Romantic Maidens Book Tour: Romance In The Rain Top 10 + Giveaway

I'm happy to host the Rainy Day Writers at Read My Mind today! This group of writers, with Marianne Stillings at the head, make up the anthology ROMANCE IN THE RAIN. The collection of novellas uniquely follows members of the Caldwell family through time, starting in 1853 all the way to 2014 and have Seattle as the setting.

See my review HERE

Please welcome Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw and Kristine Cayne as each one spotlights Washington State and the northwest with their Top Ten List!

Rainy Day Writers:

Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.
Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

Website


Charlotte Russell’s Top 10 Favorite Spots in the Northwest:

1. Deception Pass, near Whidbey Island, WA—an absolutely gorgeous spot, whether you view it from the water, the bridge spanning the pass, or from the top of Mt. Erie.

2. Westport, WA—beaches in the Pacific Northwest are… well, they aren’t what you truly think of when the word “beach” comes to mind. Sometimes a heavy coat is required on northwest beaches. Nonetheless, this is a pretty spot with a lighthouse that’s fun to visit and a cute little town with a fabulous donut shop.

3. Seaside/Cannon Beach, OR—more beaches, but these two along the northern Oregon coast are a little less rocky and windy and if you can just manage to get the one hot day of the year, it’s bliss! Seaside is more family-oriented, but they are both lovely.

4. Crater Lake, OR—you’ve not seen such a blue, blue lake until you’ve seen Crater Lake. The blueness comes from its immense depth and to top it off, you have to hike a long way down just to get to the shore.

5. Mt. Rainier, WA—I refer to the mountain as His Majesty. On a clear day I can see this imposing, snow-covered mountain from just down the street. Stunning. Never mind that it’s a volcano that hasn’t blown in hundreds of years and is due, or that I would have to evacuate my house if it did.  It’s also beautiful close up; I’ve visited six or seven times.

6. Mt. St. Helens, WA—another volcano. This one did blow, if you’ll recall. Parts of the mountain and surrounding area have recovered, but it’s truly incredible to view the devastation that is still visible.

7. Alki Beach, West Seattle—the first white settlers landed here. They didn’t stay, though, because the water wasn’t deep enough for ships to anchor. Instead they moved just across the sound to present-day downtown. Alki is a fun and funky beach suburb to hang out at for a day.

8. San Juan Islands, WA—These islands are quiet and peaceful places to relax and unwind, within a short drive from Seattle. And you get to take the ferry, always an adventure. I recommend Orcas Island particularly.

9. Olympic National Park, WA—I haven’t been there for a while, but the forests of the Olympic Mountains are just amazing (complete with the biggest banana slugs you’ve ever seen. True fact: I would keep a slug as a pet if I could!).

10. Coeur d’Alene Lake, ID—some nitpicky people might not consider Idaho a part of the Pacific Northwest, but I’m going to make the stretch. This lake is large, beautiful and unique, with different topography on either side of it. It makes for a great vacation spot.


Sherri Shaw’s Top 10 Favorite Pacific Northwest Spots:

1. Alki Beach, West Seattle, WA: The Alki beach strip runs from Alki Point to Duwamish. With stunning views of the Seattle skyline, the 2.5 mile long trail is ideal for biking, walking, or taking a casual stroll.

2. The Staircase, Hoodsport, WA: When I first moved to the Pacific Northwest, my extended family used to go camping at the Staircase. Located in the Olympic National Forest, it offers an easy climb up a winding trail to the “staircase,” a series of tiered waterfalls with fresh spring water straight from the mountains.

3. Hurricane Ridge, Pt. Angeles, WA: Another favorite family outing site is Hurricane Ridge. It is an easily accessible mountain area within Olympic National Park. With stunning mountain views, abundant wildflowers, and wildlife, it is an amateur photographer’s dream.

4. Pike’s Street Market, Seattle, WA: A fixture of Seattle, the current site for the Market was founded in the 1907. I love to visit the market, not only to buy fresh produce, but to people watch. I decided to use the Market as the location for Ivy’s restaurant in What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? because of its full sensory explosion of sight, sound, and smell.

5. Lake Crescent, WA: My sister lives in Forks, so I go around the lake when I visit her. Lake Crescent has the bluest water that is especially dazzling in the sunshine. Located on scenic Highway 101, it is hard to keep your eyes on the road when faced with such stunning beauty.

