Homage to Anthony Bourdain

I woke to the horrific news that Anthony Bourdain had committed suicide. I referred to him as my "future ex-husband," and he was certainly one of the biggest influences on my cooking. I am pretty heartbroken over this. My heart goes out to his family, particularly his daughter, and I hope his wild soul has … Continue reading Homage to Anthony Bourdain

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

This is a bizarre, surreal, and very captivating read. I'd read The Time Traveler's Wife a few years ago by the same author, and although I enjoyed it greatly, it didn't grab me the way this one has. Her Fearful Symmetry is one of the strangest and compelling ghost stories I've read in ages, although … Continue reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Friday, May 25 was the anniversary of the death of Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy. For anyone who loves sarcasm, satire, and snark, this book is a must-read. I was introduced to this book in a way a lot of geeky types are - by someone far, far nerdier than … Continue reading The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky

An interesting microcosm of history, Salt essentially takes us back through the known history of the world, and analyzes how this humble little rock - the only rock humans can eat - and how it has had a transforming effect upon civilization. To be honest, however, there were large chunks of the book that weren't … Continue reading Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky

Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest by José Griego y Maestas and Rudolfo Anaya

I'd consider this book of short stories, Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest, one of the pivotal books of my childhood. I've mentioned my father and his love of reading, and there were always books around him. In his car, in his house, you name it. As well, being a very strong proponent of civil … Continue reading Cuentos: Tales from the Hispanic Southwest by José Griego y Maestas and Rudolfo Anaya

Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Bronte

I ain't gonna deny it, Mr. Rochester is SEXY! Oh my lord almighty. Dark, mysterious, distant and yet romantic, rides a horse, is sarcastic, dresses in black. I could bang Mr. Rochester like a screen door from here til August......though it may also have to do with the fact that my very first big-screen Mr. … Continue reading Jane Eyre: An Autobiography by Charlotte Bronte

Delicious! by Ruth Reichl

Have you ever read a book that you nearly instantaneously fell in love with? My friend Angela recommended Delicious! by Ruth Reichl, which I'd seen on various lists of foodie books, but dismissed as "chick lit." Those of you who follow my blog know of my disdain for "chick lit." Yes, I'm a literary snob … Continue reading Delicious! by Ruth Reichl

REPOSTED from The Frugal Hausfrau – a huge thank you for featuring my blog!

Every once in awhile, someone makes a gesture that touches you, changes you, in a way that’s profound. Sometimes it might be big, sweeping gestures like a billionaire setting up a go fund me account to save the Toys R Us stores. Other times and I think even more profoundly powerful, it’s a smaller but… via … Continue reading REPOSTED from The Frugal Hausfrau – a huge thank you for featuring my blog!

Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

I am not normally into short stories, even by my favorite authors. Stephen King is the notable example, because he puts so much characterization into his short stories and novellas that they stand on their own. Case in point, my absolute favorite short story by King, "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption," is a beautiful, … Continue reading Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King and Richard Chizmar

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

The Master and Margarita is a heavy and weirdly surreal read, but it's far more lighthearted and satiristic than many other Russian novels of the similar period. Mikhail Bulgakov wrote this book as a sharp commentary and satire on the communistic and atheistic government of time, top-heavy with government bureaucrats and processes. This book was … Continue reading The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov