Just Thinking....

The Pressure...of a blog post!!

2011-03-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

Is it really possible that August '10 was the last time I posted something? the facebook updates, a tweet or two..it's all too much. But on the other hand -I don't want to miss out on anything. Speaking of...Allison(I Don't Know How She Does It) Pearson's latest - I think I Love You is a winner!!Not only will you revisit the 70's -you'll have the soundtrack playing in the playground of your mind! Do not miss this treat!

Included in the "loved it lately" pile -Juliette Fay's Deep Down True,Ellen Meister's The Other Life and Caroline Leavitt's Pictures of You. There are others but if I get too busy with the details will never publish post!
Please check out Rita Lussier's blog - http://www.lettinggomom.squarespace.com/ Rita shared about our last interview together and the wonderful time we enjoyed! I have been a fan of Rita's writing for many years. Everyone will relate and reflect!!

As Novels Go...

2010-08-07T11:38:00.001-07:00

New Susan Isaacs' book -I'm in! That's all I need to know! As Husband's Go is smart, funny and written with a real awareness of the way people interact. Isaacs' knows her audience well and she delivers time and time again. Our heroine, Susie, finds out that her fancy plastic surgeon husband has been killed.We tag along as she tries to figure out what happened, not settling for the obvious as her husband's partners have done. All this while caring for her adorable four year old triplets!! Go Susie!! And go, Susan!! Can't wait for the next one!!

People Are Strange....

2010-07-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Doctor's Wife, Somebody Else's Daughter and now the latest by Elizabeth Brundage - A Stranger Like You ! This story is one wild ride...sometimes in a vintage BMW! The exciting world of screen writing and cut throat LA -throw in some murder and it's a thrilling read!!

Great Escape!

2010-07-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Life Without Summer and now Sea Escape by Lynne Griffin! Looking forward to number 3 next summer! I so enjoyed this multi-generational novel set in Massachusetts. The secrets that are told within a family -some meant to spare family members, can often lead to hurting those same people. A New England treat!!

Play Ball!!

2010-07-16T13:48:00.001-07:00

America's favorite past time and a heroine we can cheer for! One who isn't getting millions to play(far from it!) or switch teams as fast as you can say "free agent!" It's 1920's and Diamond Ruby is a woman way ahead of her time as she pitches her way into this reader's heart. Overcoming everything author Joe Wallace can throw at her she is always one step ahead! Go Ruby!!! Loved this memorable summer novel!

Beware.....The Writing Circle.....

2010-07-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Having been involved in many writing circles, author Corinne Demas knows of what she speaks! I love novels with fun and interesting characters and The Writing Circle is full of just that! As the writers share their works, lives and each other fiction often times gets confused with reality. Or is it the other way around? Either way -this novel is a lot of fun!!

Only As Sick As Its Secrets...

2010-06-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Rachel Sontag's haunting memoir, House Rules, is an incredible testament to the beauty of truth. In her acknowledgments Sontag states "I know this subject matter is personal, I just didn't know how to live without sharing it." How brave to share her truth. In doing this Rachel is able to write her own story -one she doesn't need to whisper and and alter to fit her family's set of rules. Very powerful!

Blue Balls All Around!

2010-06-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

The very funny Heather McDonald has just come out with her book -You'll Never Blue Ball in this Town Again. Just the title,right? McDonald's humor on screen (Chelsea Lately) translates well in this laugh out loud story about her early(ish) dating days. Particularly entertaining a passage where she and her sister are helping out the family's real estate business by cleaning off the bus stop signs that are filled with profanity.(not their own!) A really fun read!!

The Seven Year Bitch!

2010-06-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

With a cover reminiscent of Valley of the Dolls -this book jumped right off the shelf and into my waiting hands! Jennifer Belle's new novel is an entertaining read -clever with charming characters. Izzy is lovable as she explores her role in her own happiness. After being let go from a high powered job in a hedgefund she finds herself with time on her hands. time to figure out whether or not she is happy...or is this just the seventh inning? just loved this story!

This is Where I Leave You

2010-06-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

A week of shivah brings a dysfunctional family together to mourn, love, learn and let go...what a fabulous novel by Jonathan Tropper! Am so glad I found my way to this original and well drawn story. The characters are colorful, the dialog is clever and the story is just perfect! Loved it!!

Judging a book.....

2010-06-27T05:25:00.001-07:00

.....it's not just the dust motes that are repetitive!

Checking In!

2010-06-25T15:06:00.001-07:00

Alix Strauss has an incredible way with words...funny,dark,ironic are some that come to mind when describing her new novel -Based Upon Availability.

A hotel is the perfect setting for juicy storytelling....does what happen there stay there? Read and see for yourself!

Hooked!

2010-06-19T13:22:00.000-07:00

Family drama set in the summers of Maine! If Ayelet Waldman writes it - I must read it. It's that simple.The book opens with one of those unthinkable scenarios..the "what ifs" and we are on a journey which plays out as a symphony.

What are our responsiblities to our family,where do our own wants and desires figure in? Two families connected through the years and a tragedy that promises to continue this connection in the lives of those left behind...

Promise Kept!!

2010-06-16T05:07:00.000-07:00

Jane Green always delivers-her latest, Promises to Keep,is indeed a promise kept to her readers to turn out the very best with each new book release. Yes, I cried and I cannot recall the last time I teared up while(as jane would say, whilst) reading a novel. It is a story of love, friendship, forgiveness, trust and lots of wonderful food. (recipes included!) Written in loving memory of Jane's dear friend, Heidi Armitage, Jane shared at the Westport fundraising debut that while there are many pieces of Heidi's story in this book -this is not Heidi's story. What a story..what a friendship. We should all be so blessed.

Mike and Me!

2010-06-14T14:52:00.000-07:00

So many people ask about the producer of the Reading With Robin show...they enjoy our early morning banter. Well...here he is! Enjoy!!

SWEET!!

2010-06-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

ARM CANDY is exactly what I so love about Jill Kargman's stories -light,breezy reads with lots of current mentions and trendy topics but SO much more! Jill's styled sense of humor hits the mark every time. This book has it all -do not miss this one! Loved the Mad Men references! Any friend of Betty Draper's is a friend of mine!! LOVED THIS!!!

Lucky Seven!!

2010-06-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Claire Cook is back with fun summer reading entertainment in the tradition of past favorites: Must Love Dogs, Multiple Choice, Life's a Beach -these light hearted books are filled with humor and always - a message! Cook is a master of witty dialog, so much so that I can imagine the screen version already! We root for her heroines and can always find the good side of the "bad guy!"A page-turner Seven Year Switch will make you want to grab your girlfriends for a getaway!!

The Best Kept SECRETS!!!

2010-06-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! What a time we all had this past Sunday,June 6th at the Hilton to celebrate Secrets of a Jewish Mother with authors Jill Zarin,Lisa Wexler and Gloria Kamen!! My co-host,Lezli (mother of season 16's AMAZING RACE winners, Jordan and Daniel!)Pious and I had a blast with this event!! Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island this Women's Event was inspired by all of Bradley Laye's energy and hard work!! We had the best committee ever -thanks for spreading the word -what we women do best! Looking forward to working with everyone again!!! For photos check out http://www.jfri.org/ and a big thank you to http://www.golocalprov.com/ for their coverage and enthusiasm for the project!!