6. Wild Horses Monument, Columbia River Gorge, WA: When most people think of the Pacific Northwest, they think lush mountains and deep lakes, but there is another side of Washington that is just as stunning. Located on the top of a steep hill overlooking the mighty Columbia is the Wild Horses Monument. I know it’s steep, because my niece made me climb to the very top to observe the sculptures up close and personal. They are life-sized welded steel plate statues made by Spokane artist David Govedare for the State's Centennial Celebration.

7. 50,000 Silver Dollars, Haugan, Mt: Located just over the Idaho border in Montana, the 50,000 Silver Dollars is an iconic tourist stop. Embedded in the long, wooden bar are over –you guessed it—50,000 silver dollars, some dating back to the 1800’s. The reason it made my list, is every time I travel to Montana, whomever I’m with always wants to stop there. Both kids, and adults, all seem to enjoy the novelty gifts displayed in abundance.

8. Grand Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee, WA: A monumental project that sparked controversy in the 1920’s, the dam is an impressive site. The visitor center offers free movies that tell about the dam, as well as interactive models showing how it works. You can’t go to the dam without seeing the “dam” show. A laser light extravaganza set against the backdrop of the dam itself, it tells the story of how the dam was built and what power it provides to the region. All this is free, so it makes for a great family vacation. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show.

9. Soap Lake, Soap Lake, WA: On your way back from the Grand Coulee Dam is Soap Lake. The black silt is said to have healing powers. My grandmother, who had rheumatoid arthritis, swore by it, and often brought us with her to cover our bodies in the inky mud. Soap Lake is one of only 11 meromictic lakes in the United States.

10. Columbia River Gorge, Vantage, WA: The Columbia River crossing at Vantage rivals the Grand Canyon in its spender. The actual Gorge stretches eighty miles, the landscape ranging from lush forests to the dry grasslands of eastern Washington. With high, jutting cliffs, the Gorge is a sight you have to see.


Kristine Cayne’s Top Ten Favorite Northwest Spots:

Thank you for having the Rainy Day Writers on your blog today! We’re so excited to have the Romance in the Rain available for readers. And this is a great chance for readers to get to know us a little better. Let me start by saying that although I’ve lived in the Seattle area quite a few years, I’m not from here. I don’t get out a lot and as a result, my list is quite different from Charlotte’s and Sherri’s.

1. Pike Place Market – the quintessential NW spot. It’s also the location of the Ivy’s restaurant in What’s Wrong With Mr. Perfect? By Sherri Shaw. It’s a great little market on a hill just above the Puget Sound. The view and the atmosphere are spectacular.

2. Space Needle – another quintessential NW spot. There is a restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. It’s expensive, but well worth the experience if you can afford it. I took my husband and father there for Father’s Day several years ago. It was a perfect clear day, and we could see all the way to Vancouver Canada! If you’re not into eating in a revolving restaurant, you can go to the rooftop lookout. It’s really windy, but free.

3. Seattle Center – this is the area surrounding the Space Needle. It contains the Children’s Museum, an amusement park and this great musical water fountain (the International Fountain). We spent many days their when my children were younger letting them brave the mighty waters.

4. Greenlake – this is a beautiful park and lake in Seattle itself. You can walk all the way around it, bike or rollerblade. Yes. I did that. But I won’t be sharing any photos. Helmet hair. *shudders*

5. CenturyLink stadium – this is the new stadium that was built to house the Seattle Sounders. It’s right downtown, and actually about a mile from where Jamie in Aftershocks works. I had the pleasure of attending a Sounders game there a few weeks ago, and watched the sunset over the Puget Sound from my (very elevated) seat.

6. Kirkland waterfront – another favorite spot to go with the kids. It’s a small park amid Kirkland’s little downtown area with quaint restaurants and shops. Oh and ice cream stores too. You know, for those blistering hot Seattle days… O..o

7. Snohomish – antique store district – I discovered this little gem of a place when I had to take my son there for a soccer game. With over 100 antique stores in a 1-2 block radius, it’s not hard to find that special treasure you always wanted. We also discovered a great Italian restaurant and a pie store. Mmmm... maybe I need to go for another visit.

8. Leavenworth – always wanted to see a German village set in the Alps? Look no further. Okay, it’s the Cascade mountains not the Alps, but the rest is pretty spot on. This is a great place to visit, especially in the fall or at Christmas time.

9. Snoqualmie Falls – while not as majestic as Niagra Falls or the falls at Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre (in Quebec), the Snoqualmie Falls are nevertheless very impressive. By taking a short path through the woods, you can walk right up to the river, and seeing all of this roaring water in a mountain setting is very special.

10. Victoria, BC – what can I say about this great town? It’s a little piece of England in the most western part of Canada. With lots of shops, restaurants, and street entertainers, it’s fun for the whole family. The Butchart Gardens and the vast Pacific Ocean are a sight to behold.


Thank you, Charlotte, Sherri, and Kristine! Normally, a blog post will make me add more books to my wishlist or TBR pile. This one makes me want to add travel destinations to visit when I have the time to travel.

Don't stop reading yet! Romantic Maidens Book Tours and the Rainy Day Writers are also sponsoring a giveaway during the tour. What's up for grabs? Check it out:

All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.

Giveaway for US residents only.

Grand Prize:
- 1 autographed copy of Deadly
Obsession + SWAG

- 1 autographed copy of
Deadly Addiction + SWAG

- The Secret Diaries of
Miss Miranda Cheever, by Julia Quinn (autographed copy)

- Blood Trinity, by
Sherrilyn Kenyon and Dianna Love

- 1 e-book copy of
“Falling Angel” by Clare Tisdale

- 1 handmade shell
necklace by Clare Tisdale

- A handmade afghan
crocheted by Marianne Stillings

- 1 autographed copy of
AROUSING SUSPICIONS

- 1 autographed copy of
SATISFACTION

- 1 autographed copy of
KILLER CHARMS

- 1 bag of truffles from
Seattle Chocolates

- 3 chocolate bars from
Seattle Chocolates

- $15 Starbucks gift
card

- 1 autographed copy of
Cattle Capers: Search For The MooMoo Pearl by Dawn Kravagna


Prize #5: 
- 1 ecopy Deadly
Obsession by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Accidental Cinderella, by Nancy Robards
Thompson

- 1 print copy Everything I Know About Love I Learned From
Romance Novels, by Sarah Wendell

Prize #6: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly
Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy The Angel
in My Arms, by Stephanie Sloane

- 1 print copy The
Naughty List, by Donna Kauffman, Cynthia Eden and Susan Fox (autographed by
Susan Fox)

Prize #7: 

- 1 ecopy Deadly
Addiction by Kristine Cayne

- 1 print copy Tsunami
Blue, by Gayle Ann Williams

- 1 print copy A Tale of
Two Demon Slayers, by Angie Fox (autographed copy)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway for both US and International residents.

Prize #1:
- 1 ecopy Deadly
Obsession

- 1 ecopy of A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

- 1 ecopy of The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser


Prize #2:
- 1 ecopy Deadly
Obsession

 - 1
ecopy of Unraveled by Courtney Milan

- 1 ecopy of Unlocked, a novella by Courtney Milan

Prize #3:

- 1 ecopy Deadly
Obsession

- 1 ecopy of One Night in London by Caroline
Linden

- 1 ecopy of Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Prize #4:

- 1 ecopy Deadly
Obsession

- 1 ecopy of Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Prize #8-10:

- 1 ecopy Deadly
Addiction

- $10 Amazon or B&N
giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Prize #11 US and International Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blurb:
From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell-By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him.

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who’s already taken the life of Charlie’s best friend.

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her—and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect?

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for.

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He’s defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good?

GoodReads
NookBook | All Romance E-Books | Smashwords | Kobo | Kindle | Kindle UK

Romance In The Rain Anthology: Book Tour Review

Blurb:
From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell—By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him.

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who’s already taken the life of Charlie’s best friend.

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her—and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect?

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for.

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He’s defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good?


SPLENDOR IN THE MOSS kicks off the ROMANCE IN THE RAIN anthology. Each of the short story/novellas have a member of the Caldwell family and take place in Seattle, starting here in the 1800s. Both James (the Caldwell) and Mattie find themselves pioneers in a place that they would rather not be. Mattie hides behind a gruff exterior, and James more highborn English ways set him apart from the men that Mattie is used to.

Though there is an initial standoffishness to Mattie, I liked how her and James' relationship developed, and the historical time an setting was well done by Charlotte Russell. Seattle isn't often depicted in historical romances, so Russell's writing helped bring to life the northwest during the colonial settling.

9.5/15
2.5/3 star
C+


FINAL APPROACH brings together Captain Joe Caldwell and Lieutenant Charlene Thompson in World War II, post-Pearl Harbor. Charlie is a fantastically tough pilot, with experience and skill. Marianne Stillings shines a light on the WAFS (Women's Auxillary Ferrying Service) during a time when women weren't allowed in the military, but all hands were needed to support the men in Europe.

Both of Stillings characters are scarred by their past, and the war that has made that past reality. Their relationship develops as they investigate a mysterious death. While the romance here was nice, what was really interesting to me was the setting.

12/15
3.5 star
B+


LOVE PHANTOM is the first of the stories that starts in my lifetime (the 1980's). It takes place at the University of Washington, and has Kara Caldwell looking for love. Participating in drama, she tries to channel her fearless grandmother when navigating the new world of university.

In first person, the narrative is limited to Kara's point of view, however this also serves to show the reader her confusion, doubt, curiosity and determination, especially when it comes to possible love interest, Ellis.

10.5/15
3 star
B


WHAT'S WRONG WITH MR. PERFECT is one of my favorite stories in the collection. Chef Ivy is good with food, but not so good with men. Sam Rockney, a professional football player, seems to garner attention wherever he goes -luckily his fame thwarts a robbery of the two- but being Ivy's perfect man might be too much to ask for.

The meet-cute that Ivy and Sam had, which won me over immediately, involved clumsiness and food-splattered clothing. I love this kind of first meeting, especially in romance. And truthfully, Sherri Shaw includes several other occurrences that perfectly illustrated the imperfectness of WHAT'S WRONG WITH MR. PERFECT.

12/15
3.5 star
B+


In SHELTER FROM THE STORM, JD Caldwell and Maya meet and immediately fall into bed together. JD shows up at her place, expecting to crash with his friend, only to find that Maya kicked him out. Their relationship seems to be mostly sex -Maya's choice- and JD can't figure out how to penetrate the walls she has built.

JD is as interesting a character as Maya. One of the themes, aside from the Caldwell name and Seattle, that runs through these stories, is the fact that both male and female characters seem to have something that has soured them on emotional closeness or holds them back from love. SHELTER FROM THE STORM has one of the more interesting aspects of this, with JD issues with his family, and Maya's reluctance to make their relationship more than sexual gratification.

12/15
3.5 star
B+


AFTERSHOCKS rounds out the collection, taking place in the slight future (2014) with firefighter Jamie Caldwell. Despairing of the arrangement that his estranged wife wants to make for the visitation of his daughter, and feeling as if he has been pushed out of their lives, Jamie's worst fears come about when he hears his wife and daughter are caught in a building collapse during an earthquake.

Erica is fed up with her soon-to-be-ex husbands unreliability and blames him for her an her daughter's dangerous predicament. The reader sees Erica and Jamie try to work out their marriage with first her rescue, and then their daughter's rescue as the backdrop. Kristine Cayne does a great job of delving into the insecurities and issues of a marriage in jeopardy, while also showing how two people can find their way back to each other, ending ROMANCE IN THE RAIN on a perfect note.

13/15
4 star
A-


Overall Book Rating:
11.5/15
3.5 Star
B+

GoodReads
NookBook | All Romance E-Books | Smashwords | Kobo | Kindle | Kindle UK

Rainy Day Writers:

Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.
Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

Website


This book was provided by the Romantic Maidens Book Tours, in exchange for my honest review only

Book Review: Moranthology by Caitlin Moran

Blurb:
‘In HOW TO BE A WOMAN, I was limited to a single topic: women. Their hair, their shoes and their crushes on Aslan from The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (which I KNOW to be universal).

‘However! In my new book MORANTHOLOGY – as the title suggests – I am set free to tackle THE REST OF THE WORLD: Ghostbusters, Twitter, caffeine, panic attacks, Michael Jackson’s memorial service, being a middle-class marijuana addict, Doctor Who, binge-drinking, Downton Abbey, pandas, my own tragically early death, and my repeated failure to get anyone to adopt the nickname I have chosen for myself: ‘Puffin’.

‘I go to a sex-club with Lady Gaga, cry on Paul McCartney’s guitar, get drunk with Kylie, appear on Richard & Judy as a gnome, climb into the TARDIS, sniff Sherlock Holmes’s pillows at 221b Baker Street, write Amy Winehouse’s obituary, turn up late to Downing Street for Gordon Brown, and am rudely snubbed at a garden party by David Cameron –although that’s probably because I called him ‘A C3PO made of ham’. Fair enough.

