The Charming Quirks of Others by Alexander McCall Smith

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Just finished the 7th book in the Isabel Dalhousie series over the weekend - they're novels with a bit of intrigue of an intellectual nature, not a series filled with suspense or mystery.  Isabel Dalhousie is a Scottish moral philosopher. She edits a philosophy journal, has a housekeeper who keeps her on her toes, and gets "involved" in people's troubles. Her niece Cat owns a delicatessen, and Isabel also helps out there from time to time.

It's not a rollicking, action-packed book - it's slow paced and leisurely as we stroll through Edinburgh and other parts of Scotland in search of the answers.  Isabel makes me think about what I would do in her place.  And I do enjoy these books  quite a lot. Maybe it's my idea of a cozy mystery...

For more of a "traditional" mystery, so to speak, try McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series... Mma Precious Ramotswe is not traditional, nor is it an Agatha Christie type of plot, but there's still solving a crime/the pursuit of truth in the mix. And much the way McCall Smith shows us Isabel's Scotland, we see a glimpse of Botswana in these books.  Indeed, the different countries (their geography, culture and customs) play pivotal roles in both series.

Late, Late at Night by Rick Springfield

It's not for the faint of heart, this memoir by 80's rock star Rick Springfield. He is quite clear about his involvement in s-x, drugs and rock 'n roll.  But it's also a fascinating read about someone I always thought had it "so easy." I saw the rumors about altercations with his wife back in the 90's and figured it was tabloid gossip. Turns out there was some bad behavior behind it.  There's also a lot of redemption and forgiveness and ongoing struggle for self-awareness and understanding.  If you loved "Jessie's Girl" then you should try this book.  It makes me want to pull out all my old RS music and give it another spin.  And I definitely appreciate Karma, the last RS album I bought, all the more.

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