Ruth Anne Benziger's Blog, page 41
January 10, 2020
Book Review: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Description:
The hero-narrator of The Catcher in the Rye is an ancient child of sixteen, a native New Yorker named Holden Caulfield. Through circumstances that tend to preclude adult, secondhand description, he leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania and goes underground in New York City for three days. The boy himself is at once too simple and too complex for us to make any final comment about him or his story. Perhaps the safest thing we can say about Holden is that he was born in the world not just strongly attracted to beauty but, almost, hopelessly impaled on it. There are many voices in this novel: children’s voices, adult voices, underground voices-but Holden’s voice is the most eloquent of all. Transcending his own vernacular, yet remaining marvelously faithful to it, he issues a perfectly articulated cry of mixed pain and pleasure. However, like most lovers and clowns and poets of the higher orders, he keeps most of the pain to, and for, himself. The pleasure he gives away, or sets aside, with all his heart. It is there for the reader who can handle it to keep.
J.D. Salinger’s classic novel of teenage angst and rebellion was first published in 1951. The novel was included on Time‘s 2005 list of the 100 best English-language novels written since 1923. It was named by Modern Library and its readers as one of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century. It has been frequently challenged in the court for its liberal use of profanity and portrayal of sexuality and in the 1950’s and 60’s it was the novel that every teenage boy wants to read.
Characters
Holden Cualfield
Holden is a young boy and the book is told from his point of view.
Setting
New York City, 1949
Agerstown, Pennsylvania, 1949
Literary Awards
Teen Read Award Nominee for Best all time fav 2010
National book award finalist for fiction 1952
Quotes
“What really knocks me out is a book that, when you’re all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it. That doesn’t happen much, though.”
“I am always saying “Glad to’ve met you” to somebody I’m not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.”
“Mothers are all slightly insane.”
“who wants flowers when you’re dead? nobody.”
My Thoughts
I’ve read this book many times in the span of my life. I think I was around 13 the first time I read it. I was about 19 the second time. I was 25 the third time. Now, I’m 31 and read it again. I have to say that each time I read Holden, I have different results. Sometimes I like it, sometimes, it annoys me, sometimes I can’t get through it. Other times, I eat it up and enjoy the simplicity of what it is. Right now, I’m annoyed by it for several reasons. I’m sure if I read it again, it’ll change. Right now, I’ll leave my review as is.
Book Review: Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
Here is the novel that started it all- the first book in J.D. Robb’s number-one New York Times-bestselling In Death series, featuring New York homicide detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke.
It is the year 2058, and technology now completely rules the world. But New York City Detective Eve Dallas knows that the irresistible impulses of the human heart are still ruled by just one thing: passion.
When a senator’s daughter is killed, the secret life of prostitution she’d been leading is revealed. The high-profile case takes Lieutenant Eve Dallas into the rarefied circles of Washington politics and society. Further complicating matters is Eve’s growing attraction to Roarke, who is one of the wealthiest and most influential men on the planet, devilishly handsome… and the leading suspect in the investigation.
Characters
Eve Dallas
Eve Dallas is a lieutenant and has been for the last decade. She’s all about her job and keeps to the rules. She lives by routine and takes the law seriously. With a dark past, she tends to compartmentalize things and has nightmares that often come up with cases similar to her past. Apart from her trust issues, she’s someone with integrity, heart, and compassion.
Roarke
Roarke is an Irish Billionaire with charisma, looks, money, and class. He owns companies, residents, businesses, and has long lasting business relationships all over the world. He’s careful in his acquaintances, a collector of weapons from all ages. He’s got tact, and he’s a gentleman with morals and character.
Future Elements
I enjoyed the future elements of the book. It is set in 2028 and includes technology, weapons, transportation, droids, and food/drink that are not of our time. I enjoy how they speak of laws that changed the way things are done. It also includes differences in foods, how some are not real. Especially coffee. I liked the way the future elements are played into the story and they aren’t overly used or too far-fetched that you’d roll your eyes. I quite enjoyed them.
Quotes
“You know, lieutenant, you wear your weapon the way other women wear pearls.” -Roarke
“It’s not a fashion accessory.” -Eve
“Roarke, what’s going on here?’
‘Lieutenant.’ He leaned forward, touched his lips to hers. ‘Indications are we’re having a romance.”
“DeBlass’s eyes darted left and right. His breathing grew hard and fast.
