Describe your latest project. Norton has just published The Autobiography of Fidel Castro, a novel that took seven years of my life to complete as I...
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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 9 readers found this comment helpful)
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 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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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(9 of 12 readers found this comment helpful)
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 10 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)
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Zmrzlina has commented on (19) products.
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.
(5 of 9 readers found this comment helpful)
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.(0 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
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.(9 of 12 readers found this comment helpful)
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.(8 of 10 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)
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