tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52323597649282894932016-05-29T22:20:21.287-07:00Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-88771885156872484422013-04-20T15:05:00.002-07:002013-04-20T15:07:13.882-07:00<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15819028-the-golem-and-the-jinni" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img alt="The Golem and the Jinni" border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1349205573m/15819028.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15819028-the-golem-and-the-jinni">The Golem and the Jinni</a> by <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6466778.Helene_Wecker">Helene Wecker</a><br/>My rating: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/588209444">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />I read *a lot* of books. I always have. I have found that, for me, there tend to be two different basic categories of books: First, those that are quick reads, very enjoyable, but not always lasting. Brain candy, if you will. The majority of books tend to fall into this category. Then there are the deeper, heavier books. Those that require the reader to slow down to properly enjoy the story, where reading too fast means finishing the book before you've properly digested it and ruminated on it. These kinds of books tend to be slightly more difficult to find, but leave you with a deep satisfaction. This second category is where The Golem and The Jinni falls.<br /><br />Set in 1899 in New York, The Golem and The Jinni tells the story of Chava and Ahmad. Chava is a Golem, created in another country as a wife for a man who ultimately dies on the way to the New World. Ahmad is a Jinni, trapped in a bottle for untold years until accidentally set free by a man attempting to repair the bottle. Both are "impossible" creatures, both are adrift in their own ways and trying to get by in a place they neither asked to be, nor ever expected. And both are amazed when they accidentally meet one night on the streets of New York. Fire and earth, two compatible pieces of nature, they create a friendship - one that will be tested by their own natures as well as the appearance of another who seeks to control death itself.<br /><br />This novel is an amazing debut. I have found that sometimes, if not most of the time, a book fails to live up to the hype. I'm thrilled that this story not only lived up to it, but surpassed it. The wordcrafting is beautiful - almost like a piece of music or a beautiful tapestry you can reach out and touch. The characters are special - not one of them fails to add something to the writing. New York, where the majority of the tale is set, is also a character with her own special graces and flaws. The history and the lore of these creatures, as well as the Jewish and Syrian communities, are all interwoven seamlessly. It's a fascinating combination of cultures and stories.<br /><br />This a book that I will pass along to friends and family for them to read and enjoy. I cannot recommend it highly enough! <br/><br/><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/657110-beth">View all my reviews</a>Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-86446126267133158162012-04-02T14:32:00.000-07:002012-04-02T14:32:07.344-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxnxF6w4HGU/T3oaOgerIZI/AAAAAAAAAIs/N2x5gcskiCU/s1600/Cold-Cereal-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxnxF6w4HGU/T3oaOgerIZI/AAAAAAAAAIs/N2x5gcskiCU/s1600/Cold-Cereal-198x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Cereal-The-Saga/dp/0062060023" target="_blank">Click here to learn more!</a></td></tr></tbody></table>I'm always on the lookout for books that I can enjoy and share with my 10-year-old. Some books marketed for children are written in a very simplistic style, even for their target audience, making them more difficult for an adult to enjoy. Cold Cereal had a very vague description, but I was curious and thought I would try it out. I am so glad I did!<br /><br />This book has one of the more unique plots I have ever read. Basic synopsis - a breakfast cereal company is adding mysterious ingredients to their products (some element of reality there ;) in a bid to take over the world. Scott gets dragged into it all when one of his mysterious hallucinations tries to steal his backpack on his first day at a new school and his two new friends end up being important pieces in the Company's plans. There are leprechauns, unicats, electronic owls, a knowledgeable "wizard", and a "suspiciously hairy housekeeper". Mix it all up with some magic, a fake queen, and a mother's trip to Antarctica, and you have a fun and entertaining story that I enjoyed immensely. I am convinced that my son will enjoy this just as much.<br /><br />This book is, according to the back, the first in a new trilogy. I will be looking forward to the continuing adventures of this misfit crew!Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-52513976950931599612012-03-25T18:07:00.001-07:002012-03-25T18:07:38.370-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EScA_en5rs/T2_A8TQ0y4I/AAAAAAAAAIk/i6xuVgsnH_U/s1600/LifeEverlasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0EScA_en5rs/T2_A8TQ0y4I/AAAAAAAAAIk/i6xuVgsnH_U/s1600/LifeEverlasting.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Everlasting-The-Animal-Death/dp/0547752660/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332723915&amp;sr=1-3" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Scavengers are the undertakers of the animal kingdom. Once an animal has died, the scavengers move in and stake their claim, whether it be for food, a place to lay eggs, or otherwise. For far too many humans, there is a detachment from death and from the animal kingdom - including the knowledge of how those scavengers keep the life cycle going for us all.<br /><br />Bernd Heinrich has written a fascinating book about scavengers of many different varieties, and how they play a part in "Life Everlasting". This is not a religious book, nor is it particularly spiritual - unless you find your spirit in the raw beauty of nature. The animal kingdom is an amazing place, and unfortunately, it is being lost at an amazing rate. From ravens to beetles, octopi to salmon - and even humans - we all have a part to play with regards to the dead.<br /><br />The book does get a little clinical at times, and sometimes I missed the connection from one section to another, but regardless, this was a very interesting book. It's worth reading for anyone, and would be a great addition to those interested in the animal kingdom's scavengers or in biology in general.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-25786979392103153662012-03-25T18:04:00.001-07:002012-03-25T18:05:02.813-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrXL2onifIo/T2_AEG7ugaI/AAAAAAAAAIc/P9UicAp7r1Q/s1600/Simpleweeknightfaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrXL2onifIo/T2_AEG7ugaI/AAAAAAAAAIc/P9UicAp7r1Q/s1600/Simpleweeknightfaves.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/24/hatch-watch-2012-decorah-eagles_n_1377465.html" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am always looking for good cookbooks that have plenty of recipes for busy weeknights. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy making longer, more complicated recipes as well. Just not on nights when everyone seems to be coming and going in different directions! So I was excited to add this cookbook to my collection and to try it out.