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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
Ohstacy has commented on (16) products
Talk Like a Winner 21 Simple Rules for Achieving Everyday Communication Success
by
Steve Nakamoto
Ohstacy
, June 28, 2010
Talk Like a Winner: 21 Simple Rules for Achieving Everyday Communication Success—A Winner! First and foremost, I appreciate author Steve Nakamoto’s candor when it comes to revealing his own social angst and challenges in life. I always admire someone who is confident enough to be vulnerable with his or her own foibles as opposed to hiding behind a façade of professional accomplishments. On the topic of professional accomplishments, Mr. Nakamoto certainly has a background that sets a resume apart. His other books, “Dating Rocks!” and “Men Are Like Fish” each won an award from Writer’s Digest. In addition, Mr. Nakamoto served as a human relations and communications instructor for Dale Carnegie and Associates, not to mention that he fulfilled the role of a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) personal development trainer for Tony Robbins for seven years. Winning stuff to be sure! In his introduction, he states, “For most of my life, I’ve had a terrible fear of public speaking. I remember one regrettable time when I gave an oral report in my 7th grade English class and started shaking and gasping for air.” He goes on to say that his English teacher shamed him in front of the class. From the introduction to the end, as a whole, it’s a gutsy book outlining rules written by a gusty man…I mean, how many people intimidated by social situations go on to become tour directors for tourists? Mr. Nakamoto’s simple strategies to help people succeed in everyday conversations broken down into twenty-one rules are, as the title suggests, simple. He expounds on one rule per chapter. Some of them, however, become a bit too elementary (for example, talk about current events; smile; make people laugh). On the other hand, the bulk of the book gives the reader many ideas to mark with a yellow highlighter. For instance, “Interrupt the negative talk with a surprise physical movement.” (Can’t wait to try it!) I think, also, that Mr. Nakamoto needed to add a chapter that detailed the importance of being a skilled conversationalist without the need for forsaking one’s true personality. The point is, sometimes the book’s pointers sound forced and seem to promote phoniness and not authenticity. Overall, though, the book makes for a winning read…do not forget your highlighter.
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Practical English Level 365 Volume 1
by
Kaakyire Akosomo Nyantakyi
Ohstacy
, June 16, 2010
“Practical English”: A practical addition to any library "Practical English, Level 365, Volume 1" is a no-nonsense approach to mastering the language without mincing words! Seriously, the book is a straightforward, comprehensive guide to help students, including English-as-a-second-language students, learn what can amount to some pretty confusing rules of grammar without feeling too overwhelmed. In fact, it appears that author Kaakyire Akosomo Nyantakyi, who is a seasoned teacher, probably fills up his classes pronto, since his unique voice, forceful, jubilant and passionate, shines through the text and makes the bone-dry subject matter certainly more pliable, if not enjoyable (not sure if I would stretch it that far!). The organization of the book works to the upmost degree. Broken down into a variety of single-themed lessons, whether covering vocabulary, myriad elements of written and spoken English, proper punctuations, tenses, self-administered quizzes, and so on, the author provides students with indispensible principles that will eventually afford them the advantage of both verbal and written use of the language. In the future, it would be convenient and advantageous to the student to have an accompanying workbook. Additionally, for the next edition, I hope the author adds an index, which will further help the reader maneuver the book. With the influx of immigrants in the United States, “Practical English” should be a required manual for all who cross these shores and bask in the endless opportunities our country provides. In fact, the author himself, a Ghanaian-born native, now U.S. citizen, who holds a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing, is a great source of inspiration. He has written and self-published a book that is a surefire motivator for any serious student. And I do mean serious. The author’s two assignments for 365 days (no days off) certainly will separate the wannabes from the “authentic-bes.” As a teacher myself, I admire his approach and fully believe that discipline and self-sacrifice may not be an easy road, but in the end, the steadfast traveler does not run into a dead end…instead he or she runs into a super highway with endless possibilities. Remember the old adage—as Mr. Nyantakyi points out—no pain no gain…"Practical English” will surely help alleviate the roadblocks.