Lots of Heart!!

2010-06-09T05:34:00.000-07:00

Emily Giffin's Heart of the Matter is the perfect summer read! The story takes place in a bedroom community of Boston which is drama right there. A glimpse at the moms who run the town and the marriages that surround them. Compare and contrast and taking care of what's yours. Or are they? There is a lot that will seem familiar in this well written,engaging novel which is filled with memorable characters and thought provoking matters of forgiveness.

Bun,Onion,Burger!!!

2010-05-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the summer bbqs! It's Bun,Onion,Burger by Peter Mandel. With its simple message and fun illustrations it's the perfect book to take along for the little ones! The family dog has a starring role! You'll relish the latest from Mandel!

Like Coming Home!

2010-05-30T06:13:00.000-07:00

Fly Away Home -Jennifer Weiner's latest treat is due to hit the summer bookshelves mid-july. I had the pleasure of reading this book over the long weekend and it hit the spot! With so many books from which to choose and limited time, picking the right book isn't always an easy task. I'll make this real simple for you -do not miss this book! Fans of Jen's work(Good in Bed, In Her Shoes, Little Earthquakes, to name a few) will be thrilled with the storyline and cast of characters in Fly Away Home.
A bit reminiscent of the sisters in In Her Shoes, sisters Diana and Lizzie are more alike than it would seem. Working through their relationship while a family crisis is making an appearance doesn't detract from everyone doing their own work. Parents, Sylvie and Richard learn who they are both as a united team and as individuals. It's interesting to watch what emerges. Written in Weiner's unique style-sharp,hysterical,thoughtful...Fly Away Home is what the perfect read should be!! Yea,Jen!!!

Summer Reading...Not just for the kids!!

2010-05-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

At the risk of offending anyone....here are my picks for this summer's reading list!!

Seven Year Switch - Claire Cook

Secrets of a Jewish Mother - Jill Zarin, Lisa Wexler and Gloria Kamen

Diamond Ruby - Joe Wallace

Based Upon Availability - Alix Strauss

This isn't the Book You Think it is -Laura Munson

The Red Thread - Ann Hood

Promises to Keep - Jane Green

Arm Candy - Jill Kargman

The Swimming Pool - Holly LeCraw

Heart of the Matter - Emily Giffin

Stormchasers - Jenna Blum

Bad Marie - Marcy Dermansky

Sea Escape - Lynne Griffin

Commencement - J.Courtney Sullivan

Reading Across RI May Breakfast 2010!

2010-05-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

WOW! What an exciting morning at the celebration of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society! I was so thrilled to be honorary co-chair of what has become THE RI book event -not to be missed!! Author Annie Barrows was lots of fun and we're all looking forward to her next book! Here are some of the highlights!! Photo credits to Erika Smith,Abby Fox and Tonia Mason!

Tied To My Heart...THE RED THREAD!!

2010-05-08T05:38:00.000-07:00

The latest from Ann Hood, The Red Thread, is a book you'll remember long after "the end."
Characters from all of Hood's novels come alive but perhaps in this one even more. Couple,families and the owner of The Red Thread adoption agency come together and form their own family as they long for daughters who will join theirs. The way the book moves back and forth between Providence and China gives the reader a real sense of what's going on locally and with the women who make the brave decision to give up their daughters in hopes of a better life. A beautiful story!

The Story I Thought It Would Be!

2010-05-05T03:42:00.000-07:00

This is Not The Story You Think it is....Laura Munson's memoir about her summer of holding it all together while her husband was afforded the luxury of figuring it all out is a book about strength,love,hope,family,girlfriends,mountains,horses,beloved family china and spirit.
After reading Laura's piece in last summer's Modern Love column I friended her on facebook and immediately wrote to her about how much her story moved me. Apparently I was not the only one as it was the column that crashed the site and voila! got Laura the book deal she had been waiting for for many years. What a story....all of them!! LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

The Tappan Hill Literary Luncheon Gang!!

2010-04-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous afternoon at Tappan Hill!! Over 200 people gathered on a beautiful spring day to hear authors Sue Miller and Elizabeth Berg talk about their brand new novels! (both of which I SO enjoyed!) Ben Cheever moderated -that's all I'll say about that :)
In this photo starting at the top left -Anita Plotkin,(Aunt)Eileen Austin, Laura Felton, Jennifer Del Angelo, Lezli Pious, Priscilla Warner, Janice Kaplan and Julie Klam.
on bottom left -me and next to me -Lynn Schnurnberger! What a fun table!!!
Photo credit - Margaret Fox Photography!

Ladies Who Lunch!!

2010-04-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Here are my sisters Laura and Jennifer with Lezli in the middle!!
Photo credit -Margaret Fox Photography

With Sue Miller!

2010-04-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am gushing over Sue's latest -The Lake Shore Limited!! Oh, please,Sue -DO make it into a play!!! Photo credit -Margaret Fox Photography

Ah...Elizabeth Berg!!

2010-04-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Here I am with one of my favorites!!Elizabeth Berg -she of the beloved novels in my life!!
Photo credit -Margaret Fox Photography

The Lake Shore (un)Limited!!

2010-04-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

WOW! Did I LOVE this book!!! For so many reasons I loved this book. Too many to list and I'm not much of a book reviewer as you can tell by reading this blog of mine. I like to put it out there and then you can add it to your "tbr" pile! Lake Shore was full of surprises,humor,thoughtful sadness -the perfect novel! Dive right in :)
interview with sue miller will post to my www.readingwithrobin.com site soon!

Everybody In!!!

2010-04-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

The Swimming Pool - a fabulous debut novel by Holly LeCraw is such a page turning treat!! I enjoyed every summery moment!! Families that are more connected than they know..like father,like son? or the sins of the father... There is so much here to explore -you will sink right in! As it should be.....enjoy!!

Family Drama!

2010-04-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

I love an engaging debut novel and The Summer We Fell Apart by Robin Antalek is just that! From the very start I was hooked and needed to learn as much as the author would share about the Haas family. Four siblings with unique relationships with each other. A dysfunctional set up to say the least we watch as these four navigate their world with humor, tension and all the things we love about families!

Hedging My Bet....

2010-04-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is one of those books I might never have picked up had it not been a book club choice. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery was such a treat that had I gone with my original bet, I would have lost out on a great read!! While it took me more pages to get into the story than I will usually give a book, it was well worth the effort. This book is smart,funny and it stands out. You won't soon forget the Hedgehog!!

Piper Kerman's IS the new memoir!

2010-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

In Orange is the New Black -Piper Kerman shares with her readers an incredible journey through the Danbury prison system. Her own story entwined with her dormies' made me rethink my perceptions about prison life and how ill prepared people are to reenter society. Orange reads like a novel, the kind you don't want to end except in this case the reader will, so that Piper can come home and be with her family and friends -those who got her through this amazing ordeal.

Debut Novel Sparks Fireworks!!

2010-04-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Jeffrey Stepakoff's debut -Fireworks Over Toccoa is the perfect romantic get away! Set against the back drop of WWll and deep in Georgia's South the young lovers, Lily and Jake, will stay with you long after the fireworks have come back down to earth!Loved it!!