<br /><br />To start, since this cookbook is from America's Test Kitchen, it doesn't just list recipes. It explains how they created or re-worked the recipes to make them shorter and easier. There are often recipes for simple sides included, as well as "Smart Shopping" sections that explain the ingredient (for example, mango chutney) and then often list the brand they found to be the best in their tests. These sections might also give buying tips for steak, or explain the difference between two ingredients that seem similar ("matzo meal vs. matzo ball mix). There are also "Quick Prep Tips" sprinkled through out the book. The chapters are:<br /><br />Soups &amp; Stews<br />Salads<br />Poultry<br />Beef<br />Pork<br />Seafood<br />Vegetarian Entrees<br />Fire Up the Grill<br />Pasta &amp; Risotto<br />Pizzas &amp; Sandwiches<br />Stir-Fried, Curries &amp; Asian Noodles<br /><br />I tried three recipes from the book before writing this review. First I made the Quick Guinness Beef Stew. It was as quick and easy as promised, and the broth turned out more like a gravy with an awesome flavor. I would happily make this again, and the family enjoyed it as well. The second recipe was the Quick Sausage Ragu with Gemelli. I followed the recipe almost exactly, though I did use Italian Chicken Sausage, as that is what I had on hand. The meal turned out delicious, and was given a two-thumbs up by the entire family (and my kids can be PICKY!). It also was very easy, without a ton of ingredients. The third recipe I made was the Individual Tex-Mex Chicken Pizzas, which use baked tortillas as the pizza crust. While the flavor of the finished product was very, very good, I did have a couple of issues with this recipe. First - the tortillas. While they were baking, about half of them bubbled up to one degree or another, and a couple of them bubbled so big that toppings were pretty much impossible. The other issue (fairly easily solved) was that the tortillas brown VERY quickly, so keeping a pretty close eye on them while they are in the oven with the toppings on is pretty important. However, both kids liked these, and the flavor was quite good. I would happily make these again, even with the bubbling issue.<br /><br />I'm also happy to say that the vegetarian section seems pretty decent. Obviously, we are not vegetarians - but I do like to encourage meatless meals a couple of times a week. Many of these vegetarian recipes are ones that I could serve to my meat-loving family with little issue.<br /><br />All-in-all, as with most books from America's Test Kitchen, I'm pretty impressed. I pretty sure this will stay on my "most used" shelf for quite some time to come. After, that is, I get it back from the friend who is borrowing it!Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-1681936334974858462012-03-20T12:41:00.002-07:002012-03-25T18:08:01.700-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whg1SZpdrmY/T2jdNxYP6EI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/d4o6leSlj9k/s1600/Good-Bite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-whg1SZpdrmY/T2jdNxYP6EI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/d4o6leSlj9k/s320/Good-Bite.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Bite-Weeknight-Meals-Delicious/dp/0470916583/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332272456&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I am a mother of two, with a busy family that all seem to have different schedules. I am also an avid reader of many different food blogs, so I know how delicious the food can be. So I was curious about this collection of recipes, and excited about the "delicious made easy" part. Overall, I am very pleased.<br /><br />First, a basic overview of the book. The book begins with a list of suggested items to keep in the pantry, fridge and freezer. Most of the recipes in the book will use those items. Then there is a section that lists some favorite "secret ingredients" of the bloggers listed in the book, as well as how/why those ingredients are favorites. Many of the items are common ingredients, while others might be a tad bit more "exotic". There are also technique tips for different foods, suggestions for weeknight planning and prep, and a section listing "10 time-saving tools". Then come the actual recipes, broken down into these groups:<br /><br />Chicken &amp; Turkey<br />Beef &amp; Lamb<br />Pork<br />Seafood<br />Pasta<br />Vegetarian<br />Soups &amp; Stews<br />Side Dishes<br /><br />Most of the recipes have reasonable ingredient lists (between 5-10) and most average between 15-30 minutes of hands-on time. Many also have "make it easy" tips at the bottom of the page that give suggestions on how to cut time even further.<br /><br />I tried 3 different recipes, and was satisfied with them all. I made the Better Butter Chicken, which both my kids really liked (a miracle in our house!). I did find one issue - the recipe calls for a 19-oz can of diced tomatoes, which I don't believe exists. I used a standard can of diced tomatoes, then added a bit of tomato sauce from a can I had used the night before for something else. Worked quite nicely. Otherwise, the recipe was quick, easy and tasty. I would highly recommend using the garam masala (listed as optional in the recipe), as it really adds good flavor. The next recipe we tried were the Dressed-Up Sloppy Joes, which were another hit. The flavor was really good - not too sweet, not too tomatoey (is that a word?). They were very easy to make, and we had plenty of leftovers. No issues with this recipe - though I think we will double it next time to have some to put in the freezer for another meal. The final recipe I have tried as of now are the Pork, Asparagus, &amp; Ginger Pot Stickers. Those of us in our family that like pot stickers really liked them - the one who doesn't ate the insides and said it was good. Having made pot stickers before several times, I will say that these cook up a little different than I expected - the wrappers bubble up and expand a LOT while they are cooking - I half expected several of them to burst. I'm guessing it's related to the pork, as my previous recipe used chicken. However, the flavor was really good, and they freeze exceptionally well. I doubled the recipe, and we have a a few future meals at the ready.<br /><br />The only issue I have with this cookbook is that the majority of the beef recipes are grilled, which isn't very practical at this time of the year. Several of them sound quite tasty, and I'm sure we will be making some as the weather warms and we break out the grill. Otherwise, I would recommend this cookbook for busy people of all stripes who want simple but tasty meals, no matter how busy they are.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-19414801460013296582012-03-20T12:39:00.001-07:002012-03-25T18:08:18.288-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9t4FyceK5w/T2jckMiEhlI/AAAAAAAAAII/cX1FrVXHXaA/s1600/First-Rule-of-Ten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9t4FyceK5w/T2jckMiEhlI/AAAAAAAAAII/cX1FrVXHXaA/s320/First-Rule-of-Ten.