Topics that turn me on when searching for a book to read are bicycles, wineries, Napa and Sonoma Valley California, and adventure stories. One of my favorites is, (i.e. movie) “Under the Tuscan Sun.” There is something special about seeing miles and miles of grape vines growing on rolling hills, and the sides of small mountains. There is always a special story connected to those bucolic scenes which is emotional and beautiful. My latest read is titled “Looking for Leroy,” by Melody Carlson, even the author’s name is a turn on for me. The story she crafted is not the usual love plot, but rather somewhat of a drama about a family running a winery in California. Everything she wrote about turned me on, and I couldn’t put it down. In fact, I set a record by finishing this book in three days.
I won’t write anything about the plot or the characters because it would become a spoiler. I do recommend this story as an entertaining read. The author painted some beautiful scenes of Sonoma Valley. It reminded me of a bicycle trip I took with my oldest son some many years ago. It was a week long trip which meandered through wine country north of San Francisco. We ended the ride by crossing the Golden Gate bridge and landing at the Presidio. Crossing that bridge by bicycle was a thrill I will never forget. I never heard of the Presidio, and that in itself was also a thrill. Once a military base, the Presidio is now a public park situated at the North end of the bridge. My intention is to write a trip report about that adventure, luckily I saved the daily diary I kept. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures to go with the story.
Filed under: Biography, Book Review, family | Tagged: Camping, love, Presidio, Winery's |
Nicely written. The phrase ‘turn on’ is replaceable though.