Written in a lush conversational style, this is not a concise reference guide, and that's just fine with me. I like the "I'm telling you secrets" toneWritten in a lush conversational style, this is not a concise reference guide, and that's just fine with me. I like the "I'm telling you secrets" tone of the book. It feels like I'm relaxing with a brandy after dinner and listening to that one distant cousin, you know, the odd one, tell shocking stories just out of earshot of the more genteel relatives.
And I have to confess, the 'short' list of aphrodisiacs had me laughing until I cried. I found the chapter on corn to be astounding in its scope and detail. I learned shocking things about honey. And much, much more. I'll need to re-read this book a few more times, there's just so much to be learned.
If you are squeamish when it comes to candid talk about human body functions and secretions, notably those of the sexual variety, consider yourself warned. There's also creepy stories. But, history is often gross and creepy, and that's no fault of the author. I enjoy learning about attitudes, superstitions, medical practices and more from humanity's past.
File "The Secret History of Food" next to "Ripley's Believe it or Not" on your reference shelf. Your cookbooks might be intimidated by it.
My thanks to author Matt Siegel, NetGalley, and Ecco publishing for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion....more
One of my first apartments—in a converted 1920s era hotel—had a tiny kitchen. I barely knew how to cook, and the smallness of the kitchen gave me an eOne of my first apartments—in a converted 1920s era hotel—had a tiny kitchen. I barely knew how to cook, and the smallness of the kitchen gave me an excuse not to learn. It would be years before I discovered how satisfying cooking could be. I thought a lot about that kitchen as I read The Tiny Kitchen Cookbook, and in my imagination I filled those skinny cupboards, stocked the 1950s era refrigerator, and made good use of that crazy eight-inch deep countertop. I wish I'd had this book then, but I'm delighted to discover it now.
As tiny homes become a lifestyle choice for many, the need grows for cookbooks like this one. I found the advice on stocking, arranging, and finding bonus space very well thought out. It's clear that this author isn't just talking the talk, she's walking the walk... taking very tiny steps!
I have a big country kitchen these days, but that's not going to stop me from trying many of these tempting recipes. Oh, and I'm feeling pretty darn smug about my habit of putting the cutting board over the sink - I've done that for years to free up counter space! Readers will learn about that, and much, much more. I'll be recommending this book to anyone I know who's struggling with a tiny kitchen.
My thanks to author Annie Mahle, NetGalley, and Storey Publishing for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion....more
It's been quite a while since I last indulged in a road trip. We're thinking about taking one this summer, but with recent diet and lifestyle changes,It's been quite a while since I last indulged in a road trip. We're thinking about taking one this summer, but with recent diet and lifestyle changes, I knew I needed help to re-figure out the logistics.
Written in a light, friendly style by an experienced traveler and dad, I found the information in this book practical, affordable and well thought out. I loved the advice about using social media and the internet to plan a trip. Without a clear plan of what to look for and where, it's just too easy to wander the 'net, getting sidetracked by non-helpful but eye-catching time-sinks. Rob keeps his advice specific so you can stay on track.
I also was happy to learn about new products that weren't available the last time I road tripped. When did coolers get power? I need one! I think we're going to be just fine, hitting the road on a summer day soon. I'm feeling empowered now as we start planning our trip. Thanks, Rob. See you on the highway.
Thank you to author Rob Taylor, NetGalley, and Tiller Press for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion....more
Author Daryl Wood Gerber deftly juggles red herrings while weaving together complex plot threads into a rich story of romance, revenge, and murder, whAuthor Daryl Wood Gerber deftly juggles red herrings while weaving together complex plot threads into a rich story of romance, revenge, and murder, while treating us to scrumptious food, tasty wine and breathtaking art as we immerse in Crystal Cove's fifth annual Art and Wine Festival.
Jenna Hart, owner of the Cookbook Nook and a hopeful artist herself, has her hands full keeping up with the tourist invasion while finding time to enjoy the festival with her friends. And if that's not enough, she's venue-shopping for her upcoming wedding. But when one of the featured artists is murdered, Jenna takes on even more as she becomes determined to identify the killer.