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Rule-Ten-Detective/dp/1401937764/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332272288&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The First Rule of Ten is a wonderfully written book with layers of depth that many mystery novels do not have. Of course, there is the actual mystery itself, which kept me guessing throughout the story. Basic plot: A woman shows up at Ten's house, looking for the former owner. After she leaves, she is murdered - and Ten feels at least slightly responsible for not paying more attention to her story. As he looks into her death, it begins to intertwine with almond groves, a pig farm, and a cult. Sounds crazy, but the authors not only made it work, they made it plausible and engaging. Once I started the story, I really wanted to continue reading. Ten is such a fascinating main character, and even the people he meets along the way were strongly written and had such wonderful personality to them. I am hoping that at least a few of them will continue on throughout the series, as they seem such an integral part of the story and to Ten's life.<br /><br />Then there are the extra layers twisted within the story - of the monastery upbringing Ten had, which definitely affects every aspect of his character and how he chooses to act while investigating. There was a slight bit of romance, some family angst, and strong friendships along the way. Basically, this is an excellent and complex story of a complicated man who strives to be simple.<br /><br />In all, I am so pleased I decided to try this. I will definitely be looking out for the sequel. It can be difficult these days to find main characters who truly are complex and fascinating enough to really be the main focus of a story, and Tenzing Norbu certainly fits the bill here. Well done!Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-7985019077371931192012-03-20T12:36:00.002-07:002012-03-20T12:36:41.584-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryo55Nt0ZEQ/T2jcAfF04OI/AAAAAAAAAIA/pUyuStLhhuo/s1600/NicholasstNorthjpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ryo55Nt0ZEQ/T2jcAfF04OI/AAAAAAAAAIA/pUyuStLhhuo/s320/NicholasstNorthjpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nicholas-Nightmare-Guardians-Childhood-Chapter/dp/1442430486/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332272151&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I got this book hoping it would be one that my 10-year-old son and I could enjoy reading together - it was, however, not to be. While I read and finished the book, he started it but never finished. Which is his habit with books he does not enjoy. Those he likes, he will finish and then re-read. Those he doesn't enjoy, he just stops reading and moves along to something better. For the record, he loves to read and reads 2 or 3 books a week.<br /><br />The premise of the story was certainly something that sounded interesting. Unfortunately, the writing was terrible. It was incredibly simplistic and it felt like the author was talking down to kids so they would u-n-d-e-r-s-t-a-n-d. Everything was spelled out in extreme detail, instead of just painting a picture and letting the reader put it together. It's easy to underestimate the reader, and that seems to have happened here.<br /><br />The story idea itself is unique and could certainly be very good, were the writing better. I'm hoping that the following books in the series show a steady improvement, but I'm afraid that should anyone express interest in reading them, they will be borrowed from the library where they can promptly be returned if desired.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-83593389200647251022012-03-20T12:34:00.000-07:002012-03-20T12:34:02.052-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8n0b2hdxttU/T2jbUNVpwBI/AAAAAAAAAH4/5GeizdTIx4I/s1600/cain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8n0b2hdxttU/T2jbUNVpwBI/AAAAAAAAAH4/5GeizdTIx4I/s320/cain1.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cain-Jose-Saramago/dp/0547419899/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332272009&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I must admit, I have never read a book by Jose Saramago. It wasn't the author's name that drew me to this book, it was the premise behind the story. Unfortunately, I found the story lacking.<br /><br />First, I had a very hard time getting into the stream of consciousness writing in the spots where it happens. I originally thought it was just formatting errors, except that it only happens in places of dialogue. Everywhere else seems to be just fine. For me, particularly with dialogue, stream of consciousness format is hard to follow. In addition, I just did not enjoy the story. I am usually fascinated with stories that aim to, shall we say, rewrite the history of the Bible. This one seemed rather aimless as it went along. I almost felt like the book was written just because of the author's beliefs, not because there was truly a story there that wanted to shared.<br /><br />I'm sure that there are those die-hard fans of Saramago who might be used to his style that would disagree, but I just was not impressed. This book will, rather than joining the ranks of my bookshelves, instead be packed into a box in the garage.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-83836069620722681542012-03-20T12:31:00.001-07:002012-03-20T12:31:12.847-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmgzSQEo1IE/T2jaqruw_CI/AAAAAAAAAHw/LFK8QhUZwgs/s1600/TheTasteofTomorrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mmgzSQEo1IE/T2jaqruw_CI/AAAAAAAAAHw/LFK8QhUZwgs/s1600/TheTasteofTomorrow.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Taste-Tomorrow-Dispatches-Future/dp/0061804215/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332271839&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Have you ever looked at the food on your plate, served at some general "American" restaurant, and wondered what else was out there? Visited some amazing little restaurant in some corner of the world and wondered why that particular flavor of ethnic hadn't yet "arrived"? Above all, wondered what kinds of food we might be eating in the future - if we need to eat at all? That is the premise behind The Taste of Tomorrow - it's basically Josh Schonwald's search for the future of our food.<br /><br />During this search, Schonwald takes us on a journey, where we learn about five main subjects. First, salad (and by extension, other vegetables). We read about Salinas, CA, "The World's Salad Bowl". We follow along on the search for the next big thing in the vegetable world, and we also learn about the greater possibilities of "Frankenfood" (A warning - Schonwald is very clear that he did not start writing this with a soft spot for genetically engineered foods, but he *did* end up with one.). From there, it's onto meats - smaller breeds, grown meat products, and the "Super Burger". From there we head to fish, then on to ethnic food, and finally we end up at the possibility that someday in the future, there may be no need for food at all.<br /><br />I was excited to read this, more out of curiosity than anything else. I love food - I enjoy finding new flavors and new ingredients that can be shared with family and friends. So I was looking forward to seeing what this book had to say. While there were no definitive answers given about the actual future of food (for reasons well-explained in the book), I thought Schonwald did a good job taking subjects that can be so scientific and making them easily readable.<br /><br />For me, a good marker of a well-written non-fiction book is whether it makes me want to learn more about the topic(s). I thought this book was fascinating, and am looking forward to finding more information on several of the subjects discussed within.