Comments on: How We Spend Our Days: Carmela Ciuraru

By: Cynthia Newberry Martin

Cynthia Newberry Martin — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:29:22 +0000

In reply to Mark Lamos. Thanks for reading, Mark, and for leaving a comment.

By: Mark Lamos

Mark Lamos — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 18:27:18 +0000

I very much enjoyed Lives of the Wives. But in the section on Patricia Neal and Roald Dahl, Richard Rodgers is credited with writing the play John Loves Mary. The play was written by Norman Krasna. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein produced it. Also, “Rodgers, Richard” is not listed in my copy’s index. And I have one other slight caveat: the wife of the great bass Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, who figures in the story of Ina Troubridge and Radclyffe Hall, was the renowned Romanian soprano Virginia Zeani. The text just calls her “wife” and “Virginia”. These two stunning vocal artists performed to acclaim all over the world and made many recordings; I feel they merit the kind of attention Ms. Ciuraru affords most of the other celebrities mentioned in her otherwise utterly compelling and readable book.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:24:26 +0000

In reply to Jodi Paloni. Me too on the "not too patient"--thanks for stopping by, Jodi!

By: Jodi Paloni

Jodi Paloni — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 14:42:55 +0000

A good reminder that “lost” work hours may be well spent. Also loved: “Be patient with yourself, but not too patient.”

By: cynthia

cynthia — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:39:11 +0000

In reply to Lisa McGarry.

Lisa, I always enjoy reading your comments on the posts in this series. And I agree about the endless fascination of our daily routines and all the little idiosyncrasies. I was just writing about this yesterday, about a book that was all about this. You might enjoy the book: http://catchingdays.cynthianewberrymartin.com/2015/10/05/daily-rituals-266365/. It’s great to hear from you.

By: Lisa McGarry

Lisa McGarry — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 10:42:30 +0000

What an enjoyable sharing of Carmela’s day… And I echo much of what Adrienne wrote – one reason I love this series of Cynthia’s is because of these moments of connection with the writers over similar inclinations & habits. (Along with the inspiration that comes from new insights & differences.) The need for books with real pages that turn is one thing we have in common…there’s nothing like the weight of a book in the hands, and the act of making your way through it in a physical way…
And thanks for the book recommendation – I am also off in search of a copy of Birds of America and its noteworthy sentences & characters.

By: cynthia

cynthia — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 23:12:33 +0000

In reply to Adrienne. I'm so glad, Adrienne! Thanks for reading. I made the same connections with Carmela that you did, and I think you will love Birds of America.

By: Adrienne

Adrienne — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 02:31:06 +0000

I absolutely loved this essay/interview!

I, too, have kiddos that need me, and so working the writing around them is hard, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

And I am glad to hear about another good book with great sentences – the title wouldn’t woo me, but this author’s recommendation has. I’ve connected to her bookshelf, the carrying of one or two books at all times, and the avoiding people on walks, so I can trust what books she suggests!

Thanks!