American Gods by Neil Gaiman
So I say I’m not much of a fantasy reader, but this book is another one that I just have to recommend. Here’s the story in a nutshell: Imagine the heavy hitters of world mythology, disguised as ordinary humans, set loose with all their wonderful weirdness upon the American landscape. Throw in a young fellow just released from prison, and you’ve got yourself a fine little (big!) story. Gaiman is a master of storytelling, and he’s at the peak of his game here.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Fighter Pilot. Astronaut. Senator.
John Glenn: A Memoir by John Glenn and Nick Taylor
When I think of John Glenn, the first word that comes to mind is: honorable. He’s one of a dying breed, I fear. I was first impressed by the account I read of him in Tom Wolfe’s The Right Stuff. He’s a man who takes duty seriously, and I respect that enormously. And when I read his memoir, I liked him even more. A good, decent man who has achieved greatness.
When I think of John Glenn, the first word that comes to mind is: honorable. He’s one of a dying breed, I fear. I was first impressed by the account I read of him in Tom Wolfe’s The Right Stuff. He’s a man who takes duty seriously, and I respect that enormously. And when I read his memoir, I liked him even more. A good, decent man who has achieved greatness.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Haven for Readers
Bachelor Brothers’ Bed and Breakfast by Bill Richardson
This little novel is set in a heaven on earth: an inn that is a haven for readers, where the aim of their vacation is to get caught up on their reading. Ahhh… what pleasure. Two brothers run the bed and breakfast, and together with their guests, they narrate the sweetly humorous events that take place in this enchanting setting. The book also contains book lists, such as “Hector’s List of Favourite Authors for the Bath,” which add to this cozy book’s charm. Pour yourself a cup of tea, draw a chair up near the fireplace, and escape into this lovely world.
This little novel is set in a heaven on earth: an inn that is a haven for readers, where the aim of their vacation is to get caught up on their reading. Ahhh… what pleasure. Two brothers run the bed and breakfast, and together with their guests, they narrate the sweetly humorous events that take place in this enchanting setting. The book also contains book lists, such as “Hector’s List of Favourite Authors for the Bath,” which add to this cozy book’s charm. Pour yourself a cup of tea, draw a chair up near the fireplace, and escape into this lovely world.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Women of the Future
Califia’s Daughters by Leigh Richards
Here’s a secret: Leigh Richards is actually Laurie R. King. This means Califia’s Daughters has got to be amazing. And it is. Imagine a future society, where women outnumber men 10 to 1 (due to a virus that nearly wipes out the male population). Dian, a warrior and leader of her people, undertakes a journey to meet with a secretive group that wishes to join forces with her community – only to discover some surprises. Technically, it’s science fiction, but the emphasis is on the (remarkable) characters and the challenges they face. If you enjoy this book, you may also want to pick up The Gate to Women’s Country by Sheri S. Tepper.
Here’s a secret: Leigh Richards is actually Laurie R. King. This means Califia’s Daughters has got to be amazing. And it is. Imagine a future society, where women outnumber men 10 to 1 (due to a virus that nearly wipes out the male population). Dian, a warrior and leader of her people, undertakes a journey to meet with a secretive group that wishes to join forces with her community – only to discover some surprises. Technically, it’s science fiction, but the emphasis is on the (remarkable) characters and the challenges they face. If you enjoy this book, you may also want to pick up The Gate to Women’s Country by Sheri S. Tepper.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Paradise Found?
The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner
As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of travel books. Nor do I like gimmick books (where the author seeks out experiences expressly so s/he can write about them). But Eric Weiner has pulled it off. Beautifully. This book is both funny and thought-provoking; Weiner’s tone is light, but his observations can be serious. He travels to various countries to assess why their people are happy or unhappy – with some surprising discoveries. He compares rich countries with poor, and ice-cold-freezing countries to those in warm regions. An interesting exercise while reading the book: see if you can figure out where you would fit in best and find the greatest happiness.
As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of travel books. Nor do I like gimmick books (where the author seeks out experiences expressly so s/he can write about them). But Eric Weiner has pulled it off. Beautifully. This book is both funny and thought-provoking; Weiner’s tone is light, but his observations can be serious. He travels to various countries to assess why their people are happy or unhappy – with some surprising discoveries. He compares rich countries with poor, and ice-cold-freezing countries to those in warm regions. An interesting exercise while reading the book: see if you can figure out where you would fit in best and find the greatest happiness.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Smart and Funny
Jackie by Josie by Caroline Preston
Josie is a young-ish mother whose work on her thesis has stalled out. Meanwhile, her husband Peter’s academic career is skyrocketing, and he appears to be on the verge of canoodling with a colleague. So Josie’s life is beginning a downward spiral when she seizes the opportunity to work as the researcher for a celebrity biographer who is preparing to write about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. While Peter is away due to his work, Josie and their adorable young son Henry move in with her mother. Since the new man in her mother’s life is a newly released felon, Josie has one more worry to add to her list. But when she begins her research, Josie discovers some surprising similarities between her life and that of Jackie Kennedy – and she is inspired by Jackie’s grace. If you like Elinor Lipman and Jeanne Ray, give Caroline Preston a try. This book stands out because of its light tone, charm, and occasional hilarious moments.
