I was fortunate to read an “ARC uncorrected proof not for sale” 402 pages, sent to me by friend Melody, who got it for free at the ALA conference. Thi...moreI was fortunate to read an “ARC uncorrected proof not for sale” 402 pages, sent to me by friend Melody, who got it for free at the ALA conference. This book is due out on June 11th, 2013, which is more than 7 weeks away, so if anyone would like a chance to also read this in advance, please email me or pm me, and I’ll be happy to pass it on to you. (This is only the tenth time I’ve had an opportunity to read a book in advance of its official publication date; I think it’s really fun to read a book early.)
The premise here is fascinating. The world building is superb. I got very invested in many of the characters and their stories.
I particularly appreciated how differences in poverty and wealth affected access to all the new technology, a variety of technologies, ranging from extremely nifty to unbelievably creepy, but all plausible, and all germane as it relates to the world today.
For an uncorrected proof arc, it seemed surprisingly well done. The cover wasn’t all that appealing, but I was impressed with the lack of errors such as typos.
While there were definitely some plot holes and some too neat wrapping up, I was so engrossed I bought it all anyway. And I enjoyed how the fate of two people was left a bit up to readers’ imaginations. The story feels finished to me, but I can definitely envision sequels/a series. I wouldn’t mind finding out what happens to these characters. Overall, I’m pleased with how things worked out.
I can recommend this book to fans of speculative fiction, especially those readers who enjoy character driven books and stories about the not too distant future on earth, and those who enjoy reading books that take place in NYC, even if the NYC in the book differs significantly from that city’s present and past.(less)
Henny grew on me a bit in this book because she’s the one who’s so good with youngest sibl...moreI loved being back with this family.
Hilarious first chapter!
Henny grew on me a bit in this book because she’s the one who’s so good with youngest sibling and only brother Charlie. It’s always been Sarah & Ella and Charlotte & Gertie and now I feel as though Henny has a pairing too. Also, I admired Henny’s role in the play and her ability to work with others and help implement original ideas.
It was fun to watch the kids grow up. I’m still particularly fond of Sarah, and of Ella, but all the daughters had a bit of the spotlight in this book.
I’m still deciding whether or not to read the Downtown and Ella books. I’ve loved the original, More, and this Uptown so much, and I’ve been told the other two have a different writing style. They were written long after the three I’ve read. Some people have recommended I skip them; others have encouraged me to read them. If I do read the remaining two books, it’s likely that it won’t be in the near future.
In this book, I learned a bit about what the WWI era was like in NYC.
As with the other books in this series, this book would make for a perfect family (or classroom) and/or bedtime read aloud. Each chapter works wonderfully on its own, as a short story, while at the same time contributing to the novel as a whole.(less)
I am thoroughly enjoying these books. I think that I read only the first book as a kid, and now I’ve just read book 3 and I plan to read book 4 soon....moreI am thoroughly enjoying these books. I think that I read only the first book as a kid, and now I’ve just read book 3 and I plan to read book 4 soon. For now I’m skipping 2 and 5, though I might go back and read book 2 at some point.
I love this family. I especially loved Sarah in the first book, and in this book I loved Sarah and Ella, and Charlotte too, and Mama and Papa of course, as well as assorted other relatives, friends, and neighbors.
The experience of Jewish culture and life in NYC’s lower east side of nearly 100 years ago is lovingly captured. In my opinion, this is the best kind of historical fiction, a wonderful story with interesting characters (based on the author’s family) and getting a feeling for how they lived in another place & time.
Even though this book works fine for a standalone book, I really feel that the first book should be read first. A lot of intro material is left out, including the ages of the daughters.
This book would make for a perfect family read aloud book. Each chapter manages to stand on its own, telling its own story. It’s a perfect book for a chapter a night bedtime reading. Each chapter is a gem. If I’d read this at ages 8-10, I think I would have loved the telling time clock chapter the best; I’d have felt superior since I learned to tell time as soon as I turned 5, at the beginning of kindergarten, but I know many students in my 3rd grade class still didn’t have that ability.
My borrowed library copy has a photo of Sydney Taylor. I love how the pictures of Sarah in the book look a bit like her.
The illustrations are delightful and capture scenes right out of the story.
Fabulous book and series! I can’t wait to get to book 4; it’s already on reserve at the library. I can tell there are going to be some major changes for the family and I’m eager to read about what happens in their lives.(less)
I wasn’t really in the mood for folk or fairy tales, but this is the last book I must return tomorrow to the library, so I read it.
I loved the illust...moreI wasn’t really in the mood for folk or fairy tales, but this is the last book I must return tomorrow to the library, so I read it.
I loved the illustrations, which are glorious. I loved the message that getting something without working for it isn’t satisfying, and loved how Biddy found the magic within herself.
However, I absolutely hated the end. I have little doubt that the story follows what’s considered a sensible pattern, but I was left feeling very morose. What is probably meant to be a happy ending, filled me with sadness. That’s not always a bad thing, but I guess I’m not familiar with this type of tale because I was not expecting what happened, and I wasn’t happy about it. I know that’s my fault for being clueless about this type of tale. I’m thinking I’d have had to have more knowledge and been in a different mood to fully appreciate this story’s ending.
Given how lovely the pictures are and how overall satisfying the tale is, I have to give this at least 3 ½ stars. It’s a beautifully done book.(less)
I’m trying to cut back on picture books, but I find myself making many exceptions, and it’s books such as this that have me glad of that. This is a re...moreI’m trying to cut back on picture books, but I find myself making many exceptions, and it’s books such as this that have me glad of that. This is a really special book and it’s one of my favorites of the picture books I’ve recently read.
Katie reminds me so much of my old dog Jenny and the meeting of the kittens reminded me very much of Jenny’s introduction to my neighbor friend’s two cats, though she was on a leash and didn’t make any sounds.
