The last two months of Van Gogh’s life were spent in a country village, Auvers-sur-Oise, a trainride away from Paris, under the care of Dr. Gachet. More than a physician, Gachet also befriended his patients and collected their art: Pissarro, Cezanne, Gaugin, and Van Gogh, leading a secret life of his own. During the last days of his life which ended in suicide, Van Gogh painted two portraits of Dr. Gachet’s daughter. The author’s interest in the life of this silent young woman was peaked after attending an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1999 which included paintings from Gachet’s collection and photographs of the house. In reading the exhibition catalog, she came upon a footnote regarding the sale of the painting “Mademoiselle Gachet at the Piano” which had hung in her room for forty years, was removed and sold by her brother, Paul. Had there been a relationship between the frenzied artist-patient and the shy Marguerite? What had been the family dynamics, particularly interacting with Van Gogh, as both Dr. Gachet and his son were would-be artists, themselves? Richards diligently researched her material and created a plausible tale or love, art and more.
Reviewed by: Cathy B.
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Profiles one of the most successful quarterbacks of all time. The bonus is the book is full of stories of the history of professional football in Boston and the personalities involved. Told as only Charlie Pierce can. Well written.
Posted by newtonreference 
Posted by newtonreference 
This author’s debut mystery sparkles with romance and humor as well as suspense. A divorced English professor becomes the principal suspect in the murder of a student when the body is found in the trunk of her stolen car. An attractive homicide detective comes along to investigate.
Written by the celebrated actress and author of several books of Indian cookery, this memoir tells of a life growing up in Delhi and Kampur in the midst of Hindus and Muslims and with traditional British influences as well. Jaffrey was one of 6 children in a privileged and cosmopolitan family. Recipes are included.
This personal memoir is of the remarkable Kenyan woman who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, the first African woman to do so. Maathai began the Green Belt Movement in 1977 which enlisted thousands of women in an effort to plant trees to restore Kenya’s indiginous forests. This movement eventually led to the broader campaign to bring democracy to a corrupt government. An amazing achievement.
This is the story of 2 sisters, Meghan and Bridget, who are devoted to each other but lead very different lives and travel in separate New York social circles. Family dynamics ensue in Quindlen’s rich and pungent prose making this a thoroughly engrossing read.
A bit irreverant but a whole lot of fun. Dave Barry’s tale of Doug and memories of his family and community’s Christmas celebrations is a heartwarming read. The perfect easy book for the busy season.
We are all interested in the thought process of our Founding Fathers. The author takes modern day questions and summarizes what The Fathers would think about the issue (pacifism, WMD, private school vouchers, etc.). The book is fun and an interesting twist on reading “history”.