The Last Time I Saw You....

2010-03-24T03:52:00.000-07:00

Reading Elizabeth Berg is like visiting with a friend you wished you could see more often. Such a treat -so comforting and always something to look forward to! In her latest Berg's story turns to one of my favorite topics - the high school reunion! Should we or shouldn't we...go! So of course they go or there would be no story but things are never as you'd imagine or sometimes more than you'd hope for. The Last Time I Saw You has it all -the beauty queen, the yenta, the jock but somehow it's not cliche. Life might not always take us where we thought at graduation but it's comforting to know that perhaps there is a second act!

Marry Him?

2010-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

With honesty and sincerity author Lori Gottlieb shares her hard earned dating insight with those of a certain age and also their younger selves. Lots of important information - Marry Him will make you take another look at the guy you passed by....

Don't BLAME me....

2010-03-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

If you are up all night reading the latest by Michelle Huneven! You will root for Patsy MacLemoore -a history professor in her late twenties -who wakes up in jail not quite sure of what happened and when she is told that she is responsible for two deaths the reader isn't surprised. Blame gave me much to think about -what are we truly responsible for and there is always enough blame to go around. Enjoy!!

With Friends Like ......

2010-03-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Loved Lauren Grodstein's A Friend of the Family! Loved! In this satisfying,thought provoking novel the whole notion of friendship -especially long time friends and the challenges that can test these friendships when the next generation comes along makes for a real page -turner!! Great for book club discussion!

She DOES Know!!!

2010-03-19T02:36:00.000-07:00

Through the power of Facebook(which I swore I'd never join!) I have connected with this fabulous site www.sheknows.com and am now their official book club radio host!! Stay tuned for more on their latest book selection -House Rules by my pal -Jodi Picoult! www.jodipicoult.com Have been reading Jodi's books for many years and was a RI source for her NYTimes bestselling My Sister's Keeper!(note mention in acknowledgments!) Keep those pages turning....

"An Evening With Your Favorite Authors!"

2010-02-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

Alice Hoffman's incredible event!

Monday, April 26th 2010
6:30PM
An Evening with Your Favorite Authors to benefit the Hoffman Breast Center at Mt. Auburn Hospital

American Repertory Theater
Brattle Street, Cambridge
with Chris Bohjalian, James Carroll, Drew Gilpan Faust, Elinor Lipman, Jill McCorkle, Richard Russo, Anita Shreve and Alice Hoffman!

Special guests the Beelzebubs, Tufts' famed a capella group, finalists of "Sing Off'

Cocktails, readings, dessert, book signings, and music by the Ensemble of Hope
For more information about this event please contact Kelly McDade
at kmcdade@mah.harvard.edu or 617-499-5656

**I was there last year and I wouldn't miss it this year!!!

Debut Novel!! The Murderer's Daughters!

2010-02-13T07:27:00.000-08:00

Randy Susan Meyers was my guest this morning. We spent 20 minutes or so chatting about this fabulous book but I could have gone on and on....this is my new favorite book! Love a great debut! Randy is a storyteller with quite a story to tell! The pages kept turning and I didn't want the book to end. At the same time had to know how sisters Lulu and Merry reconcile lots of feelings/issues. To have witnesses a father killing a mother -and then be left to care for each other. Who wants to have the murderer's daughters around? I DO!!

Attention Bookclubs!!

2010-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Do you belong to a bookclub? If so please email me robin@readingwithrobin.com telling me a little bit about your group. One lucky bookclub will win a table for 10 at this year's Reading Across Rhode Island's May Breakfast! May 1st to celebrate the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society! Good luck!

Devotion....

2010-02-03T15:16:00.000-08:00

Dani Shapiro has written a book that speaks so loudly to me it practically yells! I LOVE this book! I want everyone I know to read this book. It will make you think -really think.

Brava!! Valentine!

2010-02-03T04:16:00.000-08:00

Just finished and am looking forward to the third in this trilogy from one of my favorite authors -Adriana Trigiani! How can you not love our heroine? She is passionate about many things in her life -family first, her beloved family business, nyc, frank sinatra and of course, SHOES! Written with style, insight and of course Adriana's incredible sense of humor - Brava Valentine is a book you'll want to share!!

Living Robyn....

2010-01-30T02:21:00.000-08:00

Why,oh,why the "y?" After speaking with LIVING OPRAH author -RobYn Okrant, I realized that if I want this blog to be read I need to actually write something maybe or maybe not worth reading -but at least put it out there. So here it is...
Am tired of discussing how cold it is here in the Northeast. It's winter. In winter, it's cold. This is colder than we're used to but still,it's not entirely unexpected. What these extreme temps do for me is that I now really appreciate whenever it's at least 30 degrees posted in the upcoming weather forecast. That actually begins to feel like an "indian" winter if we can say that anymore.
The dog doesn't seem to mind. He's still gotta do what dogs gotta do (outside!) Definitely on the negative side of owning a dog and not something we neglected to consider when adding our dear Ari to the family. And still, he has to go and seems unfazed by the sub temps. I feel slightly guilty as I urge him on -sort of the human equivalent of having a child banging on the door as a few moments of quiet reflection as sought.....

Living Oprah...Loving Robyn!

2010-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

I love a clever idea -am often envious of them in a "why didn't i think of that" sort of way. This book by Robyn Okrant -Living Oprah is the latest in that department! Robyn set off on a social experiment -for one year she was going to live everything Oprah. Every suggestion from what to wear to how to organize. Robyn's online blog www.livingoprah.com became so popular she was approached with a book deal. See what living Oprah can do? Along the way many interesting lessons learned with perhaps the biggest being that we were home all along! Read this!

WOW!

2010-01-23T05:46:00.001-08:00

It's been a while. A really long while. Time to post!!
http://www.provlib.org/ for information on the return to RI of Susan Gilman (http://www.susanjanegilman.com/) to bring us the paperback version of Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven! February 21st at Providence Public Library 2pm! all info is on their web site. Wonderful daytime event!! Susan is funny and full of interesting information! The book is a treat! If you prefer evening events -another chance to meet Susan Tuesday, February 23rd 7-9pm at New England Invitations -Main Street in East Greenwich. Proceeds to benefit American Heart Association. Reservations by sending an email to robin@readingwithrobin.com 10%discount on all books that are pre-ordered!
Hope to see you there~!

Hysterical......

2009-07-30T05:58:00.000-07:00

Notes From The Underwire!!!

You will LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH!!! Quinn Cummings' new book is just the thing for an uplifting romp through daily life! www.quinncummings.com for more with Quinn! (once you finish the book -I promise, you'll want more!)

My interview with Quinn is posted at www.readingwithrobin.com

A Royal Read!

2009-07-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

I laughed from page 1 and continued to smile and laugh all the way through! Queen Takes King by they very funny Gigi Levangie Grazer has such spot-on observations and fabulous ear for dialogue that I could not gobble this book up fast enough! What a summer treat! The transformation of Queen (Cynthia "don't call me Cindy!" Power) is what we root for as she learns who she (really) is. Jackson "Jacks" Power is a caricature of the mogul who still needs daddy's approval. Additional players add to this comedy and move the story along with twists and turns which make for a really enjoyable read!

