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CBS News
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
"The View from Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani voted Club Calvi's next Readers' Choice
Please consider joining our Facebook group by CLICKING HERE. Find out more about the books below. Club Calvi's new book will take your imagination to Lake Como -- New Jersey and Italy! We asked you to vote for one of our Top 3 FicPicks, and "The View from Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani came out on top as the Readers' Choice. In a video message, Trigiani said she was proud to be a finalist for the club. "The View From Lake Como" became an instant New York Times bestseller a few days after its release in early July. The book is about a woman who is a dutiful daughter, newly divorced and living with her parents in Lake Como, New Jersey. When her family has an unexpected loss, she moves to Italy, where she carves out a new life, and possible love, for herself. You can read along with Club Calvi through August. You can also read a free excerpt, and get the book, below. The CBS New York Book Club focuses on books connected to the Tri-State Area in their plots and/or authors. The books may contain adult themes. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ From the publisher: Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close. In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, "the perfect husband," Jess moves into her parents' basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe). When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy. From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life. Adriana Trigiani lives in Manhattan. "The View From Lake Como" by Adriana Trigiani (ThriftBooks) $22 Chapter 2 The Family Business The red taillights on Uncle Louie's chartreuse Impala blink as he backs the car out of his garage on his way to pick me up for work. He and Aunt Lil live in the last house on the corner lot before the intersection of Surf Avenue, which leads to the beach. Their Cape Cod, the most landscaped home in all of New Jersey, stands out among the mix of white split‑level and soft blue saltbox houses that hug the curve of the shore of Lake Como like a rope of shimmering opals. Through the years, Aunt Lil and Uncle Louie have installed every manner of ornamentation and architectural interest on their half‑acre lot. There's a koi pond, a three‑tier marble fountain, and a walkway of gold‑streaked pavers that swirls up to the front door like a yellow brick road. The backyard has a replica of the Parthenon built out of Carrara marble where they host the Knights of Colum‑ bus Weenie Roast every July Fourth. "My home is an advertisement for my business," Uncle Louie says. "Italian craftsmanship and American elegance?" he asks, before he answers, "I'm your man." If he's your man, then I'm your wingman. Uncle Louie is my boss at Capodimonte Marble and Stone, our family business since 1924. My uncle pulls up to the curb. I inhale the chill of the morning air. It tickles my nose and fills my lungs, which causes me to sneeze with my whole body. I fish through my purse for a tissue. "Jess. Are you serious?" Uncle Louie says through his open win‑ dow as I wipe my nose. I climb inside and snap the seat belt. He rolls his fist. "Leave your window down so any germs blow out." "I'm not sick. It's the temperature." "Now you're a scientist? If you don't catch a cold, it won't catch you. Words of wisdom from my mother." "Your hypochondria flares up whenever the seasons change." "You noticed, huh?" Uncle Louie's mouth curves into a smile. I see everything, but there's no point in bragging about it. A worldview doesn't do you much good when you live in a small town, unless your passport is current. When it comes to Lake Como, New Jersey, the Capodimonte and Baratta families own North Boule‑ vard. My Cap grandparents lived two houses down while the Baratta grandparents lived three houses down in the other direc‑ tion. They're all gone now; the Baratta homestead went to our cousin Carmine in 2019, while the Cap house has not been touched since Grandma died in 2022. We call it the Lake Como Museum because it remains intact; not a single teaspoon has left the premises since her death. Around the loop of the lake, the rest of the houses are filled with relatives. Whenever we had a block party, we closed down the street and became a version of the Villa Capri in Paterson on their All You Can Eat Family Night. We were an Italian American a‑go‑go mi‑ nus the floor show, free hors d'oeuvres, and two‑drink minimum. Beyond our social lives, our family shares the street, a canoe, and our devotion to the Blessed Mother. A statue of Mary can be found in every yard on the lake. It may appear the patriarchy is thriving, but Italian Americans know it's the mother who has the power. Philomena Capodimonte Baratta, my own mamma mia Madonne, is proof of that. "What's with the jacket?" Uncle Louie gives my outfit a once‑ over. "Connie gave it to me." "You're still in your sister's hand‑me‑downs?" "Does it look bad?" I smooth the navy linen with my hands. I am not up to Uncle Louie's sartorial code. Never have been. Louie Cap is the last of a group of Italian American men who came up on the Beatles but never forgot Louis Prima. He's a sharp dresser, Rat Pack debonair. He wears size 8 suede loafers like Frank Sinatra and three‑piece suits like Jerry Vale, altered for a streamlined fit on his trim frame. He is never without a fitted vest under his suit jacket because he likes the feeling of being cinched in. "Clothes make the woman," Uncle Louie reminds me. "What the hell happened over here? You're Depression Central." "I'm working on it. I signed up for Thera‑Me. It's an online ther‑ apy program. I got so many Instagram ads for it I must be in their target market." "Whatever that means," Louie groans. "My goal is to make it into the arms of my Savior without having to install another app." "I was assigned to Dr. Sharon over Zoom." "Is she a real doctor?" Uncle Louie asks. "Board‑certified. She had me draw a self‑portrait. And she asked me to journal. Wants me to write down my memories, the happy ones and the painful times. She said past experience is the founda‑ tion of future mental health." I show Uncle Louie my self‑portrait. Uncle Louie glances over as he drives. "That don't look like you." "What do you mean?" "I'd