The rating for this one is how *I* felt about this one. I have been vegan for sometime, have lots and lots of vegan cookbooks, and always reading new The rating for this one is how *I* felt about this one. I have been vegan for sometime, have lots and lots of vegan cookbooks, and always reading new ones. I found this one 'OK' per the rating. The authors show their love for NYC and the food there. But for me, I did not care much for the recipes. I prefer to cook more whole foods, plant based. I'm not into the vegan products - vegan mayo, vegan cream cheese, soy curls, store bought/processed products. I prefer to make my own. The recipes in this one are HEAVY on the store bought items. Lots of them call for vegan cheese. I for one prefer not to use that. Again, this is just me. The recipes are for dishes that can be found all around NYC and the boroughs. But nothing really stood out to me. Many of these recipes I have made, and not used processed ingredients, or found in other vegan cookbooks. For example, the vegan cheesecake used 4 packages of vegan cream cheese - OMG, that stuff is $$$. But I have made many other vegan cheesecakes from tofu or nuts.
Now, for someone trying to transition to a vegan diet, this might appeal to them. Being vegan today there are so many options of vegan food in grocery stores it makes it a bit easier to move into that food lifestyle. A person I know who recently decided to go vegan, relies heavily on these items - vegan meats, vegan cheeses, and so on. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It just does not work for me. The recipes are not complicated and many are quite basic, easy to make. The book also includes a bunch of black and white photos of NYC which I did enjoy....more
Oh my! This one was completely unexpected. The title....I thought, surely it does not contain erotic stories. But it did...and I listened toRating 4.5
Oh my! This one was completely unexpected. The title....I thought, surely it does not contain erotic stories. But it did...and I listened to this one via audio! Thankfully, I was home alone cleaning while I listened. I so enjoy reading anything about India and Indian culture and when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it.
Nikki is a young, modern Punjabi Indian girl living in London. Her parents, immigrants, want the best for her. Her father wanted her to be a lawyer and go to law school. But Nikki didn't know what she wanted, but knew it was not law school. So she drops out. She lives above a bar where she tends bar but she needs money for her now widowed mother. Her sister wants a traditional Indian marriage that is arranged, she asks Nikki to place an add for her on a community center board at the Punjabi temple in Southall. Here she instead finds a job add for someone to teach creative writing to Sikh widows. Nikki takes the job, well, no one else really applied to teach it either. During class, Nikki finds that many of these widows are illiterate. But what they really want is to tell stories....erotic stories. It makes them feel bold, strong, and a bit naughty. Nikki is thrown into the Sikh community and their rules. This is forbidden. There are a bunch of young local Sikh men, The Brotherhood, who go around keeping all the women in community inline, branding themselves the morality police. It's all quite scandalous. Women are so afraid to do anything and someone is threatening women in the community. But as more women hear about these stories told at class, more want to join. They begin to step out from behind their fear, and now their husbands (it's not all widows in the end), and do things for themselves. They stand-up for themselves.
Oh I enjoyed this one. It is funny, a bit tense, there is murder, jealousy, scandal....and more than I wanted to know about ghee and aubergines (in the stories). One passage I so enjoyed was the telling of the phrase 'book regret'...where Nikki saw a book and wanted it so bad, but decided not to get it. And since then she has suffered from book regret as she can no longer find the book in print. I learned so much about the Sikh culture also. It's not heavy on the erotic stories (that's not my thing) but a few are weaved into the story, it's more about the culture of these women and how they bond together and grow from the strength to actually tell these stories, their fantasies. The audio was wonderful and I loved every minute of it. I had to knock it a 1/2 star just for some predictability. I do highly suggest this one if you want a fun story, to learn about Indian culture, and want to listen to a fabulous audio. I just suggest....maybe some earbuds for the more racy parts....more
74 pages on thoughts on book covers. Yup. But it was quite fascinating. I'm a huge Jhumpa Lahiri fan and have read all her books. I was recently looki74 pages on thoughts on book covers. Yup. But it was quite fascinating. I'm a huge Jhumpa Lahiri fan and have read all her books. I was recently looking at my library list of new audio books and saw this was there. I was so excited and immediately started it. In The Clothing of Books, Lahiri details how she feels about book covers, really feels about them. She has published 5 books and that sums up to over 100 different book covers/jackets. 100 different! Different covers for hardcover, paperback, ebooks, audio and then for different countries. If you are a lover of books this is a wonderful read. Very short, less than 1 hr to listen to via audio, which is also narrated by Lahiri.