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-85464442134812056752012-03-20T12:13:00.001-07:002012-03-20T12:13:28.514-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZkChxSB_V0/T2jWjhrar1I/AAAAAAAAAHo/ZR1UarO2K60/s1600/wolf-gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZkChxSB_V0/T2jWjhrar1I/AAAAAAAAAHo/ZR1UarO2K60/s320/wolf-gift.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Wolf-Gift-Anne-Rice/dp/0307595110/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1332270772&amp;sr=1-1" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It has been years since I've read an Anne Rice novel, and I was initially hesitant about this one. However, the premise sounded interesting, so I ordered it anyway just out of curiosity. I'm very glad that I did. I started this book day before yesterday, but late in the evening , and went to bed only a couple of chapters in. I picked it up again yesterday afternoon - and by the time I realized that it was far past my bedtime, I was almost finished and NEEDED to see how it ended.<br /><br />Reuben is a fledgling reporter in San Francisco, the youngest son of a fairly well-to-do family. He heads up to Mendocino County to do a story about an old house with a lot of history being sold. He finds himself falling in love with the place, but wakes during the night to hear his host being attacked. As he goes to defend her, he is attacked himself, and then mysteriously saved. During his recovery, he finds that he is...changing. He is becoming what he always assumed was a werewolf. But as he learns more about himself and his new abilities, he has to decide whether what is has been given is actually a curse - or whether it is truly a gift.<br /><br />The Wolf Gift is not your typical werewolf story - it turns the genre on its head in more than one way. There is a strong thread of Good vs. Evil within the story, but the parts are not necessarily played by those you would expect. How does one know true Evil? Can something seen as evil actually be a servant of Good? Tied to the Good and Evil debate is a strong exploration of the existence of God, and our expectations of right and wrong.<br /><br />However. This is not a heavy-handed religion book. This is an excellent novel with a fascinating and fast-paced story where part of the story includes a couple of strong themes woven throughout that make the story stronger rather than detracting from it.<br /><br />Having not read an Anne Rice novel in years, I now find myself hoping that there might be a sequel in the works to continue this fascinating story. I don't know that another one could be as strong and do justice to this first one, but the characters are wonderful, and the whole novel is just so compelling, that I would love to read more.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-11350358253696988382012-03-20T12:08:00.000-07:002012-03-20T12:08:57.740-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-evjNJJoZcVo/T2jU_KHgyiI/AAAAAAAAAHY/YuBJyP0MWrs/s1600/UltimateRiceCooker.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Rice-Cooker-Cookbook-Porridges/dp/1558326677/ref=cm_cr-mr-title" target="_blank">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Having hosted several Japanese exchange students, we gave in and bought a Zojirushi rice cooker several years ago - and while it works excellent for cooking straight-up rice, it often frustrated me that it seemed like such a one-dimensional product. So I was very pleased to get the opportunity to try this cookbook.<br /><br />First, there is a TON of information in here. It starts off discussing the different types of rice cookers, how they work, basics for using them, and how to get the best use out of the cookbook. Then it gets broken into chapters, each also with a lot of information. The chapters are:<br /><br />The Perfect Pot of Rice (talks about different kinds of rice, where they are from, what they look/taste like, how to cook them)<br />Simple Everyday Rices and Little Meals<br />The Family of Pilafs<br />Risotto<br />Sushi<br />The Whole-Grain Cooker<br />Polenta, Grits, and Hominy<br />Hot Breakfast Cereals and Porridges<br />Beans and Legumes<br />Vegetables in the Rice Cooker<br />Whole-Meal Steam Cuisine<br />Dim Sum, Dolmas, and Tamales: Little Bites<br />Sweet Puddings and Fruit Desserts<br />Custards and Steamed Puddings<br />Alchemy for Rice Leftovers<br /><br />I have tried three different recipes so far (and have several more book-marked to make soon!). The Creamy Breakfast Oatmeal is wonderful, and so easy to mix and match with. The recipe calls for maple syrup and dates, but I've also made it with brown sugar and banana, as well as honey and dried strawberries. Delicious! The Morning Rice Pudding was pretty good, but needed a little something extra. I did make it with the egg, for the extra protein - and I would recommend making it when you're not going to have much leftover, as it isn't quite the same the next day. My favorite (and my husband's) so far has been the Chinese Sausage and Rice - there isn't a lot of seasoning in the dish, which initially made me somewhat hesitant about how it would turn out. But with the sausage cooking in the rice, it really makes a difference, and the flavor was delicious. Next on the list? Thai Curried Rice is the plan for dinner tomorrow.<br /><br />The cookbook has really opened my eyes to how versatile the rice cooker really is, and it spends far more time on my counter than it used to. I have to say, I even like it better than my pressure cooker now! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R32AP7IH7W640A/ref=cm_aya_cmt?ie=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1558326677#wasThisHelpful"><img align="absmiddle" alt="Comment" border="0" height="16" hspace="3" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/comment-sm._V192250344_.gif" width="16" /></a>Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-82531447360403045472011-09-11T12:10:00.000-07:002011-09-11T12:10:44.426-07:00<iframe width="500" height="311" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/18lsxFcDrjo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-62845209542352429762010-11-10T16:12:00.000-08:002010-11-10T16:12:07.916-08:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TNs0S-Sr3FI/AAAAAAAAAC8/S1dPSbz_TDQ/s1600/littleprinces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TNs0S-Sr3FI/AAAAAAAAAC8/S1dPSbz_TDQ/s1600/littleprinces.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-Princes-Promise-Bring-Children/dp/0061930059/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1289434249&amp;sr=1-7">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Imagine the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of people displaced and in danger. Families separated and unsure where to go or what to do. A government in chaos, unable (at least initially) to be of any assistance. Then imagine that this chaos had lasted an ENTIRE decade. That some of these families were so poor and so desperate to keep their children safe, that they sold just about every possession they owned in order to PAY to try and keep their children from being conscripted into a rebel army that had formed in opposition to the government. Then imagine that, far from being the safe haven they had imagined, these families never heard from their beloved children again. As days turned into weeks, then into months that turned into years, they realized their children had just disappeared.