“Allison Pataki’s new book, ‘ The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post,’ is off my Bedside Table and now one to share.

“The book gives a very clear and interesting picture of the journey of American heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and the company first established by her father, C.W. Post Cereal (eventually General Foods). As a little girl, Marjorie helped her father glue cereal labels to boxes in the family’s garage. Eventually, though, she was entertaining presidents, making large philanthropic gifts, and building luxury estates such as Mar-a-Lago in Florida (Former President Trump bought her former home in the 1980s). The book also introduces readers to Marjorie’s four husbands, her life (for a time) in Russia, and her great love for life. By the time you reach the last page and she is 86, you feel you know her well. ‘The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post’ is interesting historical fiction that you, too, will want to share. She was a woman truly of her time but still relevant in our time.” — GRETCHEN NEIDLINGER, Gorham


Mainers, please email to tell us about the book on your bedside table right now. In a paragraph or two, describe the book and be sure to tell us what drew you to it. We want to hear what you are reading and why. Send your selection to pgrodinsky@pressherald.com, and we may use it as a future Bedside Table.