This is one of those books that feels like "literature" when you're reading it, and I don't mean that in the most positive way. It's beautifully writtThis is one of those books that feels like "literature" when you're reading it, and I don't mean that in the most positive way. It's beautifully written, but I wasn't riveted the way I want to be when reading a good book....more
This book is a must-have for anyone who would like to have people over more often but think they *can't* for whatever reason (the house is too messy, This book is a must-have for anyone who would like to have people over more often but think they *can't* for whatever reason (the house is too messy, not big enough, not nice enough, I can't cook, I don't know what to say/do, etc.).
This is a simple living book that reminds us the emphasis of entertaining should be building friendships and community with each other. One of the best chapters is the one on marking life events (like illness and death). Maggie shows us how to gently reach out to each other during times of grief and uncertainty.
This is a practical and useful book with lots of specific ideas for various situations, checklists, and even suggested menus. It's a great reminder that welcoming people into our home should be FUN, not a torturous nightmare....more
This book changed my life. I had previously tried to make changes to simplify, but I didn't seem to *feel* that life was calmer or simpler. This book This book changed my life. I had previously tried to make changes to simplify, but I didn't seem to *feel* that life was calmer or simpler. This book showed me the changes I needed to make to change my inner world, not just my outer world. I return to this book whenever I need to slow down....more
This is a charming book with ideas for marking each of the eight seasonal holidays. It is a combination cookbook (I count 76 recipes total) and primerThis is a charming book with ideas for marking each of the eight seasonal holidays. It is a combination cookbook (I count 76 recipes total) and primer on making the kitchen a sacred space, with cooking an act of deep spiritual significance. I don't really use this book when I am looking for a recipe, but more for when I am looking to connect with the seasons....more
These recipes aren't designed for the needs of everyday cooks, but what they lack in convenience they more than make up for with WOW! factor. These arThese recipes aren't designed for the needs of everyday cooks, but what they lack in convenience they more than make up for with WOW! factor. These are delicious meals, and I turn to this cookbook when I am looking for something new and amazing to cook....more
This is the most comprehensive cookbook I own. There's advice on selecting and cooking everything under the sun, and there's a good combination of comThis is the most comprehensive cookbook I own. There's advice on selecting and cooking everything under the sun, and there's a good combination of complicated recipes with simpler recipes for everyday cooking. Dragonwagon's personal notes on each recipe convey the joy she takes from cooking and how her memories of people and events are entwined with each meal....more
I enjoyed this book through eating and praying (Italy and India), but by the time the author ends up loving in Bali, the moral of the story seems to bI enjoyed this book through eating and praying (Italy and India), but by the time the author ends up loving in Bali, the moral of the story seems to be that if you devote yourself to spiritual discovery, you will be rewarded with good sex and a new relationship. That wasn't the journey I thought we were on in this book, and I was disappointed by it. Still and all, I enjoyed 2/3rds of this book....more
This is one of the worst books I've ever read (well, okay, I didn't finish it because it was THAT bad). It's been years since I read it, and I still sThis is one of the worst books I've ever read (well, okay, I didn't finish it because it was THAT bad). It's been years since I read it, and I still shudder when I remember it....more
Steinbeck's unforgettable classic, this book is bad news piled upon bad news, but it captures much of the heartache and tragedy of America during the Steinbeck's unforgettable classic, this book is bad news piled upon bad news, but it captures much of the heartache and tragedy of America during the Great Depression....more
I just didn't get this book. It's a story of disconnected people leading isolated lives. My main complaint is that I don't know what the author was trI just didn't get this book. It's a story of disconnected people leading isolated lives. My main complaint is that I don't know what the author was trying to say. Is this book a portrait of reality: life is bleak and there's little point in trying to fight it? Or does she think people DO need to reach out to each other, and the folks in this book are a cautionary tale? Is the past important to remember, or a trap we can get stuck in?
Maybe the movie version will clear it up for me....more
I couldn't put this book down. I considered calling in sick to work to read instead. This is just riveting, a fictionalized look at a team of people iI couldn't put this book down. I considered calling in sick to work to read instead. This is just riveting, a fictionalized look at a team of people identifying and tracking down the first known serial killer in 1896 New York....more
The quintessential super-hero with a hidden identity, the Scarlet Pimpernal paved the way for Batman, Spiderman, Ironman, and everyone else you can thThe quintessential super-hero with a hidden identity, the Scarlet Pimpernal paved the way for Batman, Spiderman, Ironman, and everyone else you can think of. A fun read....more
I'm not used to reading graphic novels; I found myself having to re-read sections to take in the graphics and keep the characters straight. But if youI'm not used to reading graphic novels; I found myself having to re-read sections to take in the graphics and keep the characters straight. But if you're going to read one, this is the one. Even two years later, I remember this story vividly....more
A great historical mystery, based on real historical occurences (and speculation). What I loved is that after I finished the book, I jumped onto the iA great historical mystery, based on real historical occurences (and speculation). What I loved is that after I finished the book, I jumped onto the internet to do additional research. I love it when a story inspires me to keep thinking and questioning....more
This was a hard book for me to get through, and when I finished, I felt rather ambivalent about it. Talking about it with my book club, though, I founThis was a hard book for me to get through, and when I finished, I felt rather ambivalent about it. Talking about it with my book club, though, I found myself laughing, remembering different parts. Over the course of our two-hour discussion, I realized what a hilarious and simultaneously subversive book it is. I'm glad I read it....more
This was like reading a soap opera, ripe with love, death, betrayal, and a strong woman at the center of the story. A great read, deserving of its plaThis was like reading a soap opera, ripe with love, death, betrayal, and a strong woman at the center of the story. A great read, deserving of its place in American literature....more
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