Best Intentions...

2009-07-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

....to read this book a while ago and then it got moved to a pile.... and we all (readers) know how that story goes. I read one of Emily's articles in More magazine and enjoyed it so much I checked out her site and found out about Best Intentions! So glad I did -what a wonderful storyteller! How well do ever know another person -even if it's someone you would "bet your life on?" I love a great story that centers around old college friends -the turns their lives take and what may or may not keep them together. The mystery kept me guessing the whole way through.....

Perfect Life

2009-07-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

This book showed up in a pile of mail (as books often do!) at the radio station. What a pleasant surprise!Seeing blurbs by Tom Perrotta and Binnie Kirshenbaum didn't hurt so I packed it with the other books bound for my trip out West and thoroughly enjoyed Jessica Shattuck's second novel. I will now search for her first -The Hazards of Good Breeding. I enjoyed the writing style and the characters we come to know and perhaps understand that their choices aren't always what they appear. The summer reading list continues with Perfect Life!

Perfection!

2009-07-12T17:31:00.001-07:00

Wow...what a memoir! Have been thinking about this book since I finished the last word. What powerful work. A story that has become all too familiar in this day of disposable relationships but one that still managed to shock with the level of betrayal. A wake-up call to pay attention to that little voice that tries to get our attention -and is often ignored. Such an honest look at author, Julie Metz's, life will no doubt have others take a second look at their own. A must read! www.juliemetz.com

No Excuse NOT To Read This Book!!

2009-07-10T16:27:00.000-07:00

I do not remember the last time I read a book start to finish without so much as an upward glance. (It might have been Are you there, God?) Julie Klam's memoir, Please Excuse My Daughter, is unputdownable! Groomed/doomed for princesshood made for many hours of therapy which Julie shares with the reader as if a BFF! She may have led a sheltered life but when the tides turn and self-reliance is necessary Ms.Klam comes through like the winner her loving family raised her to be! What a treat of a read!!! Just fabulous!! The music,movie references make me certain that I would see anything Julie writes, produces or directs! How wonderful to put into words where you've come from and to be able to pass along to future generations. Just like Dorothy ....it was there all along!!

So Happy I Read It!

2009-07-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Maryann McFadden's second book, So Happy Together, is one of those books that not only entertains the reader but gives much to think about! The "sandwich generation"is featured in this lovingly written story about a family we really get to know. (and cheer for!) Sometimes taking the bumpy road is the most scenic! Put this one on your summer reading list!! www.maryannmcfadden.com

BFF!!! Best Friends Forever!

2009-07-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

Someone was going to grab this title and I'm glad it was Jennifer Weiner!! Friends come and go but BFFs are with us for the duration whether in our lives or our memories. In true "the grass is always greener" form, Addie and Valerie, have a past to put behind them as they become involved in a possible hit and run that happens at the high school reunion but dates back to the good 'ol days! You may want to look up that long lost girlfriend...or maybe just see if she's on Facebook! Some friendships are better left in the past. Not so for our heroines! http://www.jenniferweiner.com/ for more info.

Commencement!!

2009-07-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

J. Courtney Sullivan's debut novel is just what I was looking for when I picked it up. A compulsively readable book. There is nothing like a great first novel!! I just loved it! The friendships we get to know and care about don't always take predictable paths . After all, these are Smith girls! This book left me thinking about some of my own college friendships, memories and the "what-might-have-beens!"

Something's Cooking.....

2009-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

.....in THE SUMMER KITCHEN by Karen Weinreb! Nothing like a wonderful first novel and I'm happy to know that Karen is working on book #2! We meet Nora Banks presumably at the top of her game -marriage,great children -the ideal Bedford Hills life. Things often are not as they seem and we learn that Nora's life as she knows it is about to come to a screeching halt! It's interesting to see how friends in this insular community react and how things are stirred up when there is change! Enjoy!!
www.karenweinreb.com for more info!

Lamenting the end of a great read.....

2009-06-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sally Koslow's The Late, Lamented Molly Marx sets itself apart from recent women's fiction. For starters the protagonist, Molly Marx, is deceased at the books' beginning. It totally works, yet I can't help but wish things hadn't worked out in this way for Molly- more importantly for her daughter. Luckily,that part of the novel isn't a big focus although as a mother I found myself thinking "that poor little girl!" Who doesn't wonder what might await us on "the other side." In Koslow's version there awaits "the Duration" and we are right there with Molly as she observes the goings on of the people she left behind. Accident?Murder? Something else? We are kept guessing until the very end!! Miss you,Molly!!

The Pazmanian Devil....

2009-06-18T04:04:00.001-07:00

That's right...a "knock-out" move by the host, Robin Kall, of Reading With Robin ! Tune in Saturday morning to hear how she takes on the champ, Vinny Paz! We'll be talking FIGHT OR DIE - The Vinny Paz story! The new book by Vinny's buddy, Tommy Jon Caduto. That's this Saturday -June 20th from 7-8am on 920AM WHJJ. Also streaming live at www.readingwithrobin.blogspot.com

Come to see Vinny and Tommy on Father's Day at Barrington Books from 1-4pm
www.barringtonbooks.com for more info!

Mating Rituals....

2009-06-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

......of the North American Wasp! Okay -the title alone....but wait! there's more.....
You will have a great time with this new novel by the very entertaining Lauren Lipton.
As heard on Reading With Robin this morning -this book is NOT predictable!! Enjoy!!
www.laurenlipton.com for more info.

What A Story!!!

2009-05-24T05:33:00.001-07:00

Luckily, the sisters told theirs to Alice Hoffman!! This book is one of those sweet secrets -the promise of a fabulous book from its fairy tale beginning at The Plaza Hotel. The sisters live in a world all their own complete with secret language which is something every sisterhood does indeed have! The Story Sisters will leave you thinking about them long after the story has ended.....I LOVED it!!!

PROMom!!

2009-05-15T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well..the big day is finally here. The sun is shining and looks like it will stay that way no matter what the weather team says! (that's another blog post!)
It will be interesting to see how the evening plays out as there was so much drama (prama!) surrounding this rite of passage. Perhaps the tension can be attributed to the stress of end -year finals, college decisions and the like. I'm more apt to believe that high school will always be....high school!
Said best most recently in the movie version of The Jane Austen Bookclub "....high school is NEVER over...." (emily blount's character)