This author-illustrator definitely knows both dogs and cats. I chuckled all the way through the narrative, and the illustrations were brilliant and had me laughing too. My favorite picture might be the one where Katie is lying on her dog bed with her head resting off the bed on the floor. This story is definitely mostly about Katie the dog, and less about her person or the three new kittens, and I fell in love with Katie. The very true to life illustrations and story make this book a winner. I can see giving this one to children, especially those who know & love dogs, ages birth through 7.(less)
This is the first review I’ve tried to write since I learned yesterday about Amazon buying Goodreads. Between my distress over that and other upsets,...moreThis is the first review I’ve tried to write since I learned yesterday about Amazon buying Goodreads. Between my distress over that and other upsets, I’m not in the mood to write reviews, but I’ll take a stab at it. (I have a hard time reading and an even more challenging time writing when I am depressed or anxious, and I’m very nervous about this site’s future.)
However, I’m nervous about having my reviews here now. I do not want Amazon to own them, have control over them, have them on their site, or use them in any way, ever.
I have some friends who are (hopefully) temporarily not writing reviews or even removing their existing reviews. Doing so sounds exhausting to me but it’s probably a prudent choice.
The way I look at it is if I don’t remove all my reviews from this site, it’s a hollow gesture to refuse to add new reviews.
I’d be truly appreciative to hear all my friends’ (and others’) viewpoints and plans. If you don’t feel like commenting here, feel free to pm me; I have a public profile and accept pms from all members.
I’m leaning toward doing nothing different at the moment but I’m mulling over my options.
A mini review of this book:
This is an informative book about sloths and contains adorable photos of and stories about sloths who are residing at the Aviarios sloth sanctuary; they all have names. The author-photographer is founder of the Sloth Appreciation Society. Some of the sloths featured in this book were in a television documentary she did for the Animal Planet network.
So, I’d never thought much about sloths, but I did find them somewhat endearing and I learned a lot about them from reading this book. I smiled some and reading this was a relatively good distraction from my worries about the future of Goodreads.
The photos can be enjoyed by all ages of readers and listeners. (I don’t normally like animals dressed like humans but here the clothing serves a real purpose most of the time.) The information is best appreciated by older children who can read independently, but some younger children might enjoy this as a read aloud book.
I appreciated the note that sloths do not make good pets, that they belong in the wild and that some of the proceeds of the book go to the sanctuary.
This is a good book for learning about sloths, for humane education, and as I read I kept thinking how it would be amusing to give a copy as a gift for adults who are workaholic types. (less)
4 ½ stars, ½ star off because of my personal vegan sensibilities about how animals should be treated. However, this is a beautiful book and it’s very...more4 ½ stars, ½ star off because of my personal vegan sensibilities about how animals should be treated. However, this is a beautiful book and it’s very well done, and I’m so delighted that this book exists, I have to give it a full 5 stars. (I initially gave it 4.)
Seuss’s books were among the first books I was able to read on my own, and I own several of his books, including some of the ones published most recently. I knew very little about the man though. I learned a lot about him from reading this book.
Unlike when I was first reading Dr. Seuss books over 50 years ago, there are so many fabulous children’s picture book biographies and other non-fiction picture books available for children. I’m so glad this book was written/illustrated because this man definitely deserves a picture book biography. This is a worthy one.
I love the paintings by the two illustrators and appreciate that there is a third contributor. Decorative illustrations are included that were created by Dr. Seuss.
I got a kick of how it’s reiterated how as a boy and young man he excelled at “fooling around” and also about how he came to use the name Dr. Seuss.
This biography has a lot of humor, but the boy/man himself went through things that weren’t so funny, including bullying and people who didn’t believe in him, for instance. He had many hurdles to overcome, and it’s heartening to see how he did that, and in his own way.
I appreciated the extra material in the back, which is particularly good for older kids (and adults too.) It’s accompanied by additional decorative illustrations by Seuss and a photo of him as an elderly man. There is a timeline that shows both Geisel’s life and the publication of his books, and goes from his birth until his death. There is a full list of books written & illustrated by Dr. Seuss. When I saw the last few books on the list of his books I felt so grateful that he lived and worked until the age he did. The world is richer for these books and all his books; I think some of his better books came later in his career.
This is a wonderful book for all fans of Dr. Seuss books, for any kids who feel as though they don’t fit in, for people of all ages who appreciate thinking and acting for themselves and who don’t take “authority” too seriously, and as part of lessons on bullying, For kids who have a passion not supported by others, reading about Ted might help give them courage to pursue what they love doing.
I’m not surprised to learn that every single one of the books he wrote & illustrated is still in print.(less)
The illustrations are so detailed and it’s fun to look at everything on every page. I love the art st...moreI am really fond of this book. I really liked it.
The illustrations are so detailed and it’s fun to look at everything on every page. I love the art style, especially the way animals are depicted. The bright, multiple colors are really eye catching. There is a bit of a Where’s Waldo aspect on many pages. All the paintings are fun and readers/listeners can take a great deal of time viewing each page.
The story is so sweet, and it shows a real sense of community in a small town of people who obviously know one another. I love how people are kind to and take care of each other, the dogs, cats, birds, and even the mice. I love the bits of humor throughout.
Of course, I could feel cozy reading it when it’s sunny and 60 degrees outside. I’m not sure it would be as appealing to readers living through the depths of winter and who might be sick of snow and yearning for spring.
I checked the copyright date because it has the feel of a classic, but it’s a new book from 2012.