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Flavors of Friuli A Culinary Journey Through Northeastern Italy
by
Elisabeth Antoine Crawford
Ohstacy
, June 09, 2010
“Flavors of Friuli”: Fantastico! Stupendo! I had never heard of Friuli; actually, I do not even know how to pronounce the word. However, after about ten minutes of perusing “Flavors of Friuli,” I had an inexorable yen to take the first flight out to the northeastern region of Italy. Before doing anything rash, though, I will probably synchronize such a trip with one of the unique events or festivals in the region, such as during the Carnevale Muggesano, (begins a week prior to Ash Wednesday) and indulge in a megafrittata, which, as the book states, may be the world’s largest frittata, cooked in a giant 13-foot-wide frying pan. Wow! “Flavors of Friuli” serves the reader a multi-course feast of history, sights, flavors, each dollop of information presented in easy to digest text and a bountiful cornucopia of colorful photographs, as appetizing as the next! The focal point, to be sure, is food. Elizabeth Antoine Crawford provides nearly 300 pages of culinary fusion that breaks traditions with the customary, pop Italian recipes. In fact, readers will discover one of the most eclectic gastronomic experiences that has transcended from a region influenced by Roman Venetian, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic traditions. Best of all, the author’s know-how and “insider’s view” give the reader an intimate view of the passionate food-making process and the enchanting people behind it. From appetizer to dessert, recipes range from simple concoctions, for instance, an asparagus and egg salad, to the more elaborate dishes of, say, a dried fruit and nut spiral cake. It seems, too, that everything is coming up gnocchi! A fact that scores a bonus, since these devilishly good quasi-pasta delights are, in actuality, quite easy to create. One thing to be sure, Ms. Crawford’s recipes will surely please the most pernickety palate, and greatly inspire squelching boring fare at the table. Reading “Flavors of Friuli” is a treasured journey that will stir the senses…get ready to buckle up for a ride to a deliciously distinct destination.
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Bringing a Product to Market from Your Home
by
Gary R. Bronga
Ohstacy
, May 27, 2010
Think that thingamajig can generate loads of mullah so you can retire, live under the palm trees somewhere and do nothing more vigorous than slurp pina coladas all day? Dream on! “Bringing a Product to Market from Your Home” is a complete roadmap for entrepreneurial types to venture out on a pathway to success, but what author Gary R. Bronga makes clear is that owning your own business is not for the faint-hearted man or woman. Fortunately, Mr. Bronga provides a comprehensive manual for anyone who has ever dreamed of creating and selling a contraption from an invention’s conception to its introduction to the consumer market and beyond. The author’s approach is thorough. He does not leave any step for success up to the imagination. He gives us facts, figures, a look at the psychological side of business and actual business forms to use. He even goes into things like predicting next year’s hot color! I particularly love Mr. Bronga’s get-up-and-smell the coffee style. How’s this for direct? “We live in a rip-off or knock-off society, and most successful products will be copied at a later date, regardless of whether or not they have patent protection.” Or this: “There is also a hard-to-explain phenomenon in this country. People love the underdog. They do love to see a small guy succeed, but they also love to tear down the large industrial giant or market leader. At times, jealousy comes into play.” Best of all, Mr. Bronga’s chitchat style of writing is clear and lively to the point of feeling as if you can hear his voice: prodding, coaching, guiding and inspiring. The author’s own story is pure motivation. Here’s a glimpse into his journey: “Often, I was in my office working until 7:30 p.m. Then, I was up at 4:45 a.m. to check and answer e-mail.” The end result is that he has accomplished a good livelihood after creating CLIPEZE, a lapel pin for attaching company identification badges. His writing makes it apparent that money has not ruined his zest for living passionately. Don’t, however, think he has not experienced a few downsides in business. Mr. Bronga shares freely the ups and the downs and comes out an ace every time. “Bringing a Product to Market” is real advice for dreamers who have ideas of doodads rolling around in their minds, but who are gutsy enough to give them real life.
