Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Still Life with Bread Crumbs
Still Life with Bread Crumbs: A Novel | Anna Quindlen
36 posts | 63 read | 37 to read
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A superb love story from Anna Quindlen, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Rise and Shine, Blessings, and A Short Guide to a Happy Life Still Life with Bread Crumbs begins with an imagined gunshot and ends with a new tin roof. Between the two is a wry and knowing portrait of Rebecca Winter, a photographer whose work made her an unlikely heroine for many women. Her career is now descendent, her bank balance shaky, and she has fled the city for the middle of nowhere. There she discovers, in a tree stand with a roofer named Jim Bates, that what she sees through a camera lens is not all there is to life. Brilliantly written, powerfully observed, Still Life with Bread Crumbs is a deeply moving and often very funny story of unexpected love, and a stunningly crafted journey into the life of a woman, her heart, her mind, her days, as she discovers that life is a story with many levels, a story that is longer and more exciting than she ever imagined. Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Readers Circle for author chats and more. There comes a moment in every novelists career when she . . . ventures into new territory, breaking free into a marriage of tone and style, of plot and characterization, thats utterly her own. Anna Quindlens marvelous romantic comedy of manners is just such a book. . . . Taken as a whole, Quindlens writings represent a generous and moving interrogation of womens experience across the lines of class and race. [Still Life with Bread Crumbs] proves all the more moving because of its light, sophisticated humor. Quindlens least overtly political novel, it packs perhaps the most serious punch. . . . Quindlen has delivered a novel that will have staying power all its own.The New York Times Book Review [A] wise tale about second chances, starting over, and going after what is most important in life.Minneapolis Star Tribune Quindlens astute observations . . . are the sorts of details every writer and reader lives for.Chicago Tribune [Anna] Quindlens seventh novel offers the literary equivalent of comfort food. . . . She still has her finger firmly planted on the pulse of her generation.NPR Enchanting . . . [The protagonists] photographs are celebrated for turning the minutiae of womens lives into unforgettable images, and Quindlen does the same here with her enveloping, sure-handed storytelling.People Charming . . . a hot cup of tea of a story, smooth and comforting about the vulnerabilities of growing older . . . a pleasure.USA Today With spare, elegant prose, [Quindlen] crafts a poignant glimpse into the inner life of an aging woman who discovers that reality contains much more color than her own celebrated black-and-white images.Library Journal Quindlen has always excelled at capturing telling details in a story, and she does so again in this quiet, powerful novel, showing the charged emotions that teem beneath the surface of daily life.Publishers Weekly Quindlen presents instantly recognizable characters who may be appealingly warm and nonthreatening, but that only serves to drive home her potent message that its never too late to embrace lifes second chances.Booklist Profound . . . engaging.Kirkus Reviews From the Trade Paperback edition.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
quote
BkClubCare
post image

Lots of pie references (a mention of Thanksgiving will usually always have a pie mention.)

“Later, Amanda would remember this as one of the moments when she fell a little out of love with him. Also when he ate the last piece of pumpkin pie for Sunday breakfast.”

#LitPie #BooksandPie

bthegood love that line!! book is now stacked! (edited) 10mo
BkClubCare @bthegood - yay! 10mo
37 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Eggs
post image
Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💔💙❤️‍🩹 13mo
49 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Megabooks
post image
Pickpick

Cute and light compared to what I usually read, this was just the break my brain needed. A photographer finds herself financially strapped and rents out her NYC apartment and moves to an unglamorous cabin upstate. She finds many things she thought she lost there. Love me some tales of middle aged reinvention! This sat on my shelf for 7 years!! 😂😂 And I liked it! #roll100

PuddleJumper 🎉🎉 14mo
BarbaraBB Interesting! I used to love Anna Quindlen 14mo
86 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Megabooks
post image

New storygraph plus feature! Personalized AI recs. Very curious…🤔🤔🤔

BarbaraBB Very curious about the book. I loved some of her earlier books (edited) 14mo
BarbaraBB Must check out this new feature, I haven‘t noticed it yet. 14mo
52 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Mshookquilts
post image
Pickpick

Rebecca, a photographer/Artist is running out of money. She escapes to the country hoping to be inspired, but rediscovers herself. Very enjoyable.

review
hdhubbard
Pickpick

8/10 Good solid read. Not amazing, not horrible, somewhat predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable. Characters are well written and generally likeable. Good book to read on n the deck with a lemonade or while traveling.

quote
charl08
post image

As with many marriages...