I appreciated the inclusion of the 2 ingredients recipe at the end of the book for maple sugar and fresh clean snow candy, and it’s careful to include in the directions what children vs. adults can do to safely make it, and eat it.(less)
If Magic wasn’t a real cat I’d probably have given this book one less star, but the photo of Magic on the back cover, and the very short description a...moreIf Magic wasn’t a real cat I’d probably have given this book one less star, but the photo of Magic on the back cover, and the very short description about him, had me fully engaged in the story before I started it. I always want to get inside the heads of dogs and cats. Those I know I do often feel as though I know exactly what they’re thinking and feel we can almost fully communicate. This imagining of Magic’s imaginings doesn’t strike me as that plausible, but I don’t know the real Magic, and the narrative sure gives room for some really pretty illustrations. Magic sure does live in a beautiful place. I did find myself smiling and even chuckling a bit through this book, so it probably deserves its star rating. I was entertained. Now I’m longing for cat companionship, a vacation by a lake, and a place where I can safely view wildlife.(less)
This story and its illustrations are so cute. My favorite part was all the pictures of Bess’s ultra adorable dog. I came close to guessing Bess’s favo...moreThis story and its illustrations are so cute. My favorite part was all the pictures of Bess’s ultra adorable dog. I came close to guessing Bess’s favorite outfit, but not exactly. (Before I read this I asked and found out the details from a Goodreads friend, the one who I’ve got in my recommended by field.) What I really liked was how so many of Princess Bess’s daily schedule/duties are normal play and typical for girls who might be reading this. Not the balls and fancy dinners, but much of what Bess does. The illustrations are busy, maybe almost too busy, but I enjoyed having so much to view.
I think that girls 3-8+ who love dogs, princesses, fancy dresses, comfortable clothes, and books about all those things (and more!) will be charmed by this book.(less)
The last few pages had a couple humorous twists, and those elevated the book enough for me so that I can give it 3 stars, but barely. I do like the “I...moreThe last few pages had a couple humorous twists, and those elevated the book enough for me so that I can give it 3 stars, but barely. I do like the “I’m bored” refrain and kids will certainly identify and understand. I don’t know any kid who’s never complained about being bored. However, the bulk of the book is too didactic and obviously so, and until the last few pages, I was rather bored. The pictures are very cute and expressive. The potato angle is unique, I admit.(less)
I have really enjoyed the Fancy Nancy books I’ve read, and thanks to Maggie I discovered this one. I found it delightful. I loved how Nancy makes a mi...moreI have really enjoyed the Fancy Nancy books I’ve read, and thanks to Maggie I discovered this one. I found it delightful. I loved how Nancy makes a mistake, realizes she wasn’t an expert, checks to make sure something nice she did didn’t have dire consequences, and then became an expert via reading a book. I even learned a little bit about poison ivy. I practically chortled when I read about the upcoming picture day.
As usual, there is a glossary of “fancy words” in the book. As usual, the illustrations were great fun.
This book seemed a little less detailed than some other Fancy Nancy books, though I’m not certain of that. The book is a smaller size than many other hardcover picture books, including the other Fancy Nancy books I remember reading.
There is no poison ivy near where I live, but this story reminded me of the time I got poison oak on a sixth grade camping trip. It was a badge of honor at the time, but very itchy and ugly.
When I picked this up, I’d assumed it was a picture book. It’s not. It’s illustrated but it’s so heavy on text, I don’t consider it to be a picture bo...moreWhen I picked this up, I’d assumed it was a picture book. It’s not. It’s illustrated but it’s so heavy on text, I don’t consider it to be a picture book. It’s a very short (64 pages) illustrated chapter book.
I’m not that interested in Valentine’s Day so I am not the best audience for this book, but I did find parts interesting. I liked the instructions/presentation for some of the crafts that can be made. I enjoyed some of the history; I learned a few things.
In fact, the information presented is sufficiently sophisticated (and disturbing) that I think I’d recommend this book for ages (at least) 9-13, and through adulthood for readers interested in this subject matter.
But, I didn’t find the presentation that fascinating; it was interesting though.
The illustrations are all in black and white, but they’re very charming.
Contents:
How St. Valentine’s Day Came to Be Valentines Cross the Atlantic True-Love Tokens Enter Cupid Valentine Love Birds Hearts and Sweethearts Roses are Red Valentine Lace Red, Pink, and White Valentine Goodies Stories and Poems for Valentine’s Day Sources Index
The back cover of this book makes it clear that this author-illustrator team have a series of holiday books. The other books listed on the back are about St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. And a book about the Fourth of July by this illustrator but another author is also listed.(less)
I thought this book was very, very funny. The illustrations are fabulous and are integral to the story. Yes, even though this is an alphabet book ther...moreI thought this book was very, very funny. The illustrations are fabulous and are integral to the story. Yes, even though this is an alphabet book there is a story. It has a very sweet ending too. Young kids who have issues with delayed gratification, which is 99.99% of them at one time or another, will really identify with moose. Good alphabet book for all levels and an engaging story and wonderful illustrations; both are amusing and interesting. I loved it. 4 ½ stars(less)
I’ve read the earlier three books in this series by this author-illustrator team: A Seed Is Sleepy and An Egg Is Quiet and A Butterfly Is Patient and...moreI’ve read the earlier three books in this series by this author-illustrator team: A Seed Is Sleepy and An Egg Is Quiet and A Butterfly Is Patient and I gave them all 5 stars, so I was very eager to read this 4th book. Also, I collected rocks and shells as a child, and so I was particularly curious about this book.
I wasn’t the slightest bit disappointed. In fact, I think this is my favorite of the 4 books.
I was charmed the minute I opened the book and saw a bunch of gorgeous rocks pictured on the 2 inside front covers, and then turned to the back to see if they’d show the same or different rocks or something else, and they were the same rocks but on the 2 pages of the inside back covers they are labeled with their names. Loved it! I would have poured over these pages as a child, choosing my favorites.
And then the information in the book proper is fascinating. I knew some but not all of it. The examples given were so, so interesting. I was completely captivated and would have been even more so when I was a rock and mineral fanatic and loved studying geology, especially volcanoes, and was avidly pouring over my copy of Rocks and Minerals.
A part of me wants to include more details in this review, including the descriptive terms and various examples used on the pages, but I’ve decided it will be more fun for readers of all ages to discover for themselves the contents of this book. It’s really wonderful.
