Customer Comments

Zmrzlina has commented on (20) products.

The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart

Zmrzlina, January 1, 2011

If I had seen this book on a bookstore display, I probably would never have picked it up because the cover art is so whimsical and fluffy looking. However, I read a review in the Washington Post and decided to download the ebook version. I enjoyed it so much, I bought the hardcover to keep.

The story is wacky, and sometimes a bit complicated because of so many characters, but Stuart uses a technique of repeated some phrases throughout the book, like "sorrowful teapot for one," that is always linked to one particular character (the teapot is sad Rev. Septimus Drew's). That clever conceit keeps the story entertaining and helps develop each character. Very enjoyable read, and I recommend it all the time.

Because of this book, I bought Stuart's first novel, "Matchmaker of Perigord." I enjoyed that, too, but not as much as "Balthazar Jones and the Tower of London Zoo" (which is the original title of Stuart's second novel and much better than the one we got in the US).

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An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England by Brock Clarke

Zmrzlina, August 2, 2008

Those people who like to read books where they see themselves in the characters... I hope those people read this book. And I hope they see themselves. And then I hope they stop trying to find themselves in characters in books.

This book is a comedy in the same way the movie American Beauty is a comedy. Both end with the characters happy. It is a beautiful, sad ending.

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(5 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)

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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.

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(0 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)

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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.

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(11 of 15 readers found this comment helpful)

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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.

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(8 of 12 readers found this comment helpful)

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