Book Fifty-Two: Bargain Fever

The subtitle of this book from author Mark Ellwood is 'How to Shop in a Discounted World'.  I find the subtitle a little misleading as it's only in the afterword that the author gives tricks for truly shopping in a discounted world.  However, that doesn't take away from the book.  Here you will find a fascinating and often statistical look behind the retail world.  The author explores how the consumer shopping experience has evolved from merchant-driven to truly customer-powered. 

For better or worse, he outlines the 'exclusivity' that has become the trademark of most shopping today.  From Apple to Hermes and Macy's to Target, Ellwood may not change how you shop but he will definitely make you think before you do.  He examines the 'underhandedness' of personal shopping, how real-estate staging works, and how American Girl has become a multimillion dollar industry complete with restaurants and doll hospitals.
 
In addition, Ellwood explains how our brain reacts to bargains and demystifies 'the shopper's high'.  He takes a closer look at those 'extreme couponers' who I deem legitimized hoarders.  He makes a solid case that you really don't have to pay a MSRP ever again.  While I agree with him, I don't know that I agree with how he or those profiled herein go about it.  He skims the top of addressing the evasiveness of corporations and glorifies the 'tailoring of the shopping experience' that continues to be more prevalent in our shopping society.  Highly disquieting!

As I see it, Bargain Fever, will get you inside the mind of merchants and shoppers alike.  It exposes weaknesses within the system but it also reflects the rabid consumerism that infects our society.  For those willing to learn a few tricks, you could easily parlay the knowledge to your benefit.

Book Fifty-One: The Little Paris Kitchen Cookbook

This delightful French cookbook was a birthday gift back in the summer.  Recipes here are uniquely French and simple.  Author Rachel Khoo has an easy approach to her cooking that eliminates the intimidation often felt with French cuisine.  Although some of the recipes may be far fetched for the American palate, even the novice home cook will find something to try herein.  Gorgeously illustrated by the author and stunning photography, the cookbook is equally at home on the coffee table.  Khoo includes beautiful and educational notes throughout the book, again, helping you apply the recipes to what you might have more readily available.

I appreciate that the cookbook isn't stuffy. No, I probably will never serve a fig and liver pate salad or steak tartare.  However, I look forward to serving a shepard's pie and trying my hand at pain brie.  As I see it, The Little Paris Kitchen Cookbook is a welcomed addition to my kitchen bookshelf.

Book Fifty: Shakespeare Insult Generator

For self-professed wordsmiths such as myself, the Shakespeare Insult Generator by Barry Kraft is a fun, raunchy and entertaining good read.  As the introduction proclaims "The usage of the F-word; however, is more akin to the pre-linguistic banality of dogs barking at one another than it is to any inventiveness of human wordsmithery."  In a day and age when 'overshare' can join the dictionary but 'dullard' is unheard of, the Shakespeare Insult Generator is welcomed.

Of further interest is the 22% of the word herein were unknown before Shakespeare used them in print.  While I jest to think that I could single-handedly bring back 'motley-minded pig-nut', I am pleased to think I shall enjoy calling someone 'lubberly rampallian.'  (Spell-check is very unhappy with me right now.)

As I see it, the Shakespeare Insult Generator is both obscene and educational.  These aren't your everyday insults and as such, articulation and enunciation are a must.  Highly enjoyable read, indeed.

Book Forty-Nine: A Christmas Carol and other Christmas Writings

My annual favorite for the past few years, I never get tired of Dickens' Christmas writings.  It is clear that Dickens has an affinity for the down-trodden and thanks to Alistair Sims for bringing my Ebenezer Scrooge to life.  This novella had done so much to shape our thinking of the holiday both past and present.

How Dickens relates issues of the 19th Century such as classes, poverty, and industrial advancements housed within a holiday story is fascinating.  He is unabashed in his opinions and a careful reader will notice how these 'pet-peeves' of Dickens were woven into and subsequently eradicated in his story.

In this collection, you'll also find the original story that would be the blueprint for 'A Christmas Carol', you'll find 'A Christmas Tree' and a personal favorite 'What Christmas Is, As We Grow Older'. 