‘And, in my spare time – between hangovers - I rant about the welfare state, library closures and poverty; like a shit Dickens or Orwell, but with tits.’


I honestly don't think I could do justice to the feelings that were evoked during my reading of MORANTHOLOGY, in a mere review. The fact is, I very rarely read women's non-fiction, not to mention non-fiction that isn't about the craft of writing or literacy. However, Caitlin Moran piqued my interest. A British writer/voice/setting ALWAYS piques my interest. But, something about the varied subjects of Moran's essays, articles, reviews and interviews -Ghostbusters to Lady Gaga to the welfare state to vacationing and travel to the addiction of World of Warcraft- sounded like just what I needed to read.

There were several tales that I absolutely loved in MORANTHOLOGY, but so totally out of left field, my favorite ended up being the Keith Richards interview. One of my exes is a total classic rock fan. Hum the first bars of any Beatles song, and he knows it. He's the one who pegged the CSIs all had theme songs by The Who, only by my butchered renditions. And he's the one who introduced me to The Rolling Stones. Truth: I liked their music, but I never GOT it. Like really understood. But somewhere after starting page 54 and finishing page 68 in MORANTHOLOGY, I got it. I really understood.

Moran also explores some of the most important faces and events of the 2000s here. Early on, CELEBRITY WATCH SPECIAL: MICHAEL JACKSON'S MEMORIAL, shows her understanding of our "reality TV obsessed" world and THE BEST ROYAL WEDDING EVER, digs deeper into not just the British connection with their monarchy, but how it's evolved from mere awe to "they're people too".

The Sherlock reviews, juxtaposed against the Downton Abbey reviews are brilliant. Brilliantly written, and brilliantly broken down to their important parts. About Downton Abbey Season 2: "The megaplot that Downton currently revolves around is the state of Cousin Matthew's (Dan Stevens) trousers." About Sherlock Season 2: "And so A Scandal In Belgravia was an hour and a half of two odd, fast, hot people being confused by each other; not quite knowing why they jangle when they're around each other; not quite knowing what to do with their feelings."

Though, KEITH -NODDY HOLDER SAYS YOU WEAR A WIG is my favorite story in MORANTHOLOGY, the one that touched me the most with its, That's Exactly How I Would Say If She Hadn't Said It First, was I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE POOR... In the current political climate, and after having just seen SJP slay Billy Bush on TV, Moran chimes in with alacrity, even though she's speaking of her own country's politics. "when you are poor, you feel heavy." "The heaviness comes from the sclerosis of being broke. Because when you're poor, nothing ever changes. Every idea you have for moving things on is quashed through there never being any money." "...a Coalition government consisting of public school kids and millionaires, you could convince yourself the poor are snug in their motor homes." "-the very last thing-anyone poor needs is for things to be harder. These limbs are full to bursting."

This book that Moran has compiled of previously published articles and essays was all that I was looking for when I opened to the first page. Her humor is witty and dry, all that a great British woman should possess. Her heartfelt essays are sincere and lyrical. Moran's writing is intelligently wise, belying her age, and the fact that once she did indeed, "put a wasp in a jar and got it stoned".

Book Rating:
12.5/15
4 Stars
A-

GoodReads
Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Amazon | Kindle

About The Author:
Caitlin Moran had literally no friends in 1990, and so had plenty of time to write her first novel, The Chronicles of Narmo, at the age of fifteen. At sixteen she joined music weekly, Melody Maker, and at eighteen briefly presented the pop show ‘Naked City’ on Channel 4. Following this precocious start she then put in eighteen solid years as a columnist on The Times – both as a TV critic and also in the most-read part of the paper, the satirical celebrity column ‘Celebrity Watch’ – winning the British Press
Awards’ Columnist of The Year award in 2010 and Critic and Interviewer of the Year in 2011.

The eldest of eight children, home-educated in a council house in Wolverhampton, Caitlin read lots of books about feminism – mainly in an attempt to be able to prove to her brother, Eddie, that she was scientifically better than him. Caitlin isn’t really her name. She was christened ‘Catherine’. But she saw ‘Caitlin’ in a Jilly Cooper novel when she was 13 and thought it looked exciting. That’s why she pronounces it incorrectly: ‘Catlin’. It causes trouble for everyone.

Website | Twitter | GoodReads


This book was provided by the publisher, in exchange for my honest review only