Blogging Books: DON'T MAKE A SCENE by Valerie Block
Oh this pregnancy is killing my reading time. Seriously. I don't seem to have enough hours in the day to wrap up work projects AND get in some rest and relaxation before Kid #2 arrives to stir up the routine a bit. But wait! I did find some time!That's right, I took some time out this last week to read DON'T MAKE A SCENE by Valerie Block. And I wasn't disappointed--and I didn't expect to be. See, I read Valerie a while back when I picked up her previous (and first) novel WAS IT SOMETHING I SAID? In fact, that book still sits on my book shelf today. So, being asked to read her most recent endeavor and blog about it? Well, it is dreamy (for an author and lover of books).
So to set the scene (staying in character with the book, topic, title), here's the official blurb:
Diane Kurasik has seen all the classic films at the Greenwich Village revival theater she runs. Still single in a world of couples, Diane is reminded daily of how her life has not conformed to script. When she receives an eviction notice on the eve of her 40th birthday, her life is upended. In the pursuit of both the elusive apartment and a leading man, she tangles with a likely candidate who doesn’t want the role, and gains an unexpected admirer who doesn’t fit the profile. What would Ingrid Bergman do?The book delivers on all accounts. Diane is mysterious, misguided, tainted, scarred, sensitive, a bit naive, and well--out there. Is she like you and me? Maybe like you. Not too much like me. But then, would she be? I am married and expected my second child. Regardless she's definitely a likable and lovable character. One in which you share her joy at finding apartments, and then crushed (as she is) when she loses them. We understand her crazy relationships with her parents and sisters (hell, my sister judges me!). And friends that when you really sit down and think about, aren't that close to you at all are they?
And yes, then there are the chronicles of dates. Men. And romantic flailings. As much as Diane is trying to find love and romance--the book is more about just being okay with yourself and position in life. No matter what others in your life say about how you are living it. And believe me when I tell you--Diane has some "friends" and co-workers that definitely have opinions. Some of my favorites are Dorothy and Estelle (old Hollywood starlets in their old right). And then there are the old boyfriends that pop in. Her boss. The teenagers she managers. And Paul. Chris. And of course one of the main love interests. Vladimir.
Again, this book isn't all about romance. And even though you get a fair share of a romp or two in the pages, the book really is about growth. On all the main characters parts. Vladimir is struggling to accept his life. Diane hers. Then there are complications. Construction. Eviction. Job security. Relationships. It's a book chalked full of story. Plot. And growing up.
Want more info? This will be easy. Check out the following:
- Valerie Block's Website
- An interview at Mary Castillo's blog with Valerie (she's also a long time fan of Valerie's)
- Another interview about the book
- Purchase the book at Amazon here
- Read an excerpt
- Reader's Guide (coming soon...)
But most of all, take a bite out of this book. It is not only chalked with cinema history it really is a coming of age story of a 40 year old woman. And hell, it's a damn good read with depth and a lot of character.
