Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

Title: Breakfast at Tiffany's
Author: Truman Capote
Published: 1958
Published by: Vintage Books
Format Read: Kobo, eBook
Genre: Literature, Classics, Novella, Short Story
Date Read: May 11 2015
Rating: 2.5/5

Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote was first published in 1958 and has since become one of the author’s best known stories. Set in World War II era New York City, a young writer befriends his neighbour, a woman by the name of Holly Golightly. He observes her as she lives the life of a star and socialite, but is she really who she says she is? Throughout the story readers learn tidbits about the woman’s life before she came to New York and the colourful cast of people she spent her time with.

Going into this book I felt daunted by the fact that it is a classic that has been loved for decades. As I have mentioned in previous reviews, I don’t have a very good track record with classics and seem to find myself either strongly disliking it or being completely underwhelmed. Unfortunately in the case of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I was quite underwhelmed. I didn’t feel a connection to any of the characters, especially Holly. Perhaps I went in with expectations that were too high. I expected glamor and sparkle and well.. more Tiffany’s.

For a book that was published in 1958, I was surprised by how many sexual references were made, especially those about lesbians. There was also that nagging question of whether or not Holly was a prostitute. I don’t doubt that it ruffled many feathers for years to come. Setting aside my previously mentioned observances, I finished the book thinking that I had missed something. Was it simply about a man who was fascinated by his friend and her lifestyle? Am I reading too much into it instead of just enjoying it for what it was? Maybe it was the descriptions and imagery that made Capote’s story so well loved? I couldn’t say, but I am glad I took the chance to add it to my read list.

I have not yet seen the 1961 film starting Audrey Hepburn, nor did I know anything about the plot before I began reading. All I knew was that the brunette star was cast in the lead role, so Holly in my mind looked like Audrey, not the blonde young woman we meet in the story. After watching the trailer for the film, I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to watching it as it seems it will be more entertaining than the book.

 NOTE: I downloaded an eBook copy of this book for my Kobo. Aside from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it was supposed to have included other short stories by Truman Capote, but for some reason it only had the one. 

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin

Title: Until We Reach Home
Author: Lynn Austin
First Published: 2008
Published By: Bethany House
Format Read: Kindle for PC
Read: Nov. 19 2014
Rating: 5/5

(Image from Goodreads)

 After the death of both parents, Elin Carlson feels she must protect her younger sisters from the advances of their uncle and leave their beloved farm in Sweden. With the help of another uncle, Elin arranges for the three young women to immigrate to America, in hopes for a better life.

We follow the three sisters, as they journey across the Atlantic, via steamship in steerage, then to New York's Ellis Island before settling in Chicago.

I became so wrapped up in this story. Although the hardships they faced, it was still a sweet story of hope and the love of family. I enjoyed the individual plot lines and admired each sister for different reasons: Elin for the love she showed, Kirsten's whimsy and Sofia's unwavering belief. The relationship between Sofia and Ludwig was especially touching.

This book is definitely one of my favourite books I have read in 2014. Although I read it in Kindle format, I do hope to one day purchase a physical copy so I can read it over and over.


A couple of years ago I won a book called Dark Road Home (Edge of Freedom #2) by Elizabeth Ludwig, from a Goodreads giveaway. It was sent to me by Bethany House (the same publisher who brought us Lynn Austin's Until We Reach Home), along with a card mentioning their facebook page. Since then I have read and loved several of their books. I have also added numerous more to my TBR pile, that I am eager to get to. For more information on Bethany House check out their website and facebook page as follows:
Bethany House Division Homepage
Bethany House Publishers Facebook Page


For more information on Ellis Island check out this website:
http://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/

Three Brides and a Dress by Mary Martinez

Title: Three Brides and a Dress
Author: Mary Martinez
First Published: 2013
Published By: Createspace
Format Read: Paperback
Read: Dec. 2 2014
Rating: 2.5/5

(Image from Goodreads)



*I received an autographed copy of Three Brides and a Dress by Mary Martinez from Goodreads Giveaways in return for an honest review.*

In Mary Martinez’s book Three Brides and a Dress, we follow the stories of three different women who all in turn own the same wedding gown. First is Cecelia, who is being forced into marrying a man she doesn’t love by contract. Next we follow Jessie who is dealing with a soon to be mother in-law from hell. And finally Ari, an aspiring designer without a groom. What sets this book apart from other bridal tales is that much of this book is narrated by Bella, the wedding dress.

I found Ari’s story to be the most interesting to me. This was due to her job in the wedding industry at Classic Manhattan and the process in which she came up with her designs; a different story to inspire each creation. It was an entertaining read, however the notion of whether or not Bella was really magical was kind of irritating for me. I’m not a fan of the in between. Either be magic or not.

Although I’m thankful for having received a copy of this book, it wasn’t really for me. However I would recommend it to those who enjoy whimsical wedding stories.

Mistletoe in Manhattan by Talli Roland

Title: Mistletoe in Manhattan
Author: Talli Roland
First Published: 2012
Published By: Notting Hill Press
Format Read: Kindle for PC
Read: Dec 14 2014
Rating: 2.5/5

Image from Goodreads 

 Holly West works for her parents party planning company "Christmas When You Like It" but longs to make a name for herself in the field planning more than just small town parties. When a celebrity living in New York offers her the chance to cross the pond and plan a traditional British Christmas party, she jumps at the chance. However she knows she is letting her parents down by missing their most beloved holiday. Soon after arriving in the Big Apple, Holly realizes she is in way over her head. 

Mistletoe in Manhattan is a short story by Talli Roland, that (in my opinion) could have been a little bit longer. Holly was likeable character, but the story just wasn't long enough to get to know her. That being said it was a quick sweet read.

I think that readers who enjoy Sophie Kinsella will like this story and Roland's style of writing.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Title: The Friday Night Knitting Club
Author: Kate Jacobs
First Published: 2006
Published By: Berkley Trade
Format Read: Trade Paperback
Read: Dec. 29 2014
Rating: 3/5

Image from Goodreads

Set in New York City, Kate Jacobs; The Friday Night Knitting Club follows Georgia Walker: single mother and owner of a yarn shop. When employees and regular customers begin to gather to share knitting tips a club (of sorts) is formed and friendships begin. 

 The title is what originally brought my attention to this book. I imagined it would be a cozy read, with loveable characters. Unfortunately I didn't really get the feeling I was hoping for. Or at least not until the end. As I read along I wondered to myself why this was. First of all I think that fact that it was set in busy Manhattan. Secondly because I didn't really warm up to any of the characters (until briefly at the end of the book), with the exception of Anita, Marty and of course Georgia's Grandmother. The sudden return of James and Cat in Georgia's life created conflict and antagonists. Then we learn their point of view quite early on. Although there is still conflict I believed that the reader was lead to sympathize with their circumstances. I wonder why the author took this approach instead of waiting until later and letting the readers discover the truth along with the main character Georgia?

I found the majority of the book to be a bit slow. It wasn't until Georgia, Dakota and Cat took their trip to Scotland that my interest began to pick up. This and the turn of events in the last part of this book, earned a third star for my rating.