take another run at it." Uncle Louie makes a face. "Too late. I already turned it in." "Is this therapy operation expensive?" "Around the cost of a gym membership." "Hmm. What a racket. Why do you need a therapist when you have me? I'm like a priest. At my age, there isn't anything you could tell me that would even slightly shock me." "There are things I can't talk to even you about." "Even though I have a very sensitive female side?" "Not funny, Uncle Louie." Uncle Louie's phone rings. He taps speaker. "Yo, Googs." "I got a couple sleeves of black granite. You got a need?" Googs sounds far away, like he's calling from the moon. "Putting a floor in over in Basking Ridge. How much you got?" "Ten by six. Looks like I have six sheets total. Foyer? Small?" Uncle Louie looks at me. I confirm that we could use the stock. "For a price," Uncle Louie says into the phone. "Don't soak me, Googs. I'm not in the mood." "Text the address and I'll deliver." Rolando "Googs" Gugliotti hangs up. He is one of Uncle Louie's oldest work colleagues. He would be the Joey Bishop in Uncle Louie's Rat Pack. He shows up, does his business, and disappears like a vapor until you need him again, or he needs you. I look down at my phone. "How does he know exactly when to call? It's creepy." "Not in the least. He's an intuitive salesman. Make a note." I scroll to the notes app on my phone and await instructions. Excerpted from The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani. Copyright © 2025 by Adriana Trigiani. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Return to top of page
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Kennedy clan at war: Savage new matriarch blacklists family members... feuds explode... and fierce 'f***' rants erupt behind the scenes
Jerry Oppenheimer is a bestselling biographer who has written two books about the Kennedys, The Other Mrs. Kennedy, about the life of Ethel Skakel Kennedy and RFK Jr. and The Dark Side of the Dream. America's ' Royal Family ' – the Kennedys – has a newly crowned queen, quietly anointed by the clan's powerful matriarch Ethel Kennedy at 96, the Daily Mail has learned exclusively.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
It's easy to see why the Princess of Wales loves this brand – here's 10 discounted styles worth shopping
Brora is a sustainable luxury brand with deep British roots, known for making timeless pieces you'll wear on repeat for years to come. It has also earned a loyal following of A-listers, including Sienna Miller, Joanna Lumley and even the Princess of Wales. Cheesecloth Embroidered Dress Organic Cotton Broderie Anglaise Blouse Top Stitch Utility Shirt Dress Cotton Linen High Waisted Trousers Linen Shirt Dress Organic Cotton Voile Broderie Blouse Cotton Gingham Ric Rac Skirt Liberty Print Jersey Dress Cotton Knit Cardigan Cotton Dobby Pie Crust Blouse Royal-approved items worn by Kate include the Cotton Gingham Chelsea Collar Blouse, which is available to buy for £129. The 43-year-old was seen wearing it in June 2022 in a video released by the palace, which showed the mother of three baking cakes with her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, and it has remained a bestseller ever since. In 2021, Kate also wore a cream fair isle sweater, which was a collaboration between Brora and British brand Troy London while on a visit in Durham. While the exact jumper has sold out, you can get a similar style in the sale, reduced from £245 to £149. Right now, the luxury brand is hosting a huge sale, with discounts of up to 50% across dresses, blouses, skirts and cardigans. Our favourites include this Cheesecloth Embroidered Dress, reduced from £159 to £95, which is the perfect summer number. Plus, this Organic Cotton Broderie Anglaise Blouse, now £98, down from £168, which is practically the definition of classy. 👉 Go straight to Brora🔎 Browse Brora's sale🛍️ Shop dresses🛍️ Shop shirts and blouses🛍️ Shop trousers and shorts🛍️ Shop coats and jackets For a glimpse at the best deals to land in Brora's sale, take a look at our favourites below, with everything from summer dresses to blouses, linen trousers to skirts. ✨ Best picks from Brora's sale ✨ Cheesecloth Embroidered Dress Made from an organic cotton cheesecloth fabric, this dress features subtle contrasting floral embroidery over the bodice and sleeves, together with a flattering V-neckline, and a cinching belt. Organic Cotton Broderie Anglaise Blouse This beautifully detailed blouse looks super expensive. It comes in a gorgeous butter yellow, with a frill collar and scalloped hem against a gorgeous broderie fabric. Top Stitch Utility Shirt Dress Add a splash of red to your summer wardrobe with this versatile dress. Made from a breathable linen-blend, it has a utility-style shape with contrast topstitching, a ring-pull zip front, functional pockets and a waist-cinching belt. You can shop it in green, too. Cotton Linen High Waisted Trousers A good pair of linen trousers is hard to come by, especially a pair that fits and flatters in all of the right places. This style, though, ticks all of the boxes, with a high-waist cut, wide-leg shape, concealed fastening and functional pockets. You can pick it up in three colour choices. Linen Shirt Dress Every woman's wardrobe deserves a staple linen dress, and this number is sure to last you years. Designed with a classic shirt shape, with three-quarter-length sleeves, a tie-waist belt, button fastening and pockets, it's the perfect easy-to-wear summer style. Organic Cotton Voile Broderie Blouse Your jeans and a nice top combination just got an upgrade! This ruffle-neck blouse is block printed with a botanical design, features elasticated cuffs, and a butter-soft organic cotton voile. Cotton Gingham Ric Rac Skirt This A-line skirt is so versatile. Designed with a playful gingham print, it features ric rac details, a part-elasticated waist, and functional pockets. Liberty Print Jersey Dress Looking for an easy-to-wear, stylish jersey dress? This style features a dainty floral print, and is made with plenty of stretch so it flatters your shape. Cotton Knit Cardigan Add a pop of yellow to your capsule collection with this reliable cotton-knit cardigan, described by shoppers as a "summer essential". It's available in a choice of 10 colours. Cotton Dobby Pie Crust Blouse Step up your work outfits with this chic blouse, complete with a feminine frill fastening, embroidered spots, and cuffed sleeves.
