Tuesday, December 29, 2020

My 4 Favorite Recent Cookbook Releases


I am always cooking and I love cookbooks. Here are 4 of my favorites that have released in the last few months. I've already tried a few recipes in each of these and will be trying more in the new year--which I will definitely be posting about! ⁠

Ottolenghi Flavor by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage (released 10.13.2020 from Ten Speed Press) Ottolenghi and Belfrage break down the fundamentals of cooking vegetables into three key elements: process, pairing, and produce. I am focusing on eating a more plant-focused diet in 2021 and these delicious recipes are sure to help. ⁠

The Roads to Rome: A Cookbook by Jarrett Wrisley and Paolo Vitaletti (released 11.3.2020 from Clarkson Potter) A travel book and cookbook in one, this book would be just at home on a coffee table as on a kitchen counter. Rather than a basic collection of recipes, The Roads to Rome gives background into ingredients and dishes as well as insight into the daily lives of locals who shared their specialties with the chefs.⁠

Cook with Me: 150 Recipes for the Home Cook by Alex Guarnaschelli (released 10.13.20 from Clarkson Potter) My daughter and I love ICAG! Every time she is a judge on our favorite show Guy's Grocery Games we cheer...and every time she competes as a chef she blows the competition away. Her style of cooking is simple but precise, she remains calm under pressure, and she is a patient teacher. This cookbook reads just like her personality: full of comporting recipes, heart-warming stories, and clever tips.⁠

Old World Italian: Recipes and Secrets from Our Travels in Italy by Mimi Thorisson (released 9.15.20 from Appetite by Random House) Another travel/cook book with pictures that are Instagram drool-worthy. I especially love that the recipes come from all areas of the country rather than simply northern/southern--the way so many other Italian cookbooks tend to be divided.⁠




Which one of these would you grab first? Have you been using any great cookbooks this holiday season? ⁠


 

Share:

Monday, December 14, 2020

The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time: Decoding History's Unsolved Mysteries by Brad Meltzer

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time: Decoding History's Unsolved Mysteries
Author: Brad Meltzer 
Release Date: 11.10.20
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company



Publisher's Summary:
Master storyteller Brad Meltzer counts down and decodes the world’s top 10 most intriguing conspiracies stories.

Wanted: the truth. In a riveting collection, Brad Meltzer guides us through the 10 greatest conspiracies of all time, from Leonardo da Vinci’s stolen prophecy to the Kennedy assassination. This richly illustrated book serves up those fascinating, unexplained questions that nag at history buffs and conspiracy lovers: Why was Hitler so intent on capturing the Roman “Spear of Destiny?” Where did all the Confederacy’s gold go? What is the government hiding in Area 51? And did Lee Harvey Oswald really act alone?

Meltzer sifts through the evidence, weighs competing theories, separates what we know to be true and what’s still––and perhaps forever––unproved or unprovable, and in the end, decodes the mystery and arrives at the most likely explanation.


My Review:
I've not seen "Decoded" nor read any of Meltzer's previous works and while I'm not a conspiracy theorist, I used to love hearing a good conspiracy theory. Now in the age of COVID-19 and the 2020 US Presidential Election, I worry that people simply don't want to accept facts that aren't convenient to their way of thinking and thus create conspiracy theories to align with their beliefs. The conspiracies included in this book have been around for a while and have taken on a legendary, pop culture quality that makes them "fun" rather than wacky. Here's my 2 cents on the 10:
  1. John Wilkes Booth escaping capture for 40 years after Lincoln’s assassination-- Talk about a crazy tornado of a dozen conspiracy theories in one.
  2. The Missing Confederate Treasury--The Forrest Finn treasure was just found so I guess this is possible. 
  3. The Georgia Guide stones--these are only 2 hours from where I live and I had never heard of them before!
  4. D.B. Cooper-- This was a fun one to think about.  
  5. The White House cornerstone--this didn't seem very exciting or noteworthy 
  6. Hitler’s pursuit of the Spear of Destiny--this was interesting since I had never even heard of the Spear of Destiny before.  
  7. Da Vinci’s apocalypse prediction--Da Vinci was a very talented and intelligent man but this is silly.  
  8. Fort Knox's gold-- this one was worth some contemplation. 
  9. UFOs/Roswell/Area 51-- Nothing new from what most people already know. Super fun theories on this one!
  10. JFK Assassination: I have not seen Oliver Stone’s JFK but after the last few years I can totally understand how people are unable to separate fact from fiction. 
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun book that covered the basics and will appeal to a wide audience.  It would be a perfect gift for that person on your holiday shopping list who thinks everything in our current world is a conspiracy or for someone who might just enjoy learning a bit about popular conspiracy theories. At just over 200 pages with lots of pictures, pulled quotes and multi-media layouts, I would suggest you read or gift this in a physical format rather than as an e-book. 
Share:

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

People Like Her by Ellery Lloyd



I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: People Like Her
Author: Ellery Lloyd 
Release Date: 1.12.21
Publisher: Harper


Publisher's Summary:
A razor-sharp, wickedly smart suspense debut about an ambitious influencer mom whose soaring success threatens her marriage, her morals, and her family’s safety.

Followed by Millions, Watched by One

To her adoring fans, Emmy Jackson, aka @the_mamabare, is the honest “Instamum” who always tells it like it is. 

To her skeptical husband, a washed-up novelist who knows just how creative Emmy can be with the truth, she is a breadwinning powerhouse chillingly brilliant at monetizing the intimate details of their family life.

To one of Emmy’s dangerously obsessive followers, she’s the woman that has everything—but deserves none of it. 

As Emmy’s marriage begins to crack under the strain of her growing success and her moral compass veers wildly off course, the more vulnerable she becomes to a very real danger circling ever closer to her family.

In this deeply addictive tale of psychological suspense, Ellery Lloyd raises important questions about technology, social media celebrity, and the way we live today. Probing the dark side of influencer culture and the perils of parenting online, People Like Her explores our desperate need to be seen and the lengths we’ll go to be liked by strangers. It asks what—and who—we sacrifice when make our private lives public, and ultimately lose control of who we let in. . . .



My Review:
Picture this: a blindingly white kitchen; an impeccably groomed, athleisure-clad, 20-something mom; a cute-as-a-button toddler in a tiara and tutu; and a photogenic baby accidentally/on purpose spilling a cup of juice. The caption reads "Crazy Mondays"

This isn't a scene from People Like Her, but it could be. These picture perfect moms are prevalent on Instagram, with claims that their life is sooooo messy (ha ha, wink wink) while they simultaneously seduce followers with overly curated photos and humble brag captions. As a 43-year-old mom who has been in the real trenches of parenthood, I can roll my eyes and scroll past thinking "to each their own" but I sometimes worry about the moms out there that think they aren't "good" moms because their life doesn't look like that. You might consider yourself smart enough to see behind the facade of a "celebrity" account, but there are many who do not. This can lead to devastating results, as readers of People Like Her will learn. 

Husband and wife author duo Ellery Lloyd have crafted a debut novel masterpiece that takes readers behind the camera of an influencer account, peeling back the layers of modern society's love/hate relationship with social media. Narrated by "instamum" Emmy Jackson, her husband Dan, and a mysterious third person, People Like Her features a stellar cast of "unlikeable" characters that will have readers turning each page in jaw-gaping anticipation. Unlike the fluffy, curated BS that tends to dominate IG, Ellery Loyd is not afraid to go dark and shocking--admirable characteristics in the otherwise basic and predictable world of contemporary thrillers. I bit my tongue with telling anyone I was liking this book until I was totally finished because so many current releases have terrible "twists" at the end that make any respect I had for the story fly right out the window. This was not the case with People Like Her! I was beyond impressed with this novel and have been recommending it to everyone. Pre-order, add it to your TBR, do whatever you have to do to get this book in front of your eyeballs ASAP!