As I see it, A Christmas Carol never gets old.  Every year, the story rekindles compassion and hope for humanity.

Book Forty-Eight: Festivus

Ah... Festivus... The holiday celebrated by Frank Costanza and everyone's favorite Lord of the Idiots.  Festivus is the antithesis of the holiday season.  Lacking tinsel and well-wishing, it's the bluntly honest approach to dealing with family and friends. 

In this little humorous book, author Allen Salkin, explores the genesis of the holiday that transcended television.  He explores the history, food and drink of Festivus as well as sharing Festivus-inspired recipes, stories, and people.  Guidelines are provided to those new to the holiday.  We wouldn't want you to go about the airing of greivances incorrectly, now would we?

Festivus has taken on a new meeting in these past two years as it comes with a little sadness having lost a dear friend unexpectedly. Each year, I now air my greivances with more thought--being sure to leave nothing left unsaid--as time is fleeting for us all.

As I see it, Festivus, the holiday, is the perfect day to step outside the holiday trappings and just 'be'.  Festivus, the book by Allen Salkin, is a fun read.

Book Forty-Seven: The Neighbor

Janey is a marriage with a cheating husband.  He's got a great job and on his way to becoming partner.  He works late because he prefers to stay in the office to bang his secretary instead of his wife.  Please.

Not smart enough to be called erotic fiction; not smutty enough to be called porn... so what do you call it?!  Utterly forgettable.   

As I see it, how in the @#$!? does crap like this get published?!  More disconcerting... why the @#^!? did I read it?!

Book Forty-Six: The Hangman's Daughter

A dying boy is pulled from a river and found with a crude symbol on his shoulder.  When the local midwife is accused of witchcraft and the boy's death, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to torture the woman.  He teams with a local doctor determined to prove her innocence.  But can he do it before the townspeople demand her head on a pike?

Set in 1600s, The Hangman's Daughter, is a cross between Brother Cadfael and Sherlock Holmes.  It's historically detailed and can sometimes drag between events because of the author's commitment to accuracy.  Author Oliver Pötzsch writes a beautiful thriller that manages to intrigue and educate.  Tracing his lineage from a famous Bavarian executioner clan, Pötzsch's love of the source material is obvious.

The hangman's daughter, Magdelina, featured somewhat prominently, is sure to be the heroine of the series.  However, I can't say that this book is compelling enough to make me want to continue with it.  The exhaustive nature of the author--endlessly describing dressage and fleshing out every detail--the book becomes laborious.  As I see it, The Hangman's Daughter is a solid bit of historical fiction and fans of the genre will, no doubt, enjoy!  

Book Forty-Five: Eat More Better

If Dan Pashman had a tribe, I'd be in it.  Creator of The Sporkful, a podcast not for foodies but for eaters, Dan is a man after my own heart... the joy of unpretentious food.  Food that is a delicious to eat and look at without being obnoxious.  Eaters are always in pursuit of the next best bite.  Dan's podcast has asked the difficult questions like what are the ethics behind cherry-picking your favorites bits out of the snack mix.  He dissects the ways in which an eater can apply mix to cereal.  We are talking about the things that keep an Eater up at night.

As the subtitle hints, Pashman's book is an attempt to help the eater get the most delicious bites out of every meal.  Unfortunately for fans of Pashman and his podcast, you won't find must new content.  As an Eater, it's nice to find many of the theories and maxims of the Eatscape in one book.  However, only a freshman--a newbie--to the world of deliciousness will find the book truly fascinating.

As I see it, this alumni of Sporkful University is proud of Dan's accomplishment.  The book is a momentous event for long-time fans of the podcast.  It will help Eaters of all ages pass along the knowledge of deliciousness.  It will help explain the difference between 'bite variety' and 'bite consistency' which, as every Eater knows, is important for optimum deliciousness as every meal.  We can educate people everywhere on the importance of surface-area-to-volume ratio and how it plays into enjoying friend foods and ice our drinks.  Eat More Better has the potential to change the way you look at your food.  For the better, of course!

