Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake

I loved this memoir from Anna Quindlen. I related with many of her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She writes about her childhood memories, work experiences, marriage, children, friendships, and faith.

Quindlen states that growing older has its perks, such as wisdom and a new perspective on life that makes it more joyful. I agree.

This is a book about her life and the lives of women today.

"It's odd when I think of the arc of my life, from child to young woman to aging adult. First I was who I was. Then I didn't know who I was. Then I invented someone, and became her. Then I began to like what I'd invented. And finally I was what I was again."

From Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake by Anna Quindlen.

Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier

I've always loved the classics, and Rebecca is now one of my favorites. I can't think of anything I didn't like about Rebecca. It's a Gothic romance with suspense and quite a bit of madness.
The narrator meets Maxim de Winter while working as a companion for a wealthy American woman vacationing in Monte Carlo. After a brief courtship, the narrator agrees to marry Mr. de Winter, and the couple travel back to his estate, Manderley. Once there, the new Mrs. de Winter learns that she is Maxim's second wife, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, who loved and adored Rebecca (the first wife) makes it very clear in sinister ways that the second Mrs. de Winter just won't do.

You can also check out Rebecca on DVD. The film is directed by Alfred Hitchcock and stars Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine. The film won best picture at the 1940 Academy Awards.