Sally Andrew's The Satanic Mechanic
The second Tannie Maria mystery is perhaps more interested in Maria's personal life than in the murder mystery part of things, but I had no major problem with that. As Maria's new romance is progressing, she's dealing with some serious PTSD from her abusive former husband. And meanwhile, a San man who's part of a group that's just won a big land claim trial is murdered right in front of her. I really like the characters here; even if her love interest isn't particularly interesting, everyone else is, and I especially like the people who write in to her advice column. I hope to see more in this series, for sure. Content warning for mentions of marital rape. A-.
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Monday, May 12, 2014
2014 book 102
Ruth Reichl's Delicious!
I have really enjoyed Reichl's memoirs, and was looking forward to her first novel. And it was mostly enjoyable! Just maybe a little bit . . . lighter than I had anticipated. It's about a young woman, Billie, who drops out of college to work as an assistant at a famous food magazine, the titular Delicious! But in spite of having an amazing palate and great cooking skills, cooking causes her panic attacks because of a MYSTERIOUS SECRET. In general, the writing here is fine, though some of the dialogue (particularly Sammy's) rings REALLY false, and a lot of the plot strains credulity and/or is overly predictable. There's also a fairly ridiculous makeover montage (As a glasses-wearer, I hate that instead of getting cute glasses, Billie gets contacts and suddenly everyone is talking about how great she looks). But I do like that a large chunk of it involves doing LIBRARY RESEARCH! Anyway, this is a pretty cute book, a perfect read for foodies at the beach. B.
I have really enjoyed Reichl's memoirs, and was looking forward to her first novel. And it was mostly enjoyable! Just maybe a little bit . . . lighter than I had anticipated. It's about a young woman, Billie, who drops out of college to work as an assistant at a famous food magazine, the titular Delicious! But in spite of having an amazing palate and great cooking skills, cooking causes her panic attacks because of a MYSTERIOUS SECRET. In general, the writing here is fine, though some of the dialogue (particularly Sammy's) rings REALLY false, and a lot of the plot strains credulity and/or is overly predictable. There's also a fairly ridiculous makeover montage (As a glasses-wearer, I hate that instead of getting cute glasses, Billie gets contacts and suddenly everyone is talking about how great she looks). But I do like that a large chunk of it involves doing LIBRARY RESEARCH! Anyway, this is a pretty cute book, a perfect read for foodies at the beach. B.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
2011 book 253
Meg Donahue's How to Eat a Cupcake
Anyone who knows me knows I'll read any book involving cupcakes, no matter how inane it may be. Luckily this one manages to stay away from inanity for the most part, though it is fairly fluffy. It involves two women--Julia and Annie--who grew up together, because Annie's mom was Julia's nanny. They haven't spoken in ten years (since their tumultuous high school years), but after Julia returns home before her wedding and tastes one of Annie's cupcakes, she insists they open a cupcakery together. But with various love interests, lots of secrets, and lots of past hurt feelings, can they make their business a success? I will say that the dialogue sometimes feels really stilted, one secret is dragged out way too long, and one reveal feels like it comes out of nowhere. But I was in the mood for a nice, light read and this totally hit the spot. It comes out in March--add it to your to-read lists if you like cute books about cupcakes!
__
An e-galley was provided by the publisher.
Anyone who knows me knows I'll read any book involving cupcakes, no matter how inane it may be. Luckily this one manages to stay away from inanity for the most part, though it is fairly fluffy. It involves two women--Julia and Annie--who grew up together, because Annie's mom was Julia's nanny. They haven't spoken in ten years (since their tumultuous high school years), but after Julia returns home before her wedding and tastes one of Annie's cupcakes, she insists they open a cupcakery together. But with various love interests, lots of secrets, and lots of past hurt feelings, can they make their business a success? I will say that the dialogue sometimes feels really stilted, one secret is dragged out way too long, and one reveal feels like it comes out of nowhere. But I was in the mood for a nice, light read and this totally hit the spot. It comes out in March--add it to your to-read lists if you like cute books about cupcakes!
__
An e-galley was provided by the publisher.