34 likes2 stack adds
blurb
HeatherBookNerd
post image

New post up today at Book Riot. Since I turned 50 last week, I thought I'd celebrate with a list of novels about awesome women over 50. I'm ready for a great second act!

https://bookriot.com/2018/09/05/books-with-strong-female-characters-over-50/

TNbookworm Great article! I will be turning 55 in a few weeks myself. Thanks for the recommendations! 6y
Christine Happy belated birthday!! And love the post. ❤️ 6y
44 likes3 comments
review
Amoon
post image
Pickpick

Just finished this great book. Rebecca Winter is an edgy New York photographer with a bitchy agent and cheating husband.
When things fall apart, she moves to a rustic cabin in upstate NY and begins her journey to finding herself. Great character development. I especially liked Sarah, who runs the place called,"Tea for Two" and the clown, Tad.. an aspiring singer.
Great ending too.

review
TorieStorieS
post image
Pickpick

It‘s been a while since I‘ve last read anything of Quindlen‘s books- and this is my first #audio experience but this quick listen is thoroughly enjoyable! Well-written and well-performed, I loved #audiocoloring while listening to this story!

britt_brooke Is this a photo of what you colored? It‘s so beautiful!! 😍 6y
TorieStorieS @britt_brooke Thank you!!! It is!! Prismacolor markers are really fun to use- but they do bleed through so it has to be a one-sided coloring book like this one of art masterpieces! 6y
DivineDiana Beautiful! 6y
TorieStorieS @DivineDiana Thank you!!! 😊😊 6y
32 likes4 comments
blurb
JoyBlue
post image

Day 28: Floral Covers—The most obvious choice today may have been a Georgia O'Keefe book. I can't find ours. It's a mystery. No worries: I found a few others. I've been enjoying every bloomin' thing coming back to our yards this week. When the extreme heat moves in tomorrow, I'll have to appreciate the flowers from the window. #RiotGrams #FloralCovers #TooBloominHot

JHSiess Heat's coming back here tomorrow, too. 🌡☀️ 6y
JoyBlue @JHSiess Stay cool & safe! 6y
63 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Eggs
post image

Rebecca Winter became a famous photographer with her B & W "Kitchen" series--still lifes. Now at 60, she's alone and cares for ill aging parents, while her bank account dwindles. She leases her NYC apt and moves to a cottage in the country...

85 likes2 stack adds
review
LapReader
post image
Pickpick

Is it open day already? I‘m very spoilt. Thankyou @erzascarletbookgasm Anna Qindlen sounds great. Thanks for being brave with that pick. The mini book key chain is so cute and you got it right, I love Outlander. Thankyou for the beautiful bookmark I requested too. Such a successful swap.

erzascarletbookgasm So pleased you find this a successful swap! I got the Essays in Love for I saw it on your Litsy TBR wishlist, hope you‘ll enjoy that too. Glad you like the Outlander mini book key chain. #keychainswap @JenlovesJT47 7y
JenlovesJT47 Awesome!! 💚 7y
19 likes2 comments
review
Jody3
post image
Panpan

This book was such a disappointment! I expected more from Anna Qundlen. “Still Life” is definitely a good description of this book. It certainly is still, with not much movement. And it‘s more a slice of life than an actual story. If you like complex characters and an interesting plot, look elsewhere.

JamieArc I recently finished it as an audiobook and I‘m glad I didn‘t take the time to read it. Maybe I would feel differently if I were 20 years older, but it was much too “meh” for me. 7y
Jody3 Exactly! And I never felt the romance between Jim and Rebecca. I didn‘t get that he was so much younger until later in the book. I always thought he was around her age. 7y
11 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
erzascarletbookgasm
post image
Mehso-so

A story about a sixty-year-old woman trying to rediscover herself and determine the next chapter in her life. A once famed photographer, the mc finds her bank account is shrinking, marriage in divorce, parents to support, and a city apartment she can no longer afford. She chooses the country life while renting out her city apartment- and finds new friendships, experiences and unexpected love with a younger man. Predictable and comfortable read.

