I began this Throwback Thursday meme as a way to share some of my old favorites as well as sharing books that I’m FINALLY getting around to reading that were published months or years ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on my TBR list while I continue to pile more titles on top of them:)! I like that these older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere.
Under the Tuscan Sun Published Sept. 1997 by Broadway Books
My Rating: 4/5 stars
An enchanting and lyrical look at the life, the traditions, and the cuisine of Tuscany.
Frances Mayes entered a wondrous new world when she began restoring an abandoned villa in the spectacular Tuscan countryside. There were unexpected treasures at every turn: faded frescos beneath the whitewash in her dining room, a vineyard under wildly overgrown brambles in the garden, and, in the nearby hill towns, vibrant markets and delightful people.
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This blurb actually makes this book sound kind of boring but I remember really enjoying the story and I even loved the movie version as well which doesn’t happen all that often. I love the setting of this book because Tuscany is one of my top bucket list places to visit. There’s actually a good deal of romance in this story which the blurb from Goodreads doesn’t mention but which I thoroughly enjoyed reading about. I think the story really centered on the author finding herself at that point in her life and what better place to do that than in Italy with a new man, good food and lots of wine? If you haven’t read this book and you’re doing the PopSugar 2018 Reading Challenge (I am!) this could definitely fulfill at least one of the 40 prompts.
Another reason I chose this for my TBT this week is that Frances Mayes has a new book coming out in April that you may not know about called Women in Sunlight which I requested immediately on netgalley based only on the cover and author…
Isn’t that a great cover and title?? I then found out it’s about the friendship of four American women in Italy and now I’m even more excited. If there’s wine, romance, and drama involved I’ll be really happy!!
HAPPY READING!!
More Throwback Thursday Picks Around the Blogosphere…
Jill at Jill’s Book Cafe
Deanna at DeesRadReads and Reviews
Amanda at Literary Weaponry
Susan at Susan Loves Books
Cathy at What Cathy Read Next
Lynne at Fictionophile
Annie at The Misstery
Amy at Novel Gossip
Diana at A Haven for Booklovers
Mischenko at Read Rant Rock and Roll
Laurie at Cozy Nook Books
Ann Marie at LItWitWineDine
Laura at Snazzy Books
I liked the movie but didn’t know there was a book. I would definitely like to read that. Women in Sunlight looks and sounds like an amazing read. I hope that you will enjoy it. I will definitely look out for your review.
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I watched the movie last week! I love it so I rewatch a few times a year. I’ve yet to read the book! Italy *____*
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This is a timely pick for you then:) I’ve watched it several times but I haven’t watched in the last couple years so I think I need an Italian pick me up and will watch again soon!
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The new cover makes me crave summer even more! I hope you’ll get approved and it’s as good as Under The Tuscan Sun. Whine and Italy is a perfect combination for escaping every-day life. Great pick!
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Thanks Inge, that cover really makes me ready for summer, especially as it’s 5 degrees where I live with snow:( I’m all about wine and Italy that’s for sure
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No snow here thank goodness but cold too and lots of wind :-(.. Bring on summer!
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This sounds good. I’ve been meaning to see the movie and didn’t realize there was also a book. I’m adding this to my list as well as “women in sunlight“. Both sound great! Excellent post, Renee!
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Oh you should watch the movie Deanna, it’s one of those “take you away” type of movies. I hope Women in Sunlight is just as good
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I saw the movie twice (hint I loved it)! Going to look for the new book, it does sound like a good one Renee! I want to do the challenge, but I’m overwhelmed by it…
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This is my first time doing a challenge and my plan is still to read what I want with that just a guide if I need a spark, you should give it a try!
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It does sound like fun!
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Great choice. I never read this book, but loved the movie. Women in Sunlight does have a gorgeous cover and that’s always a plus for me. I’m definitely going to check it out. It looks like a fun read!
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Thanks Susie, I have a feeling the movie may have been slightly better only because the visuals were SO good. I’ve watched it many times and I never get tired of it.
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I’ve had a copy of this book on my shelf forever. The movie is one of my favorite movies of all time. I need to read it!! My dream is to go to a villa in Tuscany. 🙂
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I love that movie too! I hope we can both get there someday…it’s on our bucket list of first place to visit when our second (and last) child goes to college:) You’ll appreciate my dream Brandie, I just want to sit at a table in Italy and drink coffee in morning and wine at night😍Heaven!
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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I always loved this movie and I had no idea it was based on a book. YIKES!
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Great pick! I loved the movie but never read the book. For some reason the thought of romance in a book dissuades me a bit but it seemed perfectly fine in the movie. I suppose it’s how it’s done/told. I had no idea she had another coming out. I’ll look forward to hearing what you have to think about it.
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Thanks Ann Marie!
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I know the movie although I haven’t seen it but I didn’t know it was based on a book! But i think I’d enjoy this one more as a movie… when I’m looking for something light and romantic haha
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Yes I kind of prefer the movie over the book
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The cover looks like a post card!!
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Great picks! Under The Tuscan Sun definitely makes me want to visit Italy again… Sounds like a great read.
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Thanks Yvo:)
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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One of my favorite books and movies! Excellent pick! I’m doing the Popsugar Challenge too, and this would make a great book choice for several prompts, but I’m way behind on my reading since classes started back this week. I’ll have to catch up! I’ll also have to look for Women in Sunlight (right now!). It looks gorgeous, and sounds like a terrific read! Thanks for bringing it to my attention! I hope you get to Tuscany one day!! It’s gorgeous 🙂
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Thanks Stephanie, hope your spring semester goes well!
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Thank you, Renee!! 😊
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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[…] Thursday is a weekly meme created by Renee @ It’s Book Talk. This meme is an awesome way to share old favorites that were published over a year ago or even […]
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