She also talks about how sometimes authors don't have a choice on their book covers. For her books, the covers typically have Indian themes when in fact, her books take place in America and now Italy. I also found it interesting that she said books should sell the author, but many book covers have so many quotes from OTHER authors telling you why you should read the book. But does the cover sell the author, in most cases, no. I am one who is drawn to book covers. Sometimes I have picked up a book solely on being lured in by the cover. Other times, I shunned books due to horrible covers. I finally gave in on one of these horrible book covers and found such a gem (I'm looking at you The Animators). I'm sure as book lovers, many people 'judge' a book by it's cover. Another interesting item is that if a book does not sell very well, the cover is changed.
As I was listening to this one, I could not help think this was done as a way for Lahiri to practice writing in Italian. Her last book was about her love of the language, written in Italian. In the end, she notes that this was a talk she wrote to deliver at a festival in Italy and turned into this gem of a book....more
What a fun, whimsical, magical story. Initially, the name drew me in, then the cover, and when I saw in the blurb it said 'fairies' I was hRating 4.5
What a fun, whimsical, magical story. Initially, the name drew me in, then the cover, and when I saw in the blurb it said 'fairies' I was hopelessly hooked. I bugged my library to get a copy and they got both print and audio....I naturally selected the audio and loved every minute of it. I didn't want this one end. One line in the book that I kept coming back to....Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. And that is key to this wonderful book. And I for one, believe and love to read about magic.
The Cottingley Secret is a story that rotates between two timelines, the early 1900's and present day. In present day, Olivia is lost, getting ready to marry a man she really doesn't love. Her grandfather has just died and gave to her his bookstore, Something Old. The other story, in the early 1900's in Cottingley, Yorkshire, you learn of two young girls, who photographed fairies and ultimately captivated the world. In present day, Olivia finds a book in the bookstore telling the story of these two young girls and is enthralled and entwined in this story. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these stories and each had warmed my heart. This historical fiction is another one of those stories where a small piece of history is plucked and a story is weaved around it. The story of the girls, two cousins, who photographed the fairies in their garden is real. The story became so widespread and popular that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was fascinated by it and used the photos and the story in an article that he was writing about fairies. Everyone knew the story and believed in the fairies. You see, it was a time of war, where families would constantly get messages that a son was lost in the war until there were no more sons left. So people wanted, and needed, to believe in something.
I am so glad that I finally read this one...eh, listened to it. The audio was fabulous. I loved every minute of it. And now, I've just grabbed this authors latest book (Thanks Jennifer for the tip!). A feel-good story that brings hope, fun, and magic to the reader. That is....if you believe in magic....more
I'm a big fan of Jamie Oliver. He's really down to earth and has a bit of charm. I started watching him many, many years ago with his first TV show onI'm a big fan of Jamie Oliver. He's really down to earth and has a bit of charm. I started watching him many, many years ago with his first TV show on the BBC - The Naked Chef. I really liked him and have since watched many of his shows and checked out many of his cookbooks. I thought this one is fitting for the time of year. It's a huge book, with lots of different types of recipes. Crazy recipes (well, to me...such as turkey sloppy joes), traditional British recipes (yorkshire puddings, triffle, etc), and just some fun, inventive ones. Chapters include:
Introduction Smart Starters The Main Event Veggie and Vegan Plates The Wonderful World of Potatoes Scrumptious Vegetables Gravy, Sauces and all the Trimmings Incredible Leftovers Spectacular Festive Puddings Afternoon Tea and Sweet Treats Cute Edible Gifts Super-Fantastic Salads Dips, Bites and Handheld Nibbles Perfect Christmas Drinks Guide To Roasting Meat
There are so many different types of recipes from easy to complicated. A big dessert section which is a bonus for me. Lots and lots of drool worthy food porn, I think every recipe has a picture, even the gravy recipes. But I have to knock it a star as there are too many photos of him. (cookbook authors, please stop doing this) I doubt I would make much from this one...being vegan and all (lot of meat recipes). But I get ideas from it. I have a few I have marked to try and tweak a bit. I liked the food gift section as it's nice to give these types of gifts to the person who has everything. I plan on testing his hot cocoa mix to see if it rivals the one I make, but first I must figure out what the heck one of the ingredients is. Ha!