The youngest children can enjoy the illustrations in this book; they’re outstanding, very beautiful. Children 7-13 can appreciate the more detailed information inside. As for independent reading, I’d say this book is for 8 or 9 and up, depending on the previous knowledge and the vocabulary of the person.
If I was 8-12 I’d have spent my allowance to have a copy of this book in my home library, and if I had children at home I’d make sure to have an owned copy there.
I fervently hope that this team creates more books in this nature series.
I’ll reread this book at least once before I (sadly) return it to the library, and I’m happy it will be available for borrowing in the future.
If I go on now it will sound like hyperbole, so I’ll stop now.(less)
Oh, I wanted to love this book. Before I started I even had people in mind to recommend it. It turns out I’m not sending official recommendations to a...moreOh, I wanted to love this book. Before I started I even had people in mind to recommend it. It turns out I’m not sending official recommendations to anyone.
The good: The illustrations are wonderful. They do make the various vegetables look wonderful. I like that many show a family all preparing vegetables, and then growing/harvesting vegetables. There is some interesting information about various types of vegetables and some about growing them too.
The bad: It’s really hard to read this book. I tried to read it page by page and that just doesn’t work. For the book to make sense you have to read it at least twice. The first time I guess it should be read to look at the pictures and read the sentences at the bottom of the pages, the main text. Then you have to go back and read all the captions under each vegetable and all the extra text, including some about things such as soybeans used for non-edible purposes. It’s a very unwieldy process, very awkward, though some kids may enjoy the process. And even when read in this way, the sentences seemed really clunky to me.
The really dreadful: This is one of the most didactic books I’ve ever read. For kids who love vegetables, especially those who help choose what to buy and those who help with the cooking, or those who want to do vegetable gardening, or who like learning about the various types of gardening depending on setting, they might very well enjoy it. I’ve loved almost all vegetables my whole life. But this book is not going to convince vegetable adverse kids to change their minds. I cringed at all the propaganda: “It is good for us to eat vegetables…” to “Don’t forget…it is important to eat vegetables. They are good for you.” Yeah, that’s going to work. Not! Not for most kids. I’m sure there are always a few who will be swayed. But the pictures are fun and enjoyable to view.
So, 4 ½ stars for the pictures but only 2 ½ stars for the content (1 for the message but 3 ½ for much of the information) so I guess 3, though that might be slightly generous. I can’t really give it less than 3 stars though. The illustrations are superb and learning about the various types of vegetables, well that part could be interesting for kids who don’t have that information before they read the book/have it read to them.(less)
I’m having such a hard time rating and reviewing this more than a cookbook. It’s a cookbook, and entertaining book, and a book filled with facts about...moreI’m having such a hard time rating and reviewing this more than a cookbook. It’s a cookbook, and entertaining book, and a book filled with facts about food and veganism and the author.
I adored the gorgeous photos (though I wish there had been more of the completed recipes) and the lovely colored drawings. The food looks delicious. The author is interesting and personable. There is quite a bit of good information in this book. The whole book has a peaceful and fun feeling. I appreciated that the author loves animals, and some of the photos and art work show animals.
But my hackles went up. There is iffy dietary/nutritional advice. There is a bit of not so great information in this book. The author is upper, upper class and I really didn’t need to read about her very wealthy family and background and her being a debutante, etc. People with families and wealth might better enjoy her anecdotes. (I think I’m a curmudgeon these days.) Her idea of what constitutes good manners and proper entertaining I found kind of laughable at times, though some of it made sense to me. All that good food is made with a plethora of Earth Balance vegan butter (so many problems here but that’s another review/story), oil, vingegar. Veganaise, and other foods I either don’t like or do my best to avoid. The “Healthy” in the subtitle I guess is open to interpretation; most of the recipes are healthier than those in cookbooks containing animal based foods.
People who like to feel immersed in the upstairs of “Downton Abbey” or “Upstairs, Downstairs” and who are Martha Stewart fans and who like to entertain and serve vegan food, and who appreciate beautiful books, are likely to rate this book higher than I did, especially if they’re not health nuts. It is a lovely book, and I admit as I was finishing it, reading very late into the early morning hours, it made me so hungry I had one of my extremely rare middle of the night snacks. That’s something I do maybe 6 times a year.
I like eating my food. I’m a huge water drinker and only occasionally drink hot and iced teas, black, green, and herb. So when I list the recipes I found especially tempting, it happens that I didn’t include any of the drinks, but I want to say that there are many really creative recipes for various kinds of drinks in this book, in each section.
Even though I’d first read the Contents, for awhile I wondered if this was even a cookbook. There is so much text before the pages with recipes even start, and the extra material continues throughout the book.
The book is divided by seasons and then further divided.
I’m glad this is a library book because I doubt I’ll use this cookbook. I did enjoy reading, and especially viewing it, though.
The recipes that most appealed to me are, in order of appearance:
from Spring: Michael’s Chilled Asparagus Soup; Strawberry Rhubarb Pie; Soba Salad; Baked Vegetable Risotto; Pea Pesto; Red Velvet Cake; Curried Quinoa; Barley, Rice, and Bulgar Salad
from Summer: Pea Pâté; Spaghetti in Fresh Tomatoes and Basil; Zucchini Blossoms Stuffed with Amaranth; Lemon Chickpea Puree; Grilled Corn and Avocado Salad; Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Roast Eggplant; Grilled Herbed Corn on the Cob; Zucchini Fritters; Black Bean Burgers
from Fall: French Toast; Raspberry Muffins; Guacamole Hummus; Mushroom Pâté; Porcini Pappardelle with Pistachios; Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette; Winter Squash in Bulgar; Roast Cauliflower with Turmeric; Cauliflower Puree; Mashed Potatoes with Spinach; Vegetable Tart; Three-Potato Roast; Chard Lentil Soup; Potato Soup with Greens and Farro; Kale and White Bean Sauté; Pumpkin and Split Pea Soup; Curry Chickpea Soup
from Winter: Black Bean Hummus; Squash Soup with Pumpkin Seeds; Broccoli Soup; Kale and Cabbage Soup; Spinach Tofu Lasagna; Penne with Potatoes and Chard; Penne with Peas and Mushrooms; French Onion Tart; Baked Carrot Fries; Cauliflower with Pine Nuts; Dal Vegetables; Kale, Lentil, and Vegetable Stew; Gingerbread; Crepes with Strawberry Rhubarb Crepe Filling; Ice Cream Bombe
The drawings really are darling and they’re probably my favorite part of the book. The whole book is put together nicely. This is a gift worthy book though it does depend on the recipient’s taste in books and in food.
