Posts by Kimberly Sullivan
A driving holiday across America’s “fly-over country”
This year was a strange “holiday” in the era of Corona virus. I had to bring my oldest son to college, necessitating a two-week quarantine in the US, and another when I returned to Italy. In the middle was a one-week period in which I could drive him out to his new campus, and we…
Read MoreShiny, new books!
When I’m back in the US (or any English-speaking country), I’m always excited to go book shopping. My short trip to America this summer was no exception. Shopping in my depressingly closed-down country was tough, but I still managed. I did find some books I’m interested in reading now that I’m back home. The only…
Read MoreRush hour horse and buggies? Must be Ohio’s Amish country
My older son and I were in Ohio this summer, and we decided to dedicate a day to visiting its Amish country. Although I’d been a few times to Pennsylvania’s Amish country, it was my first visit to the community in Ohio. I’d always assumed the Ohio population was much smaller, but while there I…
Read MoreCongratulations to the winners of 2020 International Booker
I always keep an eye out for the long-list, short-list and winner of the annual Booker Prize. This week I was pleasantly surprised to learn there is an International Booker Prize. Somehow, I had somehow missed this prize aimed at translated literature. The nice aspect of this prize is that the translated work, which must…
Read MoreHiking the Serra di Celano, Abruzzo
Not surprisingly, after our long Corona lockdown this spring, I was chomping at the bit at the idea of being able to hike once again. Nothing like being confined to one’s city apartment to accelerate daydreams of vast mountain vistas and wide hiking trails. Luckily, my family and I escaped the moment we could to…
Read MoreBooks need secrets, too
“I think books should have secrets, like people do.” —John Updike Love this quote by American novelist John Updike. Authors – take note! We readers do not need every plot point and character insight spelled out for us – a little mystery that allows us to interpret stories or character motivation is greatly appreciated by…
Read MoreThe showstopping square in Italy’s Cittaducale
On a recent visit to Rieti with my younger son, we decided to explore the nearby town of Cittaducale. Just 8 km east of Rieti, Cittaducale is an impressive example of a late medieval fortress town. Perched on a strategic hilltop location and surrounded by mountains, this town is a pleasant place to wander. Although…
Read MoreBook review: I leoni di Sicilia
We all know the old adage that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But when lockdown ended in Rome and I could walk around and visit bookshops (!!) when they were one of the first non-essential businesses to be allowed to open, I couldn’t resist the stunning cover of I leoni di Sicilia.…
Read MoreWandering the silent, medieval streets of Toffia
I’ve driven by Toffia many times on my drives from Rome to Rieti, but never made time to visit. On a recent weekend trip to Rieti, my son and I decided to take a little detour from the Via Salaria to visit this picturesque, medieval town. We were in Toffia on a perfect summer day.…
Read More2020 Booker Prize Longlist announced
Readers, this one’s for you. The Booker Prize 2020 has announced its longlist. Congratulations to the thirteen novelists who made this first round of selection. A lot of these novels and novelists are new to me, so I look forward to exploring these selections. You can see the full longlist here. Have any of you…
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