Journal Entry 1 by dee831 from Chardon, Ohio USA on Monday, March 06, 2006

More good titles from the Unique Thrift Store. Only .25

Started: 5/20/09
Finished: 5/30/09

This was surprisingly good. I had my doubts, considering it's set in the year 1665 and I was never a huge fan of history, but the author does an incredible job of mixing truth and fiction. Centered around the maid of painter Johannes Vermeer's wife, Tracey Chevalier has concocted a tale explaining the creation of the painting celebrated for it's purity, radiance, and sensuality. It helps to first study his paintings online because then, as each one is mentioned in the book, you can really visualize the magnitude.

I can't help but wonder what stirred Ms. Chevalier's curiosity to write such a novel. She had to have done an awful lot of research to include so much history about the painter himself and the resources available to him at the time. For instance, there were only about 20 pigments available during the 17th century, and a trip to the local apothecary for bones, and lapis lazuli, which had to be crushed and mixed with linseed oil for the palette, must have been a feat in itself. Amazing after all that work that he got any painting done!

p.s. Since reading this book, I will never look at clouds the same again.

Available at PaperBackSwap.com

2003 movie starring Scarlett Johansson. 

Journal Entry 2 by dee831 at Highland Hts, Ohio USA on Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Released 1 yr ago (5/20/2011 UTC) at Highland Hts, Ohio USA

CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:

This book is being released to the PHC Book Sale at work. Yesssssss, I know Bookcrossing books are supposed to be given away. But, the money goes to a good cause (American Heart Assoc.) and I figured this was a good way to rid my shelves of some the AVL books.

ongratulations! This is a very special book! It's been liberated. That is, it's absolutely FREE - a gift from me to you. Please take it home & enjoy! Keep it if you wish, or read and re-release for someone else to enjoy.

The individuals who are part of BookCrossing.com just like to spread the joy of reading by leaving books "in the wild" or trading them directly with other members. Our greatest joy is knowing that someone has found and is enjoying the books.

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