<br /><br />This is the situation in Nepal. From 1996-2006, Nepal suffered through a horrible civil war between the monarchy and Maoist rebels. The country was torn apart. Elementary-aged children were abducted by the rebels to serve in any capacity. And of course, as is so often the case, an even darker force came into play. Using fear as their weapon, child traffickers took thousands of children to “safety” - taking enormous sums of money and then turning around and either abandoning them hundreds of miles from home, or using them to make more money in donations that they pocketed while the children lived in squalor.<br /><br />Little Princes is the story of one man who went to Nepal to volunteer for 3 months because he thought it would sound impressive. Conor Grennan decided he was going to take a year off and travel the world, using the volunteer time to make it sound better to his friends and family. However, he found that when when his 3 months as a volunteer were over, he left a large part of his heart behind. So he went back. And then he went back again, with a mission to help these “orphaned” children find their parents again. <br /><br />I found Little Princes extremely well-written and incredibly heart-warming. Grennan was able to make Nepal come alive, and the children just leapt off the page and right into my heart. I giggled at their antics and I cried with their pain. I empathized with Farid and Conor as they struggled to help these children in a place where the government was often corrupt and where things run on “Nepal time” - so much slower than our own. And then, after I finished reading the book (within a day), I went to www.nextgenerationnepal.org to learn more. <br /><br />I cannot recommend this book more highly. It’s fun and heart-breaking, it’s informative and it has a wonderful message to send. You CAN make a difference, one person at a time.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-8000499148895620802010-11-08T14:31:00.000-08:002010-11-08T14:31:16.249-08:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TNh5Whu2-qI/AAAAAAAAAC4/2JNo9q5JcUY/s1600/AmericatheEdible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TNh5Whu2-qI/AAAAAAAAAC4/2JNo9q5JcUY/s1600/AmericatheEdible.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/America-Edible-Hungry-History-Dining/dp/1605293024/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1289255428&amp;sr=8-1">To Purchase, Click Here</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />“America the Edible” is a book that’s hard to categorize. It’s a travelogue - sort of. It’s a cookbook - a little bit. It’s a memoir - certainly. It’s a “Best Places” guide - to some degree. In reality, it’s a book that manages to combine bits of all of these, and does it in a way that leaves the reader more knowledgeable than before and hungry as hell. <br /><br />Adam Richman believes that while there can be incredible food, much of what makes a dining experience “transportive” are the memories&nbsp; and the people that accompany the food. So, he takes the reader on a road-trip around the country to some of his favorite (and most memorable) locations. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare to visit, in order:<br /><br />Los Angeles, CA<br />Honolulu, HI<br />Brooklyn, NY<br />St. Louis, MO<br />Cleveland, OH<br />Austin, TX<br />San Francisco, CA<br />Portland, ME<br />Savannah, GA<br />&nbsp;LA again<br /><br />While in each area, Richman tells the stories that were memorable to him, and includes listings of the restaurants and delicious-sounding descriptions of the food. He’s honest about some places that were less than stellar and raves about the others. At the end of each chapter, he includes one recipe, related in some way to what he has experienced. He does like to curse, but it’s not overwhelming and it shouldn’t hold you back from reading this.<br /><br />It’s a different take on the traditional travelogue, but it’s certainly an interesting one. There are several lists within the book (Examples: “Great Condiments You Probably Don’t Have in Your House, but Should” and “Ten Great Eating Streets in the United States”) and a whole lot of fascinating facts (much of it historical and related to how/why the cuisine became what it is) for each locale.<br /><br />While I had hoped for more recipes, I think the way it is set up worked nicely. I truly had an enjoyable time reading it.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-16877300116594683692010-10-28T17:03:00.000-07:002010-10-28T17:03:12.479-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoPAB11dMI/AAAAAAAAACQ/wGXZYOCFQE8/s1600/SpidersofAllah.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Spiders-Allah-Travels-Unbeliever-Frontline/dp/0312565852/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288310485&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoPAB11dMI/AAAAAAAAACQ/wGXZYOCFQE8/s1600/SpidersofAllah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />The Spiders of Allah is a fascinating look at the conflicts in the Middle East, done by a British reporter. It is an up-close and personal look at the actions and atrocities that the U.S. press largely tends to white-wash. Hider has no such compunction, and accompanies his writing with some very acute observations about human nature, religion and the actions of those involved.<br /><br />One of my favorite parts in the book (though there were several) is when the author finds out that grocers were beginning to be targeted to be killed by the Mujahedin guerrillas. Trying to figure out why produce, of all things, would be considered lawless - he asks a friend. Apparently, a decree had come out that tomatoes and cucumbers were not to be displayed together, as "tomatoes represent femininity and cucumbers....", well, you get the picture. In addition, bananas were ONLY allowed to be sold within plastic bags, in order to prevent offending anyone. As he said later, "It was astounding in its stupidity and barbarity.". As were so many actions that have taken place over there.<br /><br />The only (small) issues I have with the book are that it seemed to start off a bit scrambled, like the author wasn't quite sure where he was going to be headed. Once he got going, the book picked up pace and was terrific. But again, at the end, it seemed like he wasn't sure how to tie everything together. The bits about religion in the beginning and end seemed almost forced, while those within the book were spot-on.<br /><br />All-in-all, it was quite a good book. I certainly learned some things that I hadn't heard about before, found quite a bit to ruminate upon further, and found myself in awe (once again) of the things human beings will do in the name of religion.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-81442634843578560142010-10-28T17:00:00.000-07:002010-10-28T17:00:47.572-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoOg69hfVI/AAAAAAAAACM/T5TCiCuIGnE/s1600/Sweetnessatthebottom.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweetness-Bottom-Pie-Flavia-Mystery/dp/0385343493/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1288310364&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoOg69hfVI/AAAAAAAAACM/T5TCiCuIGnE/s1600/Sweetnessatthebottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is a wonderful story about a precocious girl trying to find out who she is. Flavia would argue (probably quite vehemently) that she already KNOWS who she is - she is a chemist with two highly annoying sisters who may as well be no relation, and a distant father who seems to prefer his stamp collection over the day-to-day affairs within the house.