Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Food a Love Story by Jim Gaffigan
Next in my reviews for BloggingForBooks is Food, A Love Story by comedian Jim Gaffigan.
You could say I devoured this book " Food-A Love Story" like a Hot Pocket- I didn't want to put it down! Jim brings The Funny to outrageous topics like cheese, McDonald's, and his un-love for kale in this humorous book.
Food-A Love Story sets up the perfect conversation starter in any household because if there is one thing people love to give their opinion on it's food. Health crazed people will disagree with most chapters for it's shameless love for all things unhealthy, while the rest of us will nod our head in agreement and laugh outloud at Jim's adoring descriptions of his favorite meals. Either way, I can't imagine anyone not getting a hearty laugh out of this book.
A Tasty read...5 stars.
(The cover alone is hilarious!)
You could say I devoured this book " Food-A Love Story" like a Hot Pocket- I didn't want to put it down! Jim brings The Funny to outrageous topics like cheese, McDonald's, and his un-love for kale in this humorous book.
Food-A Love Story sets up the perfect conversation starter in any household because if there is one thing people love to give their opinion on it's food. Health crazed people will disagree with most chapters for it's shameless love for all things unhealthy, while the rest of us will nod our head in agreement and laugh outloud at Jim's adoring descriptions of his favorite meals. Either way, I can't imagine anyone not getting a hearty laugh out of this book.
A Tasty read...5 stars.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Choose Your Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris
The latest review I have for Blogging For Books is Choose Your Own Biography by the (ever-talented) Neil Patrick Harris.
Neil Patrick Harris brings his trademark charm and quirkiness to this 'auto'biography. It's written in a unique Encyclopedia Brown-style where the end of each chapter asks you where you how you want the story to end and then you flip to that designated page. Some endings are the reality and some are a fanciful take on reality, but all are entertaining.
Neil lays it all on the line, giving an unvarnished view into his early years, his lovelife, and of course his years as Doogie Howser. I loved his openness and tongue-in-cheek style about his past. With all his success he still shows a giddiness for the life he leads, he raves over an outlandish vacation with Elton John like a smitten fan would after meeting his idol, and writes about his awesome birthday scavenger hunt like it is still one of the favorite moments of his life, then ends the chapter with a sweet, heart-on-his-sleeve declaration of love for his partner David.
If you read the book in the choosy your own autobiography style, be sure to go back and read any chapters you might have missed. There are magic tricks, flights of fancy, and some irreverent chapters from Neil's friends that you don't want to miss!
Neil Patrick Harris brings his trademark charm and quirkiness to this 'auto'biography. It's written in a unique Encyclopedia Brown-style where the end of each chapter asks you where you how you want the story to end and then you flip to that designated page. Some endings are the reality and some are a fanciful take on reality, but all are entertaining.
Neil lays it all on the line, giving an unvarnished view into his early years, his lovelife, and of course his years as Doogie Howser. I loved his openness and tongue-in-cheek style about his past. With all his success he still shows a giddiness for the life he leads, he raves over an outlandish vacation with Elton John like a smitten fan would after meeting his idol, and writes about his awesome birthday scavenger hunt like it is still one of the favorite moments of his life, then ends the chapter with a sweet, heart-on-his-sleeve declaration of love for his partner David.
If you read the book in the choosy your own autobiography style, be sure to go back and read any chapters you might have missed. There are magic tricks, flights of fancy, and some irreverent chapters from Neil's friends that you don't want to miss!
Friday, September 4, 2015
Q & A a day, Four Year Journal for Creatives
My latest review for BloggingForBooks.
There is nothing like a book that brings out your creative side. This book is a journal/sketchbook where every day you get a 3 1/2 by 3 3 1/4" square and a daily topic to fill in to your heart's content. Throw out any inhibitions you might have about your own artistic abilities, it's not about the Art. After all, this is your own personal journal, there's no one to grade your sketching. That's what I really love about a book like this, it's your own little space to create without any pressure to be perfect.
Questions are varied with topics such as "Draw a sculpture or statue" to "Compose a drawing that signifies relaxation." You'll often start a sketch and find ten to fifteen minutes have passed as you spend your time filling in details and lose yourself in the simple task.
A great relaxer and stress reliever, and especially good for people who find it easier to express themselves with pictures rather than words. Perfect for all ages, affordable, and a great gift. Pair it with the Q&A 365 Questions a Day 5 Year Journal for years of memory making.