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Magically Delicious!: Healthy Recipes From The Heart
by
Felicia Martin
Ohstacy
, May 12, 2010
“Magically Delicious,” Kitchen Genie What do you get when you add some interesting ingredients like V-8 Garden Broccoli Soup and concoct some creative ways to mix them all together? Delicious magic, all right! Take, for instance, author Felicia Martin’s spin on good old boring Tuna Casserole. Her recipe calls, in addition to the tried and true ingredients, for a few pinches of Ms. Dash, smoked paprika and Old Bay Sea soning, not to mention an interesting mix of cheeses…now doesn’t that accent the same old, same old with a little zest? I do, however, hope that the second cookbook volume will include color photos and a table of contents, and I do hope the author pens and publishes another cookbook to follow this one! What plopped a cherry on the top of everything, and we are not just talking desserts here, was the extras—sort of like tasty tapas—that Ms. Martin includes in the book. For instance, the spring cleaning tips had me reaching into a few dusty kitchen cabinets, and her tips for growing herb gardens may just inspire a bit of green in my thumb after all. Overall, “Magically Delicious!” is the book to buy, try and share with others—even the non-foodies may get cast under Ms. Martin’s delightful spell.
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Backing U!
by
Vaughan Evans
Ohstacy
, April 06, 2010
“Backing U!”: Where the right brain and left brain meet Is your dream job just a dream? Or perhaps your dream job awaits. How about a career redo while staying in your current employment position? If you are a business owner, are you running your business with oomph? On the other hand, if you are in the process of getting a business off the ground, will it soar or deflate? If you want answers to musings like these, pick up “Backing U!”…but first buckle up, readers can be sure of an intensive, supercharged ride on the career path. Thirty-five-year biz whiz Vaughan Evans sure knows what hwyl, the “Celtic concept of passion, fervor and spirit, which can lift you to extremes of success,” is all about. Of course, writing aimed at notions like this can become nauseatingly esoteric, and the writer can easily allow the right brain to run wild. Fortunately, Mr. Evans saddles down the enthusiasm with some cut and dry formulas and his left-brain thought process curbs the untamed think waves. As a result, the reader is left with a treasure chest of charts and grafts to help carve the learning curve, as far as career choices go, to a minimum. Should you back your passion or not? “Backing U” is one of the best books written for those at a career conundrum who want some low-risk, result-orientated advice to help them charge into the next stage of their lives—or stay put. In the final analysis, if you don’t back U, who will? Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone with this indispensible guide at your fingertips—carry it alongside your resume in the glove box on your career journey! Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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Cooking Around the Country with Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities
by
Amy Houts
Ohstacy
, April 01, 2010
Cooking Around the Country with Kids: USA Regional Recipes and Fun Activities by Amy Houts—All-American eats and gooey-goody times Want to cook up some yummy meals with the kids AND teach them about geography, history, science and all kinds of nifty things? Then cook up some time to spend with the young crew and dig into “Cooking Around the Country with Kids” by prolific award-winning writer Amy Houts. From New England to Hawaii—from main dishes to veggie/side dishes—not to mention beverages and desserts, your palate will thank you and so will your kids. (If not now—they will someday.) This book kneads quality time into the schedule. The recipe for success is Ms. Hout’s easy-to-follow (ten ingredients or less), but interestingly diverse mix of recipes. Whether the menu calls for dishes of unconventional Cream of Peanut Soup, Ham and Red Eye Gravy, Goober Bread or more conventional fare like chicken potpie, hush puppies or cheese omelet, the finickiest foodies (young and old) should be appeased and pleased! The activites that complement the regional descriptions are as savory as the recipes. With ideas, such as pretending to ice fish or attempting to grow an avocado plant, kids along with adults will experience nothing but pure fun with a delicious dollop of learning mixed in. The book’s graphic layout is, like the text, simple, easy-to-maneuver and minced with joy. Eat, laugh, learn, slop up the kitchen…the book is a testimony to bonding with love—American style. Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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The Other Side of Organized: Finding Balance Between Chaos and Perfection
by
Linda Samuels
Ohstacy
, March 08, 2010
“The Other Side of Organized”… a manageable way to manage life “The Other Side of Organized: Finding Balance Between Chaos and Perfection” by Linda Samuels may be only 148 pages, but there’s plenty to digest. Digest, easily, that is. Linda organizes her closets in the same manner she organizers her book. Bravo! She divides the book into four seasons, three chapters in each section, which, of course, equals a total of 12 chapters from “Fresh Start” to “Life Balance”; no Alka-Seltzer break here; actually, you may be motivated enough to take a reading break and organize a sock drawer. Sometimes just the thought of organization can be stressful. However, the book’s layout and the easy-to-read graphics take the pinch out of the topic at hand. The whimsical cartoons inspired by the author’s beloved Black Labrador Retriever, Norton, add a flavor of charm. The real allure comes from Linda’s charisma that shines through on every page. The strategies and formulas that she cites will not clobber you on the head. Instead, the author weaves her own personal trials and tribulations into the book. Not only does she get her super doable organizational tips and approaches across, she brings them home with ease. By the time I was halfway through the book, I felt that Linda was a wise friend or motivational coach, who after each encounter, says, “Okay, now you’re as perfect as your humanness will get…will you go out and play, laugh and live joy for a while.” That’s the best thing about “The Other Side of Organized: Finding Balance Between Chaos and Perfection,” it probes, instructs, motivates, but never forgets to give you breathing room. Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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Essential Lincoln
by
Tim Davidson
Ohstacy
, February 22, 2010
Essential Lincoln, Indispensible! Let me come right out and say it: Abraham Lincoln is my hero, right along with Mark Twain, John Adams and Harriett Beecher Stowe. However, when I first flipped through the pages of “The Essential Lincoln,” edited by Tim Davidson, I was a bit perturbed, realizing that many of his speeches were lo-oooong…and, obviously, not the sort of modern writing that my mind likes to flex its matter on. Nonetheless, I gave myself the needed push and, before I was a quarter way into the book, I was pleasantly surprised. The editor’s selection of speeches results in etching out a full-bodied image of Lincoln that not only provides the reader with a good scope of his intellectual power, but on the same token, an excellent visceral representation of the man. In essence, the speeches are a definitive biography, a clear, most comprehensive portrait of a man whose life (all the more powerful, because of its many insurmountable circumstances) changed the course of history and whose inspiration continues to mold the greatness out of the illustrious echelon of the population as well as the most common and vulnerable. After each page, I became more and more impressed with Lincoln’s masterful writing; created eons before the computer age! Davidson’s execution of the book makes it a significant contribution to any library. Note: If you are not an Abe Lincoln fan, you will be; if you count him among your heroes, the book will reaffirm your belief. Be forewarned, this book will not gather dust. Whenever you ache for a lift, or the doggy dog world is getting too blood thirsty, “The Essential Lincoln” is like an essential shield of hope. Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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Dune Road (Wheeler Hardcover)
by
Jane Green
Ohstacy
, January 21, 2010
Dune Road, a remarkable trip! Admittedly, when I first delved into “Dune Road” by Jane Green, I felt like I had haphazardly discovered someone’s to-do list. Drab, drab, drab. That someone is, namely, Kit Hargrove. In these first pages, the main character has pulled through her divorce effortlessly. Ho-hum, she doesn’t mind downsizing into a small house after living the high life with a husband who just can’t seem to separate from his work life…now isn’t this an overdone idea. And, wouldn’t you know it, a job working as an assistant for a famous author, Robert McClore, falls right into Kit’s lap. No conflict. No appeal. I thought Dune Road was going to become Drab Road, but as I forced myself to read, I found the characters