Tag: tomatoes

The Apprentice by Jacques Pépin

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There are three celebrity cooks  - Anthony Bourdain, Nigella Lawson and Emeril Lagasse - whom I love, but who are as much shrewd self-marketers as they are cooks. Then there are the three honest-to-God gourmet chefs whose writings have heavily influenced my own cooking and writing. Julia Child, the Goddess; Clarissa Dickson Wright, of Two … Continue reading The Apprentice by Jacques Pépin

The Face by Dean Koontz

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I've been reading Dean Koontz's books since I was in 7th grade and came across one in the school library at St. Michael's Catholic School, and devoured it in three hours. I was hooked from then on, though his books are definitely hit-or-miss. His style has evolved  over the years, from the straightforward horror of … Continue reading The Face by Dean Koontz

The House of Lost Souls by F.G. Cottam

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In October, my thoughts don't turn to pumpkin spice láttes, autumn leaves falling gently to the ground, or the evocative scent of woodsmoke. No, when the fall brings that nippy chill to the air, this girl thinks haunted houses, ghosts, spirits (the non-alcoholic kind), and of course, Halloween! Being the season of the witch and … Continue reading The House of Lost Souls by F.G. Cottam

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

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The story of the United States is varied and unique, as any historian will tell you. We have the story of the indigenous Native Americans, the British pilgrims, the ancient Vikings, the Irish, German, Polish, and Scottish immigrants who came in a wave to this country between the mid-1700s and late 1800s, and the the … Continue reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

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It took me awhile to read this book, though it had been recommended by numerous friends and fellow bloggers. There are some seriously good food mentions in this book, which is partly why I read it three times. Also, it's just an addictive read. The gist of the book is thus: As a teen, Theo … Continue reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

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In memory of my beloved grandfather Tito Baca, who lived his life to the fullest. Just like Zorba. Zorba the Greek is a man well known to me. This book, as well as the movie, was something I read as a teenager, not really "getting" it, but when I came across a used edition in … Continue reading Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

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Do you know what it's like to read a book and have it haunt you, like a whisper or the faint hint of perfume in an empty room? I've always been possessed by the gorgeous Gothic-ness of Rebecca, which has mystery, ghosts, passionate love and a big, haunted house. And then of course, the most … Continue reading Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

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Thanks to Dr. H for the photography. Lord John Grey was a major character in the Outlander series, being the warden of  Ardsmuir Prison in Scotland, where Jamie Fraser was imprisoned after Culloden. Lord John, being the fascinating character that he is, got his own spinoff series - of which today's book is the latest … Continue reading The Scottish Prisoner by Diana Gabaldon

Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken by Monica Bhide

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Thanks to TB for the photography. I have a thing for books that present food as medicine. Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate.....and now Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken, are absolute favorites. Written by the acclaimed food writer turned novelist Monica Bhide, it extols the pleasures of friendship, giving back to those who have … Continue reading Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken by Monica Bhide

Homme Fatal by Paul Mayersberg

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While digging through my bookshelves the other day, I came across Homme Fatal, a pop fiction novel I'd bought years ago and held onto because the story was so fascinating.  Though quite a smutty novel, I primarily held onto it because the story, told about the same events from two viewpoints, had a sleazy, 1940's … Continue reading Homme Fatal by Paul Mayersberg