82 likes1 stack add
review
ValerieAndBooks
post image
Pickpick

Picked this one up a while ago because I needed a Q author for #LitsyAtoZ. A 60-year-old photographer moves from NYC to a small town to regroup after her career falters. I felt the overall story had potential to be meatier and deeper, and perhaps was all wrapped up a bit too neatly at the end. Still enjoyed it nevertheless, so I give it a pick (one of those books that's between a pick and so-so).

Lmstraubie Agreed! 7y
ValerieAndBooks @LauraJ that looks interesting! I wonder if there's parallels to be seen between it and today's drug problems. 7y
See All 6 Comments
ValerieAndBooks @Lmstraubie have you read anything else by Quindlen? Wondering if she's worth picking up again. 7y
TheWordJar I'm find she's hit and miss. I haven't read this one yet, but I've read several others. I loved Every Last One and enjoyed One True Thing and A Short Guide to a Happy Life. Didn't really like Rise and Shine. 7y
Lmstraubie @ValerieAndBooks Yes! This is the first one that comes to mind. It's not as light as the tagged book, but it's good nonetheless. 7y
82 likes1 stack add6 comments
quote
ValerieAndBooks
post image

"...Believed that people lived in houses that looked like them..." I thought this paragraph was an interesting point of view ?. I suppose it might be more true if you're not restricted to what's available in your price range in whatever area you want/need to live in.

blurb
Jamielouise
post image

Julys books! And books Q,R,S, and T of #litsyatoz. And Olive of course.

blurb
ValerieAndBooks
post image

Trying to read but having a hard time concentrating. Because in about two hours I'm leaving for the #PhillyMeetUp! Excited! I like how this book cover coordinates with my lap quilt.

Hollie I wish I could come! I hope you have a marvelous time! 7y
Cinfhen I agree, the book & quilt look great together & im also too anxious to concentrate 😬wish u could join us @Hollie 7y
LauraJ Looking forward to seeing pics and hearing stories from the meetup 😺 7y
See All 9 Comments
Simona Have a great time❣️ 7y
ValerieAndBooks It was absolutely fantastic wasn't it @Cinfhen ! It was great to meet everyone there! Wish you could have joined us too @Hollie @LauraJ @Simona 7y
BookBabe Yes! I want to read this too! 7y
LauraJ @ValerieAndBooks Love reading the posts. Maybe someone will do this for #losangeles. 7y
ValerieAndBooks @BookBabe I'm enjoying it so far! It's an easy read but with insights too. 7y
ValerieAndBooks @LauraJ maybe you can do a shout-out post to find out who all is in the LA area and go from there 😊 7y
89 likes3 stack adds9 comments
blurb
Mommamanzi
post image

Book review by Roman Kent.... It's a total page turner! Hahaha

Suzze 💚💚💚 7y
MemoirsForMe Awwww! 7y
Bks4Wrms Cute! 7y
See All 6 Comments
Mommamanzi @Bks4Wrms @UwannaPublishme @Suzze thank you!! He's a sweet heart! 7y
tpixie Adorable!! As are all your kids!! lol stalking you tonight/ trying to catch up with the #covertocover gals!! 7y
tpixie @Mccall0113 I gifted this book at my In-Person book club Xmas book exchange party. @Mommamanzi Roman is adorable! 7y
49 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
Readerann
post image
Pickpick

Ok, it's a tad predictable, but I like Quindlen's writing so much I don't even care. Another finished for #readathon

Mommamanzi I enjoyed this book a lot, but yes predictable. 7y
7 likes1 comment
blurb
Readerann
post image

Enjoying the flow of Quindlen's writing, but think I may have to have a little 4:00 a.m. #readathon snooze before finishing it. Back in a few hours.

LauraBrook Woo, 4AM? That is hardcore! Hope you are sleeping happily right now. 😴😴😘 8y
6 likes1 comment
blurb
Betty
post image

#orangeyouglad to always have the right colored book in Big Orange Country (home of University of Tennessee Volunteers)

Mccall0113 🍊 8y
lynneamch Orange and white game today! 8y
50 likes3 stack adds2 comments
review
saholmes
Pickpick

Enjoyed this book. Rebecca and Sarah are exactly like my best friend and I! This book was definitely one of the more realistic ones I have read lately. I could easily believe that the story was taking place next door.