In the Contents, all the recipes all listed under their sub-sections, something I did appreciate, and I like how each season has its own categories not identical to each other as in many cookbooks.
Part II: Spring A Perfect Spring Lunch Spring Drinks Spring Starters and Spreads Spring Salads Spring Dressings Spring Pastas Special Spring Dishes Spring Desserts Grains
Part III: Summer Alfresco Summer Dinner Popsicles Summer Drinks Summer Salsas, Spreads, and Dips Summer Soups Summer Salads Summer Pastas Special Summer Dishes Summer Sandwiches Guilt-Free Burgers Summer Desserts
Part IV: Fall Hearty Fall Breakfast Fall Drinks Fall Spreads, Dips, and Starters Fall Salads Fall Pastas Special Fall Dishes Fall Desserts Greens and Beans Soups Special Greens Dishes Mostly Beans Soups Special Bean Dishes
Part V: Winter Cozy Winter Supper Winter Drink Winter Spreads and Dips Winter Soups Winter Pastas Special Winter Dishes Winter Pastas Special Winter Dishes Winter Stews Winter Desserts
Wow. What a gem. 4 ½ stars (view spoiler)[ ½ star off because of the ending: too happy and too unbelievable for me. I’m reading a novel and I’ve been...moreWow. What a gem. 4 ½ stars (view spoiler)[ ½ star off because of the ending: too happy and too unbelievable for me. I’m reading a novel and I’ve been afraid it will have an overly happy ending for its subject, but I was not expecting that of this book. For this one what happens is definitely within the realm of possibility but for me it ruined the mood somewhat. While it took something away, I admit it was satisfying in its own way. (hide spoiler)]
The art is exquisite. It’s so lovely. The story of two lonely, only children, who have rich imaginations is one that would have and does resonate greatly for me. They have so much in common, though the boy is wealthy and lives in Paris, with servants, and the girl lives in poverty in the Mojave Desert, the Napa Valley, and wherever her farm worker parents can get work. For different reasons they have limited contact with their parents. The book is on my san-francisco shelf because of one scene in San Francisco at a Giants baseball game. Most of the poetic story is magical as are the illustrations.
This is a text heavy picture book and the vocabulary is too advanced for young children. Had I received this book for my 9th or 10th birthdays I’d have really treasured it and frequently reread it.
The book is lovely and brilliant, and special and unusual. I’m so grateful to my Goodreads friend Melody’s review for alerting me to it. I had to borrow it from my library’s LINK+ sister libraries system; I’m not sure I’d have ever found it if not for Melody/Goodreads. It’s definitely worth reading.
I’d say it’s for girls and boys, ages 8 or 9 through adulthood.(less)
Oh, this is a gem of a story and it has gorgeous illustrations. If you want to read a sweet, amusing, and ultimately sort of sad but ultimately uplift...moreOh, this is a gem of a story and it has gorgeous illustrations. If you want to read a sweet, amusing, and ultimately sort of sad but ultimately uplifting tree story, read this one and skip The Giving Tree. (Sorry to fans of that book.)
This story is about a family who saves a tree that lives on the land where they build a family house. I love how the tree gets its name, I love how the tree serves various functions as this loving family grows, and I love that this story is told via a letter by the father to his adult children who are about to return for a visit. Even though there is great sadness at the end, Steve’s final fate had me smiling.
The only quibble I had with the story was the fat joke (fat uncle in the hammock).
The illustrations I wasn’t sure about at first when I initially saw the faces, but I quickly got into the nature/tree scenes and ended up loving all the illustrations. Wonderful use of color throughout the seasons/pages! I particularly liked the tree and surrounding natural world and the dog. The page with the tree, dog, and underwear had me chuckling.
This is an incredibly lovely story and it’s suitable for ages 2 to 102, and fine for independent reading, reading aloud one to one, within families and other groups of children ages 3-8. Adults and children will equally enjoy this book so it makes it an especially fine book to share.
Oh, I just loved this book. It’s such a sweet, and quite funny, story about a stray (orange!) cat and how it works its way into the heart of a woman w...moreOh, I just loved this book. It’s such a sweet, and quite funny, story about a stray (orange!) cat and how it works its way into the heart of a woman who “has no use for a cat” but ends up having a soft spot in her heart.
The story and illustrations had me smiling all the way through, though I’m a bit envious of Mrs. Crump.
All cat lovers, or even those who know cats, are sure to enjoy this story and its illustrations.
This is a wonderful book for teaching about animal rescue or for anyone who’s about to adopt an animal or for anyone who’s ever adopted a stray animal.
This is the kind of picture book (along with books by favorite authors such as Patricia Polacco) that will prevent me from ever completely giving up reading picture books. Thank you to Kathryn for alerting me to this book! I’m so glad it was one I got and read immediately.(less)
This book is structured the same as the above-mentioned book. The bulk of the book consists of gorgeous illustrations with information provided by the sun as narrator. Some of the information is rather sophisticated and I think better suited toward older elementary school children. That’s particularly true of the final 4 pages, which are illustrated but consist mostly of text with more in depth information.
