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· 221 ratings · 41 reviews
Start your review of On a Street Called Easy, in a Cottage Called Joye
Jan 22, 2020 Mary Cassidy rated it really liked it
Really enjoyed this. I first heard of it at the Van Gogh exhibit in Columbia, South Carolina, which came from Joye. I plan to read the biographies of Pollock and Van Gogh written by Smith and his husband. Would love to have a chance to visit Joye Cottage in Aiken.
Jan 31, 2018 Amy rated it really liked it
House restoration in South Carolina. Been there, done that, but in Charleston and in a 20 room Queen Ann Victorian, not a 60 room mansion built by a robber baron. Still, fun to see Aiken again, from the coziness of my own living room.
At least two people have recommended this book to me, plus I heard the authors on an interview once.
Jun 04, 2009 Karla rated it it was amazing
I stumbled across this book in a book store while on vacation several years ago and just plain enjoyed it. Two Pulitzer Prize wining authors are tired of living in the big city and move to a small community in the South. They purchase a cottage (called Joy) and set about trying to restore it into a place to live. Their experiences with the renovation and the neighbors and contractors they deal with are hilarious. As I am also a transplant to the South this book resonated with many of my own humoI stumbled across this book in a book store while on vacation several years ago and just plain enjoyed it. Two Pulitzer Prize wining authors are tired of living in the big city and move to a small community in the South. They purchase a cottage (called Joy) and set about trying to restore it into a place to live. Their experiences with the renovation and the neighbors and contractors they deal with are hilarious. As I am also a transplant to the South this book resonated with many of my own humorous adjustments to the differences in culture and language. It is a very enjoyable read! ...more
Nov 08, 2021 ejs rated it it was amazing
What a fun book about renovating a mansion! Steven and Greg, from NY, look high and low for a mansion (affordable) to renovate. They find it in Aiken, SC, proceed to find a way for it to be affordable, hire and fire workers, and eventually have their dream! Great fun along the way! "Mr. Johnson's accent, a product of deepest darkest Tennessee, was absolutely impenetrable. Understanding it was not unlike watching one of those murkily miked, ponderously, accented British films of the forties. you What a fun book about renovating a mansion! Steven and Greg, from NY, look high and low for a mansion (affordable) to renovate. They find it in Aiken, SC, proceed to find a way for it to be affordable, hire and fire workers, and eventually have their dream! Great fun along the way! "Mr. Johnson's accent, a product of deepest darkest Tennessee, was absolutely impenetrable. Understanding it was not unlike watching one of those murkily miked, ponderously, accented British films of the forties. you had to clear our mind of all distractions and stare intently at her lips The rest was extrapolation:..." Fun fun writing! ...more
This is such a beloved read - even for the second time! The authors combine cleaver vocabulary and analogies from favorite movies/books with real-life, practical experiences of renovating a 100-year-old mansion. The reader can actually 'see' the house as the author cleverly weaves his descriptions of workers, neighbors, and friends during the reconstruction of a former owner's prized estate. A must-read for anyone with a passion for making the old 'new' again!This is such a beloved read - even for the second time! The authors combine cleaver vocabulary and analogies from favorite movies/books with real-life, practical experiences of renovating a 100-year-old mansion. The reader can actually 'see' the house as the author cleverly weaves his descriptions of workers, neighbors, and friends during the reconstruction of a former owner's prized estate. A must-read for anyone with a passion for making the old 'new' again! ...more
Dec 21, 2021 Susan Dennis rated it it was amazing
This is a wonderful non-fiction, account of the ultimate fixer upper. Joye Cottage is a wonderful old mansion in Aiken, South Carolina. Because once in my jaded past (some 10 years before the tale in the book), I lived next door to Joye Cottage, I grabbed the book. But I cringe when I think if I hadn't lived there, I might not have even found this great story. It's like the most clever, long, happy letter from a dear friend.This is a wonderful non-fiction, account of the ultimate fixer upper. Joye Cottage is a wonderful old mansion in Aiken, South Carolina. Because once in my jaded past (some 10 years before the tale in the book), I lived next door to Joye Cottage, I grabbed the book. But I cringe when I think if I hadn't lived there, I might not have even found this great story. It's like the most clever, long, happy letter from a dear friend. ...more
This was an interesting read - about how two authors buy a run down mansion in South Carolina and fix it up. The history was interesting - so much so, that I googled the cottage to see what it actually looks like and to read a bit more about the previous owners. It was also cute - not laugh out loud funny - but cute enough for a quiet guffaw. It was well done.
I picked this to read while we renovate our bathroom. He is an entertaining writer and I liked the history and humor, as well as the architectural nuance. I just wish there had been a little more personal details - I know nothing of their relationship- and perhaps some photos of Joye Cottage!
Apr 14, 2020 Susan rated it really liked it
Really fun true-life story of two New Yorkers who purchased a 60 room dilapidated mansion in Aiken and their renovation stories. Interesting characters throughout. Makes me want to go read more of the history of Aiken!