Josie is a young-ish mother whose work on her thesis has stalled out. Meanwhile, her husband Peter’s academic career is skyrocketing, and he appears to be on the verge of canoodling with a colleague. So Josie’s life is beginning a downward spiral when she seizes the opportunity to work as the researcher for a celebrity biographer who is preparing to write about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. While Peter is away due to his work, Josie and their adorable young son Henry move in with her mother. Since the new man in her mother’s life is a newly released felon, Josie has one more worry to add to her list. But when she begins her research, Josie discovers some surprising similarities between her life and that of Jackie Kennedy – and she is inspired by Jackie’s grace. If you like Elinor Lipman and Jeanne Ray, give Caroline Preston a try. This book stands out because of its light tone, charm, and occasional hilarious moments.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Happy Vegetarian
Still Life with Menu Cookbook: Over 200 Delicious Vegetarian Recipes with Original Art by Mollie Katzen
This vegetarian cookbook is one of my standards. And the cool thing is that it includes recipes for full menus, so I can make sure I’m preparing a salad that goes well with the main course and a dessert that complements the dinner. The other thing I love is that it offers a timeline to help you prepare the meals in advance. For example, 2 days ahead, you can roast and peel the peppers and prepare the cookie dough. One day ahead, cut the vegetables and cook the soup. It revolutionized the way I approach other recipes, since now I have discovered the shocking concept that I can break the preparation down into steps to do in advance. Embarrassing that it took a book to alert me to this, but there it is. My favorites from this cookbook: Lentil Chili, Autumn Vegetable Soup, Sweet and Sour Soup with Pineapple and Basil, Spinach Roll-Ups with Lime Chutney, Applesauce-Cocoa Cake, and Chocolate Chip-Mint Cookies.
This vegetarian cookbook is one of my standards. And the cool thing is that it includes recipes for full menus, so I can make sure I’m preparing a salad that goes well with the main course and a dessert that complements the dinner. The other thing I love is that it offers a timeline to help you prepare the meals in advance. For example, 2 days ahead, you can roast and peel the peppers and prepare the cookie dough. One day ahead, cut the vegetables and cook the soup. It revolutionized the way I approach other recipes, since now I have discovered the shocking concept that I can break the preparation down into steps to do in advance. Embarrassing that it took a book to alert me to this, but there it is. My favorites from this cookbook: Lentil Chili, Autumn Vegetable Soup, Sweet and Sour Soup with Pineapple and Basil, Spinach Roll-Ups with Lime Chutney, Applesauce-Cocoa Cake, and Chocolate Chip-Mint Cookies.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
This Mystery Novel Should Win Major Awards
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
When I come across a mystery this good, I feel like throwing a party. This is the first in a series narrated by Sheriff Walt Longmire, a gruff widower, Vietnam veteran, and good man. He’s just going through the motions in his life, when the murder of a high school student jolts him. The young man had been accused, along with some friends, of abusing a disabled girl. At the trial, they were dealt easy sentences and walked free. Now it appears that someone is out for revenge. Walt’s deputy is Vic, a smart, tough gal whom he knows he’s lucky to have hired. Henry Standing Bear, Walt’s lifelong best friend, becomes a suspect in the case, which introduces some unusual tension into their friendship. Even so, Henry sets out to wake Walt from his stupor, by starting him on an exercise program and attitude realignment. In this great debut, even the secondary characters leap off the page. I’m ready to move to Wyoming. The sheriff’s lovably curmudgeonly voice and wonderful dry wit make me want to spend more time with this fellow.
When I come across a mystery this good, I feel like throwing a party. This is the first in a series narrated by Sheriff Walt Longmire, a gruff widower, Vietnam veteran, and good man. He’s just going through the motions in his life, when the murder of a high school student jolts him. The young man had been accused, along with some friends, of abusing a disabled girl. At the trial, they were dealt easy sentences and walked free. Now it appears that someone is out for revenge. Walt’s deputy is Vic, a smart, tough gal whom he knows he’s lucky to have hired. Henry Standing Bear, Walt’s lifelong best friend, becomes a suspect in the case, which introduces some unusual tension into their friendship. Even so, Henry sets out to wake Walt from his stupor, by starting him on an exercise program and attitude realignment. In this great debut, even the secondary characters leap off the page. I’m ready to move to Wyoming. The sheriff’s lovably curmudgeonly voice and wonderful dry wit make me want to spend more time with this fellow.
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