A great one to checkout if you want to get some ideas for a huge, festive holiday meal, if you want inventive ways to re-use turkey, or you just want to see a bunch of gorgeous food photos....more
I don't often read childrens books (as I don't have kids) but when Renée Paule asked if I was interested in reading her new book, I didn't think twiceI don't often read childrens books (as I don't have kids) but when Renée Paule asked if I was interested in reading her new book, I didn't think twice about it. Having read a previous book of hers, which I enjoyed very much (Just Around The Bend: Más o Menos), I was eager to read another of her books.
This is the perfect childrens book. I could see this being a wonderful nighttime, bedtime story for children (I have done tons of babysitting in my time so I understand this). Not only that, it's highly educational for children. You learn about gardening, a lifecycle of plants, bees, and just have a feel good story. The drawings are simply amazing. I loved the picture of the wind and the wind blowing. I started noticing little pictures of items in the book and thought how cute. But getting to the end, it asked if 'Did you see' these various items. Also, asking questions about 'what did you learn'. Again, a great learning experience for children providing interaction, thinking and remembering. But more importantly, not to be afraid and if you are, to face your fears. So many great lessons in this one to teach to children.
I would suggest this to anyone with children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and so on. A wonderful Christmas gift for kids too. I was provided a copy of this book by the author but it no way influenced my review. It was truly a special book for kids and I loved it. After all, it's for ages 4 to 99. :-)...more
With this one, it's a bunch of 'vegan lifestyle' coaches helping you navigate being vegan, exploring the options, or just being interested in adopting a plant-based lifestyle. There are lots of tips in the book. Recipes are contributed by many different people and for me, they were also just OK. I don't care to cook or use processed vegan items. Nothing jumped out at me that I would want to make. Again, perhaps I have just read so many cookbooks, I'm getting harder to please. Overall, a good book for someone who is new to plant based eating and really wants to learn shortcuts, or substitutions, or tips on getting a healthy meal on the table quickly. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this one....more
OK, this might sound really weird....but I've been to a lot of funerals. And I mean a lot. As a very young girl, I used to go church on weekends with OK, this might sound really weird....but I've been to a lot of funerals. And I mean a lot. As a very young girl, I used to go church on weekends with my grandparents, and they would always go to the funeral home after church. It was always the funeral home three day viewings followed by a church service and grave site service. Many, many years later a family member passed and was cremated. I thought it the oddest thing, completely unheard of. I had many long discussions with my husband about it as I was so confused. I didn't know there was anything different. This book was an eye opening experience to see different countries and cultures and their methods of burying the dead.
I found it fascinating to learn of so many different methods from an open air funeral pyre, to cultures who keep a body in the house for 5, 10+ years mummifying the body, to Indonesia where they prop up their bodies, to Japan where they have very ultra-modern places to sit with the deceased and where relatives use chopsticks to pluck their loved- ones’ bones from cremation ashes, to homes that store skulls, and many more. Finally, to the one I found most fascinating....the FOREST. The Forensic Osteology Research Station in North Carolina. Here, bodies are placed on the grounds of a research facility and 'composted' providing a green burial. The author is a mortician and is fascinated by how people fear dead bodies. She is also quite rough on the American funeral industry and doesn't hold back. It is a huge area that makes tons of money. Your basic American funeral can start at around $20K and go up substantially from there.
I find it odd to say I 'enjoyed' reading this book, but I learned a lot about how many in the rest of the world view death and how they bury their dead. The book includes illustrations that show many of the rituals and images of Mexico's Dias de los Muertos. I have not read the authors first book but it is one I plan to pick up soon. I can't say this is for everyone. Some might find it quite macabre. I found it a bit educational and it's one that can lead to many in-depth discussions....more
Cute book. A bunch of weird, but mostly dumb things people say in bookstores. Obviously some of the dumber things were said by non-readers. Example: CCute book. A bunch of weird, but mostly dumb things people say in bookstores. Obviously some of the dumber things were said by non-readers. Example: Customer: Do you have any books by Jane Eyre?