and situations took some interesting and surprising turns that roused my curiosity more and more. A leap above pop psychology, Jane’s knowledge of recovery from drugs and alcohol and family interactions is remarkable and right on! Her expertise gives the characters credibility and the elements certainly play into the melodramatic stage that Jane so refreshingly sets. My connection with the book is the locale of Dune Road. A native of Fairfield County, CT, in fact, on occasion I play tour director on coach motorbuses through the fabulously posh Gold Coast that Jane writes about. Although Jane fictionalized the street and other relevant names of businesses and such, she re-creates the region precisely. I also enjoyed the Easton, CT, backdrops in the book. As a professional day-tripper, however, I must say when she illustrates Maple Row Farm, where Kit and her family go to obtain their Christmas tree, the author describes the farm setting perfectly down to the cider and donuts, but leaves out the oxen. How can you miss those mammoth creatures? They are what make the farm extraordinary. But, hey, we’re talking fiction here, so oxen or no oxen, Dune Road, apart from a few bumps along the way, is well worth the trip. Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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Older Cat Recognizing Decline & Extending Life
by
Dan Poynter
Ohstacy
, January 04, 2010
Five Paws for The Older Cat: Recognizing Decline & Extending Life By page 14 of “The Older Cat: Recognizing Decline & Extending Life” by Dan Poynter, I was hooked, and I knew I would love the entire book when I read that cats do not see us as “little people.” Instead, we are “big cats” in their eyes. In fact, when we provide food, they see us as “great hunters.” What a wonderful image. I now relate and feel so much more appreciated (care giving can be such a thankless job!) by my three cats after reading this excellent perspective. As a regular e-newsletter subscriber to his self-publishing “manifesto,” I have been a fan of Dan Poynter’s for many years. In fact, when I teach writing/publishing, I never fail to introduce him to my students as the guru of the self-publishing universe. There is nothing more refreshing then to admire an author/entrepreneur who actually practices what he preaches. One of the biggest motivators in writing and, in this case, self-publishing, a book is to fulfill a need. When Dan sought advice to aid his aging cat, Cricket, whose health suddenly declined, Dan could not find adequate information to assist him. Alas, Dan took the initiative and wrote “The Older Cat.” At first, I was reluctant to read about the topic of aging cats and their chances of declining health, but I was immediately relieved to read that the book’s intent was meant to shed a positive light on the grim topic. Indeed, there is a positive side to this theme. Although my cats are, relatively speaking (by today’s standards), young, I felt empowered with the knowledge that I obtained from Dan’s book. I know it will provide me with a sort of armor when I must deal with the inevitable circumstances that arise with pets. The author’s accomplishment is a five-paw, comprehensive handbook that delves into a panoply of statistics as well as medical, nutritional and practical advice. Interesting, too, is a pet owner’s range of choices before and after death and a good insight (from the pet owner’s as well as the pet’s perspective) into euthanasia. Dan illustrates plenty of anecdotes, including Dan’s own, in an easy-to-digest 144 pages! Cricket, Dan’s cat, lived more than 20 years! Sans medical background, I don’t think too many people can compete with the author’s personal expertise on the subject of aging cats. Whether readers own a kitten, teen, adult or aging cat, this book is an indispensible, simply purr-fect addition to any pet owner’s library. Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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Tick Tock, Stop the Clock: Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour
by
Lois W. Stern
Ohstacy
, December 21, 2009
