Book Blogger Hop, A New Look, and More

Happy Friday! It's time for another Book Blogger Hop, from August 6 - August 9, hosted by Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books.

This week's question is from Chelle from The Prairie Library: Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are your favorite reading tunes?

I prefer quiet while I'm reading and don't play music, even though I love music. The same holds true when I'm writing--I don't want any distractions, even beautiful music. I don't mind a few sounds, a plane passing by, a bird chirping outdoors, but for the most part I concentrate better without too much noise from the outside world.

If you're new to my blog, welcome! If you've visited before, you may notice that I've made some changes. I've upgraded to Blogger Template Designer. It was a bit scary making the changes, but I think this new template will help solve some of the space issues I had before.

My daughter just started a young adult book blog called Chapters. I hope some of you will take a moment to hop by and welcome her.

Thanks very much for stopping by. If you'd like me to hop over to your blog, simply leave a comment.

The Rembrandt Affair: A Questionnaire

Often I am privileged to interview authors. Now I am in a sense the one being interviewed in this non-traditional review of The Rembrandt Affair, the new thriller by NY Times bestselling author Daniel Silva. The publisher presented ten questions pertaining to the book, which I've answered below.


If you were to write a blurb in fewer than three sentences for The Rembrandt Affair, what would it be?

If you seek excitement, don't leave the house--instead, turn off your computer and cell phone, set out the "Do Not Disturb" sign, and open up the latest thriller by Daniel Silva. Furnished with mystery, art, and intrigue, your requirement for excitement will not only be met but exceeded as you join Gabriel Allon on his new adventures around the world.


Gabriel Allon is a talented spy and assassin, but also a master art restorer. If you could have two careers that seem to be complete opposites, what would they be?

That's a great question. I tried to come up with professions that are diametrically opposed. I'm not sure if I completely succeed (in fact, I know I haven't), but I'll choose an artist, a sculptress to be more precise, and a novelist. The first is tactile and communicates in such a different way than the fiction writer. (I studied art and English in college, so I actually have a background in both areas.)


What three words would you use to describe the character of Gabriel Allon?

Professional, unflappable, and perspicacious--that's how I'd describe Gabriel Allon.


The Rembrandt Affair takes the reader all over the world. Of all the locations mentioned, which would be your ideal vacation spot?

Many of the cities mentioned in the book appeal to me--Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, Paris, Tel Aviv, etc.--but if I had to choose only one, it would be London. I am a bit of an Anglophile, am thoroughly charmed by English accents, and "favour" the ambiance of London. It simply seems so established and civilized and sophisticated. I visited London many years ago, armed with an old Nikon and a sense of awe, and would love to return.


Art theft plays a major role in the novel. If no crime were involved, what piece of art would you like to have in your home?

Since I don't think my husband would appreciate discovering a beautiful, giant, naked man in the living room, I won't choose David by Michelangelo. I love the work of the Impressionists, and would probably choose a painting from Claude Monet's Water Lilies series, such as Nymphéas, which is absolutely spectacular. The colors and play of light define glorious!




Zoe Reed is a powerful female character in the novel. Tell us about an influential woman in your life.

My mother is a very strong woman. Along with careers in the medical field and real estate, she raised four daughters without ever complaining. I marvel at the strength and optimism she's shown over the years, which continue now, as she faces health problems with great courage.


Who was your favorite “good guy” in The Rembrandt Affair and why?

This was my first book by Daniel Silva, and my introduction to Gabriel Allon, who impressed me with his intelligence and compassion. He is a "good guy", a hero without being a stereotypical hero. He never gives up and doesn't compromise his ideals throughout the book, whether he's dealing with art or with people.


All of the technology discussed in the novel is real. Does any of it surprise you?

I know that there's far more technology than I could ever imagine, so it didn't really surprise me. That being said though, what's currently out there is nothing short of amazing. I'm not supposed to quote from my copy of the book, because it's not the final version, so I'll paraphrase a bit. The book says that mobile technology has enabled governments to monitor the words of their citizens, their e-mails, and even their thoughts in ways that were previously just science fiction. The brave new world has definitely arrived!


What celebrity would play Gabriel Allon if The Rembrandt Affair were on the big screen?

There is only one person I can see in this role. Please don't accuse me of "brown-nosing", but the whole time I read The Rembrandt Affair I pictured the author as protagonist Gabriel Allon. Once I saw the photo below, that's who I imagined as the character. Or maybe there's an actor who resembles Daniel Silva?



Which fellow book-loving, blogging friend do you think would enjoy The Rembrandt Affair? Tag them here and we will mail a finished copy of the novel!

Thank you for your generosity! I would like to tag my fellow blogger and writer Kim Smith from Writing Space. As the author of a few mysteries herself, I'm sure she'll appreciate and enjoy this riveting book.


Special thanks to Lisa from TLC and Putnam for including me on this tour. For other such reviews of this book, please visit the other stops on TLC's The Rembrandt Affair blog tour.