Share:

Sunday, November 29, 2020

The Chocolate Addict's Baking Book by Sabine Venier

 



I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Chocolate Addict's Baking Book
Author: Sabine Venier
Release Date: 9.29.20
Publisher: Page Street Publishing

Publisher Summary
Calling all chocoholics―come satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in your all-time favorites and discover new ways to get your fix with 75 diverse chocolate-based desserts from Sabine Venier, the founder of Also The Crumbs Please. Sabine shares standout takes on classic fudgy desserts as well as creative, interesting twists on treats that readers know and love, including:

• Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Chocolate Brownies

• Chocolate-Covered Tiramisu Truffles

• Mind-Blowing Chocolate Fudge Birthday Layer Cake

• Chile Chocolate Lava Cakes

• Glazed Bacon Chocolate Donuts

• The Ultimate Mississippi Chocolate Mud Pie

• No-Bake White Chocolate–Mango Cheesecake

• Earl Grey Chai–Poached Pears Dark Chocolate Cake

• Ultraflaky Chocolate Croissants (Pain au Chocolat)

Perfect for bakers looking for that next great chocolaty recipe or as a gift for the chocolate addict in your life, this book will satisfy every craving.




My (Quick) Review
The first recipe I made was Rocky Road Scotcharoos (pictured) and I’m thinking I’ll be making several more tasty treats from The Chocolate Addict’s Baking Book this holiday season.
Share:

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

World Food: Mexico City by James Oseland

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: World Food: Mexico City
Author: James Oseland
Release Date: 11.24.20
Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Back Cover
Introducing World Food, an exceptional new cookbook series in the classic tradition, taking readers on a journey to the world's greatest cuisines and the remarkable cultures they come from.

Whether you're an absolute beginner at Mexican cooking or already a pro, World Food: Mexico City is for you. This definitive and beautiful user's guide unlocks the secrets to real Mexican cuisine with more than fifty authentic, reliable recipes, while the compelling stories and photography tell the tale of the vibrant culinary capital of Latin America. 

Inside Front Cover
You'll be taken to home kitchens, markets, and restaurants, where you'll get to know exemplary local cooks and learn how to master Mexican culinary traditions and techniques.

Every recipe--from the vivid salsa with pan-roasted tomatoes to the soul-satisfying pork stew with corn, potatoes, and green beans--provides a cook's-eye lens into real Mexico City culture. Explore easy party food such as authentic guacamole and homemade tortilla chips; satisfying first courses such as cantina-style garlic soup and beer-infused "drunken" rice; or slow-cooked masterpieces such as Mexican-style stewed zucchini. Learn how to make family-friendly meals including ancho chiles stuffed with cheese, as well as standouts such as fall-apart tender roasted lamb with pasilla chiles, or tuna tostada garnished with chipotle mayonnaise and avocado--a modern classic from the beloved restaurant Contramar.

With more than 150 photographs and a comprehensive illustrated reference chapter that tells you how to find, use, and store all the necessary ingredients, from cilantro to Mexican cheeses, World Food: Mexico City satisfies an appetite for new recipes, new ways to cook, and a new way of understanding one of the most exciting food destinations on the planet.

My Review
With travel plans on hold, World Food: Mexico City is exactly the book I needed this year. This may be labeled as a "cookbook" but the photos, history, and personal essays create a book that is so much more than a simple recipe collection. I devoured (pun intended?🤔) this book from the first page to the last, learning about cooking methods, traditions, techniques, and influences. Beyond 5 star, this is one of my favorite "cookbooks" of 2020. I am anxiously anticipating the next release in this new series. 
Share:

Friday, November 6, 2020

Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon


I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Code Name Hélène
Author: Ariel Lawhon 
Release Date: 3.31.20
Publisher: Doubleday

This book is based on the life of Nancy Wake, an Australian expat who worked as a reporter for Hearst in Paris just before WWII and later as a spy for the British. Lawhon throws readers into the middle of the action, as Nancy, under the alias Hélène, prepares to parachute from an RAF plane into France to help the Resistance in 1944, carrying in her head memorized lists of vital data, including bridges targeted for destruction and safe house addresses. After she lands, the story flashes back eight years, as Nancy struggles for respect and recognition as a journalist; despite her firsthand observations of Nazi brutality in 1930s Vienna, her editor is reluctant to publish a story about what she's seen. Frequent jumps in time draw out the arc of Wake's remarkable life; despite her statement early on that women's weapons of warfare were limited to "silk stockings and red lipstick," by the end she's proven herself skillful at physical combat as well.


My Review:
I have absolutely loved all of Ariel Lawhon's previous novels and I am lucky enough to have chatted with her a few times at book signings and events. I kept "saving" Code Name Hélène to read and somehow it kept getting pushed back on my reading list. I have finally gotten to it and dare I say...it's her best work yet! I mean, reading about her research experience (included at the end of the book) was as exciting as the novel itself. Yes, Nancy Wake is a legendary and fascinating person but the sheer talent required to present her story so vividly is absolutely mind-boggling. 

Australian expat Nancy Wake lied her way into a freelance journalism position with Hearst in Paris and one of her first assignments was to interview the new German chancellor, Adolf Hitler. Shocking? Yes, but that is really just a tiny blip on the radar for Nancy Wake's eye-popping life story. After Germany invades France, Nancy goes on to become a female British operative who obtained weapons and supplies from England for the Maquis, an anti-Nazi outlaw group. She jumped out of planes into enemy occupied countryside, performed insane feats of human endurance, and lead dozens of nail-biting missions. In short...she was badass! 

Additional note: Lawhon gives Nancy one of my favorite quotes of all time: "Mine is level of fury that requires two coats of lipstick and a fully loaded revolver." Like, I said...badass. 




Share:

Monday, November 2, 2020

The Mutant Project: Inside the Global Race to Genetically Modify Humans by Eben Kirksey

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Title: The Mutant Project: Inside the Global Race to Genetically Modify Humans
Author: Eben Kirksey
Release Date: 11.10. 20
Publisher: St. Martin's

Goodreads Summary:
At a conference in Hong Kong in November 2018, Dr. He Jiankui announced that he had created the first genetically modified babies—twin girls named Lulu and Nana—sending shockwaves around the world. A year later, a Chinese court sentenced Dr. He to three years in prison for "illegal medical practice."

As scientists elsewhere start to catch up with China’s vast genetic research program, gene editing is fueling an innovation economy that threatens to widen racial and economic inequality. Fundamental questions about science, health, and social justice are at stake: Who gets access to gene editing technologies? As countries loosen regulations around the globe, from the U.S. to Indonesia, can we shape research agendas to promote an ethical and fair society?

Eben Kirksey takes us on a groundbreaking journey to meet the key scientists, lobbyists, and entrepreneurs who are bringing cutting-edge genetic engineering tools like CRISPR to your local clinic. He also ventures beyond the scientific echo chamber, talking to disabled scholars, doctors, hackers, chronically-ill patients, and activists who have alternative visions of a genetically modified future for humanity.

The Mutant Project empowers us to ask the right questions, uncover the truth, and navigate this brave new world.

My Review:
I love all types of books about genes, genetic testing, gene editing, etc. and I think the non-fiction books about the subject are even more interesting than the fiction ones. I love questioning my own ethics when I read and changing my mind about what I think is acceptable and what is not--the line is thin and ever-changing. 

In addition to learning all the new ways genetic modifications can be applied, I am also interested in who gets to make the rules surrounding the science and how to hold scientists accountable. How do you make scientists from a variety of countries adhere to the same rules, especially when different countries hold different social, religious, and ethical beliefs? For example, "secular Chinese medial ethics draws on Confucian thought, which assumes that a person becomes a person after it is born, not before. Intellectuals in China do not generally share the preoccupations of Western or Christian bioethicists who think that human life is sacred from the moment of conception." This core belief allows for Chinese scientists to move forward in areas where the United States pulls back, allowing them to take the lead in the field. Will lawmakers have to take all religions and moral beliefs into account to make laws which the entire scientific community must follow?

