18th century historical fiction without the scandal, sensationalism, and costume of historical fiction so popular today. The story features a fanciful air-ship and two brothers who navigate religious tyranny. Adventure is more philosophical than exciting and the ending is a bit abrupt, but a very interesting read.
We will never have to buy another cookbook. Mark Bittman has written a cookbook that guides, not governs, your cooking. The recipes are concise and uncomplicated, with many, many variations. It's the variations, and the friendly, though professional, prose that make this book a winner. We haven't made a recipe yet that has been a flop, and we are not experienced cooks.
A beautiful story with an ending you know is coming, but still takes you by surprise. Pouncey weaves three wars into a story of remembrance, honor (though not patriotic as much as honoring our own humanity when humanity seems impossible), and dignity. There are wonderful references to classical music that spurred me to seek out specific recordings. The ending is perhaps a little too "ghost in the machine," but it doesn't diminish the book's charm.
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Restaurant review results in roasted restauranteur. Okay, so not restauranteur. Chef. But he also owned the restaurant. And the reviewer responsible for the chef roasted himself in his own oven, with a copy of the review tape to the door of same oven, decides that maybe he has been too harsh and apologies to the widow. And that feels so good, he decides to apologize to everyone he has every cause pain or misery. And that goes so well, he is tapped to be Chief Apologist for a new organization within the United Nations. Sound a bit over-the-top? It is, but it is also mostly delightful.
The apologies are deliciously themed (the author is a real life restaurant reviewer and knows his food), and the story moves along quite nicely. There is a good deal about the father/son relationship, as well as brotherly love. I adore stories with a male point of view and this one does it without too much testosterone or frat boy goofiness.
The ending goes a bit awry... I think the author decided he needed to toss in more testosterone. But all in all, I think this is a very entertaining read. Looking forward to reading more from Raynor.
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(4 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
A story that transports the reader through time and awakens the magic that is reading. Two young men sent off for "re-education" during the Chinese Cultural Revolution find their education in strange places. Elegant and finely stitched narrative.
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(5 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)
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Zmrzlina has commented on (18) products.
Passarola Rising by Azhar Abidi
Zmrzlina, April 5, 2008
18th century historical fiction without the scandal, sensationalism, and costume of historical fiction so popular today. The story features a fanciful air-ship and two brothers who navigate religious tyranny. Adventure is more philosophical than exciting and the ending is a bit abrupt, but a very interesting read.How to Cook Everything Vegetarian: Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food (How to Cook Everything) by Mark Bittman
Zmrzlina, February 21, 2008
We will never have to buy another cookbook. Mark Bittman has written a cookbook that guides, not governs, your cooking. The recipes are concise and uncomplicated, with many, many variations. It's the variations, and the friendly, though professional, prose that make this book a winner. We haven't made a recipe yet that has been a flop, and we are not experienced cooks.Rules for Old Men Waiting by Peter Pouncey
Zmrzlina, January 11, 2008
A beautiful story with an ending you know is coming, but still takes you by surprise. Pouncey weaves three wars into a story of remembrance, honor (though not patriotic as much as honoring our own humanity when humanity seems impossible), and dignity. There are wonderful references to classical music that spurred me to seek out specific recordings. The ending is perhaps a little too "ghost in the machine," but it doesn't diminish the book's charm.(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Eating Crow: A Novel of Apology by Jay Rayner
Zmrzlina, October 26, 2007
Restaurant review results in roasted restauranteur. Okay, so not restauranteur. Chef. But he also owned the restaurant. And the reviewer responsible for the chef roasted himself in his own oven, with a copy of the review tape to the door of same oven, decides that maybe he has been too harsh and apologies to the widow. And that feels so good, he decides to apologize to everyone he has every cause pain or misery. And that goes so well, he is tapped to be Chief Apologist for a new organization within the United Nations. Sound a bit over-the-top? It is, but it is also mostly delightful.The apologies are deliciously themed (the author is a real life restaurant reviewer and knows his food), and the story moves along quite nicely. There is a good deal about the father/son relationship, as well as brotherly love. I adore stories with a male point of view and this one does it without too much testosterone or frat boy goofiness.
The ending goes a bit awry... I think the author decided he needed to toss in more testosterone. But all in all, I think this is a very entertaining read. Looking forward to reading more from Raynor.
(4 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Sijie Dai
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1-5 of 18 nextZmrzlina, October 22, 2007
A story that transports the reader through time and awakens the magic that is reading. Two young men sent off for "re-education" during the Chinese Cultural Revolution find their education in strange places. Elegant and finely stitched narrative.(5 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)