Rita Lussier's Mother's Day Power Mom Piece

2009-05-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

Rita Lussier: A great gift for all you Power Moms
05/06/2009 01:00 AM EDT
You know how when you’re starting a big project at work, there’s usually a meeting to kick things off and you gather around a table with your colleagues to brainstorm ideas. Occasionally you might get stuck on something, so you poke your head into your boss’s office to ask a question or stop by a coworker’s desk to talk it over.
Best of all, when you’re done — and let’s assume everything went well — there’s that sense of completion. And if you did a great job there might be something more than satisfaction in it for you. A word or two of praise. A public acknowledgement. A raise. A promotion. That sort of thing.
Becoming a mother is, in some ways, like starting the most extensive and demanding project you’ll ever encounter. But here’s one huge difference: you’re not likely to have the kind of support you get in the workplace. There are no brainstorming meetings. Day-to-day camaraderie with your peers is difficult and often impossible. If you’re lucky, there might be times when you know you’ve done a good job — until the next moment with the next challenge and your child just keeps on growing, changing, demanding all you have and more.
That’s why, for all the moms out there, I’d like to recommend what I think is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day.
One of the latest of the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Power Moms features 101 stories from stay-at-home and work-from-home mothers who are grappling with the choices, adjustments, sacrifices and changes that are inevitable when a family grows.
What’s a Power Mom?
That’s what I asked four of them who live right here in Rhode Island and contributed their stories to the book.
Robin Kall, an East Greenwich mother who hosts Reading with Robin Saturday mornings on WHJJ tells me: “We’ve always had Power Moms — they just weren’t celebrated as such. Being in the moment with your children — leaving memories of spending time together — these are Power Mom moments.”
“Power Moms,” according to Erin Goodman of Charlestown, “recognize that there’s no one ‘right way’ to be a mom and that it is possible to nurture yourself and pursue your dreams while nurturing your family.” In the book, she shares the soul-searching that accompanied her decision to go back to work.
Dr. Kimberly Beauchamp from North Kingstown, who’s working on a book about kids’ nutrition, adds “our power as mothers comes from discovering what works for us and our families, and is constantly evolving as we grow together.”
Lisa Tener, author and book coach who’s also from North Kingstown, agrees that “being a Power Mom is not what a woman does but that she is empowered to make choices that work for both her and her family.”
In the writing of these women and others in the book, mothers will find empathy, compassion, wisdom and reassurance. They’ll read about situations and feelings and choices that illustrate that, although they might often feel like they are, they’re definitely not in this alone.
Think of the book as a gift containing the comforting voices of colleagues who share the same profession working in houses and playgrounds and minivans and beaches and offices and soccer fields all over the world. And if that’s not the kind of chicken soup that can make any mom feel better, I don’t know what is.
Rita Lussier can be reached at ReetsAL@aol.com or by mail c/o Features Department, The Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902.

Lisa Tener's Writing Blog

2009-05-05T12:50:00.001-07:00

Please follow this link
http://www.lisatener.com/blog/?p=621
for answers to the very thought provoking questions Lisa asked me!!

Enjoy!

In Studio / On-Air Party!!!

2009-05-01T06:22:00.000-07:00

The latest version! (chicken soup people not happy that there was an "X" through the chicken soup...go figure!)

Join us tomorrow morning on Reading With Robin 920AM from 7-8am (also streaming live at www.920whjj.com ) My guests will be (in no particular order!) Lisa Tener, Kimberly Beauchamp and Erin Barrette Goodman...fellow Power Moms and from Families First RI - Sarah Sinclair and Lisa Kirshenbaum! Wendy Walker -our fearless editor will phone in to join in the conversation!

Later on in the day please join us at NK Library 2pm to hear us talk about our stories -answer questions and books will be for sale to benefit Families First RI!

And it continues.....Sunday May 3rd we'll be at the Southern New England Women's Expo (www.southernnewenglandwomensexpo.com) Doors open at 10am. I have tickets for $2 off admission so if you'd like one please email me at robin@readingwithrobin.com and I'll put one aside for you! Lots of fun stuff going on all day....hope I get to see some of it!

Thanks for tuning in!!

Robin

Feast or Famine!!

2009-04-29T06:52:00.001-07:00

When it comes to blog updates this is the way it seems to be for me. This is definitely "feast!"
Had such a great time last night at a RISD cupcake making class. Learned a few techniques but was really there to have a good time which is clearly evidenced by the lack of technique shown in my assortment of cupcakes. Had a little bit of help with "Elmo" but other than that it's all my own work! There was more frosting at our table than is really safe to have around but I did manage to hold out until they brought out THE CHOCOLATE KIND!!! All bets were then off, however, as there was no cold milk to go along with -it lost its appeal -but only slightly!
In all fairness to the woman who was attempting to control a group of women(about 16 of us!) after a long day and with just too much sugar around , she really had very little cupcake humor. Especially difficult (for me) was the explanation of how to properly hold the bag with the frosting..and the squeezing technique and the just right amount of pressure...you can see where this is going. Anyway - daughter appropriately mortified...others allowed a giggle or two. I mean, come on! One of my favorite parts was our instructor with an in-depth explanation about the proper and not-as-same-as-you'd-think...placement of eyes on Cookie Monster and Elmo! This said with a completely monotone delivery and way too straight of a face! again...come on!! A great time had by all!! And as you would think -a bit "hungover" this morning!!

RI Power Moms!!

2009-04-29T03:03:00.000-07:00

A huge thank you to Charlie Hall , Rhode Island's own state jester!!! He got it just right - exactly what we were looking for to represent the RI contingent of the Chicken Soup for the Soul - Power Mom edition! (for more info on charlie please visit http://www.oceanstatefollies.com/
http://www.ricomedyfestival.com/ ) We will be at the North Kingston Library this saturday - May 2nd 2pm to read our stories, take questions and hopefully sell a lot of books to benefit Families First RI! Tune in this Saturday to Reading With Robin (http://www.920whjj.com/ -streaming live 7-8am!) to hear from the RI women who contributed to the story (Lisa Tener, Erin Goodman, Kimberly Beauchamp and ME!) Also-Wendy Walker (http://www.wendywalkerbooks.com/) who put this all together will be joining us as well as Lisa Kirshenbaum and Sarah Sinclair of Families First RI! Should be an action-packed morning!
We might even be filming it...stay tuned!!

Oh....and we'll also be at the 4th Annual (first time for us!) Southern New England Women's Expo this Sunday -May 3rd Crown Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI from 10am until the event ends. Lots of fun give aways...prizes...copies of the book to benefit Families First and more!(it's always good to have "more", right?)

Hope to see you there!!

RI Power Moms Unite!!

2009-04-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

The New Power Moms:
Making Choices that Work for Your Family

Saturday, May 2
2 p.m.
North Kingstown Library

Join us for a lively discussion as the four Rhode Island contributors to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Power Moms; 101 Stories Celebrating the Power of Choice for Stay at Home and Work from Home Moms share their stories and invite you to share yours.

Books will be available for purchase and signing. Proceeds will benefit Families First, a grassroots non-profit that pairs new mothers with supportive mentors.

For more info. contact Erin Barrette Goodman at 401.714.3926 or erin@eringoodman.com.

Perfect Fifths With Megan!!

2009-04-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

WORTH THE TRIP!!
FRIDAY NIGHT WE WENT TO STAMFORD B&N TO MEET MEGAN MCCAFFERTY AND ENJOYED THE READING AND ESPECIALLY THE VERY UNIQUE BARRY-O-KEE!!
BOOKS WERE SIGNED, PHOTOS TAKEN AND WE'RE LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT'S NEXT FROM MEG!!

THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS -TO MEG'S HUSBAND!

I've Done It For Everyone Else!!

