My Reads

The main themes throughout the book, were do what it takes to succeed in a competitive sport, change who you are to do it.  The Singles Game” is equally in part serious and frivolous, specifically in reference to Charlie ( main character) and Marco (love interest), a rather high school approach to describing their so-called tabloid material relationship.  The parties, interview requests and events described in the book, are a close replica to Hollywood branded a-list celebrity parties where money is no object. In this case, players are revered as celebrities so long as they win and their image in the public eye remains clean. The seriousness of the book, is Charlies determination and will to succceed in what she believes is the very thing she wants to become: a champion tennis player.  After, a hard blow at a Wimbledon competition where she tears her Achilles and breaks a wrist, then spending months at rehab,  upon her recovery Charlie hires notoriously ruthless  coa

The Rome Affair The story centers around former lawyer (Cesca) Francesca Hackett from London, England who starts a new life in Rome , Italy to escape from a bad decision resulting in tragedy; then by a strange coincidence loses her tour guide job and immediately is offered a position to write a biography of famous socialite Elena Valentine. Cesca has many meetings with Elena that opens a world of intrigue, deception and power. It also reveals  that money can only bring a person so much in life. The chapters alternate between past and present as Elena's life unfurls. We learn about the challenges she faced growing up, the world she was raised in and the many events that shaped her.  The myriad of events surrounding Elena's life from the failed and multiple marriages, the wild parties, the many obstacles she endured are well depicted through Cesca herself as she is drawn into the mystery surrounding Elena. As well, Cesca's surprise romantic involvement wi

The story of Sherman McCoy, a yuppie living above his million dollars a year earnings, with his interior designer wife Judy, in luxury Park Avenue. One night, after picking up his mistress Maria Ruskin from the airport, he loses his sense of direction and ends up in the South Bronx. A barrage of garbage on the road, abruptly forces Sherman's Mercedes Roadster to a halt.  A skirmish arises, then in a fit of panic, Sherman gets in the passenger seat, Maria grabs the wheel and they spin off, sideswiping one of the youths. They decide not to report the incident, as it would severely impact both their lives. Unfortunately for Sherman, the incident develops into a media frenzy as the boy who was hit, was a young honor student Henry Lamb, ends up in a coma. The cause to fight for justice for Henry is taken up by the community black leader Reverend Bacon who makes it his mission for the rich McCoy to pay the ultimate price.  As the plot thickens,  more people are invol

The epic story of the Wingo family living in the Town of Colleton ,South Carolina as portrayed by author Pat Conroy.  Narrated by Tom Wingo, a former football coach and English teacher loses his job  following a nervous breakdown after his older brother Luke, senseless and tragic death. He gets a phone call from his mother Lila telling him that his younger twin sister Savannah, a talented poet, attempted suicide a second time and he needs to leave to the New York hospital where she is staying. Tom agrees to go. He meets Susan Lowenstein who is assigned as Savannah's doctor. He stays in his sister's apartment where he makes shocking discoveries that paint a much clearer picture to the reason of her second suicide attempt. During the sessions with Dr. Lowenstein Tom describes the abuse violence and the one shocking , unforgettable event that occurred when during his high school senior year, which contributed to his sister’s suicide attempt. Also, the senseless de