I think this one would work better as a book you pick up here and there and read a page or two. Reading it all at once, it seemed to loose something along the way. I have another book like this, but about travelling, and I pick it up here and there for a laugh....more
So, you know when someone puts a plate in front of you and says 'It's hot. Don't touch the plate.' and you immediately touch the plate. You just had tSo, you know when someone puts a plate in front of you and says 'It's hot. Don't touch the plate.' and you immediately touch the plate. You just had to see for yourself. Yeah, that's how I felt with this one. I read so many less than stellar reviews of this one but I had to find out for myself. I wanted to read this one since I first heard about it. Then I saw the wonderful Isabel Allende talk about the book and I couldn't *WAIT* to read it. Perhaps despite all the reviews, I still had such high expectations.
The story rotates between three people Evelyn, Lucia, and Richard and a minor accident that brought them all together. You move back and forth in time hearing the backstory of each and then moving back to the present time. There is just too much going on. Each one of these four story lines could be their own book. Just putting them all together gets confusing. Just as you get drawn into hearing for example Evelyn's story you are roughly brought back to a different story. And it's too much. Also, it's utterly depressing. Nothing good happens and so much of it I started to think 'oh come on, really'. It just kept piling on more and more bad things happening. I also read books to escape....going to different countries, a time in history, and more. I don't really want to read something about current events. This is just me. Perhaps another time the refugee story would be fine, hearing about MS13 gangs, political issues, etc....just all in the news right now.
I switched between print and audio, and sorry to say, I did not like the audio. I had to put this one aside for awhile and take a break, seeing if that helped. Maybe it was not the right time to read this one. I might even have gone a bit lower on my rating but tried to balance out my nit-picking (not wanting to read about current events - and perhaps going with 3 due to my love of Allende). I look forward to reading another book from Allende. And looking forward to a sweeping saga with lots of magical realism....more
Reading The Marriage of Opposites really made me think.....The Rules of Magic is my favorite Alice Hoffman book, but have I found a new favorite? Oh yReading The Marriage of Opposites really made me think.....The Rules of Magic is my favorite Alice Hoffman book, but have I found a new favorite? Oh yes, it is my new favorite as I adored this book. One of the things I love about Hoffman's books is that each one is so different. Yes, she has a running theme in many of her books and this one was no different....the color red, red haired women, birds, and of course, love (no magical realism in here, but not missed). But the stories she weaves are so unique and varied but utterly captivating.
The Marriage of Opposites is the story of Rachel Pissarro, growing up on the island of St. Thomas in the early 1800's. I enjoy visiting St. Thomas and seeing the land (though I'm more partial to Tortola right across the water via ferry). I enjoyed hearing of the lush lands, the foods, and the people from so long ago. Rachel was a strong young woman who spoke her mind and did what she wanted. Naturally, this ruffled many feathers in her community and within the Jewish families. Rachel was married to her fathers business partner to help save the business, and so her epic life began. The story moves back and forth between St. Thomas and Paris, France where Rachel has longed to visit. There are many rules of marriage and that of opposites is forbidden. But that does not stop Rachel. Eventually when her husband dies, she marries his nephew who is sent to the island to take over the business. And so begins the love affair that last many years to come. Though they are shunned due to this forbidden marriage. But Rachel does not care. She gives birth to many children, but one in particular is focused on. That is Camille Pissarro, the the Father of Impressionism. One of the wonderful things of this book is that it's part true story, and part fiction. Camille was a real person, a very well known painter in France, and his mother was Rachel, who gave birth to many children. Hoffman weaves this true tale but adding in more details of their lives. This is quite the family saga drawn over many years and many people.
I listened to the audio version of this which added to the beauty of this book. The narrators were wonderful, switching between the voice of Rachel, Camille, and a 'narrator' telling this amazing story. If you can't tell by now, I loved this book. I'm so glad that I finally read it and will tell any Hoffman fan to pick this one up. I just need to figure out which Hoffman book to follow up with now. I think that is a tall order to fill....more
Joyce Maynard books have languished on my TBR piles for years. I always keep saying 'Oh I need to read her books' but they just never make iRating 4.5
Joyce Maynard books have languished on my TBR piles for years. I always keep saying 'Oh I need to read her books' but they just never make it to the top. I recently read a great review of this book by Bianca and immediately ordered this one.