2009-04-17T03:22:00.000-07:00

And now...tada!!....rearranging books at a local bookstore!
Chicken Soup For The Soul -Power Mom edition has been out for a month or so but last night was the first time (is that possible?) that I've been in a bookstore since its arrival! As I walked past one of the "seasonal" tables (mother's day?) I happened upon a bunch of copies!! Turn to page 329 and voila! It's RADIO MOM!!!
Please visit http://www.readingwithrobin.com/ and click on the Chicken Soup picture -you can purchase copies of this fabulous book and proceeds will benefit the 2009 ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk!!

Wings First

2009-04-16T10:20:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT MY BFF'S NEW JEWELRY LINE OF FABULOUS BRACELETS!!!

YOU CAN GET MORE INFO AT

WINGSFIRSTLLC@AOL.COM!!

Chicken Soup for the Soul POWER MOM Event!

2009-04-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

Come meet contributors to Chicken Soup for the Soul - Power Moms Including:Chicken Soup for the Soul Publisher Amy Newmark
Tuesday, April 21st Authors Jane Green, Elise Chidley and Wendy Walker 7:30 pm Photographer Susan Morrow New Canaan Library Cartoonist Tom Swick Sponsored by:Local moms Elizabeth Garrett, Victoria Marsh, Elm Street BooksKate Munno and Heather Pemberton Levy Dad contributor David White Radio Host Robin Kall and 14-year old Chloe Polikoff

The Man Who Needs No Introduction....

2009-04-07T02:25:00.000-07:00

....and so he got none!
An evening with David Sedaris(Naked,Me Talk Pretty One Day,Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim fame) was as much fun as I was hoping it would be. He truly is a one-man show! The audience LOVED him-even when telling a horrible tale about the demise of his brother(made up) which could have gone either way (he does not!) there was a sigh of collective relief and then....laughter!
The man is brilliant!! Who doesn't love a fabulous dark sense of humor??If it's you -still go if you get a chance to see him live!!
Am hoping to interview Mr.Sedaris on the show at some point. At last night's book signing he gave my 17 year old daughter (almost 18 but the story sounds better with 17!) a condom so I figure he owes me!

Tomorrow's Show!

2009-03-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tune in 7-8am www.920whjj.com (920AM in the RI area) Reading With Robin
My guests will be authors Alice Hoffman and Adriana Trigiani!! 2 of my MOST favorite authors!! Lots of fun!! Follow me on Twitter...."robin kall"
The interviews will be posted on my www.readingwithrobin.com site "soon!"

Robin

Radio Mom Meets Power Moms!!

2009-03-02T03:05:00.001-08:00

Published at last! Published at last!!! Thanks to Wendy Walker and The Chicken Soup for the Soul people....I'm published at last!! The book debuts on Monday, March 24th! I will have copies for the first 2 Reading With Robin listeners who email to say they've seen this post!
For more info you can check out Wendy Walker's site at http://www.wendywalkerbooks.com/ and click on "expo."
There is a book signing event on Friday, May 8th Barnes and Noble, Lincon Center from 1-3pm. I'll be there!!

We'll be having a special "Power Moms" edition of Reading with Robin on Saturday, May 2nd which can also be heard streaming live at http://www.920whjj.com/
Join guests: Wendy Walker, Lisa Tener, Erin Goodman and Kimberly Beauchamp (all contributors) as we chat about being "power moms" and maybe even about chicken soup!!

For more info email me at robin@readingwithrobin.com

This Week's Show

2009-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 18th, my guest will be local author, Donna Russo Morin.
We'll be celebrating the release of her first novel -The Courtier's Secret!

Go Sox!!

2008-10-26T09:25:00.001-07:00

Mary-Ann Tirone-Smith andJere Smith will be at the West Hartford Public Library for a reading/book talk/signing next Tuesday, Oct. 28th at 7PM

Cookbook Lovers!

2008-10-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mary Ann Esposito will be in Narragansett on Saturday, October 25!
Meet Mary Ann Esposito of the television cooking show, Ciao Italia! She’ll be the keynote speaker at this Saturday’s Women’s Wellness Day in Narragansett! Mary Ann will speak, demonstrate 2 recipes (we will sample the chocolate-walnut biscotti, and some lucky raffle winner will take home the casserole she’ll prepare!), after which she will be autographing her books Ciao Italia Slow & Easy, and Ciao Italia Pronto, both of which will be for sale.

This is just the start of a day that’s all about shopping, laughing, eating, learning and being inspired!

There are still tables left! But you must make your reservation by 5:00pm October 23! Call 788-1173, or 788-1273 to reserve your space! For more details, visit www.schospital.com.

Today on HDTV!!

2008-10-14T14:29:00.000-07:00

Click on the link below to watch the interview I did with Henry Del Angelo (fav RWR guest!) on his show HDTV! (Tuesdays 5pm!)

http://www.helloworld.com:80/global_frameset.aspx?target=myworld&uID=56406&section=show&recID=170303

The Tables Have Turned!!

2008-10-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

It's fun to be on the other side of the interview! Please check out the interview I did with author, Jan Brogan, at http://www.jungleredwriters.com/
Jan asked thought provoking questions and I did my best to answer in a more direct manner than "ahem!" some vice presidential candidates!!

Count As Published??

2008-08-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah...I wish! But it does count for Joanne Rendell- out with her first novel!
I was honored when Joanne sent a copy of the galley of her "soon to be" published book and asked if I would provide a blurb. I so enjoyed the story and was thrilled that she asked but I can only imagine how long it takes to write a novel if the length of time my quote took is any indication. (which I'm quite sure it is not!) I wish her all the best - check out her site www.joannerendell.blogspot.com

Ron McLarty Is Coming To Town!!

2008-08-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Three wonderful opportunities to meet Ron and hear him read from his new and fabulous novel - Art In America!! Ron will take questions and you can have copies of the book signed! This is a big RI treat so mark your calendar with the dates below :

Thursday, August 14th Redwood Library & Athenaeum - 11AM Newport, RI

Friday, August 15th Other Tiger Bookstore - 5-7PM Westerly, RI

Saturday, August 16th Schroeder's Deli - 11AM (meatballs additional!)Riverside, RI

For more information please visit Ron's site - www.ronmclarty.com

It's THAT Time Again...

2008-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

Time to start planning the 2008 ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! The date is Sunday, October 19th - Roger Williams Park so please mark your calendars! Sign-up is easy (easier than the walking!) All you need to do is go to my homepage at www.readingwithrobin.com and click on the WWR logo - Chapter 6! Simple...there you can sign up and have others do the same. The more the merrier! We'll have shirts for everyone! Send emails to your friends and family to let them know that you're walking for this very important cause to spread awareness and raise money for lots of important research and community programs. Last year our team raised over $20,000 -the most of any single team(not being corporate) Our goal this year is to raise more and have even more people joining us on the morning of October 19th. Thank you for your continued support!

Robin

Kevin Calling!

