Tuesday Book Club: One More Thing

 

Last week I bought B.J. Novak’s first fiction, One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories. You probably recognize (and hate him a little) from The Office if you’ve ever watched TV on Thursday nights or late, late at night now though syndication. While his character might be irredeemable at times, you have to admit that Ryan was best known for one-liners and the edge of snark that made watching the show such a pleasure.

Novak is a trained writer and stand-up comedian, which made approaching his book more palatable. Despite my collection of celebrity memoirs (Chelsea Handler, Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, etc.) they always make me a little apprehensive because I don’t want any second-hand embarrassment for someone who is trying to hard.

Fear not. This is not one of those cases.

I actually bought One More Thing on audiobook because I wanted something to listen to while working on a project for the guest room. And as I was walking home from the grocery store yesterday listening to it I realized that I may not like the book as much if I were simply reading it hardback style. There are so many great voices on the audiobook: Lena Dunham, Jason Schwartzman, Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling, Jenna Fischer, Julianne Moore, CArey Mulligan, Emma Thompson and Katy Perry, and I think that’s what really makes the piece. If you’re considering it, may I suggest as a book on tape?

There are a few points at which I sort inwardly groaned, but so far that’s been minimal. Though the best part is probably the dialogue. Novak excels tremendously as capturing realistic, believable conversations, both external and internal. The book is a great accompaniment to working outside, going for a walk, or cooking dinner. And, best of all, it actually is laugh-out-loud funny.

Do you ever listen to audiobooks? I have a few that I bought for our drive from Charleston to Kansas City and I listen to them constantly! Have you read One More Thing, or are you interested? What’s everyone reading?!

Here are a few reviews of the book, followed by the official trailer. Let me know what you think!

• Washington Post
• New York Times
• NPR
• A Cup of Jo interview

(image 1 via GQ; image 2 via Glamour)

 

Fire Parade

Each year on the Sunday following Ash Wednesday, Liestal, near the larger city of Basel, hosts the Kienbesenzug, or fire parade. Beginning with the haunting melody of flutes and drums the parade soon becomes a spectacle of punishing heat and light as dozens of rolling fire carts are pulled through the old town. Interspersed among the massive fire wagons are townspeople carrying flaming torches, many that weigh up to 50 kilograms.

Though the festival certainly smacks of an eerie age-old tradition, the parade has only been around since 1924. The fire wagons began in the 1930s but were deemed too dangerous until 1962 when they came back on the scene.

Adam went to the parade five years ago but it was my first time. I was not at all prepared for how intensely hot it was, which I suppose is a little embarrassing. I just had no idea we’d be so close!

^^firefighters were regularly dowsing the backs of the torch-carriers

^^every time one of the big boys came by the crowd would abruptly turn their backs to the flames. It was too hot not to!

^^I sort of hid behind Adam’s back and under his scarf, which was also protecting my coat : )

^^we both looked sunburned afterward

^^those flames they are a leaping

^^a lot of faces are melting up there

^^Adam’s jacket took a hit from a little smoldering ember that landed on his shoulder

Like all other Swiss festivals there were plenty of food and drink stalls and the general sense of merriment was a refreshing change from the normally conservative population. As my brother Matt said, this kind of festival probably wouldn’t get much traction in a lot of U.S. cities due to the high potential for things to go wrong (i.e., litigiously so). While our clothes will probably never lose the smell of smoke it was a solid night celebrating in the Swiss way. To those observing, here’s wishing you a festive yet reflective season of Lent!

Below are a few videos just for fun : )

Baby Time

 

One of my favorite parts about coming home is all the time I get to spend with the triplets, Mason, Conner and Avery. They are now 15 months old and the sweetest, happiest little toddlers.

I tried to snap a few photos and even managed to get a video because I knew Uncle Adam (who, in the past, they’ve preferred) would want to see how big and amazing they are. They are all taken with an iphone and a little fuzzy because as you know, tots are wiggly little creatures.

^^love Mason’s long-armed selfie

^^Avery being a cheese

^^and cuddling with Grandpa

^^Conner’s turn!

^^Mason with my mom. I wish I could bottle up that smile and the little giggle

^^Conner’s pout-pout face

^^curious little man

My brother bought this crazy ball that he can control with his phone. It can zoom around the floor, shake and vibrate and completely delight the kids. Below are a couple videos of them fascinated with the toy. I love these little people.