The clock is ticking, hurry & hop on “Tick Tock, Stop the Clock!” Tick tock…oh, my gosh, you mean I’m not 16 anymore? Unfortunately, you can’t just turn the hands of the clock back to those magical, youthful years when you considered everyone over 21 old! Fortunately, you can age gracefully internally—and externally—without having to go under the plastic surgeon’s knife and not break the bank either. How? “Tick Tock, Stop the Clock,” by Lois Stern, is a comprehensive guide for women as well as men who want to enhance their appearance as gently as possible. Lois “flawlessly” unites 11 nationally renowned experts who offer hundreds of pages of up-to-date advice on a number of non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Although some of these professionals may not hit their mark as the liveliest writers on earth, readers should, nonetheless, gain an insider’s view of procedures from lasers and fillers to exercise and nutrition to non-invasive removal of fat tissue. The book concludes with a spot on make-up application that, even for an old pro like me, taught me some new secrets. Lois’ own cosmetic surgery inspired her to write her first book, “Sex, Lies and Cosmetic Surgery.” I am glad she decided to take another approach by writing “Tick Tock, Stop the Clock,” and would recommend it as a prerequisite (before heading to the “plastic surgery” bookshelf) for anyone who dreams of changing their appearance. Too bad people like former model Solange Magnano, who was Miss Argentina 1994, who died of complications after undergoing cosmetic surgery on her buttocks due to a pulmonary embolism, didn’t consider other methods first. Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell, Author/Book Reviewer/Teacher CONSUMMATE CONNECTICUT: DAY TRIPS WITH PANACHE
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Good Things
by
Mia King
Ohstacy
, December 13, 2009
Good Things: Good Reads! Like any good novel, just when you think circumstances couldn’t get worse: Boom! The impulse is to turn the pages in the hope that things will flip for the good and come to fruition. And so is the case for the main character, Deidre McIntosh in Mia King’s debut novel, “Good Things.” One day, the 40-year-old is the belle of the ball on the Seattle airways in her pseudo-Martha Stewart TV show, and the next, she’s unemployed, losing her apartment and the good life as she knows it. Fortunately, as the book progresses, amidst all the setbacks, Deidre not only does not lose herself but finds a part of herself that helps her get through it all. Ultimately, she learns that when one falls to the bottom of the barrel, you need not stop panning (or expecting) to discover gold. Indeed, eventually Deidre does find her gold nuggets. The main one comes in the name of Kevin Johnson. Rich. Gorgeous. Sexy….Shall I say more? Things turn deliciously intriguing long before the reader indulges in the recipes (chocolate cherry crackle cookies anyone?) at the end of the book, since Kevin also happens to be the brother of Deidre’s TV rival, socialite Marla Banks. Along the rocky road, she also discovers an assortment of other characters that makes one believe in silver linings and good things. Granted some of the auspicious turns are, perhaps, way too good to really happen in life, but hey, what’s wrong to believe in a bit of magic? The best thing about the book is that if you are feeling in the dumps; need a little or big lift, “Good Things” is a good thing to have on hand…along with chicken soup, if need be.
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Sweet Life
by
Mia King
Ohstacy
, December 02, 2009
Sweet life: How sweet it is! “Sweet Life” by Mia King is pure beach reading…even if it’s in mid-winter and the coast is miles away. The author, who has a flare for travel vignettes, re-creates such a vivid, off-the-beaten-path where-the-locals-live slice of Hawaii that you can almost smell the salty ocean mingle with the fresh plumeria in the air…pass me a chunk of guava, please, ummm….now back to the book. An extra star goes to an interesting plot that involves the main character, Marissa and her husband Paul, along with their young daughter, undertaking a major relocation from Manhattan to Hawaii due to Paul’s job promotion. Oops, one star down; some of the plot is a bit too incredulous. I mean, what are the odds of meeting an annoying fellow passenger on an airplane, only to end up roommates who transform from total opposites to total friends? Other unrealistic situations bring Marissa together with two other women who end up being Marissa’s roommates after her husband skips out on her. Since the plot forces many of the puzzle pieces in the main character’s life together, I could not get fully lost in the book. On the plus side, call me Pollyanna, but I love the fact that Paul, Marissa’s husband who is on the brink of a breakdown, ends up being a squeaky-clean committed husband. It is a refreshing break from a divorce-thirsty society and the way Mia sets up these circumstances is quite ingenious, but definitely credible. The author’s recipes (her hallmark) add another layer of sweetness to the book. Call it a day, grab a blanket and head to the beach of your mind, this book is meant for pure paradisiacal escape.