Book Forty-Four: Emily of New Moon

Author L. M. Montgomery is best known for Anne of Green Gables, no doubt.  Anne with an 'e' was indeed a 'kindred spirit' to this young reader growing up.  Her exploits with Diana are the stuff of legends.  Strangely enough, I only now just discovered Emily of New Moon.

Emily Starr is orphaned at an early age and left to be raised by her overbearing relatives of New Moon.  Deemed a 'peculiar' child by her Aunt Elizabeth, Emily is left to her own devices at New Moon.  Cousin Jimmy takes a shine to Emily and encourages the child in her peculiar ways.  Emily is an aspiring poetess.  She is compelled to write much to the dismay of Aunt Elizabeth.

Montgomery has a brilliant pen.  She has the ability to write convincingly of characters and issues that readers can relate to.  Infidelity, alcoholism, and death aren't exactly the choicest of subjects.  Montgomery has always managed to approach difficult topics with honesty and without the cruelty.  She respects her readers and her characters allowing them mistakes and reconciliations.  Everything is not always 'rosy' but working through life and the cards dealt without giving up one's identity is the over-arching theme.

As I see it, Emily of New Moon is a precious gem of a book.  I'm looking forward to finishing the series to see what becomes of my newest favorite heroine.   

Book Forty-Three: Gone Girl

I hesitate to share one iota of plot to prevent ruining the bestseller from author Gillian Flynn.  On the other hand, I want to spare you the time investment.  There isn't a likeable character in the book and for those of above average intelligence, you can see the climax coming.  I don't write this sound arrogant.  I write this to say... how did this book become a New York Times bestseller?!  Is this really the best you've got?

No apologies for this unfavorable opinion.  Flynn uses most of the reader's time to develop a dialogue between Nick Dunne and his wife, Amy.  On their 5th anniversary, Nick comes home to find Amy missing.  A contrived cat and mouse hunt ensues.  Flynn's attempt at weaving a suspenseful thriller are poorly executed.  The book is lackluster with flat, stereo-typical character development.  Nick's relationship with his sister feels almost incestuous.  While I understand what the author is driving at, poor Nick is the result of unfortunate circumstances as is Amy... but does she really have to pander to the lowest common denominator?!

As I see it, I'm disappointed.  Perhaps the hype over-sold it.  Perhaps it will make a better movie.  Perhaps I don't care.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

Book Forty-Two: Thug Kitchen

Social media savvy readers may be familar with the Los Angeles based Thug Kitchen and blog of the same name.  Meant to inspire and encourage you to 'eat like you give a f*ck' the team behind the blog have written their first cookbook.  Perhaps you've seen trailer.  (NSFW)

As a fan of the blog, Facebook page and their passion for whole food and real meals, I was excited to pre-order the official cookbook.  It's beautifully organized and begins with an easy to read, don't stress the f*ck out over what you don't have in your pantry angle.  It's where the kale meats the chickpeas that this cook takes umbrage.  Pun intended.

I take no issues with the cookbook being meatless.  I use nutritional yeast (Huff Post talked all about it here back in the summer) and Bragg's amino acids more than the next person.  I have nothing against quinoa or tofu.  What I do have a problem with is recipes that like to 'disguise' tofu as meat or cauliflower as 'potato'.  WTF?!  A potato is a potato--meant for smashing and serving with gravy.  Cauliflower is not.

As I see it, any cook book that mistakes mashed lentils as a good substitute for gravy with biscuits is suspect.  My dear sweet kitchen-dwelling ancestors are turning over in their grave at the very idea.  Please do eat like you give a f*ck.  It's better for you, your family and the environment.  But please, exercise caution when substituting.

Book Forty-One: 52 Loaves

You have to admire someone with passion and in this book, it's all about bread.  Obsessed with developing the best peasant loaf, the author commits to baking bread each week for a year.  He tasted the perfect bread years ago and has been trying to reproduce it ever sense.   Beginning with a back yard wheat field, Alexander commits to his quest.  Bless his long suffering family!

Author William Alexander may write about bread but it's digressions into faith and family that make the book.  His obsession takes him to Morocco when food poisoning sets in, to Paris to bake a loaf in a communal oven, to Normandy to train and bake with monks and to his own backyard where a weekend DIY turns into a precarious clay oven.

