What a wonderful and varying array of films this week, and so many clothing finds – many items on sale, and others ideal for having on hand for years to layer and look effortlessly in style. Books on books, Paris, healing to transform not only our own lives, but the world, and the history of women, fashion and business on 5th Avenue, as well as the return of a French reality series that is thankfully all about the amazing real estate and not about the drama, and still so much more.

Books

—City of Books: A Novel by Nicole Meier

A novel set in a a bookshop – Bruebaker’s Books, and a protagonist Jo Waterstone who after the store’s elderly owner Mr. Bruebaker suffers a stroke is not about to let the store close for good. “Her life has been shaped by the store, the bustle of customers exploring the stacks, and managing the eager staff. She can honestly say it’s the best job she’s ever had” and now it’s on the chopping block. Mr. B’s daughters and the bookstore’s icy CEO think the time is right to close, and they order Jo to lock up. But she doesn’t know what she would be without Bruebaker’s—and besides, the place is an institution. So instead of following orders, she decides to take a stand: along with a few brave team members, she barricades herself in the store, trying to buy time until Mr. Bruebaker recovers and can speak for himself.”

Meier lives in Bend, and so just yesterday, at Roundabout Books they held a signing and reading with her as the book’s release was just this past Tuesday. It looks like a wonderful read for summer, but also as inspiration to never give up on what intuitively you know to be worth fighting for. If you’d like to support an independent bookseller, Roundabout Bookshop is selling signed copies of her book here.

—The Editor: How Publishing Legend Judith Jones Shaped Culture in America by Sara B. Franklin

As someone who has long admired Judith Jones as I came to get to know her through her editing of Julia Child’s cookbooks, I have read both books edited by her as well as thoroughly enjoyed her cookbook she released right before her death – The Pleasures of Cooking for One. In this newly released book about Jones and her editing influence by Sara B. Franklin, readers will dive intimately into Jones’ “more than fifty years as an editor at Knopf, as she nurtured the careers of literary icons such as Sylvia Plath, Anne Tyler, and John Updike, and helped launched new genres and trends in literature. At the forefront of the cookbook revolution, she published the who’s who of food writing: Edna Lewis, M.F.K. Fisher, Claudia Roden, Madhur Jaffrey, James Beard, and, most famously, Julia Child. Through her quiet and tenacious work behind the scenes, Jones helped turn these authors into household names, changing cultural mores and expectations along the way. 

“Judith’s work spanned decades of America’s most dramatic cultural change—from the end of World War II through the Cold War, from the civil rights movement to the fight for women’s equality—and the books she published acted as tools of quiet resistance. Now, her astonishing career is explored for the first time. Based on exclusive interviews, never-before-seen personal papers, and years of research, The Editor tells the riveting behind-the-scenes narrative of how stories are made, finally bringing to light the audacious life of one of our most influential tastemakers.”

I look forward to reading it as my copy just arrived this week.

—What It Takes to Heal: How Transforming Ourselves Can Change the World by Prentis Hemphill

Being released this coming Tuesday June 4th, Prentis Hemphill, “an expert embodiment practitioner, therapist, and activist who has partnered with Brené Brown, Tarana Burke, and Esther Perel, among others, shares in her new book What It Takes to Heal that the principles of embodiment—the recognition of our body’s sensations and habits, and the beliefs that inform them—are critical to lasting healing and change. Hemphill demonstrates a future in which healing is done in community, weaving together stories from their own experience as a trauma survivor with clinical accounts and lessons learned from their time as a social movement architect.”

—When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion by Julie Satow

Also being released on June 4th, journalist Julie Satow shares the life stories of “three visionaries who took great risks, forging new paths for the women who followed in their footsteps in business and fashion . . . The twentieth century American department store: a palace of consumption where every wish could be met under one roof – afternoon tea, a stroll through the latest fashions, a wedding (or funeral) planned. It was a place where women, shopper and shopgirl alike, could stake out a newfound independence. Whether in New York or Chicago or on Main Street, USA, men owned the buildings, but inside, women ruled.

“In this hothouse atmosphere, three women rose to the top. In the 1930s, Hortense Odlum of Bonwit Teller came to her husband’s department store as a housewife tasked with attracting more shoppers like herself, and wound up running the company. Dorothy Shaver of Lord & Taylor championed American designers during World War II–before which US fashions were almost exclusively Parisian copies–becoming the first businesswoman to earn a $1 million salary. And in the 1960s Geraldine Stutz of Henri Bendel re-invented the look of the modern department store. With a preternatural sense for trends, she inspired a devoted following of ultra-chic shoppers as well as decades of copycats.”