“My client does not acknowledge ownership of the weapon in question.”
“Your client’s scum.”
The lawyer puffed up. “Lieutenant Dallas, you’re speaking of a United States Senator.”
“That makes him elected scum.”
My Thoughts
I absolutely loved this book and give it 5 stars. I loved Eve and how she is the lead investigator of the Senator’s daughter’s murder. I think the way the story is presented is so expertly done. It reminds me of a crime drama, with romantic overtones. Also given the crimes are of a sexual nature, it reminds me of Law and Order: SVU a little bit. I could totally see this on screen. Add in the romantic entanglement with Eve and Roarke, relationships between colleagues, political gain, and future elements, and you have one epic story.
I can’t wait to read the next in the series and I sense an addition to these characters coming on! I’m so upset with myself for waiting so long to read this series. I’m so glad that I did and look forward to more.
Poached Pears With Raspberry Sherbet
3 large ripe pears
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup white Zinfandel or other blush wine
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (1-ounce) square semisweet chocolate, melted
1 1/2 cups raspberry sherbet
Fresh raspberries (optional)
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
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Directions
Peel and core pears; cut in half lengthwise, and brush with 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
Combine wine with next 3 ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Add pears; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until tender, turning once. Transfer pears and poaching liquid to a bowl; cover and chill thoroughly.
Drizzle half of melted chocolate evenly onto 6 dessert plates. Transfer pears to plates, using slotted spoon. Discard poaching liquid.
Top each pear with 1/4 cup sherbet. Drizzle remaining chocolate evenly over sherbet. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries and mint sprigs. Serve immediately.
Yield: 6 servings
Recipe from: Light & Luscious 1994
My Morning Routine
I do the same thing every morning. I brush my teeth, make coffee, pull out my bible, power up my laptop, grab all my pens, highlighters, colored pencils, and notebook. I pray and I spend the next 1-2 hours doing my daily bible study and devotional.
Bible Study and Devotional
I recently started using, thank you, Joy!, Mama’s Refill for some specific studies. I am working on a few right now. If you are interested in browsing all the studies, go to https://mamasrefill.com/ and connect to other busy moms. They even have fun suggestions for kids.
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Outside of this recent find, I have been reading the book of John. I also love the book of Romans. So many insights that I find in these passages. I also use the Woman’s Bible app on android.
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They give you a daily Psalm, daily verse, and daily gospel. They also have a morning and evening devotional. I enjoy this app very much because you can highlight, bookmark, and make notes. It’s helpful to organize my thoughts and go back to things I’ve worked on. They have 4 highlight colors and I designate each color for Church Service, Sunday/Wednesday School, Study (personal), and passages that I’m learning to come to terms with or want to refer to later for personal growth.
I also bought this book and have started using it for my daily devotions. So far I love it and it’s fun to hear other people’s experiences. I love hearing how people apply verses to themselves and their lives.
I also love music and I dedicate my mornings to listening to a number of songs that I love and are worshiping the Lord. Here are a few for your listening pleasure.
Music
These are just a few in my worship playlist. I have tons more but these are the constants. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Read
After my bible study, I tend to do some reading. Right now, I’m reading
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Write
If I don’t read, I take time to write. Right now, I’ve been on a hiatus from writing anything. I chose to take a couple weeks to myself and to ignore all the pressure of deadlines, goals, objectives, editing, and planning. It’s been refreshing, but soon I will be back to it and I’ll report on my progress.
Homeschool
After this, I start homeschool with the kids. Right now, we are doing a cooking unit. The kids are learning about safety, kitchen equipment, rules, and possible food poisoning or illness. They are more interested in eating the food they make, I can’t say I blame them. But it is important to cover the basics first. Foundation is most important in all things.
There you have it, my morning routine doesn’t change much. This is pretty much how I spend my mornings.
What do you do with your mornings? Any fun quirks? Share with me. Have a wonderful Friday!
Ruth Anne
January 9, 2020
Italian Zucchini Spaghetti
1 1/2 pounds hot Italian sausage links, cut into bite-size pieces
2 medium green peppers, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium zucchini, coarsely shredded
2 cups chopped peeled tomato
1 (7 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes and jalapeno peppers, undrained
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Hot cooked spaghetti
Directions
Cook sausage, green pepper, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven until meat is browned; drain well. Add next 8 ingredients; cook over medium heat 10 to 15 minutes or until zucchini is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Serve sauce over spaghetti.
