and just after the war. Although ambitious in broaching life inside the newly established Asylum, it made light of the conditions and treatments rendered. The Asylum was merely an ambush for a preposterous plot twist. NIGHT WATCH left the mountaintop too soon, spent too much time in the Asylum and the fatal encounter inside its walls was inane.  Why this won the Pulitzer is a mystery and travesty. Phillips missed the opportunity for writing historical fiction with relevancy.