Author Eben Kirksey touches on so many ideas, obstacles, and possibilities within this science and includes a wide variety of viewpoints. I recommend this book to anyone who loved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, who is interested in diseases and medical inequality, or to anyone simply looking to educate themselves on the science occurring right now that could affect human evolution.  
Share:

Friday, October 30, 2020

Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items by J.W. Ocker

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items
Author: J.W. Ocker
Release Date: 9.15.20
Publisher: Quirk Books

Goodreads Summary:
An illustrated compendium that reveals the true stories behind the most infamous, creepy, and bizarre real-life cursed objects throughout history. Spanning decades and continents, subjects range from the opulent Hope Diamond to the humble Busy Stoop chair.

They're lurking in museums, graveyards, and private homes around the world. Their stories have inspired countless horror movies, reality TV shows, campfire tales, books, and even chain emails. They're cursed objects, and in order to unleash a wave of misfortune, all they need...is you. As a culture, we can't seem to get enough of cursed objects. But never before have the true stories of these infamous real-life items been compiled into a fascinating and chilling volume.

Entries include:

• Annabelle the Doll, a Raggedy Ann doll which inspired the acclaimed horror franchise The Conjuring
• The Tomb of Tutankhamen, the discovery of which kicked-started media hysteria over a rumored "Curse of the Pharaohs"
• The Ring of Silvianus, a Roman artifact believed to have inspired J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit
• The Hope Diamond, which was owned by kings and inspired the Heart of the Ocean in James Cameron's Titanic
• The Dybbuk Box, which was sold on eBay and inspired the horror film The Possession

Whether you believe in curses or not, the often tragic and always bizarre stories behind these objects will fascinate you. Many of them have intersected with some of the most notable events and people in history. But beyond Hollywood and beyond the hysteria, author J. W. Ocker suggests that cursed objects are simply objects which have been witness to great human tragedy, and thereafter operate as mechanisms for remembering and retelling those stories. Cursed Objects will be equally appealing to true believers as well as history buffs, horror fans, and anyone who loves a good spine-tingling tale.


My Review:
This book was fun and spooky and scary enough that I couldn't read it before bed (I'm a big chicken, I know.) I liked how the author, J.W. Ocker "debunked" a few of the myths with logic (The Crying Boy paintings, The Crystal Skull, etc) and also included some out and out wild curses/coincidences. I feel like Ocker just delivered a couple dozen manuscript and screenwriting ideas into the hands of Hollywood producers. Keep your eye out for the upcoming movies about The Miniature Coffins of Arthur's Seat, The Amber Room, and the Björketorp Runestone. 

Share:

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Sant Ambroeus: The Coffee Bar Cookbook: Light Lunches, Sweet Treats, and Coffee Drinks from New York's Favorite Milanese Café

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: Sant Ambroeus: The Coffee Bar Cookbook: Light Lunches, Sweet Treats, and Coffee Drinks from New York's Favorite Milanese Café
Author: Sant Ambroeus
Release Date: 10.6.20
Publisher: Rizzoli

Publisher's Summary:
Milanese tradition plus New York glamour equals Sant Ambroeus. In its first-ever cookbook, the legendary café and restaurant shares its secrets to the perfect cappuccino, authentic panini, exquisite Italian desserts, and more.
From the first day it opened its doors on the Upper East Side in 1982, Sant Ambroeus--perhaps the quintessential Milanese café in New York City--became a beloved neighborhood staple. Attracting Upper East Side families, art lovers, and executives from the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art and midtown, and travelers from Central Park, the hand-baked breads and pastries, savory sandwiches, creamy gelatos, and perfectly crafted coffee drinks have spawned an empire with four locations in Manhattan, one in the Hamptons, and one in Palm Beach.

Featuring seventy-five recipes, including coffee drinks, breads, light fare such as tea sandwiches and panini, cookies, cakes and pastry, and the famed gelatos and sorbettos, Sant Ambroeus: The Café Cookbook brings the true soul of Milanese culture into readers' homes: quality, craftsmanship, and the feeling of being among friends.

My Review:
I have not been to Sant Ambroeus but I love going to coffee shops in NYC. Before COVID-19 I loved going to NYC at the beginning of summer for Book Expo. I loved getting up early (after a late night laughing with some of my best bookish friends) to walk to the Javits Center, falling in step with all the other hustling and bustling New Yorkers. I loved grabbing lunch, snacks, dinner, and drinks at restaurants, markets, bars, and diners, but the thing that really kept me going during these 3-4 long days was coffee. Yes, there were Starbucks everywhere but I can get a Starbucks anywhere! I wanted to check out new places. Coffee shops were perfect for popping in to grab breakfast on the go or to get a mid-afternoon snack. This collection of recipes would allow you to recreate all sorts of coffee shop drinks, sandwiches, and desserts at home, but I really enjoyed how the photos transported me--like a mini-NYC vacay. Doesn't that sound amazing? 
Share:

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism by Seyward Darby

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Title: Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism
Author: Seyward Darby
Release Date: 7.21.20
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Goodreads Summary:
A revealing, unsettling portrait of white nationalism, told through the lives of three women whose experiences with far-right extremism offer a new understanding of America today.

After the election of Donald J. Trump, journalist Seyward Darby went looking for the women of the so-called alt-right--really just white nationalism with a new label. The mainstream media depicted the alt-right as a bastion of angry white men, but was it? As women headlined resistance to the Trump administration's bigotry and sexism, most notably at the women's marches, Darby wanted to know why others were joining a movement espousing racism and anti-feminism. Who were these women, and what did their activism reveal about America's past, present, and future?

Darby researched dozens of women across the country before settling on three: Corinna Olsen, Ayla Stewart, and Lana Lokteff. Each was born in 1979 and became a white nationalist in the post-9/11 era. Their respective stories of radicalization upend much of what we assume about women, politics, and political extremism.


My Review:
Author Seyward Darby gives readers a glimpse into how and why three women found their way into (and in some cases out of) the extreme far-right, white nationalist movement. I was drawn to this book because  Darby chose three very unique subjects for her analysis and research. From an outsider's perspective, I can see how each of these women found their home, voice, and identity within the white nationalist movement. Sometimes nonfiction books can get bogged down in so many details, footnotes, and statistics that I find reading them can become "clunky" but that was not the case for with this book. Darby's writing integrated endless facts and references but I read it with the passion of a page-turning novel. If you want to know more about political and social groups that normalize extremism, but don't want to listen to people arguing on a talk show, read clickbait articles, or dive down any dark web rabbit holes, you should read Sisters in Hate: American Women on the Front Lines of White Nationalism. This book is insightful, intriguing and I would recommend it across the board to every type of reader!


Share:

Monday, October 26, 2020

Dearly: New Poems by Margaret Atwood

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: Dearly: New Poems
Author: Margaret Atwood
Release Date: 11.10.20
Publisher: Ecco

In Dearly, Margaret Atwood’s first collection of poetry in over a decade, Atwood addresses themes such as love, loss, the passage of time, the nature of nature and - zombies. Her new poetry is introspective and personal in tone, but wide-ranging in topic. In poem after poem, she casts her unique imagination and unyielding, observant eye over the landscape of a life carefully and intuitively lived.

While many are familiar with Margaret Atwood’s fiction—including her groundbreaking and bestselling novels The Handmaid’s Tale, The Testaments, Oryx and Crake, among others—she has, from the beginning of her career, been one of our most significant contemporary poets. And she is one of the very few writers equally accomplished in fiction and poetry. This collection is a stunning achievement that will be appreciated by fans of her novels and poetry readers alike.


