Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Still Life

Louise Penny is my newest favorite author. I make this statement without a shred of doubt even though I haven't finished this first book of hers that I've read. I'm planning a longer blog once done, but since I am overflowing with enthusiasm for her writing I've decided not to wait.


To say that Still Life is a murder mystery is an understatement. Her protagonist, Inspector Gamache of the Sûreté du Quebec is a keen observer of the human race and it is this fact that makes Penny's fine mystery rise above the genre. The name of the novel, Still Life is a double entendre maybe a triple entendre foreshadowing the multiple layers of story telling by Penny.

Like I said, I am already a fan.

8 comments:

  1. Have you ever read any of Ted Dekker's books?

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  2. I haven't read him Strider, but my son and DIL have and they really enjoyed his color series. How about you. Why do you like his work?

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  3. Louise Penny is new to me and I enjoyed looking through her site. Keep us posted!

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  4. Steviewren, thank you so much for your kind words at my blog. Yes, I would love to come be artsy with you. It does make me feel happier. I think your art is divine and I have loved it since I first start visiting. I don't know how to put things on the sides of my blog. I know that sounds goofy, but it's a miracle that I figured out how to get what I have on it. Do you have tons of work? Do you have it in a gallery? Did you always love art? I was in the art club in high school and I have always bought art books and magazines. I have taken classes and encouraged my friends to take classes. One of my friends got into watercolor after being diagnosed with breast cancer and she sells her work for high $ and finds so much pleasure in painting. I have a hard time getting settled on one media. I want to do so much that I jump around. I need to focus a little more. Well this is a very long comment, but I was just so pleased that you came and had such neat things to say!!

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  5. Looks like a great book! I love a good mystery. Thanks, I'll look for it in my library!

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  6. Nana trish, thank you for your kinds words too. Since you asked I will tell you a little of my background. I have been a dabbler since I was in high school. I married early, had 4 children and struggled to find time for creativity during their growing up years. My marriage was difficult and about 14 years ago I started making crafty things and doing some tole type painting. I went to craft shows, sold my stuff for about 9 years. Having people see my things and choosing to buy from me gave me a renewed sense of self esteem, something I had almost lost because of the difficult nature of my marriage.

    Ten years ago I was divorced. Never having attended college I felt I had to try and get a formal education in order to get the best job I could. I had time to get my an associates degree before I had to get a full time job.

    I always planned to use the time after my children grew up and didn't need me anymore to refine my paintings. Instead I am working full time in the financial business. So, no I don't have anything in a gallery...almost nothing in my house...I have always given it away or sold a few things as soon as they were done. I was able to take watercolor classes from a very talented watercolorist. I have my work from those classes framed and on display. I have been thinking lately of trying to find another good teacher. Like you I have tons of supplies and lots of plans. I bought a new art book today. I just wish I had more time.

    So, get to work girl. I can't wait to see what you create!

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  7. I have been thinking about this a lot since you wrote me about us encouraging each other. Perhaps we should set a goal of one work a week to share on the blog. Not any pressure and if life is too challenging we will be okay. But, on the flip side I would love to think that you are expecting me to create. I am so like you with having given away most of my work and not getting my degree until later in life. You went and bought an art book and I went and got more supplies for a picture that I have promised my daughter for over a year. It's easier to read about it and think about it and not really make art. I have bought so many art magazines that I could sink a ship. I don't want to do that forever. I want to be able to say I'm an artist and mean it. You have inspired me so much and I really thought you had done a collection and you have been so honest and open and I am anxious to see if you will take me up on this challenge. I need it and I sense you may also. Trish

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  8. Okay, I'm game. After all I am a procrastinator. Maybe a goal and a time frame would be good for me too. This weekend I won't get anything done I know. I am having family for the 4th and 2 of my grands are going to spend the night with me. We'll go to the American Girl movie and I will take them home on Sunday. Let's set the date for next Sunday. And don't let me forget!

    Okay, let's get to work! p.s. I live in the state to your left. Not too far away!

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I'm glad you stopped by and I look forward to your comments. As Dr. Fraser Crane would say, "Hello, I'm listening."