Nov 15, 2021 BookBully rated it really liked it
A solid 3.5 for this charming tale of a daunting renovation. I grew up - and now live - two blocks from Joye Cottage. What the two authors have accomplished is nothing short of magnificent. I'm not only referring to the mansion but to their literary gifts as well.
Jun 20, 2017 V rated it it was amazing
Really enjoyed this book. Glad I stumbled across it.
Dec 01, 2017 Heather rated it really liked it
Witty and light! A fun glimpse into Aiken culture, history, and humor.
May 04, 2018 Luann rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Recommended to Luann by: Mom
Full of humor and history this delightful book is an account of the partial renovation of Joye Cottage in Aiken, South Carolina. Well worth the read.
Oct 03, 2018 Marge rated it it was amazing
Delightful rendition of restoring a rundown mansion in Aiken to its former glory
Nov 06, 2018 Chuck rated it it was amazing
America version of A Year in Provence! Excellent!
Feb 25, 2020 Lanette rated it liked it
Really enjoyed this one. Reminded me of "Merry Hall" across the pond.Really enjoyed this one. Reminded me of "Merry Hall" across the pond. ...more
Feb 16, 2021 Ellen Woodoff rated it it was amazing
Great fun, an easy and entertaining read. Much shorter than the authors' books on Jackson Pollack and Vincent Van Gogh, both excellent.Great fun, an easy and entertaining read. Much shorter than the authors' books on Jackson Pollack and Vincent Van Gogh, both excellent. ...more
A 3 star plus book.... fun to read. Well written and engaging memoir.
An explanation of my star rating. 5= Truly cream of the crop. Amazing. In a wondrous realm of their own 4= Special and well written. Truly a good/maybe great book, but not a rare 5 star wonder. 3= Moments of brilliance, a pleasure to read. I'd recommend it. 2= An average book... since I'm not usually reading mass market romances/mysteries, they are average in MY range of books. (I admit that sounds snarky) 1= Why did I bother to
A 3 star plus book.... fun to read. Well written and engaging memoir.
An explanation of my star rating. 5= Truly cream of the crop. Amazing. In a wondrous realm of their own 4= Special and well written. Truly a good/maybe great book, but not a rare 5 star wonder. 3= Moments of brilliance, a pleasure to read. I'd recommend it. 2= An average book... since I'm not usually reading mass market romances/mysteries, they are average in MY range of books. (I admit that sounds snarky) 1= Why did I bother to read this? I was lured past a certain point and I finished it. "Finish what you start" has been largely replaced with "ditch it if it's not worth my time" but for some reason I slogged on.
...more
Jul 19, 2009 Linda rated it it was amazing
Subtitled, A Restoration Comedy, this is an account by two successful authors of their purchase of a very large mansion in Aiken, SC. Formerly owned by robber baron William Whitney, the house has been allowed to go to ruin and the work of restoring the home to live in condition seemed endless. Their experiences are told with wit, along with stories about the town and about the Whitney family. An enjoyable companion to UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN: two accounts of people who buy and restore a home they lSubtitled, A Restoration Comedy, this is an account by two successful authors of their purchase of a very large mansion in Aiken, SC. Formerly owned by robber baron William Whitney, the house has been allowed to go to ruin and the work of restoring the home to live in condition seemed endless. Their experiences are told with wit, along with stories about the town and about the Whitney family. An enjoyable companion to UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN: two accounts of people who buy and restore a home they love. ...more
Feb 16, 2016 Marfita rated it liked it
Disclaimer: I know these men. I worked for them in NYC. I transcribed research on Lee Krasner for their Pulitzer Prize winning biography of Jackson Pollock. They are trained as lawyers and their techniques are suitably painstaking. That said, it's nice to see something fluffy and popular that they created. I hope they are still happy together in the "cottage" they renovated with the same painstaking care they exerted on the Pollock book and their other oeuvre (let's not go into particulars thereDisclaimer: I know these men. I worked for them in NYC. I transcribed research on Lee Krasner for their Pulitzer Prize winning biography of Jackson Pollock. They are trained as lawyers and their techniques are suitably painstaking. That said, it's nice to see something fluffy and popular that they created. I hope they are still happy together in the "cottage" they renovated with the same painstaking care they exerted on the Pollock book and their other oeuvre (let's not go into particulars there - contact me if you are really that interested). ...more
Apr 30, 2019 Kimberly rated it really liked it
I read this book years ago when my mother in law gave it to me. My husband and I used to do home renovation and flip houses, so this read on restoring a giant Whitney mansion was right up my alley. I have never laughed so much reading a book. Every other page had me breaking into hysterics. Their descriptions of local characters and the complete insanity of some of the steps to take in restoring thousands and thousands of antebellum square feet captivated me. I still re-read this book occasionalI read this book years ago when my mother in law gave it to me. My husband and I used to do home renovation and flip houses, so this read on restoring a giant Whitney mansion was right up my alley. I have never laughed so much reading a book. Every other page had me breaking into hysterics. Their descriptions of local characters and the complete insanity of some of the steps to take in restoring thousands and thousands of antebellum square feet captivated me. I still re-read this book occasionally just to laugh. Worth the read! ...more