<br /><br />While these arguments certainly have their point, Flavia remains a girl on the cusp of her teenage years - where nothing is as it seems and everything changes so rapidly that keeping up is almost impossible. Owing to her propensity for drama, her advanced knowledge of chemistry and her unbridled curiosity, Flavia is a ticking time-bomb of trouble...trouble that finds her all too willing to jump in headfirst.<br /><br />As a reader of both adult fiction and "Young Adult" fiction, Flavia is one of the best-written characters I have had the privilege of meeting. She is honestly written and her voice is uniquely her own while still remaining absolutely true to her character and to the story. As a secondary character, the Inspector is a gem, and his interactions with Flavia are wonderful. I truly hope that he has a part to play in future installments of this distinctive series. As for Flavia - it was an honor getting to know her, and I look forward to future interactions with her.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-40344221149000707162010-10-28T16:58:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:58:36.556-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoNzXRVScI/AAAAAAAAACI/kW4_cp_O2jg/s1600/Murderofamediciprincess.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Medici-Princess-Caroline-Murphy/dp/0195385837/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288310176&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoNzXRVScI/AAAAAAAAACI/kW4_cp_O2jg/s1600/Murderofamediciprincess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />What are the consequences when a woman chooses to live her life as a man might? Now make that woman virtual royalty, with a permissive father, who lives during the 1500's in Florence - what might the consequences for those actions be then? For Isabella Medici, daring to take a lover and live on her own terms cost her the ultimate consequence - her life. <br /><br />Isabella was, by all accounts, a beautiful, intelligent and vivacious woman. Her father had raised her with much more freedom than most women of that period would have been allowed, and Isabella came to expect it as her due. Unfortunately, while men were often encouraged to take lovers, women could be (and often were) put to death for "shaming" their families. While the manner of Isabella's death is disputed by some, the book makes a very convincing argument into the how and, more importantly, the why of Isabella's killing. <br /><br />Murder of a Medici Princess is an excellent look into the life, and death, of Isabella Medici. While the book is categorized as fiction, in many respects it reads more as nonfiction. There are excerpts taken from letters written by Isabella and those around her, documentation of events that took place during her lifetime, and photos of paintings done of Isabella and her family. However, it is still fascinating reading, particularly if you enjoy history.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-22146957716873868732010-10-28T16:55:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:55:22.900-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoNKfAsuII/AAAAAAAAACE/0YG9BWWcf6Q/s1600/EasternJewel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Private-Papers-Eastern-Jewel-Novel/dp/1596917032/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288310013&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoNKfAsuII/AAAAAAAAACE/0YG9BWWcf6Q/s1600/EasternJewel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />In Eastern Jewel, Lindley attempts to take the true story of a Chinese princess who became a spy for Japan and flesh it out to show the person behind the story. Unfortunately, this book only partially succeeds. Quite honestly, Lindley seems to have had a good outline, but should have had someone else write the book for her. The details are good, the research seems to be quite thorough - but the overall effect is one that leaves a lot to be desired.<br /><br />As I was reading the book, I kept getting incredibly frustrated by the writing. I prefer the type of book that trusts the reader - allowing them to draw their own conclusions without feeling the need to lead them by the nose. This is NOT that type of book. In fact, not only did I feel that there was too much said, but in many cases, it was even said repeatedly. <br /><br />I really wanted to like this book - I find history fascinating, particularly when it involves a character who has been demonized, many times unjustly. Throw in some good intrigue, make the main character a female spy (incredibly rare for the times), and it should be an easy hook. And while the plot was interesting, I just could not lose myself within the story - frustration kept setting in with the writing. I had a hard time not setting the book down and moving on to something else.<br /><br />Some may like the writing style - I did not. I commend Ms. Lindley for her attempts to show another side of this woman who has disappeared into the depths of history. She has apparently done her research quite well. I hope that maybe others will see a quality that maybe I did not.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-41087390038911333332010-10-28T16:52:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:52:36.134-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoMc1Fm3fI/AAAAAAAAACA/1ESkoDuCazE/s1600/100heartbeats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-Heartbeats-Earths-Endangered-Species/dp/1605294144/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288309833&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoMc1Fm3fI/AAAAAAAAACA/1ESkoDuCazE/s1600/100heartbeats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />100 Heartbeats by Jeff Corwin is, essentially, a wake-up call. He outlines several different animals that are currently members of, or well on their way to being, members of the 100 Heartbeat Club. In other words, these species have 100 or fewer individuals left. He also mentions many that have already lost the fight. However - he makes an effort to include a few that are well on their way to winning their battle against extinction in an effort to highlight not only the people who have worked so hard to help, but HOW the animals are being saved, one precious heartbeat at a time.<br /><br />Some of the writing was a bit dry, but still always fascinating - the rate of extinctions on this planet is staggering. When you consider how many plants and animals of all kinds have disappeared before we had an opportunity to study them, and how many more are disappearing every day, it's enough to make one ill. How many more will vanish before my children ever have the opportunity to see them?<br /><br />The only downside to this book was that there were no photos showing these amazing animals that Corwin talks about. However, having said that, the copy that I read was an "advance uncorrected proof" that had a section in the middle for a 16-page insert...this may well be for photos.<br /><br />I can honestly say that this book is well worth reading. It is eye-opening in every capacity and deserves a place on the bookshelf of every person who believes that it is never too late to make a change - not only to help our planet, but each and every living being on it.