As with the other book, I really enjoyed the pictures (in this book especially of those creatures deep under the sea) but didn’t get that engaged with the way the (admittedly interesting) information was presented. I admire what was done here and feel guilty that I didn’t get more engaged with the book/these books. Perhaps it’s my mood (I’m reading under unpleasant circumstances: loud and annoying noises, second hand smoke, etc.) as others have been more wowed than I.(less)
I have to say that while I am giving this book 3 ½ stars, I did find many 5 star worthy recipes in the book. I found many recipes enticing and might b...moreI have to say that while I am giving this book 3 ½ stars, I did find many 5 star worthy recipes in the book. I found many recipes enticing and might borrow this book again, and try several/many of them. And as I wrote and reviewed the book, I felt compelled to up my original official rating from 3 stars to 4 stars because of the information and some recipes, and then back to 3 stars because of the absence of onions and especially garlic. They’re not in these recipes. Of course, I’d usually add them. With tweaking, I’d like these recipes more, though some I’d make as they’re presented.
The bliss word drove me a bit nuts. Bliss this and blissful that. Some will like this. I could have done without it.
Once again, for my tastes, there is included too much vinegar, coconut, and sea veggies. This is a macrobiotic vegan cookbook and while I’ve enjoyed plenty of macrobiotic meals, and sometimes seek them out, I don’t follow a macrobiotic diet. So I saw tomatoes and some other verboten foods improving some of the recipes, once again just my opinion. But plenty of the recipes looked delicious to me as is.
Aside from the bliss/blissful words issue, there is some wonderful information in this book. The text at the beginning of the sections and the recipes and elsewhere, well all of it is helpful, especially the instructions & tips. There are some entertaining quotes throughout the book.
Not every recipe has an accompanying photograph, but many of them do, and the photos are wonderful.
The recipes are divided by the four seasons and a fifth anytime section; this is for each recipe section. Each recipe has these applicable icons: raw, gluten-free, soy-free, low or no oil, less than 45 minutes, and then chef favorite and fan favorite. I love the various suggested menus, the daily meals ones and the special occasion and specific eaters ones too.
Everything is in printed in lower case letters.
table of contents:
foreword by Kim Barnouin
first things first
finding your bliss how to read this cookbook the icons creating the ideal kitchen space and pantry pantry basics the tools tips for getting started basic cooking and cutting techniques prepping station
the recipes
breakfast and brunch for champions appetizers and soups for every occasion not-your-average fresh salads and dressings delectable vegetable sides whole grains and carbs do a body good sea vegetables, huh? compassionate proteins healthier desserts you crave
more
sample menus resources acknowledgments index metric conversions
Here are the recipes I most want to make. The ones with an * in front of them are the ones most likely to inspire me to borrow this book at least one more time.
from breakfast & brunch of champions: *kamut crêpes and *lemon crème sauce; pineapple cornbread muffins; mixed berry couscous surprise; orange-pumpkin ginger french toast; *pumpkin spice pancakes; *roasted sweet and yukon potatoes; southwest tofu scramble
from appetizers and soups for every occasion: *hearty lentil soup; sweet carrot-ginger bisque; easy guacamole; chilled corn bisque; curried sweet potato and carrot soup; citrus herb cashew crudités; *azuki bean and japanese pumpkin soup
from not-your-average fresh salads and dressings: sweet pumpkin dressing
from delectable vegetable sides: african collard stir-fry; lemon-roasted asparagus; pumpkin with apricot-ginger glaze; *root fries; lemon-roasted beets, brussels, and yams
from whole grains and carbs do a body good: *simple lemon-scented basmati rice; *millet mashed “potatoes”; macro “mac and cheeze”; *sage-infused polenta fries; wild harvest pilaf
from sea vegetables, huh?: NONE of them. I’m a huge vegetable lover. When I was a child I loved all but three vegetables and as a young adult I grew to enjoy and/or love them too. But I never tried sea veggies until I was well into adulthood, and I simply don’t like them. I can tolerate a small amount of kombu in certain soups, but that’s about it, so this (short) section is not my personal cup of tea.
from compassionate proteins: ***millet black bean burgers; laotian tofu larb; * baked oil-free falafel with tzatziki sauce; *blissful two-bean harvest chili; macro mole enchiladas; * pan-fried tofu with carrot-ginger sauce
from healthier desserts you crave: heavenly raw chocolate mousse; *pumpkin hot chocolate; chewy trail mix bars; velvety chocolate mousse with berry sauce and toasted walnuts
I do think this is an excellent cookbook and I think that most who are interested in vegan and/or macrobiotic recipes are likely to enjoy it. Back to 4 stars?! Oh, I need ½ stars!(less)
In some ways I loved this book. I loved its humor, I loved how it shows wild animals are wild and live their own lives, and I loved so much about it....moreIn some ways I loved this book. I loved its humor, I loved how it shows wild animals are wild and live their own lives, and I loved so much about it. I loved the cover illustration and the pictures inside that show nature.
The style of art varies and the pictures other than the landscapes of the natural world I don’t like as much, including ones of the moose and people on their own without the background of the natural world showing. But even those are quirky and different and interesting, and I liked them, even though I didn’t love them.
I loved, loved, loved the solution that is reached re the moose. Very cute, and funny, and it’s a great educational moment for teaching about wild animals, and maybe our companion animals too.(less)
This is a paperback book but it’s LARGE and HEAVY, very.
It has absolutely gorgeous photos for many of the raw ingredients and for most of the recipes...moreThis is a paperback book but it’s LARGE and HEAVY, very.
It has absolutely gorgeous photos for many of the raw ingredients and for most of the recipes.
I’m not the least surprised that I found out I do not have a well equipped kitchen, but I’m now very interested in getting a microplane grater and a mandoline.
I borrowed this book from the library, renewing it several times, but I don’t plan to use it or buy it. However, I can see giving it as a gift to friends who enjoy cooking and who do have a lot of the equipment called for and a well stocked pantry full of basics, and those who have room/money and interest to buy additional needed foods and tools.