Crystal Cove is a fun tourist town, bursting with eccentric characters of all sorts. I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them (even the ones I loved to hate!) You'll explore the local restaurants, shops and homes in enough detail to make you feel like you're on vacation, living the adventure alongside Jenna and her friends.
At the end of the story you'll find a bonus mini-cookbook with recipes for cookies, muffins and appetizers that are featured throughout the book. I especially liked how the author lets her characters write their own introductions for the recipes. I'm going to be baking some chocolate mint muffins very soon!
My thanks to author Daryl Wood Gerber, NetGalley, and Beyond the Page Publishing for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion....more
First, let me qualify my three star rating. The book is well-written, and loaded with absolutely luscious descriptive phrasing. The characters are mysFirst, let me qualify my three star rating. The book is well-written, and loaded with absolutely luscious descriptive phrasing. The characters are mysterious and unique. The setting seems perfect for what the author intends.
However, I decided not to finish the book about one quarter of the way in. It felt like the plot was still trying to find its feet, and I was becoming restless with it. I'm hoping that other readers more in tune with this genre, and the author's intentional slow burn, will enjoy it.
My thanks to author Noah Broyles, NetGalley, and Inkshares for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion....more
It's been quite a while since I last indulged in a road trip. We're thinking about taking one this summer, but with recent diet and lifestyle changes,It's been quite a while since I last indulged in a road trip. We're thinking about taking one this summer, but with recent diet and lifestyle changes, I knew I needed help to re-figure out the logistics.
Written in a light, friendly style by an experienced traveler and dad, I found the information in this book practical, affordable and well thought out. I loved the advice about using social media and the internet to plan a trip. Without a clear plan of what to look for and where, it's just too easy to wander the 'net, getting sidetracked by non-helpful but eye-catching time-sinks. Rob keeps his advice specific so you can stay on track.
I also was happy to learn about new products that weren't available the last time I road tripped. When did coolers get power? I need one! I think we're going to be just fine, hitting the road on a summer day soon. I'm feeling empowered now as we start planning our trip. Thanks, Rob. See you on the highway.
Thank you to author Rob Taylor, NetGalley, and Tiller Press for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion....more
Nigerian author Peter Okonkwo describes Fate, in the Dungeon of Doom as “an intuitional interpretation of what a man's fate exhibits amidst impedimentNigerian author Peter Okonkwo describes Fate, in the Dungeon of Doom as “an intuitional interpretation of what a man's fate exhibits amidst impediments, endurance, abnegation, innocence, and most importantly, doom. It is a fatalistic poetry collection.”
The collection is presented in three sections. The first section, "The Poems of Fate", is expressed through one suffering man’s thoughts, laments, and questions. His relentless examination of every aspect of life, luck and fate raises thought-provoking questions about what really controls our lives.
Fate is viewed by our suffering narrator in a variety of forms. In the poem, “A Question For Fate”, it takes the form of a fickle lover, leaving our narrator smitten, confused, desperate to change the situation. He pleads for love and attention, and finally wonders if fate can even be understood at all.
“Whose Fault, Fate or Mine?” wavers back and forth in an attempt to place blame, but fails to make it stick. Finally, the narrator realizes something new about fate. "I never knew that fate had a separate plan. / No wonder I cried while I arrived on earth".
Taken as a whole, this collection gives food for thought to anyone questioning their own fate. It can also be read as an intellectual, thoughtful study of the topic.
Part Two, “The Poems of Kwame; The Fate of a Traumatized Lad”, is the story of a family torn apart, a missing son and a mother's anguished waiting, as told by the characters within the story. This effort can be thought of as a stage play – it reminded me of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Part Three, “Other Poems” is a collection of poems dealing with a variety of subjects including karma, breathing, curses, actions, dreams, and conscience.
The book left me feeling quietly contemplative, and reminiscent about choices I've made and paths I’ve taken throughout my own life. Even if you aren't one to question your own fate, perhaps this book will help you empathize with friends or family that may be questioning theirs....more