Friday, August 14, 2015
The First Family Detail
Today's Blogging For Book review is for The First Family Detail by Ronald Kessler.
The First Family Detail is loaded from cover to cover with insider's stories of the first families along with details on how the secret service operates. There's a gossipy flavor to it, yet at the same time I couldn't stop turning the pages.
A few chapters in I got the feeling of a right-wing slant to the story telling as most of the Republican first families are depicted as kindhearted angels and the Democrats all seem to be aloof staffer's nightmares. I don't entirely believe this. Stories such as Joe Biden's wanting minimal security when he returns to Delaware is written to seem like he doesn't care about the safety of his office, while it could also be told to mean he is a man who wants to be as normal as possible when he leaves the White House behind.
The only thing I would change in the book is the chronological order of the chapters. I would've started with the earliest president's stories and ended with the Obama White House. But, beyond that little correction, the book is a juicy weekend read. History buff or not, you can't put it down.
The First Family Detail is loaded from cover to cover with insider's stories of the first families along with details on how the secret service operates. There's a gossipy flavor to it, yet at the same time I couldn't stop turning the pages.
A few chapters in I got the feeling of a right-wing slant to the story telling as most of the Republican first families are depicted as kindhearted angels and the Democrats all seem to be aloof staffer's nightmares. I don't entirely believe this. Stories such as Joe Biden's wanting minimal security when he returns to Delaware is written to seem like he doesn't care about the safety of his office, while it could also be told to mean he is a man who wants to be as normal as possible when he leaves the White House behind.
The only thing I would change in the book is the chronological order of the chapters. I would've started with the earliest president's stories and ended with the Obama White House. But, beyond that little correction, the book is a juicy weekend read. History buff or not, you can't put it down.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Second Street Station by Laurence H. Levy
I eagerly looked forward to diving into my latest BloggingForBooks offering called Second Street Station : A Mary Handley Mystery. Old fashioned words like "Delightful!" and "Marvelous!" come to mind when I started writing up this review.
The book takes place in the late 1880's when the central character - Mary Handley - is fired from her hat factory sweatshop and hired by the New York police department to help solve a murder.. Mary's a brash and sassy character who doesn't take the guff from the other guys on the force and sets out to prove herself as a detective like a 19th century Nancy Drew.
It's a real treat each time she encounters a famous person from the era like Edison, Tesla, J.P. Morgan, and the Pembertons from Coca Cola fame. It's a breath of fresh air from the past with an entertaining whodunit, fun characters, and an era perfect for escapism.
The last chapter gives a teaser for the next Mary Handley mystery which appears to take Mary to Chicago for a while although the title is Brooklyn Burning. It won't be released until spring of 2016, but it already has a spot on my To-Read list.
If you enjoyed this book, I think you would also enjoy a book called The Interpretation of Murder; which involves the historical characters of Dr.Freud and Carl Yung setting out to solve a murder in New York City.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Freedom's Child by Jax Miller
My latest review for BloggingForBooks is the novel Freedom's Child by Jax Miller and here we go...
The first few chapters of Freedom's Child set up the characters in the story: Rough-around-the-edges "Freedom" who is currently in witness protection for her association in her husband Mark's murder. Her bent-on-revenge brother-in-law who was just released from prison after eighteen years in being wrongly accused of his brother Mark's murder. Mark and Matthew's ne'er -do- well family who are also seeking revenge for Mark. And Mason and Rebekah, Freedom's birth children who were adopted by religious fanatics. Mason escapes the Third Day Adventists sect, but Rebekah stays with the family and has now gone missing.
These sets of characters come together in Goshen, Kentucky for a perfect storm. Mason is looking for his sister, Freedom is looking for her daughter (they both realize Rebekah has gone missing after her absence from Facebook) and Matthew and his family who are looking for Freedom.
I loved the drama of this novel. The back and forth between each of the characters storylines, the real twist in Mark's murder, and the fire and brimstone ending to the Third Day Adventists cult. No chapter in this book disappoints.