My Review:
I have been slowly reading my way through Margaret Atwood's works for several years. So far I've read: The Handmaid's Tale, Cat's Eye, The Robber Bride, The Blind Assassin, Oryx and Crake, The Penelopiad, The Year of the Flood, MaddAddam, and The Testaments. I was thrilled to read Atwood's newest collection of poems (her first in over a decade) and especially loved "Sorcerer's Apprentice" a nod to Goethe's poem of the same name. Juxtaposed against "The Bright Side" Atwood shows the spectrum of ruin and possibilities presented by plastics. Themes of nature have always been present in her fiction and poetry collections and Dearly is no different. Atwood pontificates on the natural wonders of insects, birds, and sea creatures but she also moves into the mythical and magical realms of zombies, sirens, and werewolves. I loved so many poems in this collection but it was "Blackberries" that moved me to tears and is definitely my favorite. 

Read it HERE or listen to Margaret Atwood read the poem herself HERE




Share:

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The Dark Library by Cyrille Martinez

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Title: The Dark Library
Author: Cyrille Martinez, Joseph Patrick Stancil (Translation)
Release Date: 10.20.20
Publisher: Coach House Books


Goodreads Summary:
In Cyrille Martinez's library, the books are alive: not just their ideas or their stories, but the books themselves. Meet the Angry Young Book, who has strong opinions about who reads what and why. He's tired of people reading bestsellers, so he places himself on the desks of those who might appreciate him. Meet the Old Historian who mysteriously vanished from the stacks. Meet the Blue Librarian, the Mauve Librarian, the Yellow Librarian, and spend a day with the Red Librarian trying to banish coffee cups and laptops.

Then one day there are no empty desks anywhere in the Great Library. A great horde of student workers has descended, and they will scan every single book in the library: the much-borrowed, the neglected, the popular, the obscure. What will happen to the library then? Will it still be necessary?

The Dark Library is a theoretical fiction, a meditation on what libraries mean in our digital world. Has the act of reading changed? What is a reader? A book? Martinez, a librarian himself, has written a love letter to the urban forest of the dark, wild library, where ideas and stories roam free.

My Review:
Libraries are constantly evolving to suit their patrons, communities, and the world at large. When I first experienced going to a library they were hallowed halls of silence and reading. No talking, no running, and absolutely no food or drink. Fast forward several decades and libraries are pretty noisy gathering spots where you can grab snacks at the vending machine and then proceed to crackle your chip bag for the next half hour disrupting people who who would actually like to read. Author Cyrille Martinez creates a mythical library where the books tell you what they think about the change in people's reading styles and provides a comical answer to never having access to a book you want to read. This short book (160 pages) was kooky fun and I would recommend it to librarians and book lovers. 
Share:

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Severance by Ling Ma

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Severance
Author: Ling Ma
Release Date: 8.14.20
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Goodreads Summary:
Candace Chen, a millennial drone self-sequestered in a Manhattan office tower, is devoted to routine. So she barely notices when a plague of biblical proportions sweeps New York. Then Shen Fever spreads. Families flee. Companies halt operations. The subways squeak to a halt. Soon entirely alone, still unfevered, she photographs the eerie, abandoned city as the anonymous blogger NY Ghost.

Candace won’t be able to make it on her own forever, though. Enter a group of survivors, led by the power-hungry IT tech Bob. They’re traveling to a place called the Facility, where, Bob promises, they will have everything they need to start society anew. But Candace is carrying a secret she knows Bob will exploit. Should she escape from her rescuers?

A send-up and takedown of the rituals, routines, and missed opportunities of contemporary life, Ling Ma’s Severance is a quirky coming-of-adulthood tale and satire.

My Review:
Sometimes you just need to climb into bed with a couple books! Cookbooks, paperbacks, my kindle--I brought them all. I have been wanting to write a review of Severance for a  few days but I'm stumped on what exactly I want to say. ⁠
Released in 2018 but set in 2010/2011 this novel was on ALL the "pandemic reads" lists, but the oft-provided description defaulted to the protagonist being trapped in an office building. That just didn't grab my attention. Neither did all the references to the story being an ode to the "millennial condition." I wanted to know why everyone thought it was so great so I decided to give it a try. For the 1st 150 pages I was like "well, I hate this" but I kept reading. I am all for DNF-ing a book but now I was really invested in needing to to know why anyone would like this story. Then I finished chapter 15 (p 168) and was like "oh shit. I cannot stop to make dinner. In need to know what happens next!" I can't even explain how author Ling Ma weaves together work culture, lineage, survival, cults, the apocalypse, and art to create a story that I can't stop thinking about! 
Share:

Friday, October 16, 2020

The Honeysuckle Cookbook: 100 Healthy, Feel-Good Recipes to Live Deliciously by Dzung Lewis

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Title: The Honeysuckle Cookbook: 100 Healthy, Feel-Good Recipes to Live Deliciously
Author: Dzung Lewis
Release Date: 9.22.20
Publisher: Rodale

Goodreads Summary:
100 crave-worthy, wholesome recipes and time-saving tips for busy home cooks from the founder and host of the Honeysuckle channel on YouTube.

The Honeysuckle Cookbook is stuffed with exciting ideas for easy, approachable, Asian-influenced cooking at home. With 100 recipes, from the breakfast favorites that consistently rate the highest in views on the author's popular YouTube channel (like her Overnight Oats, 6 Ways) to original twists on one-pan and pressure-cooker meals, this book is for those of us who want feel-good meals made healthy, delicious, and quick.

Dzung's recipes take the familiar and turns it ever-so-slightly on its head: Marinara sauce gets extra umami with the addition of fish sauce, while mac and cheese becomes more than an out-of-the-box staple when made fresh with kimchi. Lattes get an extra kick from bold Vietnamese coffee and sweet, floral lavender, and quinoa pilaf is mixed with a creamy curry-miso dressing. Dzung also teaches readers how to stretch groceries so they spend a little less money, how to plan meals seasonally, and how to match main courses with sides so plates look impressive and taste great. With quick snack ideas, recipe hacks, foolproof instructions, and genius tips for pretty presentation, The Honeysuckle Cookbook will be the friendly hand busy young cooks need to hold in the kitchen.

My Review:
I had no idea about the author's YouTube channel prior to reading this cookbook. I simply saw the amazing bánh mì sandwiches on the cover and I was drawn to the idea of "healthy, feel-good recipes." This book is perfect for a cook wanting to test their hand at some recipes with Thai and Vietnamese flavors. I'm currently working my way through the soup section. I loved the *secret* ingredient in the Butternut Squash Soup and I liked that the Chicken, Lemon, and Herb Noodle Soup can be whipped up in just 45 minutes--a great option for when I don't feel like making my personal chicken soup recipe which takes 2 days! The next soups I will be making are Beef Pho and Hot & Sour Soup. In addition to the soup and salads section, this cookbook contains chapters on coffee/tea, breakfast, noodles and grains, weeknight mains, low and slow or pressure-cooking, side dishes, and desserts. In addition to the soups, I think the next recipe I will be trying for my family will be Sesame Soba Noodle Stir-Fry and I am excited to try the Vietnamese Carmelized Fish (Ca Kho To) the next time I am cooking for myself because I don't have any fellow fish-lovers in my family! Of course the desserts all sound amazing but I think I'll start with the Ginger-Cardamom Lemon Bars for me because I love lemon bars and I think these flavors would be a fun twist. The Matcha Chocolate Lava Cakes and the Vanilla-Bourbon Cream Puffs are definitely on the menu for the next time my daughter is home because she loves all of those ingredients. This cookbook hasn't been shelved since I got it because I can't stop looking through it! 
Share:

Thursday, October 15, 2020

The Man Who Ate Too Much: The Life of James Beard by John Birdsall

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Man Who Ate Too Much: The Life of James Beard
Author: John Birdsall
Release Date: 10.6.20
Publisher: W. W. Norton Company

Publisher's Summary:
After World War II, a newly affluent United States reached for its own gourmet culture, one at ease with the French international style of Escoffier, but also distinctly American. Enter James Beard, authority on cooking and eating, his larger-than-life presence and collection of whimsical bow ties synonymous with the nation’s food for decades, even after his death in 1985.

