I've always loved the written word. As long as I can remember, sitting down with a book has calmed me, brightened my mood, relaxed me or even helped to lull me into a deep much-needed snoozefest. Not to mention...I could learn something. There was a time, albeit a short one, where reading "wasn't cool"...maybe it was the teen years of thinking I had to be as "cool" as the coolest cucumber out there or the early college years where napping then partying and partying then napping became necessity but I am extremely proud to say that now, I am back in my reading groove...and just in time because there are some awesome works of art out there that I have been so fortunate to have read and one of the most awesome of awesome...is author Adriana Trigiani.
I'm not sure if I love her writing because of her obvious abundence of talent or due to the fact that the subject matter has been along the lines of all things I love (love, shoes, Italian food, traveling, men, etc), but the latest novel I just finished can go right on my list of beloveds (not surprisingly) which includes Very Valentine, Brava Valentine, Lucia, Lucia and Rococo. This latest is titled Viola in the Spotlight and it was a pleasure to read.
First I must explain (not sure why-bear with me) about my reading habits. I am as open-minded about reading as I am about most things in life. I'll pick up new authors here and there, try a memoir or a book of poetry...I don't discriminate. However, I am a hardcore lover of fiction. When you pick up a well written book of fiction and just immerse your mind in the story...in my opinion you can be transported to another place. It's the same reason I love movies (I don't deny a good juicy reality tv show either but), a well written, acted and directed movie can take you completely out of yourself and into a life in another realm. There is such a power in movies and in novels of fiction that in my opinion you just don't get through other works. That being said, I have recently discovered and need to admit something to the world...the novels out there written for "tweens" are secretly loved by adults too...Twilight...need I say more?
I admit to first being anti-tween reading. I mean why revert back to "easier" reading when you've already read dozens of books that are directed at adults your own age and decades older? I'll tell you why...pure...unadulterated...entertainment. These books are as easy on the mind as they are on the eyes when you speed read through them. They don't drain the tears from your eyes or heart-wrench that wretched organ out of your chest...and yet still...they pull you in and make you love them. Viola in the Spotlight is no different.
For such a specifically designed character that Viola is (in age, living situation, interests) she encompasses the every-girl. She made me want to go back to high school (now really, who ever wants to go back there) and relive the dramatic moments of friendships and loves and "epic" summer vacations. Her view through the lens of a video camera took me back to high school tv class and her group of close friends made me appreciate mine. This book was a delight to read. Easy on the mind and heart yet still had moments where you were wishing for more of a kiss or less of a linger. I don't shy away from recomending lucious books to people so I'm tellin' ya...anytime you may pass by ANY of Adriana Trigiani's novels, including Viola in the Spotlight...pick them up, read until your heart's content and you will not be disappointed.
No comments:
Post a Comment