The Smartest Woman I Know
by Ilene Beckerman
nonfiction 2011
print
finished 8/11/16
I had planned to vacuum my downstairs today, but it was so, so hot (88ยบ - remember we have no air-conditioning!) that I thought I’d better sit in front of the fan, beside the window on the north side of the house and read instead.
I had ordered a book that was coming tomorrow, Kick: The True Story of JFK’s sister and the heir to Chatsworth by Paula Byrne, which I want to begin the minute I open the package. So, for my reading time today I knew that I needed a short book. I found this book on the shelf, and remembered that I had ‘won’ it on someone’s blog years ago. I did some searching, and found it was on the TLC book tours in 2011. There was a list of bloggers who wrote about it, and I found the one who sent it to me!
The Smartest Woman I Know is a hundred page treasure. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it! Rather than write a regular book report, I shall tell you about it with photos of some pages.
And one of those customers was
This looks good, Nan! Really good. So many ifs that our lives hinge on, right?
ReplyDeleteI loved the why go to a restaurant when you have a kitchen sentence. The best books always have lots of cooking going on in the kitchen.
And do let us know how you like Kick. I'm curious about that one too.
The book is a delight! Well worth buying.
DeleteThe list of items in Ettie's pocketbook is priceless. I can understand why you so thoroughly enjoyed this little book.
ReplyDeleteI remember once my son saying that his mum had everything in her bag! This is a dear book. I think you would love it.
DeleteWhat a delightful book! I've requested a copy from the library and hope to pick it up tomorrow. Just the thing for hot late summer days for those of us without air conditioning.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite sure you will be delighted!
DeleteThis looks like a delightful read. I wish I lived close enough to borrow from your library.
ReplyDeleteMe, too!!
DeleteOh, I would love to read this.
ReplyDeleteI had to chuckle. Once, and only once, I asked my father why we never went out to eat. "Why would we go out to eat? We have food here and your grandmother is the best cook in Chicago."
Would that more people were like this. I have a feeling that people now think restaurant food is the best food. And for many it is the only food. Makes me sad.
DeleteHow delightful! And the best thing about this book is that it is true; the people and places really existed.
ReplyDeleteAs for restaurants - I like going out to eat, because it gives me a chance to sample dishes I'm not familiar with and would never get right if I tried to make them at home. But I also enjoy cooking for O.K. (or other guests) and myself; just can't be bothered when I am on my own and rather have a slice of bread and some cheese or a bowl of salad in that case.
I hear that a lot- that people don't like cooking just for themselves, but I do!
DeleteThanks Nan - now ordering several copies because everyone is getting this for Christmas this year!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's terrific!! Thanks for letting me know this.
DeleteWhat a delightful little book, Nan. This is going not only on my TBR list, but also on my TBB (To Be Bought) list.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a treasure that blog you linked to - The Indextrious Reader - is. Thanks so much for the introduction!
I'm so very pleased.
DeleteI think my mom had all those things in her purse too except we called Lifesavers Polos in England. thanks for the comment about the Blossom Family books on my blog. I'll look out for those.
ReplyDeleteAnn
How we loved those books. I remember reading at least one of them in the morning in the kitchen before school.
DeleteIn Texas we would call 88 degrees a cold front - it was 107 the other day!
ReplyDeleteAnn
Unbelievable. And we are all melting away up here.
DeleteWith that handbag, she was ready for anything! I love the inclusion of the lawyer's phone number - such a thoughtful detail.
ReplyDeleteIt is a thoughtful detail. In fact, everything in there could end up being very helpful. My bag is a little bit like that. ;<)
DeleteI've just read this book on your recommendation, Nan, and it was a perfect amusement before I tackle more current literary fiction.
ReplyDeleteSometimes those little books are just the ticket! Reading it has encouraged me to read the other small books on my shelf. And I do love a book with illustrations and photographs.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI wandered into your blog and love it!
I read this book, also, and it is worth keeping. I love wise women!
Thank you!!! Please come back anytime.
DeleteI wrote this title down as soon as I read your post and just got it from the Library yesterday; loved every word and picture. What a treasure. Thank you for this recommendation. My mother had a purse quite a bit like Ettie's -- and I recognized some of her other sayings albeit in a different accent.
ReplyDeleteHave you read any of the other books by Ilene Beckerman?
I am so, so glad you wrote and told me! I haven't read any of her other books, but I hope to, now that I've read this one.
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