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Daisy Ridley's Husband Cast in Adaptation of Former Reylo ‘Star Wars' Fan Fiction
The behind-the-scenes story of an upcoming romantic comedy could, on its own, be a pretty fascinating movie. Here's the pitch. A young Star Wars fan writes a piece of Reylo (that's Rey and Kylo Ren for the non-shippers out there) alternative universe fanfiction. The fan is approached about turning the story into a novel, only, it can't be specific to Star Wars anymore. So the names change, but the intention and romance stay the same. That book becomes a smash hit bestseller, Hollywood comes calling, and when the movie version finally comes to fruition, the filmmakers cast the real-life husband of one of the actors who played the character who originally inspired the story. Roll credits. It's a little wild, a little convoluted, but exactly what has happened to author Ali Hazelwood with her debut novel, The Love Hypothesis. The story was originally published online as Head Over Feet, a an alternate universe collage romance between Daisy Ridley's Rey and Adam Driver's Ben Solo/Kylo Ren. Once it got picked up by an actual publisher, though, the romance stayed the same, but everything Star Wars was removed… save for the male lead being named Adam, after Adam Driver. And now, for the movie adaptation, Adam will be played by Tom Bateman, the British actor married to his Murder on the Orient Express co-star, Daisy Ridley. Yes, the same Daisy Ridley who played Rey in Star Wars. The other lead, named Olive, will be played by Lili Reinhart of Riverdale fame. So was the casting intentional? We don't know, but the wonderful harmony of it is impossible to ignore. And, frankly, it's pretty damn delightful too. Sure, most people who read The Love Hypothesis during its 10-month run on the New York Times bestseller list didn't know its Star Wars roots. And people who eventually see the movie, directed by Claire Scanlon and adapted by Sarah Rothschild, will never realize that either. But the people who do can certainly enjoy it on a whole other level. The Love Hypothesis joins a growing list of stories that started as fan fiction and eventually made their way into the book market, and then beyond to the movie and TV adaptation. The most famous is probably Fifty Shades of Grey, which was inspired by Twilight, though Dakota Johnson isn't married to Robert Pattinson in real life. At least not yet. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Book Review: ‘When Breath Becomes Air'
Published a year after the author's death aged 37 in 2015, 'When Breath Becomes Air' is an autobiography about the life and struggle with terminal lung cancer of Dr. Paul Kalanithi. In the book, Kalanithi, an American neurosurgeon at Stanford University, talks about his own journey from being a physician providing treatment to his patients to becoming a patient himself facing premature mortality. The narrative moves from talking about how Kalanithi saved lives to confronting the end of his own, reflecting on what makes life worth living in the face of death. Despite his diagnosis, Kalanithi continued working as a physician and even became a father, explaining to his readers how he embraced life fully until the very end. Unfortunately, the book had to be completed by his wife after his passing, and serves as a moving meditation on legacy, purpose, and the human experience. Among the book's strengths are its authenticity and depth of emotions, touching on everything from the day-to-day experiences of physicians to Kalanithi's own love of literature — originally, he had studied English at university. A fitting tribute, then, that his own work would go on to become a New York Times' bestseller. Neurosurgery, though, was in his words an 'unforgiving call to perfection' which not even his diagnosis could check. 'Before my cancer was diagnosed, I knew that someday I would die, but I didn't know when,' he wrote. 'After the diagnosis, I knew that someday I would die, but I didn't know when.' The book garnered praise upon publication, winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Memoir and Autobiography in 2016. Its run on the NYT's bestseller list lasted an impressive 68 weeks. Writing in the Guardian, Alice O'Keefe suggested: 'The power of this book lies in its eloquent insistence that we are all confronting our mortality every day, whether we know it or not. The real question we face, Kalanithi writes, is not how long, but rather how, we will live — and the answer does not appear in any medical textbook.'