Jul 05, 2012 Rebekkila rated it really liked it
This is one of those books that I had forever and finally became tired of staring at it'spine on my bookshelf. I wish I had picked it up earlier. It had so many of my favorite things: South Carolina, history, great writers, and disastrous home renovations. Having lived in South Carolina I could picture the people and the landscape perfectly. On my next trip down there I think I might have to drive to Aiken just to get a look at the old Whitney mansion...I hope it is done by then.This is one of those books that I had forever and finally became tired of staring at it'spine on my bookshelf. I wish I had picked it up earlier. It had so many of my favorite things: South Carolina, history, great writers, and disastrous home renovations. Having lived in South Carolina I could picture the people and the landscape perfectly. On my next trip down there I think I might have to drive to Aiken just to get a look at the old Whitney mansion...I hope it is done by then. ...more
Mar 05, 2012 Leslie rated it really liked it
New Yorkers aren't too bright are they? This makes all of my renovations and my parent's renovations look like a walk in the park. This is a highly readable adventure in "home" renovation, if you agree that 60 rooms are a home. Very funny, sometimes heartbreaking (the wine), and definitely a must read for all DIY homeowners and those who like to dream of mansions and estate living.New Yorkers aren't too bright are they? This makes all of my renovations and my parent's renovations look like a walk in the park. This is a highly readable adventure in "home" renovation, if you agree that 60 rooms are a home. Very funny, sometimes heartbreaking (the wine), and definitely a must read for all DIY homeowners and those who like to dream of mansions and estate living. ...more
Oct 05, 2008 Pam rated it it was amazing
Fun, fun read about two Pulitzer Prize winning, gay authors relocating from NYC to a small southern town. They spend their time renovating a 60 room mansion and have to deal with the local artisans to assist in their endeavor. You won't be able to put it down!Fun, fun read about two Pulitzer Prize winning, gay authors relocating from NYC to a small southern town. They spend their time renovating a 60 room mansion and have to deal with the local artisans to assist in their endeavor. You won't be able to put it down! ...more
I recently reread this fun book: two men from New York City buy a "cottage" in Aiken, SC. The book is full of delightful tales about the characters whom they dealt with on the renovation and their new friends.I recently reread this fun book: two men from New York City buy a "cottage" in Aiken, SC. The book is full of delightful tales about the characters whom they dealt with on the renovation and their new friends. ...more
Cute recounting of a couple remodeling a mammoth old Southern mansion. A light, fun read -- the contractor mishaps get a bit episodic and the chapters almost felt serialized, as if the book was a compilation of a weekly column about their renovation venture, but it was still a joy to read!
Jan 20, 2013 Becca rated it it was amazing
"Amusing, wonderful telling of the restoration of a grand Aiken SC mansion, 60 rooms, all in need of massive repairs, "handyman special from hell" as these Pulitzer Prize winningasuthors also adjust to small-town-southern ways after moving from NYC.""Amusing, wonderful telling of the restoration of a grand Aiken SC mansion, 60 rooms, all in need of massive repairs, "handyman special from hell" as these Pulitzer Prize winningasuthors also adjust to small-town-southern ways after moving from NYC." ...more
My grandparents lived in this town and recommended this book - it really does uncover the town "society" and is a "Joy" to read.My grandparents lived in this town and recommended this book - it really does uncover the town "society" and is a "Joy" to read. ...more
Oct 28, 2008 Michelle rated it it was amazing
I love reading books about restoration and renovation and this one is told with a wonderful wit and humor.
Amazing, funny, quirky, very worthwhile read. Find an out-of-the-way spot to settle in with this - somewhere that your hoots and guffaws won't wake the dead. Seriously, this book is a riot. :DAmazing, funny, quirky, very worthwhile read. Find an out-of-the-way spot to settle in with this - somewhere that your hoots and guffaws won't wake the dead. Seriously, this book is a riot. :D ...more
Gregory White Smith was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American biographer of both Jackson Pollock and Vincent van Gogh. In addition to writing 18 books with Steven Naifeh, Smith was an accomplished musician, historic preservationist, art collector, philanthropist, attorney, and businessman who founded several companies including Best Lawyers® that spawned an entire industry of professional rankings. WikGregory White Smith was a Pulitzer Prize-winning American biographer of both Jackson Pollock and Vincent van Gogh. In addition to writing 18 books with Steven Naifeh, Smith was an accomplished musician, historic preservationist, art collector, philanthropist, attorney, and businessman who founded several companies including Best Lawyers® that spawned an entire industry of professional rankings. Wikipedia ...more
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