Oil and Marble

Florence is my favorite city in Italy and I have to admit it is because of the art. I have seen David several times and each time I am in awe. I remember just staring at it for an hour or longer, and not wanting to leave it. It is truly a magnificent work of art. I loved the story of how Michelangelo received the commission and created the sculpture. I was not aware of the intense rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. With Michelangelo in his 20s and Leonardo in his 50s, which was old for that time, one can only assume that competition for artistic commissions was fierce. I also saw the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris. I remember being underwhelmed by how small it was. It was difficult to see as crowds surrounded it. In this book, the description of how Leonardo use such thin oil paint in blended colors so that there is no distinction between where one color ends and another begins is amazing.Once you know this you can go back and see exactly what the author is talking about.

I last visited Florence several years ago. We hired a private tour guide and toured the Medeci home, Medeci church and several other important buildings during that time. I was fascinated by the art the Medecis commissioned and collected. This book provided so many details as to the creation of significant pieces of art history. I thoroughly enjoyed learning all of this. It is truly fascinating. If you are a lover of Italian Renaissance art, don’t miss this book.

Raphael

I have visited Italy several times. Each time I have visited Rome and toured the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel . Right before you enter the Sistine Chapel, you enter several rooms which house the paintings of Raphael. I have always wondered why Raphael was so prominent in the Vatican Museum.  After reading this book, now I know.
I was not aware of the rivalry between Michelangelo and Raphael for painting the Sistine chapel. When the pope discovered the talents of Raphael, the commission for painting the Sistine chapel had already been given to Michelangelo. The rivalry between the two men was very intense. Raphael never gave up hope that he would be asked to take over the painting of the Sistine chapel from Michelangelo. The rivalry between the two was so intense that they did not support each other in a way that you hope professionals would.  For example, Raphael knew that painting in Rome would require a different recipe for plaster than painting in Florence. Michelangelo was not forthcoming in sharing his recipe. Throughout the book you begin to understand that Raphael may have been the superior painter. Michelangelo wanted to be sculpting not painting. The rivalry existed because the person deemed to be the best painter in the Vatican will be given the title of architect of the Vatican. The book also covers the time of the building of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
This book gives you a glimpse into what must have been like for an artist of this time. It consumed every part of life. While their art is priceless today, they were paid very little for it.  They had no life outside of art. The competition was fierce. Yet they felt the pressure to leave this earth with the body of their work. And we are all very grateful that they did.
Although it had been recommended to me, I had not read the authors first book, Oil and Marble, before reading this one. It is not necessary that you read them in order. I since have gone back and read Oil and Marble. From that book I did learn more about the life of Michelangelo. If you enjoy Italy or art or reading historical fiction, you don’t wanna miss this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Window on the Bay

I do enjoy stories about women in middle aged, divorced, single mothers who seem just like us. Jenna and Maureen have been friends forever.  In college, they planned a trip to Paris once they graduated. Do they ever make it there?  Both meet men once their children are grown. Both relationships are volatile throughout most of the book.

The Bromance Book Club

Read this one as an audiobook while driving. It’s a romance novel from a mans perspective. Gavin, a professional baseball player, is perplexed as to why his wife wants a divorce. He joins a book club put together by other players. They read romance novels. Why?  To help them learn how to better court women, be better husbands, boyfriends and lovers. Gavin puts all he learns to practice to save his marriage. This one is poignant, funny and touching.

The Dating Charade

I read this one as an audio book on my way to Austin.  It’s a different twist to a romance.  Includes information on fostering/adopting children. The story is pretty predictable. Pleasant, light-hearted read

Becoming

I am stunned by how good this book is. Usually memoirs read slow. Not this one!  Mrs. Obama covers her life from childhood to present. The glimpse into the personality of her husband is revealing. She came from little materially, but a whole lot of love.  She chose her jobs based on what fed her soul, as did her husband. She truly lives a life of meaning and purpose.

Olive, Again

This book is the continuation of the first book, Olive Kitteridge. It begins where the other book left off. Olive is married to Jack now. She still has an uneasy relationship with her son. The story continues until Olive is in a retirement home. I assume the story ends here. As life wanes, Olive has great insight and reflection on her life.