In the first biography of Beard in twenty-five years, acclaimed writer John Birdsall argues that Beard’s struggles as a closeted gay man directly influenced his creation of an American cuisine. Starting in the 1920s, Beard escaped loneliness and banishment by traveling abroad to places where people ate for pleasure, not utility, and found acceptance at home by crafting an American ethos of food likewise built on passion and delight. Informed by never-before-tapped correspondence and lush with details of a golden age of home cooking, The Man Who Ate Too Much is a commanding portrait of a towering figure who still represents the best in food.


My Review:
As a foodie I have heard the name James Beard millions of times. I knew he was a gay man and legendary food writer, but beyond that I knew very little about him. Wanting to know more about his life, I dove into The Man Who Ate Too Much: The Life of James Beard. Well, I waded in. The first two chapters about his childhood in Portland, Oregon were so detailed that I thought "I'm not sure I can take 464 pages of this" but the book did pick up speed after that point. John Birdsall, 2014 James Beard Award winner for "America, Your Food is So Gay,” shares great stories about Beard's education, scandals, recipe "stealing" and collaborations. I learned exactly how Beard influenced American cuisine after World War II all the way up to today (he loved "home cooking" and fresh, farm-to-table type eating). Before there was Julia Child hosting "The French Chef" (1963), there was James Beard hosting the live television series "I Love to Eat" (1946–47). I had no idea! This book is a must for any "foodie" interested in not only the life of James Beard but the history of American food and food writing.  





Share:

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton by Lydia R. Hamessley

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton
Author: Lydia R. Hamessley
Release Date: October 12th 2020
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Goodreads Summary:
Dolly Parton's success as a performer and pop culture phenomenon has overshadowed her achievements as a songwriter. But she sees herself as a songwriter first, and with good reason. Parton's compositions like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene" have become American standards with an impact far beyond country music. Lydia R. Hamessley's expert analysis and Parton’s characteristically straightforward input inform this comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that have shaped the superstar's songwriting artistry. Hamessley reveals how Parton’s loving, hardscrabble childhood in the Smoky Mountains provided the musical language, rhythms, and memories of old-time music that resonate in so many of her songs. Hamessley further provides an understanding of how Parton combines her cultural and musical heritage with an artisan’s sense of craft and design to compose eloquent, painfully honest, and gripping songs about women's lives, poverty, heartbreak, inspiration, and love.

Filled with insights on hit songs and less familiar gems, Unlikely Angel covers the full arc of Dolly Parton's career and offers an unprecedented look at the creative force behind the image.

My Review:
If you are looking to read about Dolly Parton's personal life, childhood, business ventures, or various philanthropic endeavors you would do well to search out a more wide-scoped biography. If you want to read about Dolly as a feminist icon, you may want to read Sarah Smarsh's recently released She Come By It Natural. If you want to dive into her musical processes, then THIS is the book for you. Music professor Lydia R. Hamessley focuses on Parton's songs and "mountain music heritage," not her image. The massive compilation of research and endless details included in this book made me appreciate the amazing woman who is Dolly Parton all the more, like the facts that Parton has written over 3000 songs and over 450 have been recorded! A must read for any musician or Dolly fan!
Share:

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Chi Spacca: A New Approach to American Cooking by Nancy Silverton with Ryan DeNicola and Carolynn Carreño

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Title: Chi Spacca: A New Approach to American Cooking
Author: Nancy Silverton with Ryan DeNicola and Carolynn Carreño
Release Date: 10.13.20
Publisher: Knopf


Opening Page:
From the James Beard Award-winning star of Netflix's Chef's Table: 100+ recipes for meat (and more!) from Chi Spacca, her acclaimed, meat-oriented Los Angeles restaurant. In her first meat-centric cookbook, Nancy Silverton ("Queen of L.A.'s restaurant scene" --Los Angeles Times), shares the secrets of cooking like an Italian butcher with recipes for meats, fish, and vegetables that capture the spirit of Italy. Drawing on her years living and cooking in Umbria, Italy, and from the menu of her revered steakhouse, Chi Spacca (hailed as a "meat speakeasy" by Food & Wine), Silverton, and Chi Spacca's executive chef Ryan DeNicola, present their take on such mouth-watering dishes as Beef Cheek and Bone Marrow Pie; Coffee-Rubbed Tri-Tip; Fried Whole Branzino with Pickled Peppers and Charred Scallions; and Moroccan Braised Lamb Shanks. And vegetable dishes are given just as much attention, from fire-kissed Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Green Garlic Crème Fraîche; Charred Sugar Snap Peas with Yogurt, Guanciale, and Lemon Zest; Little Gems with Herb Breadcrumbs, Bacon Vinaigrette, and Grated Egg; Roasted Beets with Chicories, Yogurt, and Lemon Zest. Also included are Silverton's own spins on steakhouse classics such as Caesar salad, creamed corn, and mashed potatoes, as well as desserts, including, of course, her beloved butterscotch budino. 

My Review:
I love reviewing cookbooks, not just for their slick pages and glossy photos but also to be immersed in a chef's story about a dish, and if I'm lucky, to learn a thing or two. Nancy Silverton is a chef's chef. I have seen cool-as-a-cucumber cooking show contenders become completely unglued when they find out she will be judging their dishes. That being said, I didn't know much about her before reading this cookbook. The introductory pages provide her culinary backstory and the recipes included are a collection from her three Los Angeles restaurants: Chi Spacca, Pizzeria Mozza, and Osteria Mozza. She believes that the internet and Instagram has made "fusion food" is a thing of the past and I couldn't agree more. This cookbook is definitely "meat-heavy" but there are lots of other great recipes for breads, vegetables, and desserts included. I reviewed this as an e-ARC but will definitely be purchasing a physical copy. 




Recipes provided on Chi Spacca's Amazon page:

Pork Shoulder Blade Chops with Chipotle and Apple Cider Syrup

Serves 4

Many of the cuts of pork that we offer at Chi Spacca are the result of our wanting to use the entire animal. This recipe is borne of that goal. The shoulder blade chop, which comes, obviously,from the shoulder, fulfills the expectations of a typical pork chop, which comes from the loin. Putting a cut like this on the menu introduces our customers not just to a cut they might not already know, but to the idea that there is a whole world of animal cuts out there, many of which they may not have tried. If you want to use the more widely known pork loin chops for this recipe, they will work, too.

If we were playing a game of what-goes-with-what, and you said, “Pork,” I’d say, “Apples.” The apple flavor is incorporated here in the form of an apple cider syrup that we glaze these chops with, something that also satisfies my love of acidic foods. We use Carr’s Ciderhouse Cider Syrup, an artisanal product from the Berkshires that my friend the food writer Ruth Reichl introduced me to when I was at her house in Hudson, New York. I liked it so much that she sent me home with a bottle. If you don’t want to seek out that product, we have provided a recipe for making a glaze using standard apple cider vinegar. Chipotle chiles are dried, smoked jalapeño chiles; they have a wonderful, deeply smoky flavor. If you can’t find chipotle chile powder, use sweet smoked paprika or another quality chile powder.

Ask your butcher for 2 (3/4-inch-thick) pork shoulder blade chops, about 1 pound each.

You will need a large platter to serve the chops.