Alexander eventually learns the true meaning of perfection but not before he tries to hoodwink TSA agents with his levain and enters the baking contest at the New York State Fair.  While the book explores what makes bread the live blood of communities, he doesn't delve too far into the mechanics which makes the book highly entertaining.

As I see it, 52 Loaves is a delightful read.  The author includes several recipes that his mentions throughout the book should the reader be inspired to start their own levain.  Other resources include a lovely bibliography for further reading.  It's difficult to say to whom this book would appeal to but I'd think bakers and admirers of humanity and their passions won't be disappointed.

Book Forty: Forbes' The Great Business Decisions of All Times

This selection came courtesy of the fall book club at the Firm.  It's always fascinating to see what our CEO and leadership team members are thinking.  This little gem from Fortune profiles the people and companies behind what many business leaders would call the greatest decisions.

Profiles of Johnson and Johnson, Zappos, IBM, Apple, Ford, HP, 3M and Boeing will definitely get you thinking. Regardless of what you might think about Steve Jobs or Henry Ford, there is no denying the decisions they have made in the past have shaped entire industries, setting the standard for their industries.  Clearly they were memorable because historians, economists and business leaders are still talking about them.

One of the challenges of our book club was to isolate one decision that was a favorite.  For me, it was Johnson & Johnson.  The immediate reaction of the CEO at the time when their product was being tampered with stands out.  Advertising agents were saying it was the death of a brand.  The naysayers--including the FBI and FDA, mind you, were telling Johnson & Johnson not to pull their product.  Loyal to the company credo to put the needs and well-being of the people we serve first, 31 million bottles of Tylenol were recalled estimated at a retail value of 100 million dollars.  The company even advertised in national media not to use their products. Johnson & Johnson unknowingly ushered in an era of tamper-proof bottles and garnered the respect of consumers everywhere.

As I see it, this is an interesting compilation of stories.  Those seeking an in-depth profile should look elsewhere.  If you're looking for quick discussion points or a jump-start for conversation, this is your book.  It's a quick, light read.  Also of note:  the seven deaths caused by the tainted Tylenol remain unsolved.  Did you know that the Unabomber was once a suspect?

Book Thirty-Nine: How to Train Your Dragon Book 2: How to Be a Pirate

Our intrepid young Viking is back!  Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III is not that heroic by Viking standards; however, Hiccup is heir to the Hooligan clan being the son of the chief.  In school, Hiccup struggles in skills like shouting, senseless violence, and advanced rudery.  If Hiccup is skilled in anything, it's the 'try, try, again' method.  His cleverness and ability to speak his up when adults are about to engage in stupidity shows Hiccup might just be chief material.

In the second book, we find Hiccup and his best mate, Fishlegs learning sword-fighting at sea with hilarious results.  While at sea, the Hooligan gang comes across Hiccup's famed ancestor's, Grimbead the Ghastly, coffin.  As an reader of the first book can imagine, misadventures ensue!  As you can imagine, dear reader, this is another recommendation from my Sweet Niece.

Author Cressida Crowell clearly understands her audience.  Amid the pages are pencil illustrations and written notes that are terrible (in a good way) but guaranteed to make children laugh.  She has wonderful character development, not only for Hiccup, but for his dragon Toothless, his best mate Fishlegs and all the players that make up the Hooligan clan.  Friend or foe, Crowell creates a world that children can relate to.  She takes it a step further by not writing down to the reader.  Must like Hiccup, she cleverly disguises life lessons in the adventures of the Hooligan clan. 

As I see it, the How to Train Your Dragon series, would not be my first choice for a young reader; however, I am pleased as punch to know that quality writing is still available for a new generation.  I often wonder what's going on in that growing brain of hers.  I am pleased that tales of virtue, heroism, and good can be found--even if they are cloaked in tales of Viking hooliganism. 

Book Thirty-Eight: An Object of Beauty

Besides being an actor, comedian, banjo-picker and all-around guy, Steve Martin is an author.  And a surprisingly good one.  Set in the fine art world of NYC, Lacey Yeager is youngster working at Sotheby's, eager to charm her way to her own art gallery.  The book is narrated by Lacey's friend, an art journalist and unwitting confidante and conspirator.

