Kevin H Souza

It is easy to say that this is my favorite cookery book about Southern food. The stories of life in the rural South captures much of my own experience growing up on a farm in Tennessee. While I don't cook this way much anymore, reading these stories and recipes brings back all of the sights, smells and tastes of country cooking.

America's magical realism masterpiece? Maybe....I can't make the claim because I have not read enough of this genre set in America to make the call, but I would be willing to bet that this beautiful novel is the one.

The story of America's loss of innocence and idealism and its transformation into a new republic as told through the stories of a family whose history spans over 100 years. Enter a world of orreries, fairies, transfiguration, a unique deck of tarot, a house with four faces, a folding bedroom, and a working farm hidden inside the City.

John Crowley's complex and beautiful writing leaves nothing to accident. Every word, comma, and phrase is carefully constructed into some of the most beautiful writing from an American author.

Wow...I am not sure what i think of this book. I would start by saying this book is about prejudice, pretentious restaurants, the death penalty, violence, homelessness, adoption, illness, and more. None of it is pretty to look at but the novel is well constructed and though provoking ... for sure.

“Racism should never have happened and so you don't get a cookie for reducing it.”
― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah

What a beautiful way to kick off a new year of reading good books. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and story Ms. Adichie presents to us. Thank you for showing me America from a different point of view and opening my eyes a little bit wider.

Thanks to Mary Beth and Paul for sending this novel along as a new year present.

If you are interested in this book don't read the major reviews because they all give away important points about Life after Life.

Kate Atkinson breaks the rules of writing in this novel about a woman, Ursula Todd, who lives her life over and over again, each time improving on the one before. Each time we make our way through Ursula's story we see her supporting characters from a different perspective, with different motives and different lives.

It takes about 100 pages to get the hang of Atkinson's structure but then you easily settle into the pattern and enjoy the ride.

Imagine a writer of beautiful prose who is frustrated with having to select one good storyline for her novel and then not having too. Kate Atkinson's gets to apply her beautiful prose to many possible outcomes. Along the way you will be wrapped in the rich history of England between 1910 and 1967. Enjoy!

I described the feeling of this book to several friends as ‘watching a train wreck in super-slow motion - a potentially tragic event that you cannot turn away from.' ‘Potentially' because you hope for the best with each passing second. This might sound like a strange description of a book but I think it is an accurate description of the way it made me feel. As a literary novel, driven by deep and rich character narratives I loved it. I love novels set in New York and I love novels where I am both sympathetic to the characters and constantly wanting to warn them from danger.

Can an object, like the painting The Goldfinch by Carel Fabritius actually help us rise above the chains that bind us to earth? Throughout history touching millions, each in a different way, a way that speaks to each of us at that moment? Is anyone good or bad or do we all live in the grey with random events tipping us one way or another?

Just enjoy the The Goldfinch for its narrative and ponder some of the big questions of life.

One of my favorite books of the year. This new book by David Leavitt appealed to my love of historical fiction as as two couples meet over a spilled deck of solitaire cards in Lisbon Portugal. They are escaping German occupied France. An unexpected love story ensues with very unexpected outcomes.

This will probably top of favorite books for 2013. The story of Aristotle and his friend Dante is one of teenage searching for the secrets of the universe. The uncover those secrets over the course of two intense summers during high school. I could not put this book down and I am happy to have discovered Benjamin Alire Saenz.

I loved this book. Great storytelling from an author I hope to to read again soon.
Just what I needed after a few heavy reads this fall.

Beautiful writing but a dark and obsessive tale.

I was curious about this book but not expecting to become so engrossed in its culinary history. The story of fire, roasting, knives, spoons, forks, modernist cuisine, and kitchens themselves. All delightful stories that really made me appreciate the craft I practice everyday. Sad thing is that Bee has made me discontent with my American cup measures while sadly so many favorite recipes are not weight friendly. Thanks for an informative and fiery good time Ms. Wilson.

If I am going to give a book two stars I have to say something. This book has some beautiful language but story line simply could not keep my interest.