Saturday, September 03, 2011
2011 book 226
Diana Abu-Jaber's Birds of Paradise
I've read a couple of Abu-Jaber's earlier books (though really only remember her memoir and how sumptuously she described food) so was looking forward to this one--it's about a family in Miami that's been falling apart at the seams since daughter Felice ran away when she was thirteen. It's told primarily from the POVs of the parents and daughter--I think the book could have benefited from more with the older brother (owner of a successful organic market) and with less of the father's work drama (development deals are boring) but I was very happy with how much there was of the mother's baking. Anyway, this didn't really disappoint--speedy plot and winning characters, and lots of delicious-sounding desserts. A-.
I've read a couple of Abu-Jaber's earlier books (though really only remember her memoir and how sumptuously she described food) so was looking forward to this one--it's about a family in Miami that's been falling apart at the seams since daughter Felice ran away when she was thirteen. It's told primarily from the POVs of the parents and daughter--I think the book could have benefited from more with the older brother (owner of a successful organic market) and with less of the father's work drama (development deals are boring) but I was very happy with how much there was of the mother's baking. Anyway, this didn't really disappoint--speedy plot and winning characters, and lots of delicious-sounding desserts. A-.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
links and stuff
OMG, the Forever YA blog takes on one of my very favorite 80s books. I feel just the same way that blogger does.
io9 interviews Mike Carey, who writes Unwritten, one of my favorite current comic book series. And here's one with Chris Roberson, who wrote the Fables Cinderella miniseries and who writes my other favorite Vertigo book, iZombie.
I tweeted this a couple weeks ago, but it bears repeating: Ron Weasley, Romantic Hero.
Love this Downton Abbey parody (with Kim Cattrall and both ladies from AbFab) which helps kill the time while we wait for season two of the show to start!
I love creme eggs but this scares me a little.
io9 interviews Mike Carey, who writes Unwritten, one of my favorite current comic book series. And here's one with Chris Roberson, who wrote the Fables Cinderella miniseries and who writes my other favorite Vertigo book, iZombie.
I tweeted this a couple weeks ago, but it bears repeating: Ron Weasley, Romantic Hero.
Love this Downton Abbey parody (with Kim Cattrall and both ladies from AbFab) which helps kill the time while we wait for season two of the show to start!
I love creme eggs but this scares me a little.
Monday, November 22, 2010
links
Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been trying to make my way through Scruples as well as the Walking Dead books and haven't managed to finish a book in days! So here, have some links:
A new, Joss Whedon-less Buffy movie? Huh.
I can't wait for the Community Christmas episode!
How to dress like a Mad Man.
You can give Kindle books as gifts now! Hint hint!
The NYT graphic novel gift guide has some really good books (Scott Pilgrim, the Outfit) and some terrible ones (The Night Bookmobile, Superman: Earth One).
Are we running out of chocolate???? NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
A new, Joss Whedon-less Buffy movie? Huh.
I can't wait for the Community Christmas episode!
How to dress like a Mad Man.
You can give Kindle books as gifts now! Hint hint!
The NYT graphic novel gift guide has some really good books (Scott Pilgrim, the Outfit) and some terrible ones (The Night Bookmobile, Superman: Earth One).
Are we running out of chocolate???? NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
PA170014
Tonight some friends and I went to the State Fair and it was awesome! Here are the things I ate: roasted corn, onion blossom, deep fried oreos, cheese fries, apple fries, and a fried pickle. And samples of fudge (I brought home Cheerwine flavor!).
Things my (non-vegetarian) friends ate: all of the above, plus fried Frito pie (apparently delicious), some sort of steak and cheese sandwich, and of course, the Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburger (also apparently delicious).
We also saw the Carolina Chocolate Drops, who I'd never really paid attention to before, but who were AMAZING live, full of energy and old-timey awesomeness, playing guitars and banjos and fiddles and kazoos and bones and harmonicas and jugs and probably some other things I'm forgetting.
My camera died as I was taking pictures of cute prize-winning animals (I almost cried when a stately and massive prize-winning steer--one of the meat ones--started lowing) so no piles of piglets or ducklings to show off, unfortunately. Or one of the goat eating the sign announcing which meat company had purchased it.
