Allison Pataki – The Grateful Reader

Published February 15, 2022

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/669275/the-magnificent-lives-of-marjorie-post-by-allison-pataki/

“Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor’s Wife, The Accidental Empress, Sisi, Where the Light Falls, and The Queen’s Fortune, as well as the nonfiction memoir Beauty in the Broken Places and two children’s books, Nelly Takes New York and Poppy Takes Paris. Allison’s novels have been translated into more than twenty languages. A former news writer and producer, Allison has written for The New York Times, ABC News, HuffPost, USA Today, Fox News, and other outlets. She has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Good Day New York, Good Day Chicago, and MSNBC’s Morning Joe. Allison graduated cum laude from Yale University, is a member of The Historical Novel Society, and lives in New York with her husband and family.”

The Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

“Marjorie the Magnificent” was the moniker given to Marjorie Merriweather Post, only daughter and heir to the C.W. Post family fortune. Allison Pataki’s novel reads like Marjorie’s private journal; the blue-eyed dazzling beauty born in 1887, who reigned as “America’s Most Fabulous Hostess” until her death in 1973. Pataki highlights Marjorie’s determination, passion, and generosity in this four-part, first person retelling of the opportunities, decisions and influencers that had such a profound impact on Marjorie’s life experiences. From Battle Creek, Michigan, and the beginnings of Grape-Nuts and General Foods, to Washington D.C., Palm Beach, and ambassadress in Moscow; readers are treated to personal details and descriptions of Marjorie’s palatial residences filled with art and treasures from around the world, disastrous marriages, amazing contributions to philanthropic favorites, and her famous guests and friends from the world of politicians and celebrities. As C.W. Post introduced the world to cereal, Allison Pataki introduces the world to The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post.

Bookstore Visit #6-Barnes & Noble-Plano, Texas-February 9, 2022

I used to visit this B&N quite frequently when I was teaching third graders. The parents would give me gift cards for every holiday and in-between! Because….BOOKS! I loved to go and browse the children’s book section, the beautiful magazines, and of course, the “best sellers” section. Over the past two pandemic years the lovely Starbucks inside this bookstore has closed. So no more cozy moments in the coffee shop with my newest purchases-to just smell and touch! As much as I want to support local indie bookstores, B&N seems to need help too! I went with the mission of buying Fiona Davis’ The Magnolia Palace, but being on the NYT best seller list it was already sold out- a purchase for next week’s bookstore visit! Instead I shopped for Valentine’s Day gifts for my grandchildren. I often watch Adriana Trigiani’s interviews on FB so I knew her new children’s book The House of Love had published just in time for Valentine’s Day. This lovely story is filled with the warmth of a large family and shows how money doesn’t create joy. You’ll want to string some gumdrops and decorate your own tree branch! The House of Love is an homage to Adri’s mother, her favorite librarian. The link is below for Adri’s appearance February 10th on the Today show. Hoda & Jenna interview Adri and Allison Pataki. Allison’s book The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post is on my read/review calendar. Enjoy the interview! And visit a bookstore soon!