For the Syrup
(if you are not buying Carr’s Ciderhouse Cider Syrup)
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

For the Pork
1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder (or smoked sweet paprika or another chile powder)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 (3/4-inch-thick) pork shoulder blade chops (about 1 pound
each)

For the Onions
2 large yellow Spanish onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rings
2 cups apple cider vinegar

To make the syrup, combine the apple cider vinegar, apple cider, and balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, until the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency.

To prepare the pork, first make the rub: grind the coriander seeds in a spice grinder and transfer them to a small bowl. Add the chipotle chile powder, salt, and brown sugar and stir to combine.

Put the chops in a baking dish or on a large plate. Sprinkle the rub evenly over the meat and use the meat to mop up any rub that falls onto the dish or plate. Set aside for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the seasonings penetrate the pork and for the pork to come to room temperature.

Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill. Move all of the coals to one side of the grill so you have both direct and indirect heat. If you have a gas grill, preheat one side for high heat and leave one side of the grill with no heat on; if it is an option, close the lid on the side with no heat.

While the grill is heating, place the onions in a large sauté pan. Add the cider vinegar and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-high and gently boil the vinegar and onions for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are tender and the vinegar coats them like a glaze. Turn off the heat.

Place the pork chops on the grill over the direct heat and grill for about 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown with dark grill marks. Move the pork chops to the side of the grill where there is no flame and cook over the indirect heat, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until the meat is firm to the touch. Remove the pork chops from the grill and place them on a large serving platter.

To serve, drizzle the apple cider syrup over the pork chops and lay the onions on and around the pork chops, leaving the meat in the center of the platter visible.




Asparagus al Cartoccio with Butter, Mint, and Parmesan


At one of my favorite restaurants in Tel Aviv, North Abraxass, I was served a dish of spinach stems al cartoccio, or spinach cooked in parchment. The paper packet came to the table unfolded, revealing the cooked green stems that were showered in Parmesan—so simple! It was obvious to me that the same cooking method would work on any long, slender vegetable. When I came home, I tried it with pencil asparagus. Cooking the slender asparagus spears in paper this way protects them from direct heat, so they retain their shape and color, rather than shriveling and drying up the way they do when roasted. They’re basically steamed, but the paper packet gives the dish that “Wow!” factor. It’s like a pretty present.

You will need a large platter to serve the asparagus packages.

1 pound pencil asparagus
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 fresh mint sprigs
Flaky sea salt
Fresh coarsely ground black pepper
A chunk of Parmesan for grating

Adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 450°F.

Lay a 13x18-inch sheet of parchment paper on a flat work surface with the long side parallel to the counter’s edge and have another sheet handy. Lay half of the asparagus lengthwise in the center of the paper. Sprinkle the kosher salt and scatter half of the butter cubes over the spears and lay one mint sprig on top. Bring the top and bottom edges of the paper together and fold them over tightly to seal closed. Fold the sides inward like you were wrapping a present without tape and press down hard to seal them closed, so the asparagus are tightly wrapped in the paper. Repeat, wrapping the remaining asparagus, along with the butter, kosher salt, and mint, in the second sheet of parchment paper.

Place the asparagus packages on a large baking sheet and roast for about 10 minutes, until the paper is golden brown and the butter is bubbling out of the packages. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the packages cool for 1 minute on the baking sheet.

To serve, lay the packages on a large platter. Cut a slit lengthwise down the middle of each package, being careful of the steam that will arise.

Peel the sides of the parchment apart to expose the asparagus; remove and discard the mint sprigs.

Crush about 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt between your fingertips over the asparagus inside each package and grind a few turns of pepper into each package. Use a fine Microplane to grate a generous layer of Parmesan over one side of each package of asparagus, leaving one side free of cheese so you can see the asparagus.




Little Gems with Herb Bread Crumbs, Bacon Vinaigrette, and Grated Egg


Serves 4

In 1979, the chef Jonathan Waxman hired me for my first pastry job at the legendary Santa Monica restaurant Michael’s. Jonathan is a master with vegetables and salads, and at the time, he was making a salad that was his spin on the classic French bistro frisée salad, which consists of lettuce, lardon, a poached egg, and a warm mustard dressing; I couldn’t get enough of it. I make mine with a grated rather than a poached egg, Little Gem lettuce, which is a new variety of small romaine lettuce whose crunchy, sturdy leaves hold up to the thick, tangy, mustardy dressing it’s tossed with. It is so satisfying and has so much flavor. As with Jonathan’s salad forty years ago, I could eat this every day.

I am very specific about how I like hard-cooked eggs. If I am grating them, as I do for this salad, or making egg salad, I cook the eggs just long enough so they are cooked all the way through, but not so long that the yolks are dry and dusty or have a gray ring around them. The recipe makes more bread crumbs than you will need; store them at room temperature and use them in the week ahead on other salads, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

You will need a large platter or large wide-mouth bowl to serve this salad.

For the Vinaigrette
12 ounces applewood-smoked slab bacon, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or thick-sliced Applewood-smoked bacon)
1/2 cup peeled and minced shallots
1/2 cup sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Herb Bread Crumbs
Half of a 1-pound loaf of rustic bread
1/2 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

For the Eggs
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 extra-large eggs

For the Salad
4 heads Little Gem lettuce (or 2 baby romaine or hearts of romaine)
2 large scallions
1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

To make the vinaigrette, adjust the oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Place the bacon on a baking sheet and cook it in the oven for 16 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is cooked but not crisp, rotating the baking sheet from front to back halfway through that time so the bacon cooks evenly. Create a bed of paper towels. Remove the bacon from the oven and transfer it to the paper towels to drain and cool. Leave the oven on.

Pour the bacon fat from the baking sheet into a small saucepan. Leave one-third of the bacon on the paper towels (you will use this for the salad) and finely chop the remaining bacon. Put the chopped bacon and shallots in the saucepan with the bacon fat and cook over medium heat for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are soft. While the bacon and shallots are cooking, fill a medium bowl with ice and place a small bowl in the ice.

Turn off the heat and transfer the bacon and shallot mixture to the bowl resting atop the ice. Add the vinegar and mustard and whisk for about 1 minute to combine and cool the ingredients. Slowly add the bacon fat and extra-virgin olive oil, whisking constantly to emulsify the vinaigrette. Let the vinaigrette rest over the ice for about 10 minutes to cool, whisking every few minutes to keep the dressing emulsified. (If it is not cooled over ice, the dressing will separate.)

To make the bread crumbs, pull the inside of the bread out of the crust in 1-to 11/2-inch chunks and put the chunks on a large baking sheet. (Reserve the crusts to snack on or discard them.) Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with the salt, and toss to coat the bread chunks. Spread the bread chunks out on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the bread chunks are golden brown and crispy, stirring them and rotating the baking sheet from front to back halfway through that time for even browning. Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool slightly. Transfer the croutons to a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until they are fine bread crumbs. Transfer the bread crumbs to a medium bowl. Add the chives, tarragon, and parsley and stir to combine. Return the bread crumbs to the baking sheet and return the sheet to the oven to bake for 2 to 3 minutes, until the herbs are brown. Remove the bread crumbs from the oven and set them aside to cool to room temperature. (You will use 2 tablespoons of the bread crumbs for this salad; store the remaining bread crumbs in a covered container at room temperature for as long as 1 week.)

To cook the eggs, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat and add the salt. (The salt does not penetrate the egg shells and season the eggs; it helps the whites to solidify quickly if there is a crack in an egg.) Carefully lower the eggs into the water and reduce the heat so the water is gently simmering. Simmer the eggs for 5 minutes, turn off the heat, and let the eggs sit in the water until the water comes to room temperature. Peel the eggs under a gentle stream of running water.
Share:

Monday, October 12, 2020

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.



Title: The Once and Future Witches
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Release Date: 10.13.20
Publisher: Orbit

Goodreads Summary
In 1893, there's no such thing as witches. There used to be, in the wild, dark days before the burnings began, but now witching is nothing but tidy charms and nursery rhymes. If the modern woman wants any measure of power, she must find it at the ballot box.