Anyway, it was totally a great night, and we even caught the massive fireworks show at the end--fun to see families out in the streets nearby watching them too.
Things my (non-vegetarian) friends ate: all of the above, plus fried Frito pie (apparently delicious), some sort of steak and cheese sandwich, and of course, the Krispy Kreme bacon cheeseburger (also apparently delicious).
We also saw the Carolina Chocolate Drops, who I'd never really paid attention to before, but who were AMAZING live, full of energy and old-timey awesomeness, playing guitars and banjos and fiddles and kazoos and bones and harmonicas and jugs and probably some other things I'm forgetting.
My camera died as I was taking pictures of cute prize-winning animals (I almost cried when a stately and massive prize-winning steer--one of the meat ones--started lowing) so no piles of piglets or ducklings to show off, unfortunately. Or one of the goat eating the sign announcing which meat company had purchased it.
Anyway, it was totally a great night, and we even caught the massive fireworks show at the end--fun to see families out in the streets nearby watching them too.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
links and the like
Gothamites are stupid.
New Ben and Jerry's flavors for spring! I'm excited to try Boston Cream Pie. (BTW, today is Free Cone Day, if you feel like waiting in a really long line for ice cream.)
There's a new Shel Silverstein book coming out next year. I always hated the Giving Tree--it's depressing as hell--but liked his poems.
If you missed girl scout cookie season like I did, you can make your own!. If you're really ambitious, I mean. I'll stick to snickerdoodles.
New Ben and Jerry's flavors for spring! I'm excited to try Boston Cream Pie. (BTW, today is Free Cone Day, if you feel like waiting in a really long line for ice cream.)
There's a new Shel Silverstein book coming out next year. I always hated the Giving Tree--it's depressing as hell--but liked his poems.
If you missed girl scout cookie season like I did, you can make your own!. If you're really ambitious, I mean. I'll stick to snickerdoodles.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
2010 book 61
Jenn McKinlay's Sprinkle with Murder
I saw this mentioned earlier this week on the cupcake blog, which loved it, and how could I resist a cozy mystery whose protagonist owns a cupcake shop (my mom apparently felt the same way--we both got it for our Kindles!). Anyway, the story is perfectly serviceable, the characters are likable, and though the writing is at time a little stilted (McKinlay tends toward overexplanations of simple things like Googling), this book gets an A b/c it has a bunch of delicious-looking cupcake recipes at the end! I want to make the Tinkerbells. And you can bet I'm looking forward to the sequel, which is apparently called Buttercream Bump Off. Hee.
I saw this mentioned earlier this week on the cupcake blog, which loved it, and how could I resist a cozy mystery whose protagonist owns a cupcake shop (my mom apparently felt the same way--we both got it for our Kindles!). Anyway, the story is perfectly serviceable, the characters are likable, and though the writing is at time a little stilted (McKinlay tends toward overexplanations of simple things like Googling), this book gets an A b/c it has a bunch of delicious-looking cupcake recipes at the end! I want to make the Tinkerbells. And you can bet I'm looking forward to the sequel, which is apparently called Buttercream Bump Off. Hee.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
2010 book 12
Katherine Weber's True Confections
I mostly liked Weber's novel Triangle quite a bit, and when I saw that her new one was about a candy company, I was totally excited to read it. To be more accurate, it's about a woman telling the story of how she came to work at the Jewish-family-owned company after an incident with a fire, marry the son and heir, and how things went kind of haywire after that. She's a classically unreliable narrator, to great effect, and the descriptions of the factory and the candy made me hungry. Great dysfunctional family dynamics, too. A.
I mostly liked Weber's novel Triangle quite a bit, and when I saw that her new one was about a candy company, I was totally excited to read it. To be more accurate, it's about a woman telling the story of how she came to work at the Jewish-family-owned company after an incident with a fire, marry the son and heir, and how things went kind of haywire after that. She's a classically unreliable narrator, to great effect, and the descriptions of the factory and the candy made me hungry. Great dysfunctional family dynamics, too. A.
