Shanetta’s Comments (group member since Oct 28, 2011)

Shanetta’s comments from the Reading Between the Wines group.

Started the book and I must say so far so good

I made the drink into a cocktail instead of a punch and indeed its a silent killer!!!

Here go our 5th Book ladies:

Thought we needed a little suspense in our lives so the 5th book is:

Stay Close by Harlan Coben

Megan is a suburban soccer mom who once upon a time walked on the wild side. Now she’s got two kids, a perfect husband, a picket fence, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Ray used to be a talented documentary photographer, but at age forty he finds himself in a dead-end job posing as a paparazzo pandering to celebrity-obsessed rich kids. Jack is a detective who can’t….You have to Read It!!

Drink of the Month:

Since I’m a huge fan of white wine and since this book is a suspense novel I thought this drink was only right and it’ll last for a while.

Killer Peach Punch
Ingredients

2 cup(s) Peach Schnapps
2 cup(s) Vodka
1 bottle(s) White Wine (The fruitier, the better)
8 cup(s) Sprite
1 bag of frozen peach wedges

Instructions

Mix all ingredients over ice cubes (at least 2 trays) in a punch bowl or a cooler with nozzle. Ingredients can be added or reduced to taste.


What goes best with wine? Hmmm Pasta of course and it wouldn’t be pasta without shrimp so our recipe is:

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

Ingredients
1 pound whole wheat linguini
4 tablespoons light butter
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large shallot, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, sliced
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
20 large shrimp, about 1 pound, peeled and deveined, tail on
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

Directions:

For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini. Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta reserving 1 cup of water.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm. Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.


Let's grab the book, take a sip, and have a bite!!! Hope you all enjoy!!

That's the story of many young men from low-income families/environment having to run the streets to help put food on the table and clothes on thier backs and others and before you know it they get caught up, lost in fast money and life of crime.

Hey ladies have anyone read any Nicholas Sparks novels

Kim I do believe that Wes( the author) parents education played a huge role in i=his success. They were able to push him to work hard for success because they knew what life had to offer him if he worked hard. As for Wes(the criminal)the only thing he seen in his future was the life of the streets because his parents didn't focus him on education because they didn't have any hope, drive, or dreams themselves to change their situation. For that reason I agree it would have been a better novel if Wes (the author) who had a strong support system ended up the criminal because atleast he had parents that cared and tried their best to show him there is a better life beyond the streets. Wes the author had more opportunties for success and people in his life that him show him the way and Wes the criminal was at a disadvantage not saying that he couldn't have been successful because there are many people that has came from the same disadvantages not because someone lead them on their path but because they wanted something greater for themselves.

Rickele you are right his support system played a huge role in his success and that is the key to many success in the world. No matter individuals environment if they have a strong support system whether it be from parents, coaches, siblings, friends, or mentors it gives people hope and strength to change their situation and that is what the criminal Wes Moore was lacking in his life.

I tried the drink and it was pretty good the peach vodka was hard to find on base but when I did I must say I liked it still not a fan of Moscato though but the vodka made it better. Did anyone have a chance to try the dip if so how was it.

Kim I completely agree this story was one of bragging to me as well and for some reason these type of book and movies bother me. It could have been a self-help or an inspirational book instead of an I'm better than I book. It is easier to look at other lives same name or not and see how much better your life is compared to another.

I also agree it would have been a better if he told the story from what things occured in his life that made him see life differently and want more out of life.

Also it did not capture my attention and it was a bit confusing trying to finish up the last few chapters in the coming days would like to see how it all ends.

Not quite finish with the book but hoping to finish by the end of the week. As for the discussions questions I agree the ones at the end of the chapter would be a great.

Just wanted to know what everyone general thoughts of the book were.

Got the book!!!The drink sounds good..really not a fan of sauerkraut or thousand island dressing but always willing to try something new:-)

What is a normal life? Remember that is all Augusten wanted.

@Kim I agree I did not like how the book ended at all I feel like it wasn't complete. It's like he put 4years of everyday of his life in one book and thats why I felt like it was all over the place and filled with some pointless stories but some good ones at well it like he could have told the crazy part of his life the first half of the book and the next half explain how they recovered from all the maddness. But instead he ended with him still being confused.

Ronda, I agree the cat think was over the top and hilarious esp. when she told Natalie she made cat soup lol. (Just so you guys know she killed that cat he was not dying) Hope and Natalie fights were just funny and normal to me. Hope looked up to her dad and was so brainwashed it was crazy. Let us not forget about God sending messages through bowel movements and her having no problem with removing it..

@Kim I agree that fact that Natalie was able to move on and be successful was suprising. But her and Augusten success reminds me of the saying "If it don't kill you it makes you stronger" and the fact that sometimes our struggle is what push us to be some greater so now they can laugh and tell their stroy and live the life they always hoped but I'll put my money on it they're both seeing a doctor

The reason why that relationship was able to go on is because a lot of the grown ups were so messed up with there own mess they weren't able to see the needs of the innocent children around them lets not forget all their crazy secrets they were hiding themselves how could they judge or still Bookman he was wrong.

Do anyone believe Deirdre was telling the truth about the doctor raping her?

In my opinion he raped her and many others. A lot of the things he did was illegal and I beleive there was no lines he wouldn't cross. He used his power and meds. to keep his patients sick so he can use and profit from their sickness. Heck even his wife Agnes was mentally ill.

I couldn't wait to tell you guys my favorite quote even though distrubing it was a new one for me and since we're talking about disrubing I swear I could have went without the details of Augusten and Bookman sexual encounters except for my quote: I just wantto freeze your cum so I can eat it everyday life ice cream" I burst out laughing. Do people really think like that?

See I agree I like order and I can't stand when my kids are running around acting all crazy so I know I would had jumped or something but at the same time I could appreciate the free spirit they all had think about how many of us that wanted to do something but was afraid of what others would think. I'm all about being yourself:-)

Lol Kim you and your reds I'm still of fan of the white Sangria we made together in SC that one was very good heck we made like 3 batches lol the good time and that is our fav cream cheese dip as well thanks to you you have to send me your buffalo chicken dip because I tried to make one and I did not like it at all

Ronda did you get a chance to watch the movie to the book? If so was it anything like the book.

Did everyone have a chance to make the Sangria and pizza dip? If so what did you think?

I made the Sangria!!You can't really go wrong with fruit and wine to me so even though it was a lil sweet I will make it again:-)

As for the Pizza Dip I have not tried it but plan on doing it this weekedn since I have an excuse to eat something gooey and yummy. I love Cheese so I'm excited about making it!!