But when the Eastwood sisters--James Juniper, Agnes Amaranth, and Beatrice Belladonna--join the suffragists of New Salem, they begin to pursue the forgotten words and ways that might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. Stalked by shadows and sickness, hunted by forces who will not suffer a witch to vote-and perhaps not even to live-the sisters will need to delve into the oldest magics, draw new alliances, and heal the bond between them if they want to survive.

There's no such thing as witches. But there will be.

My Review:
I really liked Alix E. Harrow's previous release, The Ten Thousand Doors of January. When I saw she had a new novel and it was about witches, I had very high hopes...and I was not let down with The Once and Future Witches! Oh, it was so good. This book about witches is like The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, The Witches of New York, or Wicked--a rarity since most currently published novels featuring witches fall into the YA or "sexy" adult categories. Full of folklore, fairy tales, and multiple methods of storytelling, The Once and Future Witches quickly earned a space as one of my favorite books of the year. Combining the women's movement and worker's rights into an alternative history full of witchcraft and women pushing back against the patriarchy while discovering their true identities, Harrow has indeed woven quite the spell! 





Share:

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Skinnytaste Meal Prep: Healthy Make-Ahead Meals and Freezer Recipes to Simplify Your Life by Gina Homolka

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Skinnytaste Meal Prep: Healthy Make-Ahead Meals and Freezer Recipes to Simplify Your Life
Author: Gina Homolka
Release Date: 9.15.20
Publisher: Clarkson Potter


Goodreads Summary:
Save time, money, and calories with #1 New York Timesbestselling author Gina Homolka's simple, smart solutions for healthy freezer meals, ready-to-serve dishes, grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches, ingenious "planned-overs," and more.

Whether you're looking to lose weight or just eat a little healthier, meal prepping and cooking in advance helps you stay on track with your diet, saves time on busy weeknights, and is great for your budget. Skinnytaste Meal Prep delivers more than 120 healthy, diverse recipes that turn simple, easy-to-find ingredients into flavor-packed meals and snacks you'll have ready at your fingertips for the week ahead and beyond.

Gina utilizes a number of brilliant time-saving strategies, including recipes to prep ahead so they can go straight from the freezer (your kitchen's secret weapon!) to the Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven to finish cooking, along with dishes that are completely made ahead and easily reheated. With these flexible techniques, you'll have meals on-hand months in advance, ready whenever the need arises, with no further shopping or cooking required. Imagine stress-free mornings when you can enjoy Lemon Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes for breakfast and just grab a DIY Chicken Taco Kit for lunch on your way out the door--no more unhealthful drive-thru breakfast sandwiches or expensive takeout. Healthy bites like Pumpkin Hummus and "Everything" Nuts will fuel you through the afternoon. For no-prep, effortless dinners, Roasted Vegetable Lasagna, Moussaka Makeover, and Greek Chicken Pilaf Bowls will make the entire family happy and satisfied.

With Skinnytaste Meal Prep, cooking smarter and eating healthier just got a whole lot simpler.


My Review:
Some of my cookbooks are beautiful and lovely to look at but sometimes their recipes are too far out of my comfort zone. Then there are cookbooks like Skinnytaste Meal Prep: Healthy Make-Ahead Meals and Freezer Recipes to Simplify Your Life that I can tell I'm going to use almost every week. In addition to mouth-watering photos on almost every other page, the ingredients are easy to obtain and recipes are easy to follow. I love to cook and I love recipes that can be assembled ahead of time. Since I work from home, I'm able to do a bit of prep work here and there when I take breaks throughout the day. I also love to make freezer meals but have had lots of mishaps over the years. I learned a few new tips and tricks at the beginning of this cookbook that I am excited to try out when stocking my freezer this fall. I tried the Baked Spinach Stuffed Shells (p 170) to make sure we liked the recipe and my next step will be to make a double batch with one for now and one for later. After I see how they come out of the freezer I'll decide if it's one of those recipes I can make in mass quantities (like I do with my lasagnas). Speaking of lasagnas there is also a Roasted Vegetable Lasagna (p 181) I am going to try (although I am very skeptical that anyone else in my family will like it, but it's worth a shot) as well as Juicy Italian Chicken Meatballs (p 102,) Black Bean and Butternut Enchilada Bake (p 185,) Autumn Stuffed Acorn Squash (p 221,) and Turkey Cheeseburger Egg Rolls (p 229.) In addition to all of those "Freezer Favorites" this cookbook also includes multiple recipes for Breakfast; Hearty Salads; Warm Grain, Noodle & Vegetable Bowls; Smart Snacks; and Big Batches & Planned-Overs. Whether you are looking for a cookbook for grab-and-go breakfasts, meal-prepping a week's worth of lunches, filling your freezer, or just you just need some dinner inspiration Skinnytaste Meal Prep: Healthy Make-Ahead Meals and Freezer Recipes to Simplify Your Life has what you need!
Share:

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Bright and Dangerous Objects by Anneliese Mackintosh

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Bright and Dangerous Objects 
Author: Anneliese Mackintosh 
Release Date: 10.6.20
Publisher: Tin House 


This book popped on my radar earlier this year and I wasn't sure I was going to read it. Then I saw the trailers for Hilary Swank in the new Netflix series Away and started thinking of the book again. I read Bright and Dangerous Objects in a single setting and while it was an enjoyable way to spend my evening it wasn't necessarily remarkable. Thirty-seven-year-old Solvig loves her job as a deep sea diver because of its isolation not despite it, and when an opportunity arises to be one of the first people to colonize Mars she is determined to be chosen. She will leave the planet and never return--the ultimate isolation. While her ambition(?) is admirable, she is also deciding if she wants to have a baby with her boyfriend. She wonders if she should choose one over the other or if she can have both. Isn't this the quandary every woman faces--ambition or family? At it's core this slim novel touches on the struggle of "having it all" as a woman, but I found fault in the ambivalence Solvig feels toward both of her options. 


Share:

Monday, October 5, 2020

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Author: V.E. Schwab
Release Date: 10.6.20
Publisher: Tor


I just had the ultimate October reading weekend with The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab. ⁠
This is the type of book that makes me love reading. I did not want to stop reading this story but the short chapters made it easy to set down and take a break because...ya know, life. ⁠

Oh Addie. Don’t you know when you make a deal with the devil to be very very specific in your wants and offerings? I loved learning and failing alongside Addie through her 3 centuries of life. What can she get away with? What are the parameters of her new life? And most importantly, what is love worth? Oh Addie, you will live in my heart forever.

Share:

The Book of Lamps and Banners (Cass Neary #4 ) by Elizabeth Hand

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Book of Lamps and Banners (Cass Neary #4 )
Author: Elizabeth Hand
Release Date: 9.29.20
Publisher: Mulholland Books


Goodreads Summary:
Acclaimed crime writer Elizabeth Hand returns to her cult-favorite series: Photographer Cass Neary is hard-up for cash and in more danger than she realizes, in the hunt for an ancient, legendary book.
Cass Neary needs cash to get home to New York, and she's already sold her camera-like losing a limb, for a photographer of her experience. Her best chance is to get in on the deal that Griffin, an old flame, is about cut with a notoriously particular bookseller for a gorgeous, ancient illuminated manuscript: The Book of Lamps and Banners. This Book is more than just a beautiful object-its text and images are said to have a powerful magic capable of life-changing effects on anyone who reads it.
But before the sale can be completed, an intruder brazenly steals the Book out from under the dealer's nose. Cass and Griff are the only suspects. To clear their names, and keep the missing text out of dangerous hands, Cass plunges into a curious underworld at the intersection of antiquarian books, cutting-edge software, and modern nationalist politics. This breathless psychological thriller, featuring one of the greatest amateur sleuths of the past decade, could only come from the mind of Elizabeth Hand.