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-43110941467939429722010-10-28T16:49:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:49:48.605-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoLlfvQrMI/AAAAAAAAAB8/K3etREC7sSk/s1600/Photoshopelements7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Elements-Introduction-Photography/dp/0240521579/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288309601&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoLlfvQrMI/AAAAAAAAAB8/K3etREC7sSk/s1600/Photoshopelements7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 has been called one of the best programs for non-professionals. While it may in fact be so, it can also be very confusing to the novice. That's where this book comes in - to help the beginning user learn how to use Elements for everything from fixing basic issues like red eye, to more advanced things like layers. <br /><br />I had wanted to get Elements anyway, so I bought the program right after ordering this book, figuring it would be a great way to really see how well the book would be able to help a complete Photoshop novice like myself. After playing with the program, as well as using it to clean up pictures I took at my mother's wedding, I can say with conviction that this book is terrific. <br /><br />The writing is very simple and easy to understand. Each entry contains at least one color photograph (usually more) to help illustrate exactly what the book is trying to convey. The "lessons" are written in what feels like a natural, common-sense order for a beginner while still allowing plenty of learning for someone a bit more experienced. I almost felt like I had someone there holding my hand as I learned different ways to manipulate the photos I have taken. In fact, I started taking more pictures just to have a chance to play with some of my new techniques!<br /><br />All-in-all, it's a great book and an excellent reference tool for anyone just starting out with Elements - and since the program has changed quite a bit (I hear) from the last one, I'm pretty sure it would be helpful for those that have used Photoshop before as well. I would recommend this to anyone who would like to learn about different ways to use Elements to create some amazing photo artwork!Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-65211888341055969612010-10-28T16:44:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:44:44.992-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoKgDDslSI/AAAAAAAAAB4/LBrp4JjsNx4/s1600/Childoffire.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Child-Fire-Twenty-Palaces-Novel/dp/0345508890/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288309294&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoKgDDslSI/AAAAAAAAAB4/LBrp4JjsNx4/s1600/Childoffire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />I'm a *huge* fan of the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher, so seeing his blurb on the cover is what finally convinced me to try this book. Having now read through the whole thing, I can say that it was quite enjoyable, though not quite on the same level. The story moves fairly quickly from start to finish, and it was certainly interesting, though a few bits seemed a bit cliché. The characters were interesting, though I confess I was much more interested in Annalise than in Ray...he had just a bit too much angst for me to really enjoy him as much. I'm hoping that we learn a bit more about the Society and Annalise in the next one.<br /><br /><br />I am looking forward to seeing the next book in what appears to be a series - for a freshman effort, this book is worth reading, and I'm guessing they will only continue to improve. If it was an option, I would probably have given it 3 1/2 stars. Since that isn't an option, I gave it 4...the writing continued to improve even through the book and any book in a series that has me wanting to read more is doing its job, even with a few nitpicks. A solid effort, and recommended for urban fantasy fans.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-53762527549295313142010-10-28T16:40:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:40:31.379-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoJlsp9rbI/AAAAAAAAAB0/NnGLUZ0kxC8/s1600/Meno.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Adventure-Meno-Tony-DiTerlizzi/dp/1416971483/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288309090&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoJlsp9rbI/AAAAAAAAAB0/NnGLUZ0kxC8/s1600/Meno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />I chose this book for my 2 1/2-year-old, who should be the target audience. She got excited, looked through it once, and then has not chosen to look at it since. Not only that, but when offered to have it read to her, she refuses every time.<br /><br />The book is, in my opinion, boring and overly simplistic. The grammar is terrible - yes, I'm aware that the main character is an alien, but this age group is such that they learn so very much from the simple tasks like having books read to them and having "conversations" with friends and family members. There is no real storyline to speak of, except for what seems to be Meno and his pet teaching that "BIG FUN" is equal to passing gas with a friend. There is even a (completely unnecessary) dictionary in the back that explains the pronunciation of the characters and the definitions of certain phrases in the book. For example, "toot!" (passing gas) is "big fun: funniest thing ever". "dough with hole: doughnut" (Really? Because I was terribly confused there for a moment...). The worst part? The implication on the cover that there are more of these books to come...I even tried to share with a friend of mine who was visiting, thinking her 4-year-old might enjoy it...she read through the book and couldn't believe how ridiculous it truly is.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong - I'm not a "big fun" nazi. I have two young children and know that they find passing gas to be incredibly funny. However, combined with the complete lack of point that this book seems to have otherwise, I see no reason to recommend it. A much better book with regards the what appears to be the storyline here would be "The Gas We Pass" by Shinta Cho.Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-39438432991025844692010-10-28T16:37:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:37:15.544-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoI1l0H17I/AAAAAAAAABw/EqaPPB_HEhA/s1600/Foodiehandbook.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Foodie-Handbook-Almost-Definitive-Gastronomy/dp/0811868532/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1288308896&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoI1l0H17I/AAAAAAAAABw/EqaPPB_HEhA/s1600/Foodiehandbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />I really wanted to love this book, but after reading it through (and then mulling over what I read for several days), all I can muster up is a distinct sense of "eh". I guess it's clear that not only will this book not be in heavy rotation in my kitchen, but I will never be a foodie. Here's why:<br /><br />1. Either you're a foodie, or you're not. You either have a sense (and much training) to cover all the bases necessary to be a true foodie or you don't. This book would have to be the size of a Mac truck in order to truly cover everything. <br /><br />2. The expense. Several recommendations are way out of my budget, particularly in these lean times. For example, towards the end is a list of "Fifty things every foodie should do, or at least try, once in her (his) life". Here are a few:<br /><br />Eat a fugu<br />Dine at a Parisian three-star restaurant<br />Sip a perfect espresso at Caffe Mulassano in Turin<br />Take your lover on a trip to Olivier Roellinger in Cancale, Brittany<br />Try a famous Japanese kobe beef steak<br /><br />3. A recommendation to cook without recipes. Personally, I would much rather see more people cooking (preferably with friends and family), even if they use recipes. Recipes are not bad things, and the more they are used, the more the cook learns what can be changed or how to create their own. To me, the friend and family connection is way more important than becoming a foodie.