The first few chapters of Freedom's Child set up the characters in the story: Rough-around-the-edges "Freedom" who is currently in witness protection for her association in her husband Mark's murder. Her bent-on-revenge brother-in-law who was just released from prison after eighteen years in being wrongly accused of his brother Mark's murder. Mark and Matthew's ne'er -do- well family who are also seeking revenge for Mark. And Mason and Rebekah, Freedom's birth children who were adopted by religious fanatics. Mason escapes the Third Day Adventists sect, but Rebekah stays with the family and has now gone missing.
These sets of characters come together in Goshen, Kentucky for a perfect storm. Mason is looking for his sister, Freedom is looking for her daughter (they both realize Rebekah has gone missing after her absence from Facebook) and Matthew and his family who are looking for Freedom.
I loved the drama of this novel. The back and forth between each of the characters storylines, the real twist in Mark's murder, and the fire and brimstone ending to the Third Day Adventists cult. No chapter in this book disappoints.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Sayonara by James Michener
I'm actually reading this story out of an old 1950's Reader's Digest condensed. At first, I read the description and thought it might not be for me, then I shrugged that thought off quickly after the first chapter.
It's the story of a Korean war air force man, Ace Gruver, who asks to be sent to Japan where he plans to marry the American colonel's daughter. Before he does, he helps his friend to marry a Japanese woman, wondering to himself 'what could've gotten into the chap that would make him want to do such a thing,' only to find himself falling in love with the beautiful theater actress Hana-Ogi.
As of this moment, I'm not officially finished done with the story. I'm up to....The Tragic Part .I've just enjoyed the book so much I couldn't wait to recommend it.
This book was written back in 1953. Dig into the used book store or check Amazon. It's well worth it.
It's the story of a Korean war air force man, Ace Gruver, who asks to be sent to Japan where he plans to marry the American colonel's daughter. Before he does, he helps his friend to marry a Japanese woman, wondering to himself 'what could've gotten into the chap that would make him want to do such a thing,' only to find himself falling in love with the beautiful theater actress Hana-Ogi.
As of this moment, I'm not officially finished done with the story. I'm up to....The Tragic Part .I've just enjoyed the book so much I couldn't wait to recommend it.
This book was written back in 1953. Dig into the used book store or check Amazon. It's well worth it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
The Shore by Sara Taylor
My latest Blogging For Books review is for The Shore by Sara Taylor.
The cover of this novel looks promising and the dust jacket description sounds interesting, but the book itself was a letdown.While the chapters are well written, each one feels like an individual story. As soon as I feel invested in the story, the next chapter switches to an entirely different one and it doesn't feel cohesive. For instance, chapter one is all about a little girl on the Chesapeake Bay coast overhearing about a man's recent murder. The end of the short story reveals the twist but it doesn't carry it on to the next chapter, it switches to a different girl's story about harnessing the wind with her hands and I'm still wondering about the history behind the murdered man in the swamp. It disconnects too quickly.
Overall, not my style of story telling. The back of the book likens this novel to David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, which I was not a fan of either, if you've read Cloud Atlas you might enjoy this book more than I did. I was hoping for a more traditional murder mystery novel.
2 stars.
The cover of this novel looks promising and the dust jacket description sounds interesting, but the book itself was a letdown.While the chapters are well written, each one feels like an individual story. As soon as I feel invested in the story, the next chapter switches to an entirely different one and it doesn't feel cohesive. For instance, chapter one is all about a little girl on the Chesapeake Bay coast overhearing about a man's recent murder. The end of the short story reveals the twist but it doesn't carry it on to the next chapter, it switches to a different girl's story about harnessing the wind with her hands and I'm still wondering about the history behind the murdered man in the swamp. It disconnects too quickly.
Overall, not my style of story telling. The back of the book likens this novel to David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, which I was not a fan of either, if you've read Cloud Atlas you might enjoy this book more than I did. I was hoping for a more traditional murder mystery novel.
2 stars.
Monday, May 4, 2015
What You Left Behind by Samantha Hayes
My latest Blogging For Books Review
What You Left Behind grabbed me from the first few pages. I was drawn into the plot and the characters so much so that every time I walked forby the book I wanted to stop and spend the rest of the afternoon with it.
This book features a mix of adult plots and YA plots, with off-duty detective Lorraine on a visit to her sister Jo's house. Jo's son is acting despondent and distracted and they wonder if it's tied to the recent suicides of local teens in their town. You soon find out these suicides are more than what's on the surface. Family relative Gil who 'sees everything' is a key player in the story. When no one else believes his artistic drawings of one of the accidents, Lorraine takes it seriously and the plot unravels from there.