Film

—Ezra

A film many people have been talking with great praise, and now it is finally in theaters. Ezra tells the story of “father Max Bernal (played by Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), who is struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne).

“When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. Directed by Tony Goldwyn (from Scandal), who also appears in the film alongside additional cast members Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, Ezra is an endearing and often funny exploration of a family determined to find their way through life’s complexities with humor, compassion, and heart.” Have a look at the trailer below.

—Jim Henson Idea Man, Disney+

Director and producer Ron Howard brings to screens the life of the man who brought us the Muppets and so much more, Jim Henson. In Jim Henson Idea Man, released this Friday (today) on Disney+, the documentary will feature interviews of fans of Jim Hensons work, interspersed with footage from Jim Henson’s works, including Wilkins and Wontkins Commercials that were previously lost, as well as never before shared details about Henson. Read an interview with Ron Howard here in The Guardian where he shares why he was drawn to this project; then, have a look at the trailer below.

—Summer Camp

Just in time for summer, a film to most certainly bring oodles of laughs. Summer Camp premieres today in theaters, and follows Nora (Diane Keaton), Ginny (Kathy Bates), and Mary (Alfre Woodard), “three childhood best friends who used to spend every summer at a sleep away camp together. After years, when the opportunity to get back together for a summer camp reunion presents itself, they all seize it.” Oh, this should be fun. ☺️

—Thelma

Critics have been enjoying this one, and it even came earlier this year to our Bend Film Festival community to privately be shown. Thelma tells the story of 93-year-old Thelma Post who gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. As a result, she is driven to set out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.” Have a look at the trailer below and look for it in theaters today.

Francophile Find

—The French Open, Roland-Garros

It’s that time of year when tennis picks up, and it all begins in Paris (technically in Melbourne back in January). Having kicked off earlier this week, unfortunately with Nadal’s loss on Monday, but what a full stadium to cheer him on (look for him to be back on the red clay this summer for the Olympics), watch tennis through June 9th, all the while as you vicariously travel to Paris. Also, the poster for the tournament was created by artist Paul Rousteau and isn’t it a beauty? Learn more about it and him here. You can purchase your own poster here for €10.

—The Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century by Simon Kuper

Simon Kuper is a regular contributor to The Financial Times and a Briton who has lived in Paris since his early thirties. In his new book being released this coming Tuesday, The Impossible City: Paris in the Twenty-First Century, Kuper tells us what Paris is really like – the culture, the shifts and changes, the energy, and all the city has experienced over the past two decades.

During that time “becoming something of a cantankerous Parisian himself, Kuper has watched the city change. This century, it has globalized, gentrified, and been shocked into realizing its role as the crucible of civilizational conflict. Sometimes it’s a multicultural paradise, and sometimes it isn’t. This decade, Parisians have lived through a sequence of shocks: terrorist attacks, record floods and heatwaves, the burning of Notre Dame, the storming of the city by gilets jaunes, and then the pandemic. Now, as the Olympics come to town, France is busy executing the ‘Grand Paris’ project: the most serious attempt yet to knit together the bejewelled city with its neglected suburbs.”

I look forward to reading it for a variety of reasons. Get to know Kuper a bit better here as he recently gave a tour of his Paris apartment in FT.

—L’Agence (aka The Parisian Agency), season 4, Netflix

I must say, I am quite enjoying the fourth season of L’Agence. They’ve tamed down the music a bit, so I can now hear what is being said, and the places they visit, in Paris, but also around the world and throughout France, inside amazing residences, is quite remarkable. In the first episode, Martin’s client Héléne in Paris is adorable and inspiring in her own right as he works to find her an apartment on Le Palace de Concorde that is absolutely awesome. Enjoy slipping away to France and brushing up on your French has you do.

—Perfect Murders, season 2, MHzChoice

Returning after a long hiatus, just last week Perfect Murders on MHzChoice premiered on May 21st and each week will drop two new episodes. Watch the crime reveal itself in the very first scene and discover how the likable detective duos come to solve it with ease. If you are new to MHzChoice, they are having a worth worth sale at the moment. Use promo code MEMDAY24 to save 40% off your first year streaming of MHzChoice. An indispensable streaming platform I watch year-round if you too enjoy international series and shows.

Shopping

—The Brigitte Satchel by Melie Bianco (three colors), Anthropologie

Now let’s shop, shall we? I didn’t have many clothing finds last week as we were focused on British-inspired content, so this week I have a surplus of finds to share.

A trend for handbags as of late and for some time actually – casual and loose in structure, texturized in material, and with a large matching handle. And these Brigitte satchels are available at a great price.