I really enjoyed reading all the little stories accompanying each recipe, for instance the story at the Charoset Tart (think Jewish Passover) and the idea of the recipe better than the actual (alcohol included) recipe, and that was true of many of the recipes.
Overall, most of these recipes require too much fuss for me, but I appreciate that all contain “real food” and there are few shortcuts. For me there is too much alcohol, too much oil, too much sugar (including in some savory dishes), and a plethora of bell peppers. Now, except for sea vegetables, I enjoy all vegetables, but bell peppers are among my least favorite of vegetables. Give me jalapeños or Serrano peppers over the mild bell peppers virtually any time.
The Contents is highly unusual for a cookbook, and I don’t think I’ve seen this organization in any other books. The author said he’d have been bored to write a cookbook that was organized typically: by appetizers, soups, entrees, sides, desserts, drinks, etc. The index works but often requires you to go from one word to another (guided) word to get to where you want to go, and that’s to the basic food words. For instance, if you go to espresso (gelato) it tells you to go to coffee. However, the index isn’t even really needed. All the recipes show in the Contents under their section, and all the contents are on two facing pages; every recipe is easy to find.
Contents:
Acknowledgements Introduction Ingredient Sourcing The Vegan Pantry The Well-Equipped Kitchen
Chapter 1: Morning Chapter 2: Afternoon Chapter 3: Evening Chapter 4: Late Night Chapter 5: Very Late Night
Resources Index Table of Equivalents
Due to my GERD I don’t eat late night or very late night, but obviously any of these recipes can actually be made any time of day. That’s a good thing too because I was surprised by how much coffee, tea, (and alcohol too?) are included in those last 2 chapters.
Recipes I personally would enjoy and that I found intriguing are:
from Morning: Breakfast Fries; Savory Breakfast Torte; French Toast with Cardamon Pear Compote; Breakfast Strata
from Afternoon: Lavender Lemonade; Dukkah; Muhammara; Hummus with Tahini; Ceviche de Vegan; Baked Ratatouille in Phyllo; Garbanzo Bean and Tomato Soup
from Evening: Moroccan Orange Salad; Brussels Sprout Slaw; Nutty Mushroom Risotto; Celery Root and Fennel Chowder; Roasted Brown Bag Vegetables (I don’t need the Vegan Aioli to go with them); Potato Torte; Eggplant Parma-Style; Zucchini Lasagna with Pesto; Seared Tofu with Date Barbecue Sauce; Espresso Gelato; Mexican Chocolate Gelato; Piñon Gelato
from Late Night: Garlic Mushrooms; Chocolate-Tahini Timbales
from Very Late Night: Hazelnut Halvah; Maple-Chipotle Pecan Popcorn
That popcorn snack recipe does look amazing, and it’s the main reason I may actually use this book to make recipes, which would entail borrowing the book yet another time.
It’s a beautiful book, and it would make a great gift for experienced home cooks, cookbook collectors, those who love photos in their cookbooks, vegans and those who cook for vegans, or for anyone who likes gourmet plant based food. My guess is that most people who are willing to put in some effort in the kitchen and those who like or don’t mind a fair amount of sugar, oil, and alcohol, will give this book 5 stars.(less)
I loved this book. The stories are marvelous. They’re exceptional. They’re incredibly deftly written. Each story is a gem, as is the entire narrative....moreI loved this book. The stories are marvelous. They’re exceptional. They’re incredibly deftly written. Each story is a gem, as is the entire narrative.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, it wasn’t a comfort read for me. In fact, all my hypochondriac tendencies and fears about my future health status were activated, but I loved the stories anyway, despite feeling sad, infuriated, and especially really scared at times while reading. It greatly helped that the compassionate nature of the writer continually shines through the pages.
I haven’t enjoyed a short story book as much since I read How to Breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer. Although I’ve always enjoyed reading essays, but my usual preference is to read novels and full-length non-fiction books rather than short stories and books of short stories. However, these are intersecting stories, with characters that sometimes make appearances in different stories. The stories also somehow feel as if they’re part of one story, and in general they do follow a timeline, from young to old, from students to experienced medical doctors. The whole thing worked really well. I thought the stories fit together so well even before I got to the last story, and that last story solidified the job of tying all the stories together.
These stories are published as fiction but all along they read as truth to me, and the last story makes clear that each does have a huge non-fiction component. That’s why this book is on so many of my apparently contradictory shelves.
I love the quote that starts the book: “If you don’t care for obscenity, you don’t care for the truth.” (It’s by Tim O’Brien from How to Tell a War Story. I can’t find that book at Goodreads but I probably wouldn’t add it to my favorite quotes anyway, even though I really like the quote and it definitely fits this book.) One of my big quibbles with medicine, ever since I was aware, from eleven years old on, is the dishonestly. When it comes to medical matters I value honesty above all else. (I recently took a continuing education class about end of life care and was tempted to write a long rant in the feedback section to their contention that what is most important when treating a patient is hope. Not for myself it isn’t; it’s honesty.) I appreciate that she has worked in palliative care.
I loved the San Francisco settings. I could identify most of them and am familiar with some of them. I always enjoy books that I can put on my san-francisco shelf. This book makes wonderful use of the city, its medical facilities but also many other places.
I really appreciated how skillfully the relationships and communications and miscommunications were explored, from cross-cultural, to supervisor-supervisee, doctor-patient, between lovers and between friends, between group members, etc.
As I read these stories I couldn’t help but be aware of the following of my feelings/beliefs: Don't get sick. Don't get disabled. Don't get old if not in perfect health, and be wealthy, not poor. And perhaps: Don’t go into medicine, or be careful it’s your true calling if you do. I have physicians in my family and I’ve watched many in the process of dying, so I’d already thought a great deal about these matters, but reading this book has caused enough of a shift that I think I’ll be looking at death & dying and doctor-patient relationships slightly differently.