I loved the subtle build up to the end, and the unique characters like Gil and Frank. The suspense was played out evenly through the novel so that each chapter left you wanting to know more.
What You Left Behind grabbed me from the first few pages. I was drawn into the plot and the characters so much so that every time I walked forby the book I wanted to stop and spend the rest of the afternoon with it.
This book features a mix of adult plots and YA plots, with off-duty detective Lorraine on a visit to her sister Jo's house. Jo's son is acting despondent and distracted and they wonder if it's tied to the recent suicides of local teens in their town. You soon find out these suicides are more than what's on the surface. Family relative Gil who 'sees everything' is a key player in the story. When no one else believes his artistic drawings of one of the accidents, Lorraine takes it seriously and the plot unravels from there.
I loved the subtle build up to the end, and the unique characters like Gil and Frank. The suspense was played out evenly through the novel so that each chapter left you wanting to know more.
Friday, April 10, 2015
John Shaw's Guide To Digital Nature Photography
My latest #BloggingForBooks selection is John Shaw's Guide To Digital Nature Photography. A complete guide for the photographer seeking technical advice to take the highest quality photographs.
At first glance, beginners will find all the information a bit overwhelming, but don't let it intimidate you. Take the chapters one at a time as you decide on what equipment to purchase. The book is not meant to be read from beginning to end like a novel.
The beautiful color photographs on the book's front cover are only the tip of the iceberg of the author's work. The book features an amazing collection of photographs with one to almost every page. They are an inspiration to take your photography hobby to the next level. And often they are examples of the type of techniques being described in their featured chapter.
Topics covered in this book are things such as composition or close-ups. Those topics are useful for any level of photographer, although they do get a bit too technical at times. The casual point-and-shoot photographer won't have a use for topics like wide angle zooms and horizontal angles. I would recommend this book mostly to those with a serious interest in photography or those who are looking to develop a serious interest.
At first glance, beginners will find all the information a bit overwhelming, but don't let it intimidate you. Take the chapters one at a time as you decide on what equipment to purchase. The book is not meant to be read from beginning to end like a novel.
The beautiful color photographs on the book's front cover are only the tip of the iceberg of the author's work. The book features an amazing collection of photographs with one to almost every page. They are an inspiration to take your photography hobby to the next level. And often they are examples of the type of techniques being described in their featured chapter.
Topics covered in this book are things such as composition or close-ups. Those topics are useful for any level of photographer, although they do get a bit too technical at times. The casual point-and-shoot photographer won't have a use for topics like wide angle zooms and horizontal angles. I would recommend this book mostly to those with a serious interest in photography or those who are looking to develop a serious interest.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
HRC by Jonathon Allen and Amie Parnes
The latest book I have to review from #BloggingForBooks is HRC, by Jonathon Allen and Amie Parnes.
What can I say about this book.... While it is thoroughly researched, there are no real Hillary Clinton bombshells in it. It plods along through her campaigns, her Benghazi scandal, and her Secretary of State position with page after tedious page of small print and boring dissection. I made it 50 pages in before I started skimming and I don't think I missed a thing along the way. The book begins with Hillary's run against Barack, but there isn't much interesting to read about in her political advisers or her behind the scenes campaign fundraising. She is upset some old connections backed Obama instead of her...this is not very surprising. I wish the editors would've cut the fat and narrowed this book down by about a hundred pages.
Unless you are an extreme political wonk with a month of free time ahead of you, I don't recommend this book.
What can I say about this book.... While it is thoroughly researched, there are no real Hillary Clinton bombshells in it. It plods along through her campaigns, her Benghazi scandal, and her Secretary of State position with page after tedious page of small print and boring dissection. I made it 50 pages in before I started skimming and I don't think I missed a thing along the way. The book begins with Hillary's run against Barack, but there isn't much interesting to read about in her political advisers or her behind the scenes campaign fundraising. She is upset some old connections backed Obama instead of her...this is not very surprising. I wish the editors would've cut the fat and narrowed this book down by about a hundred pages.
Unless you are an extreme political wonk with a month of free time ahead of you, I don't recommend this book.
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
This is What You Just Put in Your Mouth
My latest review from Blogging For Books is This is What you Just Put in Your Mouth by Patrick Di Justo.
