Elizabeth Kennedy, White House editor
I came across a book called LOVED AND MISSED by chance. It grabbed my attention in the bookstore, even though I didn’t recognize the author. The story revolves around Ruth, a woman who takes in her granddaughter due to her daughter’s drug addiction. The emotional journey portrayed in this book, of loving someone flawed, is remarkably poignant. It beautifully captures the essence of being human, despite life’s uncertainties.
The book also delves into the importance of food, with vivid descriptions of jam tarts, roasted potatoes, and more. These moments remind us of our shared humanity, as we all must eat to sustain ourselves, regardless of life’s challenges.
Carolyn Ryan, managing editor
I was fascinated by the biography CHASING BEAUTY, which follows the extraordinary life of Isabella Stewart Gardner. Despite societal conventions, Gardner led a daring and intellectual life, marked by her unique eccentricities and deep involvement in the art world.
The biography explores Gardner’s transformation after facing personal tragedies, like the death of her son, into a passionate art collector and benefactor. While her story is captivating, it also raises questions about her indifference to important social issues of her time.
Vocabulary List:
- Poignant /ˈpɔɪ.njənt/ (adjective): Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret.
- Flawed /flɔːd/ (adjective): Having imperfections or weaknesses.
- Vivid /ˈvɪv.ɪd/ (adjective): Producing powerful feelings or strong clear images in the mind.
- Transform /trænsˈfɔːrm/ (verb): To make a thorough or dramatic change in form appearance or character.
- Eccentricities /ˌɛk.sənˈtrɪs.ɪ.tiz/ (noun): The quality of being eccentric; unusual or unconventional behavior.
- Benefactor /ˈbɛn.ɪˌfæktər/ (noun): A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
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