Yield: 8 servings
Recipe by Sarah J. Phelps
January 8, 2020
Children's Reading List 2020
I’m a huge proponent in literacy with people in general. Even more so when it comes to children. These days there are so many types of technological distractions. Children are into YouTube, streaming services, video games, and more. It’s all around us and I can’t blame our children for wanting to entertain themselves. We do the same and it’s preposterous to think they won’t follow suit.
However, I didn’t grow up like that and I’ll be damned if my kids get lost in the shuffle. I am a homeschool mom and we do a number of assignments that go with books. I’ve decided to create a reading list for my children and we’ve gone through so many.
Here is our 2020 list for the children. There will be more and they will change as the year progresses. We’ll post progress, the kids reactions, and the favorites they choose. I want to teach them how to review a book. It’ll be fun.
2020 List
My Weird School Series by Dan Gutman
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Stuart Little by White E.B.
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Wonder R.J. Palacio
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The Secret Zoo series by Bryan Chick
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Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary
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The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
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Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
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A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
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The Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
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Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
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Who Was?
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Mystery Benedict Society Collection by Trenton Lee Stewart
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I am Series by Brad Meltzer
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One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
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The Borrowers Series by Mary Norton
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My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
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Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
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Ordinary People That Changed the World by Brad Meltzer
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Crusty Provencal Pizza
1 (10-ounce) can refrigerated pizza dough
1 1/2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted, and divided
2 cloves garlic, cut in half
1/3 cup olive oil
1 1/2 cups (6-ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 pound smoked turkey, cubed
1 cup diced sweet red pepper
1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
Directions
Unroll pizza dough, and press into bottom of greased 13- x 9- x 2- inch pan. Set aside.
Position knife blade in food processor bowl, add basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/3 cup walnuts, and garlic. Process 1 minute or until smooth, scraping sides of processor bowl once. With processor running, pour olive oil through food chute in a slow, steady stream until combined.
Spread basil mixture over pizza dough, leaving 1/2- inch border on all sides. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, turkey, red pepper, artichoke, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1/3 cup walnuts.
Bake, uncovered, at 425F for 30 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese melts. Cut into 18 rectangles.
Yield: 18 appetizer servings
January 7, 2020
Free Falling
cntraveler.com My legs are wobbly
I’ve seen too much
A building of events
So easily out of touch
The ground is uneven
Air is heavy to breathe
Balance is upended
On a midsummer night’s eve
The fall is scary
A bottom unseen
Weightless it may seem
Until the bottom is near
Panic in my chest
Fear in my heart
A prayer for an answer
An end I’m unsure of
Falling in freedom
Catching in haste
Feathers and Dust
Rocks and bricks
The fall is desired
Ending is not
Weightless and worry free
That’s where I find me
January 6, 2020
CHEDDAR-JALAPENO CORNBREAD
Ingredients
5 slices bacon
2 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
2 cups self-rising cornmeal
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (8 1/2-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 cup chopped onion
3/4 cup (3-ounces) shredded mild cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons canned chopped jalapeno peppers
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
Directions
Cook bacon in a 9-inch cast-iron skillet until crisp; remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Drain skillet, reserving 5 tablespoons drippings. Coat bottom and sides of skillet with 1 tablespoon of reserved drippings. Heat skillet in 400 degree oven while mixing ingredients.
Beat eggs in a medium mixing bowl; stir in milk and 4 tablespoons reserved bacon drippings. Add bacon and remaining ingredients, and mix well. Remove skillet from oven; pour batter into skillet.
Bake at 400F for 35 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown.
Yield: 8 to 10 servings.
Recipe by Mrs. E.M. Whitesides
Yum!
Spicy Spaghetti With Mushrooms
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato juice
1 (3-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried whole basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon chopped chives
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups water
Hot cooked spaghetti
Directions
Combine ground beef and onion in a large Dutch oven. Cook until browned; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients except spaghetti. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 2 hours. Remove bay leaf. Spoon sauce over spaghetti.
Yield: 4 servings
Recipe by Trisha Mullan
Review
I tried this spaghetti recipe as it is similar to one of my own. However, I did add spice to it. I live in New Mexico and we love our green chili and jalapenos. Add a few pieces of garlic bread for the table and it was a solid meal. It’s easy, simple, and tasty.