Friday, December 18, 2009
links, links, and more links
It's been a while since I did a link round-up:
Gift ideas for cupcake lovers! I'll take any and all of these. ;)
I found this Guardian article on Harry Potter's nude scenes in the final movie to be weird--b/c both of those scenes are in the book! (Though at King's Cross, clothes appear for him to put on.) (Oh, and I just saw that the article was updated to say what I just said, so never mind.)
Speaking of Harry Potter, I sooo want to hear the audiobooks as narrated by Stephen Fry.
Lisa Loeb is launching an eyewear line!
And finally, here's an interview with the little girl who sings in Love Actually (and who is also the voice of one of my favorite cartoon characters. Yes, I watch cartoons. So?).
Gift ideas for cupcake lovers! I'll take any and all of these. ;)
I found this Guardian article on Harry Potter's nude scenes in the final movie to be weird--b/c both of those scenes are in the book! (Though at King's Cross, clothes appear for him to put on.) (Oh, and I just saw that the article was updated to say what I just said, so never mind.)
Speaking of Harry Potter, I sooo want to hear the audiobooks as narrated by Stephen Fry.
Lisa Loeb is launching an eyewear line!
And finally, here's an interview with the little girl who sings in Love Actually (and who is also the voice of one of my favorite cartoon characters. Yes, I watch cartoons. So?).
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
links and stuff
People love Kindles!! I love mine a LOT.
I found this article on falling out of love with Murakami to be pretty interesting. A few months ago, I took Hardboiled Wonderland on a trip and read half on the plane--but I never bothered finishing my reread. And that's my favorite Murakami! It's been sitting on my coffee table since September.
Here's an interview with an amazing book designer.
I really miss Ecto Cooler. I had this in my lunchbox every day as a kid.
How to use an apostrophe.
I found this article on falling out of love with Murakami to be pretty interesting. A few months ago, I took Hardboiled Wonderland on a trip and read half on the plane--but I never bothered finishing my reread. And that's my favorite Murakami! It's been sitting on my coffee table since September.
Here's an interview with an amazing book designer.
I really miss Ecto Cooler. I had this in my lunchbox every day as a kid.
How to use an apostrophe.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
holidays
It's November, which means it's late enough in the year for holiday gift guides! The NY Times has started putting up some good ones, including this one on cookbooks. I Love Macarons has been on my Amazon wishlist for a while--it just looks so cute!! (I've never even had a macaron, and have no way of making almond flour--unless that stuff exists?--but that cookbook makes me want to make fidgety French cookie things!)
I guess they're into macarons--they also suggest buying some for friends and family. Anyone know where I can get some locally? I'd love to try one.
I guess they're into macarons--they also suggest buying some for friends and family. Anyone know where I can get some locally? I'd love to try one.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
links and whatnot
I don't even know what to think about leftover Halloween candy pie. I think I want some! After all, if Nigella believes in winter indulgence, who am I to argue (doesn't that risotto sound yummy)? I love you, Nigella. I also love this cookbook and wish I worked in a place with weekly cakes.
Look at these cute Hanukkah plushes. Awwwww!
Or take this wicked fun Mr. Rogers-related quiz. (I got a 90%--it would have been embarrassing for a Pittsburgher to get any less.)
I am sooo excited for the Scott Pilgrim movie.
Finally: tiny bunnies.
Look at these cute Hanukkah plushes. Awwwww!
Or take this wicked fun Mr. Rogers-related quiz. (I got a 90%--it would have been embarrassing for a Pittsburgher to get any less.)
I am sooo excited for the Scott Pilgrim movie.
Finally: tiny bunnies.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
links
Man, I've been reading the new AS Byatt book all week and am still only 2/3 of the way through. Until I manage to finish it and blog about it, here are some links and things to tide you over!
Victor might be leaving Young and the Restless! Nooooooo!!!! (But maybe now he can do more guest shots on HIMYM.) (I think everyone has one soap opera they started following as a kid home sick from school, and Y&R is mine.)
I'm totally going to read this Twilight parody.
I also want this book. Yum.
Victor might be leaving Young and the Restless! Nooooooo!!!! (But maybe now he can do more guest shots on HIMYM.) (I think everyone has one soap opera they started following as a kid home sick from school, and Y&R is mine.)