I’m always impressed by and frequently enjoy writing by physicians. On the back inside cover of the book, in the bio section, it says that “She is an associate professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, where she cares for older patients and directs the Northern California Geriatric Education Center and UCSF Medical Humanities.” She probably couldn’t have written this exact book without her medical training and practice, but it reads as a book written by a true writer, and I hope she writes and publishes more work. I’ll read it if she does.(less)
So, the illustrations get 5 stars from me, including the two (front and back) cover pictures. Lush and colorful and evocative; they’re lovely. I love...moreSo, the illustrations get 5 stars from me, including the two (front and back) cover pictures. Lush and colorful and evocative; they’re lovely. I love all the details.
I found the story enjoyable overall, but it is hard for me to rate as it is based on the author’s and her sister’s actual experience when they were 7 and 5. How can I argue with that?! This is basically a true story. But I found myself arguing with it. (view spoiler)[ I think the doll should have either been given as a shared gift or to the older girl, with the caveat that in 2 years, if there wasn’t enough money for the younger sister to have a new doll, that she would get the hand-me-down doll. 7 is not too old for a doll! (hide spoiler)] I do like the way the sisters handled the situation. I did feel for the parents and their dilemma; their emotional distress did come through, as did their attempt to do the best with what they had, as did their love. (view spoiler)[ I also felt sad that the baby doll was blonde and blue eyed and looked so different from the girls. But even when I was growing up, that’s the way it was in the U.S. There were no dolls that didn’t have a Caucasian appearance, and dolls with blue eyes and blonde hair were most prevalent. (hide spoiler)]
I really enjoyed the way Spanish words are included within the story, and I appreciated the glossary of Spanish words in the back, though the way the story was clearly written, I didn’t find it absolutely necessary.
This is a wonderful story to read at Christmastime, especially for kids who might find it interesting how children celebrate the season in other cultures. It’s also a fine book for children who’ve experienced disappointment. It would be a perfect book to read with children who are in financially stable circumstances, who are well off, but who are not sufficiently appreciative of their good fortune.
I found the pig roasting tradition unpleasant, and almost laughed when that page was introduced and in the same picture there was a dog being fed a piece of food by a child. Ha! But most aren’t going to notice or be perturbed that quibble of mine, and, it was from an actual tradition so who can really argue. Ditto for me not being Christian and not celebrating Christmas in the same way as the family in this story.(less)
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed The Quiet Book and The Loud Book!, and I’d had this one recommended to me by at least one Goodreads’ friend, I wasn’t...moreEven though I thoroughly enjoyed The Quiet Book and The Loud Book!, and I’d had this one recommended to me by at least one Goodreads’ friend, I wasn’t planning to read it any time soon, but when I was at the library yesterday, there is was sitting on one of the featured shelves, and so I grabbed it and checked it out.
Maybe it’s partly because I’m generally not a fan of Christmas themed books (though I have loved many) but this one wasn’t quite as magical for me as the other two books. I did like it but I didn’t fall in love with it.
There were some great pages though, including funny ones (view spoiler)[ such as “Someone’s dad is a costume designer quiet (hide spoiler)] and ones that particularly worked well with the quiet theme (view spoiler)[ such as “Knocking with mittens quiet” and “Cocoa quiet” and “Gliding quiet” and “Forgotten line quiet” (hide spoiler)]. And the whole narrative (not a story) did come together nicely.
I can recommend this to fans of the other two books, particularly if they’re looking for Christmas titles.
Oh, and the illustrations are as adorable as in the first two books!(less)
I have to first say that the art here is phenomenal. I really enjoyed it, its combination of surrealist/magic realism style/content and the book creat...moreI have to first say that the art here is phenomenal. I really enjoyed it, its combination of surrealist/magic realism style/content and the book creator’s own style comes through, I think.
I’m not a huge fan of Magritte or Dali but I loved them here. Their personalities as men came to life, as did their artistic processes, particularly Magritte’s. I think I’ll see his work in a whole new light.
This would be a wonderful book to introduce to children who are about to see an exhibit that includes works by Magritte and/or Dali, and especially for kids who are about to create their own artwork. I found it inspirational.
The story is sweet, about a young boy, bored at a summer house with his parents, whose next door neighbors happen to be René Magrittte and his wife Georgette, and who at some point have a friend over to vist: Salvador Dali. I have mixed feelings about the depiction of Pierre’s parents as so, so boring, gray and dull.
There is a text informational page in the back of the book that covers the artistic style of magic realism and has blurbs on Magritte, Dali, and this book’s artist.
This book, story & pictures, is very creatively done, and a lot of fun to read.
There are a couple pages where sensitive children, particularly vegetarian children, might do a double take: live animals coming out of their dishes right at the table, dishes that normally contain dead animals, generally better hidden. I found it sort of funny but also a tad disturbing, and a few readers/listeners could feel uncomfortable.
Great for art lessons and art history lessons of various sorts.(less)
I recently read a newer version of this book, not knowing about this original edition. (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...) The illustrator is d...moreI recently read a newer version of this book, not knowing about this original edition. (http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...) The illustrator is different and some of the story has been somewhat changed, though it’s basically the same story. Although I gave both thse editions 4 stars, honestly I see no reason for it to have been redone. I think I like this earlier version (pictures and story) slightly better.(less)
This book could have been incredibly hilarious, and while for me it didn’t quite make it to that level, I thought it was really cute and funny. The il...moreThis book could have been incredibly hilarious, and while for me it didn’t quite make it to that level, I thought it was really cute and funny. The illustrations are great: in color for reality and the alternate scenes, as told by Ike the dog, are in black & white. I love the words that are part of the pictures, and especially loved the chart diagnosis on Ike’s infirmary bed. Anybody who knows and loves dogs will recognize some doggy behaviors and thought processes here, even though Ike is highly anthropomorphized.(less)
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