If you're a reader of Wired magazine you've probably seen the articles for What's It Made Of? before. The popular page takes a common item and breaks it down into it's chemical components- often with shuddering results. This book is a compilation of those items, written by the magazines article's author. The book compiled the items into two categories: Things you put in your mouth, and things you do not put into your mouth. It's likely most people have used at least one of the items listed ( there are fifty covered in this book) and the descriptions are frequent eye openers.
The book isn't written in an alarmist fashion. The author's not saying 'stop using these products today' but merely giving us the facts and leaving us to judge. The writing is witty, with short articles tucked along with the articles on the chemical and biochemical processes of nature. The topics are entertaining to read even if you don't consider yourself a fan of chemistry. I definitely recommend it.
If you're a reader of Wired magazine you've probably seen the articles for What's It Made Of? before. The popular page takes a common item and breaks it down into it's chemical components- often with shuddering results. This book is a compilation of those items, written by the magazines article's author. The book compiled the items into two categories: Things you put in your mouth, and things you do not put into your mouth. It's likely most people have used at least one of the items listed ( there are fifty covered in this book) and the descriptions are frequent eye openers.
The book isn't written in an alarmist fashion. The author's not saying 'stop using these products today' but merely giving us the facts and leaving us to judge. The writing is witty, with short articles tucked along with the articles on the chemical and biochemical processes of nature. The topics are entertaining to read even if you don't consider yourself a fan of chemistry. I definitely recommend it.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Q&A 365 Questions Diary
My latest book to review from #BloggingForBooks is Q&A 365 Questions, a diary. This is the book you write by filling in each days thought provoking question.
The beauty of this book is it has space for five years worth of entries, so you have the ability to see how you have changed during the duration of the diary. Questions included are topics such as What is the next book you want to read? or Are you working hard or hardly working? or like Today's question (February 15) Write down the cure for a broken heart. You are then given four lines in which to answer (not enough if you're a wordy writer, so try to think in Twitter lengths).
The cover is sturdy and the pages are thick and edged in gold, and it looks like it will be able to stand five years of use. (Plus, it makes for a really pretty gift.)
As a diary writer for 26 years, I recommend this book with 5 stars.
The beauty of this book is it has space for five years worth of entries, so you have the ability to see how you have changed during the duration of the diary. Questions included are topics such as What is the next book you want to read? or Are you working hard or hardly working? or like Today's question (February 15) Write down the cure for a broken heart. You are then given four lines in which to answer (not enough if you're a wordy writer, so try to think in Twitter lengths).
The cover is sturdy and the pages are thick and edged in gold, and it looks like it will be able to stand five years of use. (Plus, it makes for a really pretty gift.)
As a diary writer for 26 years, I recommend this book with 5 stars.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Nicholson, A Biography by Marc Eliot
My latest book from #BloggingForBooks is a biography by Marc Eliot on the life of Jack Nicholson.
Nicholson, by Marc Eliot, touches on all the main points in Jack's life including his complicated family tree, his movie career highs and lows, and his many loves. This book also includes loads of references for in-depth coverage of the star's life, and insightful quotes from Jack himself. It's an honest portrayal that makes for a fascinating read.
Jack's lived a real Hollywood life and the stories are epic. The author devotes pages in each chapter to the movies Jack's made (and a comprehensive listin the back of the book that will inspire you to seek out the rentals) There's a story behind each movie, both onscreen and off with just the right balance of biography and juicy stories to keep the book from getting too long.
Jack Nicholson has always kept a low profile, and I recommend this book to any fan who wants to dig beneath the surface of this colorful personality.
Nicholson, by Marc Eliot, touches on all the main points in Jack's life including his complicated family tree, his movie career highs and lows, and his many loves. This book also includes loads of references for in-depth coverage of the star's life, and insightful quotes from Jack himself. It's an honest portrayal that makes for a fascinating read.
Jack's lived a real Hollywood life and the stories are epic. The author devotes pages in each chapter to the movies Jack's made (and a comprehensive listin the back of the book that will inspire you to seek out the rentals) There's a story behind each movie, both onscreen and off with just the right balance of biography and juicy stories to keep the book from getting too long.
Jack Nicholson has always kept a low profile, and I recommend this book to any fan who wants to dig beneath the surface of this colorful personality.
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