The Beginnings of a Blog...

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After years of living in close proximity,and knowing each other not-so-well, a Teacher and a Mom start talking. They begin to find out they have a myriad of things in common, including baking, gaudy earrings, and most importantly, BOOKS! Since this discovery happens after the Mom has moved thousands of miles away to Kansas, they begin an over the phone book club, consisting of two people, long talks, favorite reads, and a quirky name. Thus, "The Dorothy & Toto Book Club" had sprung into existence. Since we are constantly on the lookout for more fabulous literature, and have a passion for hearing ourselves speak, what better outlet could be found then our very own book review blog? Check us out~ if you love what we say, please tell us. If you disagree with every fiber of your being, let us know that too~ We're both East Coasters at heart, and we love a good scrap over conflicting views now and again :)

Monday, May 7, 2012

Rules of Civility- Amor Towles


Ok, being once again overcome with remorse with my flippant treatment of my tiny corner of cyberspace, when so many others are being diligent, I’ll try (once again) to fill the gaping void left by my absence.  Stop snickering.
Rules of Civility
By Amor Towles
If I came back in another life as a writer, I think I want to write like Mr. Towles.  I could never aspire to anything so grandiose as Tolkien, or Tolstoy, nor could I ever have the sheer intellect necessary for greats like Clive Staples, or the gentle whimsy Mr. Dahl.  But Mr. Towles, now, he’s a fellow after my own heart; clear, incisive, witty and warm, with a bit of snark and sass to boot.  To wit: “As a quick aside, let me observe that in moments of high emotion- whether they’re triggered by anger or envy, humiliation or resentment-if the next thing you’re going to say makes you feel better, than it’s probably the wrong thing to say.”
I may need to have that particular quote ensconced on my desk…facing me, of course.
Rules of Civility was all the rage a few months back, and I heard about through one of my favorite ‘I’m-bored-find-me-a-good-sounding-book’ sites...NPR Books.   The story of a young girl trying to make good in the big city is a often a fun read, and when that story features a fun-loving roommate, a tender-hearted heartthrob and underground bars of the 1930’s, so much the better. 
Mr. Towles’ tale is told from the point of view of 25 year old Katy Kontent, and we are quickly immersed in her life…such as it is.  Katy is very bright young woman, taking advantage of every opportunity available to her in her young life.  That is to say, she is a typist in a multi-bodied secretarial pool, noted for her attention to detail, and desire to succeed.  She shares a mediocre flat with Eve, a mid-west debutante, bent on throwing off the yoke of wealth, beauty and privilege, forced upon her by birth.   Would that I were so smitten. 
Looking at Eve asleep, I wondered what the hell was going on.  How did she end up drunk in an alley?  What happened to her shoes?  And where was Tinker?  Whatever their story, Eve was breathing easy now- for the moment forgetful, vulnerable, at peace.   It’s a purposeful irony of life, I suppose, that we never get to see ourselves in that state.  We can only pay witness to our waking reflection, which to one degree or another is always fretting or afraid.  Maybe that’s why young parents find it so beguiling to spy on their children when they’re fast asleep. “
Katy and Eve hit the town on New Year’s Eve 1938, with a strictly budgeted plan for libations which goes quickly awry.   Happily, they encounter Tinker, a debonair, suavely dressed young bachelor who is happy to help them out of their poorly budgeted evening.  The three go on to form an intricate connection, wildly different, but strongly experienced on all sides.  Their story spans only one calendar year, but it’s filled to the brim with contrasts; ten cent gin and glistening champagne, drunks on the street and dinner parties in the penthouses, true friendships and shams.   Each character bears a bit closer scrutiny, from the humble but strong Katy to the beautiful Eve, to the smartly groomed Tinker. 
Will this book change your life? Probably not.  Will it upend your view of society and redefine your entire belief system? No.  Will it fit snugly in the crook of your thumb, draw you in so you can smell the cigars and gin, and leave you with the too-oft-rare feeling of ‘wow.  That was a good book.’ ?  Yes.  Yes it will.
Could there have been a more contrary statue to place across from one of the largest cathedrals in America? Atlas, who attempted to overthrow the gods on Olympus and was thus condemned to shoulder the celestial spheres for all eternity- the very personification of hubris and brute endurance.  While back in the shadows of St. Patrick’s was the statue’s physical and spiritual antithesis, the Pieta- in which our Savior, having already sacrificed himself to God’s will, is represented broken, emaciated, laid out on Mary’s lap.  Here they resided, two worldviews separated only by Fifth Avenue, facing off until the end of time, or the end of Manhattan, whichever came first.” 

2 comments:

  1. I need some good book recommendations... will be perusing your site. Thanks, Catherine!

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  2. Let me know what you think, Sarah! I'm always looking for good suggestions, so let me know what you would recommend for me!!

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