After Her tells the coming of age story of Rachel and her younger sister Patty, in the late 70's early 80's in California. How these two adjust to growing up, growing up in a broken home, poor, and with a father who they absolutely idolized. Watching tv from sitting outside their neighbors house, in the yard, watching the Brady Bunch, through the window, adding their own dialogue. But, they also lived in the shadow of a serial killer of women, The Sunset Strangler. This story is loosely based on the story of the "Trailside Killer". The girls played in the mountains where the Strangler hunted his prey. Their father, a homicide detective, heading up the investigation to finding this psychopath. The two girls were as close as can be, but the lure of being popular was too much for Rachel, who took advantage of capitalizing on being the daughter of the detective in charge of the case. She told stories of the killer and investigation. Her father's case was going no where and when her fathers job is in limbo, she's determined to find the killer. Even putting herself in the direct path of the killer.
I really enjoyed this story and loved hearing of the girls growing up. Giving insight into these two girls, how divorce hit them, how they idolized their father, and the vivid imaginations they had. Even when Rachel grew up and was still telling her story, even when it became just a bit predictable, I wanted to hear more. I listened to the audio version and it is one of the rare times when an author reads their own book and it's wonderful. A truly wonderful read that has pushed me to add Maynard other books to the top of my reading list. I look forward to the next one....more
Wiley Cash is an author that for a very long time I have been meaning to read. But he always get pushed to the bottom of my pile. I was excited there Wiley Cash is an author that for a very long time I have been meaning to read. But he always get pushed to the bottom of my pile. I was excited there was a Traveling Sisters read for this one and I jumped in immediately. After all that, it was just OK for me.
Twelve-year-old Easter and her six-year-old sister Ruby are growing up in North Carolina and have a rough life. Their mother dies of a drug overdose and their father gave them up, signed those papers with no other thoughts. Now, they are in a home. The story is told from four points of view - the girls, their father Wade, a psychopath Pruitt, and their court-appointed guardian Brady. Wade wants to now do right by his girls, but he's so misguided and steals money from a local thug. Then, he kidnaps the girls from their home and flees with them. The thug hires Pruitt, who has past issues with Wade and is driven by revenge, to find him and his money. Brady, is a troubled soul who ultimately is confronted to do the right thing for the girls. He's an ex-cop, now a man just going through the motions of life. All of these people come together in an unusual way, at a baseball game in St. Louis. Sounds explosive right? It just seemed slow for me. Wade and Pruitt were ex-baseball players and this book was heavy on baseball. I don't care to read about sports. I watch it with my husband, book in hand, I just don't like to read about sports. Guess I'm just a big girlie.
The story moved slow and I kept thinking something is going to happen soon. I guess I wanted more edge, grit, tension. I listened to the audio and the narrators were good. It's a quick read/listen but it just needed more punch. Overall, I'm glad that I read it and finally gave Cash a try....more
Lies, greed, murder, cover-ups....what a frightful Halloween read. Except this one is a true story, which makes it even more frightening. This is the Lies, greed, murder, cover-ups....what a frightful Halloween read. Except this one is a true story, which makes it even more frightening. This is the true story of the Osage Indians. How they were taken advantage of and belittled by everyone. In the early 19th century, they were forced from their lands and eventually ended up taking up residence on Indian territory, which is now known as Oklahoma. Then, in the early 20th century, there was found to be oil on those lands. They had a headright on the lands, which is a legal grant of land to settlers. (Yup, I looked it up.) Leasing land allowed the Osage to become some of the wealthiest people in the country. But the white people did not like this, referring to them as 'filthy redskins' and other remarks. The government even thought they were not educated enough to manage their own money, appointing trustees for each Osage Indian. The Osage had an allowance, very small, in which they could spend each month. When they needed money for something...sending a child to a better school, medicine for a sick child, they had to ask their trustee, who often told them no. And then, if it was not bad enough, they were being murdered.....for their land. It is one of the most chilling, true stories I have read (well, except Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders.)
