Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Week Thirty-Two

Looking for a summer read? You found it. This book is for music lovers. Virginia Hanlon Grohl meets with a slew of mothers, who share their point of view.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Monday, March 23, 2020

Week Thirty

Heard the authors' presentation at Auburn Community College. Could have included an index.


Week Twenty-Nine

Three exciting thrillers from the pen of James Patterson and James O. Born. The stories, don’t match title. Previously book shots.

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Week Twenty-Eight

Revolving around an upscale chef and restaurant owner, the storyline is bit convoluted and ridiculous plus way too many characters. Also, lacked a plot. Al Roker did a pretty good job with what he had to work with here.


Saturday, March 14, 2020

Week Twenty-Seven



A wonderful excursion into the life and land of Alaska. Romeo and Juliet with an Alaskan twist. Cliffhanger conclusion.

Week Twenty-Six

Having Scottish roots, read this story will enthusiasm. Enjoyed the stories of Sir Sean Connery’s childhood. All is all a good read.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Week Twenty-Five

If you ever owned an automobile and had desired to travel, and you admired Mark Twain’s quote regarding travel, this book should be read by you. Plus keep an eye out for the film.


Monday, March 2, 2020

Week Twenty-Four

Using Alaska as a main character, Dana Stabenow does a good job of giving you a sense of the conflicted lives the modern Aleut Indians face as they attempt to maintain their heritage, including their native lands, and face the reality of the modern world. Mutt is the best.


Friday, February 28, 2020

Week Twenty-Three

This cozy mystery is a fast, enjoyable read for those who enjoy the cozy genre. Also if you like cats.


Monday, February 24, 2020

Week Twenty-Two

If you are a Russian literature buff, this collection might be for you. It presents a broad appreciation of that particular time.


Saturday, February 22, 2020

Week Twenty-One

The authors have provided an interesting and timely read of the 25th Amendment. Perhaps this book should be read by all Americans regardless of political party.

Friday, February 21, 2020

Week Twenty

A common sight in rural Texas is old trucks set out to pasture. This is an ode to both hard work and perseverance.


Week Nineteen

The Russian gulags revisited. Prepare for an emoltional and unforgettable journey.


Thursday, February 20, 2020

Week Eighteen

If you think that you might enjoy the history of the gardens of the White House. This book is for you. Plus many recipes.


Monday, February 17, 2020

Week Seventeen

"Nor hell a fury, like a woman scorned." 

World War I may have ended but murder did not. Inspector Ian Rutledge is excellent at his job, treats people fairly and respectfully. Plus don’t forget Hamish.

Week Sixteen

This is a mixed bag of entertaining short Sherlock stories. But might be avoided by Sherlock purists.


Week Fifteen


Perhaps classics should not be tampered with. That being said, it is impossible not to admire and root for this woman who year after year, century after century, faced her fears, honed her powers, and learned to stand up for herself. Told from the point of view of Circe, daughter of the sun Titan Helios. Her mother was Perse, a sea nymph, who was the granddaughter of the Titan Oceanos.

Friday, February 14, 2020

Cindy's Valentine Tea

Invitation
 
Booklet
Gluten-free Cookies
Top of Stove
More Gluten-free cookies
Guest & Hostess

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Week Fourteen

Shane Bauer, posing as an undercover reporter, takes a job as a corrections officer. Bauer makes a strong case for why prisons should not be privatized. Plus good historical information.


Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Week Thirteen

Full disclosure, this is book I normally wouldn’t read. Due to the fact that the rhythm of Mailhot's prose might not be for everyone.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Week Twelve

Once again Colin Cotterill takes the reader on a fantastic journey to post revolution Laos. While the quirky characters abound, a weak scaterred plot may put some readers off.

Friday, January 31, 2020

Week Eleven

Tom Ang once again provides the reader with a terrific reference volume. This is a must have for those looking for a beautiful coffee table volume. Great photographs stunningly reproduced.

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Week Ten

Colin Cotterill uses an unusual location, Laos, with solely Asian characters. Definitely not a "page turner”. While the characters are believable; the plot seemed overly complex.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Week Nine

Looking for a volume that treats Rod Serling's remarkable 25-year career. Your search is over.


Week Eight

Susan Rice has written an honest memoir. Very well-written and interesting. Extremely relevant for today’s news.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Week Seven

Ben Crump takes advantage of a hot-button topic. Some readers may see this volume as useless propaganda but If you have an interest in minority rights or social justice this book is a good read.

Week Six

In this long running series, Precious Ramotswe comes through again. This cosy read, leaves the reader with a good feeling.


Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Week Five

The setting is New Bremen, Minnesota in the year 1961. The narrator is 13-year-old Frank Drum. This is a classic coming-of-age novel.


Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Week Four


Once again, Jack Reacher is trying to help the little guy in this case older people. The over-the-top violence and high body count may put some readers off. The typical story line but the setting is a different town.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Week Three


In the pages of Working, Robert Caro, a great researcher,  explores the mind of the writer. Thus making this work essential reading for any wannabe author.

Happy New Year 2020

If you want good luck in the New Year, Southerners will tell you that you have to have a bowl of Hoppin' John on the first day of the year.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 celery stalks

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chopped cooked ham (about 1/2 pound)

1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed, undrained

3 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

3 cups chicken broth

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (might use less - if too spicy for taste)

6 cups hot cooked white rice

Preparation
  1. In a soup pot over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot; cook onion, celery, and garlic 5 minutes or until tender. Add ham, black-eyed peas, tomatoes, broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 25 to 30 minutes.

Serve mixture over rice.