Nationally celebrated novelist, Nicole Dennis-Benn is back with a gripping new novel! This time it is the tumultuous tale of Patsy(PATSY, Liveright Hardcover $26.95, 432pp, ISBN: 978-1-63149-563-2); a Jamaican woman who has finally received her long-held dream of a visa to America. She intends to use this visa as an opportunity to escape the poverty that surrounds her in a Kingston ghetto and reunite with her oldest friend-turned-lover Cicely; who left the island years before under a shroud of mystery. However, this escape plan does not include Patsy’s five year old daughter, Tru.
“She squeezes her daughter in a tight embrace, wishing she could be satisfied with the simple pleasure of feeling the sun on her eyelids and the embrace of her daughter. But as she inhales the smell of Blue Magic hair oil she uses in Tru’s hair, which mingles with the smell of beef patties and exhaust fumes from the traffic, and as she listens to the sounds of rush hour on Half-Way Tree Road clamoring around them, Patsy only feels her secret yearning for more deepening. (pp.32-33)
Now you may be wondering why I would recommend a book for Valentine’s Day if it has December in the title, but trust me Josie Silver’s debut novel is full of enough charm, realism and tender moments to melt even the iciest hearts this Valentine’s Day. Across London, Scotland, Bali and Australia, we follow the friendship and foibles of Laurie, Jack and Sarah for almost ten years. While the central story is an emotional connection between Laurie and Jack with the romantic fervour to rival Love Actually;“One Day in December” is so much more than a simple love story. It is a highly relatable tale of one’s twenties, wherein Silver expertly addresses the themes of friendship, change and overall turbulence the decade carries in shaping the people we become.
Well, Mitch Albom has captured our
hearts and imaginations once again. This time with his latest novel,"The Magic Strings of Frankie
Presto."Centred
around the life of fictional pop star Frankie Presto and the transformative
impact his music has on the lives of those around him, it is a wonderful novel
for bibliophiles and music lovers alike.
While it's still sweltering by midday, there is now a crisp bite to the early morning air as we rush off to work, subtly reminding Bostonians that Autumn (and ultimately winter) is coming. As I am in no mood to say goodbye to summer and delve back into New England winter, I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite things that I found and loved over the summer. Have a look below:
MUSIC
One song that I have had on repeat all summer is from up-and-coming Jamaican songstress, Jane Macgizmo. In "Babylon", the young singer delivers a powerful and unique sound, her voice at once melodious, haunting and utterly captivating. Aesthetically, the production quality of the music video is phenomenal; crisp and clean with the natural beauty and majesty of the Jamaica countryside on full display.
In post-colonial Jamaica, the term "Babylon" is often synonymous with systematic, structural and/or mental oppression. For at least 4 minutes however, the soothing tones of Macgizmo's music help her listener transcend the turmoil of the world around them and be at peace, with the world and within themselves.
Another favourite that is a bit more up tempo and in keeping with the summer vibes is Shakira's latest release with Carlos Vices, " La Bicicleta". It's safe to say that I've been a staunch Shakira fan since"Whenever, Wherever"(En Español:Suerte) came out in 2001 ...a while ago and"Hips Don't Lie"was a staple of my adolescent playlists. So, it's always exciting for me when she releases new music and this song did not disappoint. "La Bicicleta" was released in May, with an accompanying music video in July, that will have you up and dancing in no time. You'll want to grab your best friends, a bicycle and head to the nearest beach to catch the last moments of summer ASAP.
BOOKS The only thing I love more than new summer music is having my nose buried in a good summer read (preferably by the pool or in a hammock on the beach). This summer, the book I could not put down came in the form of Mitch Albom's "The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto". Having loved everything Albom wrote since "Tuesdays with Morrie", I actually got this book on pre-order last November, but life has been so hectic I didn't have a chance to crack it open until the summertime and it has been well worth the wait. Centred around the life of fictional pop star Frankie Presto and the transformative impact his music and talent has on those around him, it is a wonderful novel for bibliophiles and music lovers alike. For a more in-depth book review, see my posthere.
HOMEWARE
To me, the Malibu Citrus Glow scented candle from The Bath & Body Works is just heavenly. When burnt the candle produces a strong scent of salt and sand evocative of a hot summer's day at the beach, coupled with the citrus aroma of orange and lemon. And with the name "Malibu", you will be hard pressed to find a candle that more truly captures the warmth and excitement of summer. It's a simple, elegant way to brighten up your home in the summertime or to bring a little sunshine to the cold winter months :)
I can't seem to find a link online, but it may still be available in select stores, so check your local Bath & Body Works.
This product is part of a larger skincare range, but I only used the sleeping cream in conjunction with my regular drugstore moisturiser. However, if you're interested in learning about the other Oils of Life products you can find more info on the websitehere.
Now, I will admit that I usually have clear skin and don't worry too often about pimples etc. BUT work, family, finances and just life generally can get the better of all of us...not to mention those time of the month cookie/cake/chocolate cravings -- am I right, ladies? And it's often our skin that pays the price. Well, I must say this little jar of goodness from The Body Shop has seen me through a lot this summer. It carried me through the stresses of grad school, finishing my thesis and the hell of moving apartments.
I may have been overwhelmed, but the combination of black cumin oil, camellia oil and rosehip meant that my skin never showed it. The infusion of chamomile into the sleeping cream is also very calming, which made it a great addition to my bedtime routine.
My skin can get rather dry in the Boston winter, and while the Oils of Life Sleeping Cream has been wonderful in a hectic summer, I'm sure its moisturising powers will truly come in handy in the brutal winter months to come.
So, what have you been enjoying this summer? Tell me all about your favs in the comments below; maybe you can share some gems to help me bridge the transition into Autumn :)
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*Always check the labels on any skincare products before beginning use to ensure that you're not allergic to any of the ingredients