2008-07-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Here I am waiting for Kevin Nealon to call me. ME! Kevin (SNL) Nealon is calling to talk to me about his book - Yes, You're Pregnant, But What About ME? I usually phone the author but I suppose if I were privy to Kevin's number I might be tempted to check in from time to time and reminisce about the days when SNL was Saturday Night! Why would he want that possibility looming? So I waited until his assistant, Melissa, called to say she had Kevin on the line. How cool! I wonder if Kevin spent any part of the day thinking he'd be speaking to me?
The book is incredibly entertaining and surprisingly, poignant as well. Becoming a father for the first time at age 53, when many are sending their children off to college , gives the reader an interesting perspective into the way Nealon views fatherhood. He jokes about receiving his AARP magazine while his wife, Susan, receives her Pregnancy Today.
Kevin muses about all of the important information in a book being contained on the tops of pages - that authors know that nobody bothers to read the bottom of the page. Well, I read both the top and the bottoms of all of Kevin's pages and it was well worth the additional effort :)
A fun and funny book from a guy (and now dad!) who has always made me laugh!

Lunch (and Sex & The City!) With Lisa!

2008-05-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

** Media Alert**
Please tune in this Friday - May 30th (you know...the debut date for SATC the Movie!) to
LUNCH WITH LISA! I will be Lisa's guest somewhere around 11:15am...you can tune in by going to http://www.wybc.com/ and if you'd like to chat with us please call 203-562-1340. There will be lots of girl-talk and I'm looking forward to a lively conversation!
For more information please visit Lisa's great site at http://www.lunchwithlisa.com/

How did I meet Lisa? Watching The Real Housewives of New York City. Lisa is the sister of my favorite of the housewives - Jill Zarin (http://www.jillzarin.com/) and I got in touch with Lisa right after the episode where she does a broadcast from her CT home with her sister, Jill. Lots of fun!
If you haven't seen this television show watch out for the reruns - not to be missed!

Lisa will join me on Reading With Robin in July. Stay tuned for more on that in the coming weeks.

******* LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW!!*******
LIVE! With Lisa Radio Show/Robin Kall

Henry Winkler Coming To New England!!

2008-04-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 11th Henry Winkler will be nearby to talk about the latest in the Hank Zipzer series - THE LIFE OF ME (Enter at your own risk)

Andover Books -2pm
89 Main Street, #R
Andover, MA

Porter Square Books - 5:30pm
Porter Square Shopping Center
25 White Street, Cambridge, MA

Not To Be Missed!!!

2008-04-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jardiniere, located at 176 Main Street in East Greenwich will be hosting 2 very exciting book events! For more information call Kathy Sherry at 398-8380.

Friday, April 25th 4pm
Come for a Spot of Tea!
Meet author Elizabeth Matthews
Different Like Coco - The rags to riches story of Coco Chanel
For children ages 8 to 12
Author/Illustrator Elizabeth Matthews will be reading and signing her fabulous book at 4pm!

Tuesday, May 6th Noon-2pm ALICE HOFFMAN!!!
First RI appearance -come and meet bestselling author, Alice Hoffman, at Jardiniere!! Books will be for sale with a percentage to benefit the Alice Hoffman Breast Cancer Center at Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA.
This is the perfect cozy setting for a meet and greet with Alice. You do not want to miss this unique opportunity! Signed books make great gifts so get one for yourself and a few extras! Space is limited so reserve a spot by calling Kathy at 398-8380. Alice's new novel - The Third Angel is just terrific -it's Alice storytelling at its best!! http://www.alicehoffman.com/ for more info!

And for those who prefer evening events....

Alice will be at Books on the Square on Angell Street in Providence at 7pm. 331-9070 for more info!

TOSSING MY COOKIES!!

2008-03-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

It's here - a harbinger of Spring. My favorite of all seasons. The crocus shoots are coming up, the daylight lasts longer, spring training is happening in the South. You get the idea.
The Girls Scouts have started delivering the cookies!! When they begin taking orders in January the countdown begins....how many weeks until they are delivered and how to manage the loot once it arrives. Being a huge supporter of the Girl Scouts ever since I was one myself-I buy way too many and then have to devise a plan to distribute the cookies to people who'd like them but say "they'd better not." These cookies come but once a year which definitely adds to their allure. After all - with all of the amazing cookies available all year round what is it about the Girl Scout cookies that have such a powerful hold? It's the memories -has to be. The cookies really aren't even that great anymore. Ok-the thin mints will always be, well...."mint!" Plus if you put them in the freezer they are frozen and yummy and if you happen to forget they are in the freezer you have quite a treat coming that you don't even know is coming! I have the boxes from the scouts in the neighborhood and soon the ones from my nieces will arrive. In total we have probably purchased 25 boxes of cookies. Perhaps next year I'll write the check to GSA and forget about the cookies.Naaaaaaah!!!!

OPRAH OUTRAGE!!!

2008-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Good thing we live in a world with dvr because after watching a segment on Oprah today-I was glad I was able to rewind and make sure I heard what I thought I did.
Oprah was doing a segment with personal chef, Art Smith, and was going on and on about this chicken dish which is her favorite,favorite,favorite- okay, we get it. You love this dish!
What was completely shocking and incredibly offensive was when Oprah went on to punctuate this display of passion for this food and said something to the effect of this being the meal to have if you are going TO THE GAS CHAMBER!!!THE GAS CHAMBER!!! How in the world can this woman so casually throw around a reference which one would attribute immediately to the atrocities of the Holocaust. I can only imagine her outrage if someone in the media likened the desire for a last meal as something to have on the way to a lyching! imagine!!
I played back the comment a few times to make sure I got it right.When the show came back from break I was expecting some type of mea culpa from the Big O. But no such apology was forthcoming. I thought for sure someone on her staff would have alerted her to what could have only been a stupid comment. I wonder what Elie Wiesel would say if he knew the woman he traveled through Auschwitz with would make such a matter of fact comment about the gas chamber.Hmmm.....I would love to have a public apology from the mighty Oprah on this but as my attempts to reach her through the years to connect on our mutual love of books has proved fruitless I am not too confident that a criticism will reach her any faster. It's hardly unlikely that this blog is on Oprah's list of must -reads but just in case ......here it is!

Hint of Spring?

2008-01-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

I'll take it. I know it's just for a short time and I realize we are now in the "dead of winter." But...still -it was in the 50's today and tomorrow promises (as much as the weather team is ever accurate) to be in the 60's. Could almost be a day to go to the beach. East coast beach in the winter. Why not?

Anything that points to spring is welcome -very welcome in my book. The fact that the sun now sets just a little bit later each night is a happy thought. Each night - one minute (or so) closer to those sweet spring evenings when going out after dinner doesn't seem like such a wild idea. You can smell it in the air - the promise of what's to come. We might have blizzards, icy conditions and (hopefully!) a snow-day or two but for right now I have the feeling that the songs of spring aren't as far away as they seemed a few weeks ago. And I'll take that!

The Summer Is Coming!! The Summer Is Coming!!

2008-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

We are all in for a treat -here is a sneak preview of Claire Cook's summer release - Summer Blowout!! You'll laugh...you'll want to have your hair done!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzNZlYeqhMs.

Retro-Rant!

2007-12-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

Reading – With or Without Oprah!