Mommamanzi I really enjoyed it as well! 7y
13 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
DianeC
post image

This has been sitting on the TBR for several years. Don't know what took me so long. I'm loving the language and characters.

Mommamanzi I got it through a book club and was a little 'meh' about it. As I started reading it I REALLY enjoyed it! 7y
4 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
emilyhaldi
post image
Pickpick

Short, light, quick, uplifting!
Boo, however, remains slightly dubious...

Meredith3 😻😻😻 8y
MrBook #Boo!!! 😻😻😻😻 #catsofLitsy Just like my Coale 😸! 8y
Suzze Boo is wondering where the bread crumbs are.@ 8y
Texreader What an adorable photo! 8y
Reviewsbylola Boo has an extreme case of RBF. 8y
141 likes10 stack adds5 comments
blurb
mostlycatsandcoffee
post image

My last two reads were full of marriage complications. Time for a change of pace. Also, I have root beer and root beer is everything.

19 likes1 stack add
blurb
ValerieAndBooks
post image

Love how book Christmas trees are a trend 😊🎄📚. This was in the window of the used bookstore (a fairly good one considering that all books are donated to them) that the local senior center runs. Was able to find a Q book for my #LitsyAtoZ challenge! (The one blurbed here -- don't know if it's her best)

Hollie I'm using Millers Valley by the same author as my Q! 8y
ValerieAndBooks @Hollie that was my first choice! Maybe I'll find it used before I hit Q. I'm using almost all books from my physical TBR but was missing Q, X, Y, Z. Still looking for the last three 😊 8y
Mommamanzi This is my Q book as well! 8y
See All 6 Comments
ValerieAndBooks @Mommamanzi awesome! Are you reading in alphabetical order? I am, so it will be a while before I get to it! And are you doing authors-only as I am ? Or one of the other "tracks"? 8y
Mommamanzi Still Life With Bread Crumbs was actually sent to me for a book club reading his month so I am reading a little out of order (ok a lot out of order). I am doing the easier track of either first letter of last name or first word of the title. I am trying to get through some of my older tbr books to make room for new ones 😃. 8y
ValerieAndBooks @Mommamanzi seems like a good plan to me! Yes almost all of the books for this challenge are in my physical TBR also, and have been there a while 😊 8y
66 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
KVanRead
post image

#TBT I've been thinking about this book a lot lately and it turns out I was reading it at exactly this time last year!

Mccall0113 This one really stuck with me. I bought it on a whim and loved it 8y
KVanRead @Mccall0113 Me too! I want to read more of hers. 8y
Mommamanzi Love this book! 7y
KVanRead @Mommamanzi Yes me too. Just finished another by her that was really good too, 7y
27 likes2 stack adds4 comments
review
KVanRead
post image
Pickpick

#augustphotochallenge #feelgoodbook This was honest, funny and heartwarming. I totally looked forward to climbing into bed with it at night.

34 likes4 stack adds
blurb
Mccall0113
post image

The flow of prose is superb. Descriptive but not over done. Can't wait to see how this develops. Photobomb courtesy of Murphy! #24in48 #readathon

Bookworm83 Love the photobomb! @CaitMobley look at the cute bully ❤️❤️ 8y
Mccall0113 I have 3. He's really the best company! 8y
tpixie ♥️♥️♥️ 7y
49 likes5 stack adds3 comments
review
Kathyd
Pickpick

Beautiful story told by one of the most prolific authors of our time.

blurb
SolitaryBookLover
post image

Re-reading this wee treasure. Forgot how beautiful it is and how much it has influenced my photography

review
WendyAebi
Pickpick

Picked this one to fill the "from the bottom of the TBR pile" square in book bingo. I was reading Big Magic at the same time, so this fictional story of the way an artist's art mirrors her changes in life dove-tailed and made both books even more enjoyable.

quote
irenemcmack
post image

"People froze you in place, Rebecca sometimes thought, trudging through the woods. More important, you froze yourself, often into a person in whom you truly had no interest. So you had a choice: you could continue a masquerade, or you could give up on it… It was hard to know how to do that."