I'm totally going to read this Twilight parody.
I also want this book. Yum.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
yom kippur
It must be Yom Kippur, as hits to this post are climbing!
What am I doing this year on Yom Kippur? Hopefully having an easy fast--my schedule made starting it complicated and annoying--and baking a challah, which probably will make me crazy with hunger. Good times!
I'll also read some library books and watch more Buffy--I'm deep into season 5.
What am I doing this year on Yom Kippur? Hopefully having an easy fast--my schedule made starting it complicated and annoying--and baking a challah, which probably will make me crazy with hunger. Good times!
I'll also read some library books and watch more Buffy--I'm deep into season 5.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
good stuff
This Saturday is Museum Day! That means free admission to cool museums all over the country (including many in NC). I have work and can't take advantage of this awesomeness, but you all should.
Trapper Kindle!
Five reasons to love Castle. (My 6th reason: they wrote a tie-in mystery and sent me a copy! I haven't read it yet though. I love the show without freebies.)
Amos Oz is the bookies' frontrunner for the Nobel. I love a) that people gamble on this, and b) that Oz is the frontrunner! Elsewhere, Perhaps was one of my favorite books for a long time and clearly I should reread it.
Apparently I am not the only one who can't get AT&T reception at home. I'll probably cancel my contract when it's up and hope Verizon gets iPhones soon. Seriously, the sheer frustration I feel whenever I try to make a call (or when my conversation w/ my mom gets interrupted by three dropped calls, as happened last night) is not worth new toys.
Sneak peek at the new Lynda Barry book!
I am bemused at the idea of this automatic pancake maker. I make awesome pancakes but they are never perfectly round. What's the secret???
In other food news: turn a radish into a 1-up mushroom in seconds!
And finally, I cannot wait to roadtrip to the Harry Potter theme park.
Clearly I haven't written one of these link round-ups in a while.
Trapper Kindle!
Five reasons to love Castle. (My 6th reason: they wrote a tie-in mystery and sent me a copy! I haven't read it yet though. I love the show without freebies.)
Amos Oz is the bookies' frontrunner for the Nobel. I love a) that people gamble on this, and b) that Oz is the frontrunner! Elsewhere, Perhaps was one of my favorite books for a long time and clearly I should reread it.
Apparently I am not the only one who can't get AT&T reception at home. I'll probably cancel my contract when it's up and hope Verizon gets iPhones soon. Seriously, the sheer frustration I feel whenever I try to make a call (or when my conversation w/ my mom gets interrupted by three dropped calls, as happened last night) is not worth new toys.
Sneak peek at the new Lynda Barry book!
I am bemused at the idea of this automatic pancake maker. I make awesome pancakes but they are never perfectly round. What's the secret???
In other food news: turn a radish into a 1-up mushroom in seconds!
And finally, I cannot wait to roadtrip to the Harry Potter theme park.
Clearly I haven't written one of these link round-ups in a while.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
stuff
Lego cookie cutter! I need this. Also, Cupcake Milkshake!
Nick Bertozzi does The Awakening (Arianne commented that she would totally buy this--me too! And so would every women's studies/lit undergrad. Someone needs to get on this).
I'm actually surprised it took so long for a Twilight-branded version of Wuthering Heights.
The day after her father disowned her for her novel, Randa Jarrar won an award! (I really liked her book.)
Fun Alton Brown interview.
Hey, should we knit little blankets for shelter animals? Thinking of those poor little puppies and kittens all lonely and bereft just breaks my heart. There are lots of participating shelters all over, it looks like.
Nick Bertozzi does The Awakening (Arianne commented that she would totally buy this--me too! And so would every women's studies/lit undergrad. Someone needs to get on this).
I'm actually surprised it took so long for a Twilight-branded version of Wuthering Heights.
The day after her father disowned her for her novel, Randa Jarrar won an award! (I really liked her book.)
Fun Alton Brown interview.
Hey, should we knit little blankets for shelter animals? Thinking of those poor little puppies and kittens all lonely and bereft just breaks my heart. There are lots of participating shelters all over, it looks like.
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