—Hereu’s Calella’s Raffia Tote

For some time I have been drawn to Hereu’s totes where you can easily throw your harm through the handle and over your shoulder, and this one, ideal for summer, is on sale.

—La Ligne Long Sleeve Breton Tee, brown/ecru (more colors)

—Marin Sweater, La Ligne (ecru/brown)

—Nila Lotan

Seeing this top in a recent WSJ article about effortless style – something that will spark our conversation in tomorrow’s (June’s) A Cuppa Moments chat – I wanted to find it and share it as it is a great layering piece, well-made and just oversized enough to provide style without too much bagginess.

Having a denim button-up has been an addition that when I added it to my wardrobe I wondered why it took me so long to do so. Whether you choose to have pockets on the front or not (look at the style of the pockets to ensure they strike the right aesthetic you want – not too ‘cowboy’ if that is not your style, or maybe it is – and choose purposely as well). I like to pair my denim top with denim bottoms of a slightly different wash, but also with navy or off-white bottoms. The denim top works as a neutral and never goes out of style.

—Reiss’s Raven Wool Blend Denim Look Blazer (matching pants for a suit)

—Sézane Leo Bracelet (two colors)

Television

—We Are Lady Parts, season 2, Peacock

The popular comedy series, We Are Lady Parts is finally back with its second season, following “an anarchic, joyful and irreverent Muslim female punk band – called Lady Parts – they are on a mission to find a lead guitarist and maybe, just maybe, get a proper gig.” Have a look at the trailer now and watch the series beginning today.

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Calmer and gentler weather and temps, (and warmer too, but ideal warmth at that) has arrived, and just savoring this time of year outside in the garden has been a treat (read the monthly gardening post complete with a video collage of Le Papillon’s garden that was shared earlier this week).

This past week has found me catching up and catching my breath after a wonderfully full last week here on the blog and launching the introductory video for the Contentment Masterclass. I will be working to catch up on emails and comments over the next week, but rest assured, all giveaways are ordered and en route for all of the winners!

On Wednesday, we all went to the market (by all, I mean Norman, Nelle and I), and picked up berries and vegetables along with farm fresh eggs and oh, to have these items in the house to savor is a treat. This weekend, I will be planting out my dahlias, watching Gardeners’ World and no doubt spending more time out in the Bird Garden as seen above. And maybe, we will be taking our first paddle (SUP) of the year. We will see!

I hope you had a wonderful final week of May. I have gathered up a few articles and a video for you below. Thank you for stopping by, and if you are a TOP Tier Member, be sure to pop around tomorrow as the monthly A Cuppa Moments’ video will be shared! Until then, bonne journée !

~Tips to regain control over the use of your phone and feel better [WSJ, a subscription may be required]

~Anyone can travel solo (single or coupled, but still wanting to travel alone, at any time during our life), and reasons to do so. [Afar]

~The fit and fabulous queens of Cannes, are over 50 and looking fantastic [Vogue]

~A recipe perfect for this time of year with all of the fresh strawberries available at the market – Strawberry Galette with Clotted Cream [House & Garden UK]

~The simple lifestyle changes that will help heal your mind and body [Tiny Buddha]

~Curious about the cost of living in France vs. the US? Read this. After I did, I am even more motivated to live in France part-time. ☺️ [Frenchly]

~Meet the mayor of Paris Anne Hildago and how she is gearing up for the Olympics. [Vogue UK]

~Still dreaming of afternoon tea after last week’s British Week here on TSLL? I definitely am! So here is a new article from House & Garden UK sharing the best place to go to enjoy it in London.

~And staying in London, Saveur shares the city’s best gastropubs.

~The third season of the The Bear is coming in June, and two trailers were released this past week. Here is the latest one.

~Take an intimate look at how Paris has restored its landmarks in preparation for the Olympics. [Architectural Digest]

~When I saw last week’s trailer of Marlow Murder Club Mystery premiering in late October, I had an inkling that the Moonflower Murders had to be airing a bit earlier as they had been filming approximately the same time. This is the sequel to Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders, starring Lesley Manville – the same primary cast returns, and it is indeed premiering on PBS Masterpiece on September 17th. If you haven’t read the book already, I highly recommend it. It appears long in page-length, but you will whiz through it. I enjoyed it even more than Magpie Murders (which was wonderful in its own right). Thank you VERY much Michelle for sharing this with me. Have a look at the trailer below, and I will be sure to remind you when it premieres in September on a future This & That. 🙂

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~Explore last week’s This & That: May 24th – British Week!

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