As I read An Object of Beauty, I was struck by it's parallels to The Great Gatsby.  Lacey is our Daisy.  The art world is our Gatsby.  And Daniel is our Carroway.  As Lacey navigates and charms her way through the art world, Daniel serves as the reader's compass.  It's not that I didn't like the book so much as I didn't understand what drove it.  What drove me to finish this novel was the need to understand how Lacey and Daniel were going to intersect.  They do, dear reader, but with lackluster results.

As I see it, An Object of Beauty is very much in the same vein as Martin's novella, Shopgirl.  That, too, suffered from a lack of purpose.  Connecting to these characters is a difficult task.  Lacey is one-sided, obnoxious and obsessive.  She lacks a morality--a humanity--that would have allowed this reader to connect.  The elusive art world is a member's only club that stopped admitting years ago.

Book Thirty-Seven: Sin in the Second City

Minna and Ada Everleigh were unlike any other madams in Chicago's Levee district.  The Everleigh Club known for stunning Everleigh 'butterflies' drew politicians, industry moguls, foreign dignitaries, and more to the doorstep thanks to gourmet food, healthy women, fair wages, and discretion.

Author Karen Abbott explores what is known of the aristocratic sisters, then turns her pen to the political and society atmosphere that would be their undoing.  Not everyone was happy about the sisters' attempts to elevate the industry. Rival madams set out to destroy the sisters going so far as to try and frame them from the death of department story heir Marshall Field, Jr.  What the sisters couldn't know was the tide was changing.  It would be the reformers who would whip the nation into a frenzy over 'white slavery'--the alleged practice of kidnapping young girls and forcing them into brothels--that would be their demise. 

Sin in the Second City is a colorful look into the famous brothel and the two sisters who, unknowingly, would help usher in 20th Century modernity.  Abbott writes a compelling read that name drops Rockefeller, Capone, Taft, and Barrymore.  More interestingly, is how this hedonistic culture subsisted alongside the Victorian propriety of the day. Thanks to Abbott's meticulous research, you are transported to the Levee district.  You can feel the grit of the streets and the satin sheets.  The accompanying pictures scattered throughout the book are a treat.

As I see it, Sin in the Second City is a great historical read.  It's borderline exhaustive--or feels that way--look at a interesting time in American history.  As a business model, the sisters only delivered what was very much in demand.  As a reader, I was more fascinated by the sisters and their ability to reinvent themselves than the brothel.  History buffs will be delighted.

Book Thirty-Six: Ever After High: The Storybook of Legends

At the risk of sounding like 'whipper-snapper' is part of my vocabulary, I loathe books like these.  Ever After High is where the offspring of our fairy tale princes and princesses go to learn the skills they will need to carry on the fairy tale.  As in the halls of Ever After High, the pages of this book is filled with the insipid dialogue of Apple White, Raven Queen, Madeline Hatter, Briar Beauty and Sparrow Hood.  Oh wait... it get's worse.  They listen to Taylor Quick and One Reflection on their MirrorPods.  Their school schedule involves classes like Muse-ic, Poison Fruit Theory, Home Evil-nomics and spend time in the Charmitorium.  Anyone vomiting yet? 

If you manage to get past the stupidity mentioned in the last paragraph, you will find a story inside.  Raven Queen--heir of the Evil Queen and destined to become the evil to Apple White's purity--doesn't want to be 'evil'.  She doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps and is trying to escape her destiny.  Apple White is concerned that her Happily Ever After is in danger if Raven Queen doesn't commit to their shared fairy tale.  Hilarity, ensues!  Or not.

I think I 'get' what best-selling author, Shannon Hale is trying to do.  I'm positive that I don't agree with it.  Books of this nature aren't empowering to young girls.  I feel it panders to them.  Fairy tales are just that.  Fanciful stories that both entertain and enlighten.  This sopping, blended mess is too bland in its touting 'follow your destiny' propaganda.  It's poorly written and gives the impression that Hale can't come up with anything original.  Maybe she's just trying to help Mattel sell dolls.