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Table Manners
by
Mia King
Ohstacy
, November 28, 2009
“Table Manners,” by Mia King, is like a light, airy and double delicious chocolate mousse…that, yes, leaves you craving for more; wouldn’t it be nice to get a sequel, perhaps? In fact, it was only after I read the book that I learned that “Table Manners” was a sequel to Mia’s 2006 book “Good Things.” Obviously, you do not have to read “Good Things” as a prerequisite. Anyway, the book targets a 40ish audience and unveils a main character Deidre who is sweet, utterly smart and, oh, so hip and mod. I went beyond what I interpreted as, at times, shallowness and appreciated the fact that I did not have to over think Deidre’s motives, desires and, basically, the things that make her tick. This, in most part, goes for the other characters, too. What I also like is that the author accentuates the positive aspects of her characters. There is even hope for villainous Marla. This element is a refreshing one, especially in a world that seems fueled by the media’s penchant for the macabre vision of life. Characters aside, Mia’s strongest suit is plot development. Each element of surprise that the author creates enticed me to devour the book swiftly and fully. Who, after all, would not sail through “Table Manners”? Mia cranks up the volume with a witty and sitcom-ish style. What could possibly go wrong, goes wrong in Deidre’s world. Whether she bakes an array of botched up cookies or misinterprets the motives of her boyfriend, I could not help but languish over each page. The book’s ending offers a good surprise punch…sequel, Mia, please! The best part is that after readers finish reading the book, they can test out the recipes offered at the end. Good books, like good food, make for a delicious life worth living…just mind your manners!
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Out of the Box
by
Rob Eastaway
Ohstacy
, November 05, 2009
In his book, Rob Eastaway writes, “Creativity is about AH!, AHA! And HA! HA!” And so is his lovely little (approximately 5 inches x 6.5 inches) book, big on ideas—101 to be exact. Trying to solve the nine-dot puzzle at the beginning of the book is a concrete example of just how tight the bars and chains on our cerebral cortex can be. Indeed, a few of Eastaway’s suggestions will, at very least, help loosen some of the steel. Eastaway first defines creativity. Then he uses examples to illustrate a creative attitude. “Turning whines into problems,” for instance, is an exercise that helps fish out the actual problem from the emotional root. He says, for example, to substitute “Why can’t they fix that noisy photocopier” into “How can I find out who’s responsible for the photocopier.” This is a practical and proactive approach. Next, Eastaway shows the reader how to think about a problem, generate ideas, be creative with others and make things happen. About halfway through the book, he adds, “Interlude: the messiness of creativity.” This is his out-of-the-box look at the sometimes down side of walking the creative beam. Under the “generating ideas” section, the author incorporates the idea of the “spider diagram”; an old-time favorite technique among teachers (like myself) that delves into the right brain juices by employing a brainstorm session on paper. Most of the problem-solving strategies in the book are by no means revolutionary principles; some, in fact, are so utterly simple, instead of “Aha,” it is more like “Duh!” For instance, in illustrating a creative attitude in the form of breaking out of the dieting box, the author recommends stopping the negative, berating (I’m a whale. I always will be a whale.) talk. How? Hide the scales and decorate the cupboards with a few encouraging sticky notes. Elementary, my dear. Too bad that, generally, to change a lifestyle pattern, it takes a bit more than an affirmation or two. Overall, the writing is simple and straightforward. Inexpensively priced, the book would make a good gift for someone in the face of life’s little challenges. Too bad the publisher didn’t have the wherewithal to create a book cover that was not box-shaped…an oval, perhaps? Now, that out-of-the-box concept would have driven the points that the book makes home. Whether “Out of the Box: 101 Ideas for Thinking Creatively” will be a major life-changing resource, each reader, of course, needs to determine on an individual basis. Magical thinking aside, it does offer some substantial fodder for the noggin’s cannon.
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