The book details all of this and the many murders of the Osage. It seemed everyone was against them. The government, even local officials, everyone. They could not stand that they had this wealth. It was found that the trustees appointed to them were often stealing money from them, in large amounts. And after a number of years, when the murders were not solved, and more were being committed, the federal government got involved. Oh, but what became the FBI CHARGED the Indians a large fee to actually investigate the murders. Nothing that was done in any other investigation. Sometimes I thought, how could this happen, how could our government do this, how could this greed and corruption go on....and then I turn on the news. Yeah, nuff said.
Anyway, an incredible book about a time in our history. An utterly fascinating story that I'm so glad I read. When the book was released, the title alone hooked me. So I immediately requested the audio. Now, the bad part...one of *the worst* audio narrations I have come across. There were three narrators in total. The first narrator, read like she was telling a bed-time story, with over the top embellishments. Like she was telling me a story about a fuzzy monster under my bed when she was describing how a person was murdered. I wanted to stop, I really did. But the print version at my library....yeah, I would have been #72 in the queue. At this point, I was hooked, and just tried to put the narration out of my head. I looked at a preview of the book and saw it has tons of photos. So I have it on order and plan to revisit this one after I get the book.
A highly recommended read! But read the print, your missing pictures pertaining to this history. And the narration is just dreadful. Plus, there are a lot of people involved in this story, and print can help keeping track, you can go back easily and re-read portions. I plan on reading more from this author and perhaps reading more non-fiction in general....more
I had no idea how this book ended up at my library for me. I order so many cookbooks and probably don't remember ordering it. I get a couple a month fI had no idea how this book ended up at my library for me. I order so many cookbooks and probably don't remember ordering it. I get a couple a month from the library to peruse. When I started it, I was immediately hooked. The author first had a food blog which in turn this book was born. I don't know the blog but plan on visiting soon.
The breakdown:
Mornings and Breakfasts Soups and Stews Salads and Dressings Hearty Mains and Big Plates Vegetables and a Couple of Grains Energizing Drinks and Small Bites Desserts and Small Treats
What amazed me most is that I went to soup section first to try recipes instead of the dessert section. I tried a couple soups and loved them. The one that stands out for me is a detox soup (Deep Immune Cup of Soup). So easy and tasty and enough for multiple meals plus some in the freezer for later. Easy to make recipes are what entice me. Something that I can make quickly on a weeknight that is tasty and filling. Recipes are vegan, or as it says plant-based, but no crazy hard to find ingredients. Bonus...gorgeous photos with each recipe. Love it.
Overall, I really liked this cookbook and see myself checking it out over and over again from my library. I have so many recipes lined up to make already. Why only a four? Not a book I would buy (I have no shelf space left) as I would not cook from it everyday. I have my tried and true book. And a big section on breakfasts which I rarely make. What can I say...I'm lazy first thing in the morning, I'm lucky I can make toast at that hour of the day....more
My next Halloween read that for years I wanted to get to. A decent read but I wanted more. Why was there even a lottery? I can see where Jackson was gMy next Halloween read that for years I wanted to get to. A decent read but I wanted more. Why was there even a lottery? I can see where Jackson was going with this one, and I enjoy her stories, but it just left me wishing she elaborated. I believe this one heavily influenced The Hunger Games, which was also influenced by the movie Battle Royale (especially vicious). An OK read, but I much prefer her We Have Always Lived in the Castle....more
A beautiful cookbook with lots of gorgeous photos, but not one I could see myself cooking from often. I picked it up as I love to bake. ThRating a 3.5
A beautiful cookbook with lots of gorgeous photos, but not one I could see myself cooking from often. I picked it up as I love to bake. The book includes the following chapters:
The authors idea for the book is heartwarming. To spend time baking with her mother who is suffering from dementia. There are lots of lovely recipes in the book. But for me, they seemed a bit overly complicated. The finishing touches/decorations on these desserts are beautiful. I could see these creations in a lovely, exclusive bakeshop. But in my home....not so much. I make a mean peanut butter chocolate brownie but they are nothing to look at. As a home baker, I would not spend that much time of decorations or overly complicated desserts. I got some wonderful ideas for pies from this one, but I would just go with a lattice crust topper. I think this one would be perfect for someone with a home baking business.
Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy of this book for a fair and honest review. ...more
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