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Mother’s Day, 2008
By
Published: May 15, 2008
Category:
Beyond Classification
Here’s what marketers expect you to shell out: $682 million on greeting cards, $2.83 billion on restaurants, $2.14 billion on jewelry, $1.98 billion on flowers, $1.27 billion on clothes, $1.26 billion on gift certificates, $928 million on spas, $563 million on consumer electronics, $536 million on books and CDs, and, intriguingly, $1.15 billion on "other."
In other words, a fortune.
I was sad to see books and CDs bringing up the rear.
But I understand: They’re bargains, compared to "real" presents. They’re not flashy. In some circles, they’re kind of….suspect. (They contain ideas, which are always dangerous.) And they take a bit of effort on Mom’s part — to say nothing of yours.
Okay, the holiday is commercial. But as long as we’re obligated to do the right thing on Sunday, May 14, here are some suggestions that may be of help.
BOOKS
For the style-obsessed
The Power of Style profiles 20th century women who transformed themselves — often with the help of very rich, but not always loving men — into icons of style. The text is smart, factual and unsparing. With many photographs, some rarely seen, that give you lots of ideas how to look like a million.
For the food lover and foreign traveler
My Life in France is Julia Child’s final book, a memoir cobbled together from notes and letters. But it reads like a thriller: marriage, post-war Paris, a cooking class, a book idea, eight years of hard work and then sudden, enduring fame. The through line is a love of French culture and the deep pleasures it offers. Slip a round-trip plane ticket into the book, and you’ve got an unforgettable present.
For the romantic
Endless Love charts a teen love affair so intense that her parents call a time-out. But the boy’s burning with love — and, soon, so is their house. Which ends the romance. For her. He continues to burn. The emotions are raw, the sex is torrid — ah, those were the days.
For the competent
Christmas in Paris, 2002 is the story of a just-fired TV producer and his very successful wife, who spend a week in Paris at Christmas. He tells the story. He’s carrying plenty of self-doubt, she’s aloft with competence. So a leather jacket in a shop window takes on large meaning for them.
For the lover of eccentricity
Truly Wilde chronicles the life of Oscar’s niece, as wild in and inventive in her way as he was. Drugs, sex, Paris, London — it’s a glamorous life, though tortured. The characters are vivid, the talk smart. But of course.
Truly Wilde chronicles the life of Oscar’s niece, as wild in and inventive in her way as he was. Drugs, sex, Paris, London — it’s a glamorous life, though tortured. The characters are vivid, the talk smart. But of course.
For the dancing queen
The Fabulous Sylvester sang ‘You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).’ It was a falsetto disco anthem, and it did the trick — it took a crowd higher. The life story of its cross-dressing singer is just as exciting. And Sylvester was wise; this book has dimension.
For the world traveler
Educating Alice: Adventures of a Curious Woman takes you around the world with an independent woman who’s game for anything.
Educating Alice: Adventures of a Curious Woman takes you around the world with an independent woman who’s game for anything.
For the inner explorer
Reiki is a healing technique that uses touch and energy to help clients regain their psychic and physical balance. The author is the American master; she writes direct, engaging prose.
The road less traveled
Jackpot takes you to the dark side of an ordinary life. A New Yorker you’d never notice goes on vacation in the Bahamas and misplaces her inhibitions. Is she on the road to ruin? And if she is, what will she find at its end?
For the social moth
740 Park is the address of New York’s most exclusive cooperative apartment building. Tales of the rich abound, and some of them are just shocking. Divorce! Adultery! Intrigue! Quick, the herbal tea!
For the nostalgic
Everybody Was So Young is the story of the Murphys, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s benefactors (and the models for some of his characters). Their lives were beautiful and full of fun. And then their luck ran out. Nicole Kidman owns the movie rights — this story is that glamorous.
MUSIC
For the down and dirty
Etta James is big and sassy and unashamed. She likes men and trouble in any combination. And can she sing the blues? Just put on Seven Year Itch, pour a drink, dim the lights.
For the sensitive
Rosanne Cash lost both parents as she was recording Black Cadillac. These songs aren’t about being Johnny’s kid. They’re about trying to find anything to believe in. She does.
For the smarties
Josh Ritter is an exuberant folk rocker on the way up. Think Dylan, think Springsteen. And Animal Years is his best CD yet.
For the ironic
Teddy Thompson knows a little sincerity goes a long way. His lyrics are smart and cutting, his writing is impeccable. The new CD is Separate Ways.
For fans of the Queen
There was never better than Aretha Franklin, and Spirit in the Dark is among her best. But it’s from so long ago, who has it?
For lovers of the exotic
The director of Broken Flowers has an appreciation for the funky jazz that Mulatu Astatke made in the late 1950s. It’s music that is easy to like and will make guests ask: Who did that? And won’t Mom look cool for knowing?
For the ethereal
Music from the convent, as if dictated by Heaven. Hildegard von Bingen was the receiver. Anonymous 4 performs. And the listener is transported.
DVDs
For comedy lovers
Eddie Izzard wears lipstick and heels, but he is so damn smart and funny that quickly becomes the least interesting thing about him.
For romantics
Off the Map takes us to New Mexico, and a marriage with no money and great stress. You’ll cheer for Sam Elliott and Joan Allen all the way.
PRODUCTS
For the coffee lover
The best part of waking up isn’t Folger’s. It’s fair trade coffee you grind yourself and brew expertly. Coffee Kit tells you how.