<br /><br />Having said all of that - the book certainly makes some valid points. Try to use in-season ingredients. Find a signature dish to make for parties, etc. Learn to enjoy the taste of REAL food, not the fast food that is so common. But I don't feel that one needs to be a foodie in order to enjoy food, and I believe that the companionship one can derive from food is much more important than being able to say "I am a foodie".Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-6674780953533067332010-10-28T16:34:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:34:13.787-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoIKmg3qWI/AAAAAAAAABs/LiHz8O5jVFo/s1600/frommers500places.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Frommers-Places-Where-Make-Difference/dp/0470160616/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288308688&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoIKmg3qWI/AAAAAAAAABs/LiHz8O5jVFo/s1600/frommers500places.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />Many of us these days have a hard time deciding between a "staycation" that puts money back in the local economy and (presumably) has a smaller carbon footprint, or taking a regular vacation. The vacation often seems, particularly in this economy, like a semi-wasteful way take time off. For those in that dilemma (and for others who just would like to find a way to give back), Frommer's "500 places where you can make a difference" could very well be the answer.<br /><br />It's broken down into chapters, and then further into sections within those chapters. For example, Chapter 1 is covers Animal Welfare. The sections within that chapter are: surveying wildlife, rescue &amp; protection, and animal habitats. Towards the end of every chapter is a section that covers 10 specific things - Chapter 1 has "10 Beaches Where Wildlife Comes First", while Chapter 2 (Working with Children) has "10 Ways to Give Schools the Tools for Learning". <br /><br />The rest of the chapters are as follows:<br /><br />3: Sharing Your Knowledge - Teaching Vacations<br />4: Scientific Research<br />5: Healing the Environment<br />6: Building Better Communities<br />7: Share the Health<br />8: Teaching through Sport<br />9: Bridging Cultures<br />10: Special Events<br />11: Crossing Generations<br />12: Getting Political<br />13: Peace-Building<br />14: Spiritual Service<br />15: Bringing Expertise - Opportunities for Those with Specialized Skills (Primarily for medical and business professionals)<br /><br />Within the chapters themselves are the entries. Each covers approximately one page, gives a title and location, and then explains not only the work to be done (and often why it's necessary and/or how it got started), but sleeping arrangements, food, and what can be done during time off. It lists the agency in charge, contact information, cost (at the time of printing), and length of stay, as well as showing (via a ribbon image) if the agency is a non-profit. There is also a last "Don't Miss" entry related to a sightseeing opportunity in the area. The writing is quite well done - I found myself actually reading the first third of the book straight through as I would a novel. There is humor and grace when explaining exactly how and why these agencies need assistance.<br /><br />The volunteer stays range from a week, to "as long as you want to stay". The prices range from free all the way up to the thousands of dollars. Accommodations might be with a host family who will also prepare your meals, to a tent and cooking over a campfire. The countries literally cover the globe. The choices are as varied as the agencies and the people who want to help! One particularly nice thing was that there were several agencies listed within the United States as well, for those who feel that the need to help should start at home, or for those who just don't have the means to travel overseas.<br /><br />I highly recommend this book. Not only does it give an incredible amount of ways that anyone who desires can help others, but it is absolutely eye-opening how much help (from untrained volunteers!) is desired. Anyone can find a way to help, and Frommer's "500 places where you can make a difference" is a great way to start!Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5232359764928289493.post-69557907777142074312010-10-28T16:29:00.000-07:002010-10-28T16:29:24.663-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoHDg7gYrI/AAAAAAAAABo/MtVewbRLFpE/s1600/ElphamesChoice.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Elphames-Choice-P-C-Cast/dp/0373210159/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1288308456&amp;sr=1-1">Click here to purchase</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ww40vMu22CI/TMoHDg7gYrI/AAAAAAAAABo/MtVewbRLFpE/s1600/ElphamesChoice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />"Elphame's Choice" is the story of a girl who has been blessed by the Goddess Epona - if you can call being a lovely young lady from the waist up, but having hooves from the waist down being "blessed". Elphame has always been set apart, even within her culture where many things are different. But Elphame feels a tug - a very strong tug - to head to an abandoned and broken castle that has been in her family for generations. What happens there will decide not only her fate, but possibly that of her entire nation.<br /><br />I have never read any of P.C. Cast's previous novels, though I do have an appreciation for Young Adult novels. I just believe that in many cases, the authors are more inventive and rely less on common story lines in order to keep the attention of their primary audience. Anyway, my point being that I have no background on any of her previous stories. I can say that I quite enjoyed this one. <br /><br />We've all heard the standard vampire stories - this book turns that traditional tale on its head, while managing to keep elements of the horror that vampires can inflict. The writing is smooth and flows fairly well, while keeping the story moving along. There are a few surprises, and without giving much away, I can say that Cast took the rare step in having one of her main characters killed within the story. Many authors are afraid to do that, thinking that it might drive their audience away. <br /><br />While this will never be classic literature, it is certainly worth reading. Teens may or may not get the message that it's ok to be different, but it's there and certainly a message many could use, particularly in this age of cookie-cutter models and glamour magazines. A worthy message as part of a worthy story? I'm looking forward to reading the next one, due out in March!Biblioholicbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06161049960210617406noreply@blogger.com0