I'm taking this book entirely too serious.  And as I see it, any book recommendation from my Sweet Niece is a book to be read.  It breaks my heart that she didn't enjoy 'Ramona Quimby, Age 8'.  However, I will always try to encourage an independent, free-thinking spirit.  She enjoys these little hardbacks alongside a myriad of other books and I won't judge.  Perhaps Ever After High is an entertaining fluff piece that cleans the reader's palate between heavier tomes?

Book Thirty-Five: Contagious: Why Things Catch On

"What makes things catch on?"  Author and marketing professor Jonah Berger answers this question in Contagious.  With a delightful tone, Berger examines how and why social influence effects everything we do.  He also provides actionable steps to creating influence in this social savvy world.

The book is a fun read and while this reader would have preferred more stories illustrating his points, Berger makes some fascinating conclusions.  Examining the emotional triggers behind why we insist on using one product over another or the behavior triggers that have us all trying to accumulate rewards points, it's easy to feel manipulated by the time this book is through.  Berger ends his stories to make room for his STEPPS.  These steps are on the mark from my perspective but I'm no entrepreneur.  The STEPPS is a calculated and daresay proven technique to creating buzz around just about anything.  Berger has clearly exposed the collective consumer psyche.

As I see it, Contagious is a very approachable book.  The author's repartee with the reader is witty and straightforward.  And while you will read over several buzz words, you won't find the typical business jargon herein.  Overall, it's an interesting read and serves two purposes: consumer education and marketing 101.  If you just want to know why you feel compelled to purchase 'that' shirt or use 'this' brand, you will find your answer here.  More importantly, if you were ever curious about the phenomenon that was Rebecca Black, you will want to read chapter two.

Book Thirty-Four: One Second After

This book was a slow burn.  As I guess any homeland catastrophe might be.  First, there's the shock.  'We're gonna be fine.  They will send people to take care of us.'  Then, there will be the realization days, weeks, maybe it'll take months, that no one is coming.  God help you, if you're not prepared 'cause I don't think anyone else will.

Author William R Forstchen sets the novel in the Black Mountains of North Carolina.  I chose to read this novel will vacationing in the very same area.  Why these towns lead additional credence to the story, I can't say.  What I can say, is the realism will affect you and leave you thinking even after the novel ends.

Although set in a picturesque town, the story is far from it.  The author surmises an unexpected electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the US and how it affects the people living here.  The story is clearly based in realism.  Under the guise of fiction, I believe the author is staking his case for how 21st Americans will not be prepared for such overt attacks.  The 'die-off' sequences and timelines foretold by the characters in this book could be chillingly accurate.  It is for that reason, the book is so riveting.

Our protagonist, John Matherson, is a history professor at Montreat College.  His background being a retired Army Colonel.  (That's helpful.)  What ensues is a systematic dissolution of everything.  Matherson, meets the crisis head on alongside others in his quaint community but no one leaves the crisis unscathed.

As I see it, One Second After is more terrifying than anything Stephen King thought about putting on paper.  But before you rack this review alongside other tea-partying, conservative nonsense, consider this...  Better informed and prepared for action than mindlessly led to the slaughter.

Book Thirty-Three: 1 dead in attic

It's easier to understand now.  At the time, I could only feel a mixture of pity, sadness, and shame for the residents of New Orleans.  In the wake of Katrina and tales of the Superdome, I just remember shaking my head... wondering... why they didn't leave.

Chris Rose's collection of columns written for The Times-Picayune newspaper in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina paints an unforgettable picture.  Rose's collection reads as a love story to his city, his people, and his family.  He succeeds in capturing the unspeakable horror, channeling the emotions that is moves and anchoring his resolve in the wake.

His columns--insane as they may sound--bring sanity to the fear-mongering and circus acts that was available to the general pubic made possible by your favorite left or right leaning media outlets.  Rose has made more sense in this collection than Sean Penn, Harry Connick, Jr., Anderson Cooper, or Robin Roberts tried in their daily dispatches.

As I see it,  nine years later, 1 dead in attic should become an integral part of American history keeping.  Chris Rose outlines the heart of a tenacious people who stayed to fight amid insurmountable odds.  It's a heart-wrenching but fascinating look.