My Review: 
Confession time. I made a mistake when I requested this one for review. I had no idea it was the fourth book in a series! I simply read the summary and saw there was a search for an ancient book, rumored to have been rescued from the Library at Alexandria, believed to contain an otherworldly power. I decided to dive in to the book and see if it was necessary to read the previous books in the series and thought that I'd set this to the side if I got confused. There were a couple references to what I believe were probably earlier storylines but overall this novel stood well on its own. It was full of lots of great characters, especially the protagonist, forty-something photographer Cass Neary. Whew, was she messy! She was also determined to track down the stolen book no matter where it lead--even into some super scary places. I was literally holding my breath turning the pages toward the end of the book as she got closer and closer to the book and the people who had it in their possession. I really did like Cass so much that I'll be circling back around to read the other books in this series. 


Share:

Saturday, October 3, 2020

Witch Hunt: A Traveler's Guide to the Power and Persecution of the Witch by Kristen Sollee

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Witch Hunt: A Traveler's Guide to the Power and Persecution of the Witch
Author: Kristen Sollee
Release Date: 10.12.20
Publisher: Weiser Books

Author and second-generation witch Kristen Sollee previously wrote a primer of sorts with Witches, Sluts, Feminsts: Conjuring the Sex Positive--an introduction into the parallels between the sex positive icons/tropes of witches, sluts, and feminists. I was expecting a similar writing style for Witch Hunt: A Traveler's Guide to the Power and Persecution of the Witch. However, in this book, her writing style veers away from academic theory into first-person immersion into historical events and stories. The style is a bit difficult to explain but think of it this way: If you were part of a tour group visiting a church famous for its association with a particular woman you would expect your tour guide (Sollee) to create a circle of your group and tell you all the story of the woman. In this book the tour guide has a one-on-one conversation with the woman while the tour group is outside the circle. It is such a unique style that I am having trouble finding comparisons to offer. While I was fascinated with the stories I struggled with the style because it blurred the lines of historical fiction and non-fiction in a way that had me constantly questioning what parts were facts and what parts were offered from Sollee's creative mind. I would say that if you love books about witches, like me, then it is worth checking this out, but if you're just looking for a "witchy" October read, this one might not be what you're looking for. 




Share:

Friday, October 2, 2020

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Magic Lessons (Practical Magic #0)
Author: Alice Hoffman
Release Date: 10.6.20
Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Goodreads Summary:
In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Unnamed Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.


My Review:
"It was one thing to learn magic, but quite another to be born with it."

Quick backstory: after watching and loving the movie Practical Magic for almost two decades I decided to read it prior to the release of The Rules of Magic--I was not impressed. That is one of the rare times where the movie is indeed better than the book. I got an ARC of The Rules of Magic (and got to meet Alice Hoffman *squee*) at 2017 Book Expo and held my breath hoping it would be better than the first book. It was better, and I did enjoy reading it but it was a slow burn.

Magic Lessons takes readers back to the 1600s to learn the story of the original Owens matriarch, Maria, and to uncover the origins of their love curse. Full of familiars and grimoires, loves and obsessions, curses and blessings, Magic Lessons is the best book in Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series by far! It is fast-paced, globe-trotting (England, Curaçao, Massachusetts), and full of so many interwoven storylines. There are several characters based on historical figures, most notably John Hathorne, a merchant and magistrate best known for his role as one of the leading judges in the Salem witch trials. I had my heart broken again and again reading this novel and loved every minute of it! 5 stars for sure--unless it's possible to give it six, and then it is definitely 6!



Share:

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Eat, Drink, and Celebrate the Season: 5 New Cookbook Releases You Need to Pick Up Now!

 


Read my latest article "Eat, Drink, and Celebrate the Season" in the October 2020 issues of Perimeter North, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Smyrna Vinings Lifestyle magazines. 


Eat, Drink, and Celebrate the Season

5 new food and drink releases perfect for adding to your personal collection and for giving as holiday gifts.


Shorter, colder days bring comfort meal cravings and the upcoming holiday season means we are beginning to look for new menu and entertaining ideas. From hosting lavish celebrations to enjoying quiet evenings at home, these cookbook releases are the perfect kitchen companions.




The Southern Entertainer's Cookbook : Heirloom Recipes for Modern Gatherings by Courtney Whitmore

In The Southern Entertainer’s Cookbook, party design and entertaining blogger Courtney Whitmore puts a modern spin on Southern classics straight from her family’s cookbooks. She also offers a few new favorites alongside entertaining tips to make the most of your gathering. This cookbooks is full of gorgeous full-page photos, party planning ideas, menus, and mouth-watering recipes like Louisiana Hush Puppies with Comeback Dipping Sauce, Poppie’s Fig Jam & Prosciutto Crostini, Southern Fried Chicken Cobb Salad, and Carolina Blackberry Cobbler.


Very Merry Cocktails : 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season by Jessica Strand

Food writer Jessica Strand’s kitschy collection is a must-have for holiday hosts and merrymakers alike. Packed full of simple seasonal cocktail recipes, you’re sure to find a new favorite like the bourbon-based “Fireside Glow,” “Partridge in a Pear Tree” champagne sippers, toasty coffee and ice cream “Nutcracker Sweet” toddies, “’Tis the Season Sangria,” or one of her zero-proof libations like “Foamy Mexican Hot Chocolate”. In addition to tasty recipes, Very Merry Cocktails is brimming with vibrant vintage-style photography and advice on how to stock your bar, rim glasses, and garnish your cocktails.


The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Side Dishes : 75 Veggie-Filled Dishes that Steal the Show by Rebecca Lindamood

The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Side Dishes is mother of five Rebecca Lindamood’s “love letter to vegetables.” Conveniently organized into mini-chapters focusing on 14 different vegetables (all commonly found at farmers markets and grocery stores) and accompanied by main dish recommendations, these recipes have changed her picky eaters’ minds about vegetables. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Pancakes, Sriracha-Sesame Cucumber Rice Noodles, Chicken-Fried Eggplant, and Southern-Style Deli Carrot Salad are just a few of the show-stealing side dishes included in this collection.


Big Love Cooking : 75 Recipes for Satisfying, Shareable Comfort Food by Joey Campanaro, with Theresa Gambacorta

Famed restauranteur Joey Campanaro shares his family-style recipes along with insights from his Italian grandmother’s kitchen, conversational advice, and stories from his NYC restaurant in his comfort food cookbook. A few of his simple, authentic, shareable dishes include the Campanaro Family Lasagna, Pork Chops with Parmesan Butter Beans, Little Owl Crispy Chicken, Littleneck Clams with Juicy Bread, and Mom-Mom Pizza. In addition to comforting entrées, Big Love Cooking includes a variety of brunch (Brioche French Toast with Stewed Strawberries), soup (Italian Wedding Soup with Mini Meatballs and Egg Drop), and vegetable (Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Soft Herb Salad) recipes.


Pie Academy: Master the Perfect Crust and 255 Amazing Fillings, with Fruits, Nuts, Creams, Custards, Ice Cream, and More; Expert Techniques for Making Fabulous Pies from Scratch by Ken Haedrich

Critically acclaimed dean of The Pie Academy, Ken Haedrich reveals all his secrets for creating a perfect pie through step-by-step photographic tutorials including crust and pastry variations such as gluten-free, whole wheat, and extra flaky. Great for bakers of all levels, Pie Academy is packed full of classic recipes (Classic Lemon Meringue, Butterscotch Pecan), new creations (Apple Pear Pie with Hot Pepper Jelly, Blueberry-Pineapple Piña Colada), and hundreds of inspirational ideas.
Share:
© Ivory Owl Reviews | All rights reserved.
Blog Layout Created by pipdig