It comes again – an email announcing Oprah’s latest pick! I am excited to receive this, although I do not know why. As I hold my breath in anticipation between the click of the mouse and what will appear before me – I am once again – not surprised to see that Miss Oprah has chosen something that I have already read……weeks ago!
This is it – I think as I furiously type a cleverly constructed email to the aforementioned Oprah at harpo studios. Hi Oprah – I open with a friendly greeting, as if we are old reading buddies! It’s me, Robin from Rhode Island! You know, it’s the funniest thing, but everytime you pick your Book of the Month – it seems that I have already read it! At first I thought it must be some strange cosmic coincidence, but month after month it continues to happen. I begin to sense that there is something larger going on so I feel that it is time to “make the connection” with Oprah.
I wait a day or so, constantly checking my inbox for a reply. After the third day I resend the message, certain that the reason I haven’t heard back is that it got lost in the cyber mail room. I hadn’t saved my first email, so I cleverly construct another, which I am sure, is even more compelling than the first. Again – nothing…..So, now I get the phone number for Harpo – and I call! A friendly voice answers – I explain my story, down to the descriptive email I sent. I am told that Oprah receives tons of mail and email, which I already gather. I tell my new friend that I am sure that she’d want me for the show on this latest book and that I had to have been one of the first to respond since I sent the email the day the book was announced. She sympathizes, but needs to take another call.
I am determined to send one final email –
“Dear Oprah –
I have been thinking about our similar love of good books. You are real tough to get hold of, but if you’d like to know what I am reading, give me a call!

Your friend in reading.Robin

**Written years ago - yet posted today!

Authors Sign On To Celebrate 5th Anniversary of RWR!

2007-10-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday, December 1st!
Here is the line-up to date:
11:00 Jan Brogan - Yesterday's Fatal
2:00 Jennifer O'Connell - Everything Thing I Needed To Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume, The Divorced Girls' Society: Your Initiation Into The Club You Never Thought You'd Join
1:00 Laura Zigman - A Piece of Work
1:00 Brendan Halpin- Donorboy
1:00 Emily Franklin-The Principles of Love
2:00 Mary Ann Tirone-Smith -Girls of Tender Age
Noon Jane May- Hooked, Doggy Style
11:00 Mary Jane Begin- R is for Rhode Island Red
Noon Arliss Ryan- How (Not) To Have A Perfect Wedding
3:00 Lee Harrington- REX AND THE CITY: A MEMOIR OF AWOMAN, A MAN, AND A DYSFUNCTIONAL DOG.

The party is from 11-4 at Books on the Square on Angell Street in Providence. 401-331-9097 for more information. Proceeds will benefit the RISPCA. We will be collecting the following items for the RISPCA. If you bring an item you will be entered into our raffle drawing! (lots of fun prizes!)
The biggest needs right now are tough dog toys or canned cat and kitten food.
Also needed:
For dogs- leashes and collars, canned dog food, soft and hard dog treats, braided rope tugs.
For cats- cat treats, cat toys, loose dried catnip, heavy duty ceramic pet dishes

Bring your dogs! Books on the Square is dog-friendly!
Stop by and say hello! Give-aways, snacks (for people and dogs!)

Red Tent 10th Anniversary Celebration!!

2007-10-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

Join us Tuesday, November 27th at 7:00 pm at the Stuart Street Playhouse in Boston for a red carpet affair. Festive attire, please!
Bring your girlfriends, sisters, mothers, daughters to an evening of theatre, paparazzi, diamonds, martinis, chocolate and above all, laughter. Wait 'til you see the dazzling diamond raffle prizes!
Following a fabulous cocktail party on the red carpet, you will be treated to a theatrical reading of a new play, "A Little Work," by Anita Diamant and Stephen McCauley.
So much fun while doing good! This event supports one of our most favorite places in town, Mayyim Hayyim Living Waters Community Mikveh and Education Center!

A Little WorkA new play byAnita Diamant and Stephen McCauley
A Little Work is a scalpel-sharp contemporary comedy about the pleasures and pitfalls of happy marriages, best friends, and facing fifty.
When best-selling self-help diva Kitty Fenochetti shows up on the doorstep of Mia Brown, her college roommate, she turns the household upside down with bandages, banter, and a nutty nurse with an unusual obsession. Although Kitty's the one in town for "work," everyone else is forced to take a long, hard look in the mirror as well. It's "The Man Who Came to Dinner" meets "Nip/Tuck," with a quick stop at Oprah's Book Club.
Join us for an unforgettable, laugh-filled evening.
As Joni Mitchell said, "Happiness is the best facelift!"

Diamond Raffle Prizes
Be one of five "lucky ladies" to go home with new bling from Boston's exceptional jewelers. (Look for details about the pieces and our generous Diamond Sponsors in your invitation and in our next email update.
Tickets are $25 for one and six for $100.

Questions?
Lauren Dorn-JonesMayyim Hayyim Director of Development
(617) 244-1836 ext. 211 laurend@mayyimhayyim.org

HUGE NEIBA TREAT!!

2007-10-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

What a thrill to meet Tom Perrotta (Joe College, Election, Little Children, The Abstinence Teacher) in person! Tom was a guest on the show a couple of years ago and am looking forward to chatting with him soon about his latest which has gotten so much fabulous (and much-deserved) praise! Tom just seems to be everywhere! Check blog for updated show info!

NEIBA....the thrills continue with Jerry Spinelli!

2007-10-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Beloved author, Jerry Spinelli, signs copies of his latest book Love,Stargirl!
I had the good fortune to have had an hour of Jerry's time to talk about his career, family (including 16 grandchildren!), upcoming projects and the magic of Stargirl!

I will be transcribing our conversation and it will be printed in this blog "soon!"

SAVE THE DATE......DETAILS DEVELOPING....

2007-10-24T05:15:00.000-07:00

We're still working out the details but wanted you to mark your calendar for this "not to be missed" event which will benefit the RISPCA!

Saturday, December 1st from 11-4 at Books on the Square

in Providence come and celebrate the 5th anniversary of Reading With Robin!

There will be lots of guest authors signing copies of their books plus I'll be there!
Raffles, give-aways, snacks and more! (you've gotta come for the "more!")
Check back for updated info and a list of guest authors......

Yours in wagging tails!
"Ari"

You Have To Laugh.....

2007-10-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

And you will.....tune in this Saturday for a girlfriend's take on a not so funny subject - it's The Divorced Girls' Society
with authors Vicki King and Jennifer O'Connell.

October 20th on Reading With Robin!

2007-10-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Yona Zeldis McDonough's novel, In Dahlia's Wake, is one that will stay with you long after you have finished it. Tune in this Saturday to hear the interview I conducted with Yona.

*******************************************

Around 7:15am you will hear the conversation about the fabulous 3rd Annual RE/MAX Think Pink Gala Event happening on Monday, October 29th at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. Joan Rivers is headlining this incredible event to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The proceeds benefit breast cancer research at Rhode Island Hospital, including groundbreaking research to develop a breast cancer vaccine, performed by Dr. Maureen Chung; as well as Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Len Iannuccilli, co-chair of the event and also the broker/owner of RE/MAX Professionals in East Greenwich will fill us in on all the details for this "don't miss" event!

The evening begins at 5:30 with food stations set up from some of our wonderful RI restaurants which include :Waterman Grille, Casatle Hill Inn&Resort, Pane E Vino, Parkside Rotisserie&Bar, Cafe Fresco, RI Quahog Co.

Tickets are $125 each or tables of 10 for $1250. For more information please phone 223-6118 or visit http://www.rithinkpink.info/