Austenland

Honestly, I like my Austen like I like my Star Wars.  Pure.  Unaltered.  So just as I despise Lucas' attempts at 'improving' and whoring out my childhood, I despise Austen fan fiction.

Enter Austenland by Shannon Hale.  Granted the book isn't a continuation of our beloved Regency characters, it's a modern tale of a melodramatic single woman whose fixation on Mr. Darcy doesn't allow her to make an attachment to any man because he just doesn't measure up.

I could give you many reason to loathe the book.  Mainly the large plot holes and inability to form complete sentences by the author; however, I inexplicably find myself drawn back to this book time and time again. It's downright embarrassing!  I'm ashamed for guests to find this gem in my library--which leads to a host of other issues my therapist would love to get a hold of.  Ha!

As I see it, Austenland is a fun read.  Fans of Austen will enjoy as well as the casual fiction reader.

Task 21: a book that you would consider a guilty pleasure (read, and then realize that good entertainment is nothing to feel guilty over.)

Quiet Hero: Secrets from my Father's Past

While not remarkably well-written, there is a sweet element of respect and love for a father from a daughter. It's clear that the author, Rita Cosby, was hurt as a child by her father's stand-offish manners. But after framing his quirks against the Warsaw Uprising and surviving Stalag B, Cosby reaches understanding and compassion for the man who is her father.

The book isn't an easy read. There is a monotony about it. One can imagine these tales being shared across the kitchen table. As they are presented here, the story is moving and often convoluted because Cosby insists on interjecting when the reader reaches the pace. I needed to read the story--not your thoughts on it. I was frustrated as a reader.

Ultimately, though, the book is a harrowing reminder of the brutality of war, the ugliness of it all and the scars that remain. The tenacity of this man in remarkable. He makes a conscience effort to rise above the horror and create for himself a world that he desires.

Mary, Bloody Mary

Imagine being Mary Tudor, daughter of King Henry the VIII.  Princess one day, afforded all the luxuries of high station, palaces, servants, gowns, and never-ending displays of loyalty and love.  Servant, the next... cast out, separated from her mother and all those she knows, declared a bastard and forced to care for the next heir to the throne.

Carolyn Meyer's YA novel about the woman who would eventually claim her title as Queen and seek vengeance upon her enemies is perfectly written for the desired audience.  Written in first person, Mary details her decent into servant-hood and the deadly game of 'chicken' she plays with Anne Boleyn..  The young Mary's perspective, although dramatized here, is spot-on enough to be a satisfying read for young people.  This reader wants to know more and will use Meyer's book as the stepping off point.

As I see it, Meyer's Mary Tudor is pretty close to the real thing.  There's enough intrigue, terror, sadness, and truth to keep you slack-jawed in amazement at how royal behaved.  This is drama for the ages!

Task 11: A YA novel

To Be Takei (2014)

In this day and age, George Takei has transcended generations, mediums, and cultures to truly become an icon.  He has successfully remastered his career and pro-actively shaped his legacy.  In his 2014 documentary, Takei examines the events of his life that have shaped the man he has become.

Oddly enough, this view didn't learn anything new about the cultural icon.  I continue to be impressed by his overwhelmingly positive view on everything and how he comes across so authentic instead of a cloyingly one-dimension.

Kudos to Takei for being to frank with himself and his fans.  He exposes himself--warts and all--to his fans and celebrates all the things that make him George.  And at the same time, he challenges you to embrace all the things that make you... you.

As I see it, fans of George Takei may not learn anything new here; however, this documentary is the closest we will ever come to having over for tea.

Nell (1994)

How have I not seen this movie before 2015?!  Oh wait... I remember... because I made fun of Jodie Foster's character and her 'language'.  Fast forward to today and I look back upon my youth...

Nell has certainly aged; but the performances from Jodie Foster, Liam Neeson, and Natasha Richardson are beautiful.  As Nell, the surviving twin born as the result of a rape, Jodie is incredible.  This powerful performance a 'wild child' is unforgettable.  As a young woman, born about the trees in North Carolina who has lived in isolation from the world and learned only the doctrine of her stroke-felled mother.

Neeson as the young 'heart of gold' doctor and Richardson as the mature (read evil) shrink battle it out, in stereotypical roles, for Nell's soul.  The due create a a chemistry that is believeable despite it's predictability.

As I see it, the message of Nell is timeless.  We are all 'hungry for silence'.  The film, amidst the mom jeans, inexplicable court-room speech, and distractingly bad hair, will resonate with the heart.

bonus feature: book

Discovering this retro gem in the local used book shop, The Potluck Cookbook by Dolores Kostelni sates a unique passion of mind.  Cookbooks with an period flare.  The very term, potluck, is unique.  It implies the luck of a covered dish.  Will you all get together and wind up with a dozen spaghetti casseroles?  Will Edna bring her famous crab dip--you know that's the only reason she's invited?  Will Kitty bring the tuna delight?  Potlucks imply a communal meal filled with laugher, family and friends, and memories--lots of those.

The cookbook has a very conversational tone about it.  The author shares the origin of each recipe with a sentence or two after setting each chapter with a memory inducing introduction.  There's no fancy eats here just tried and true classics from the 1950s and a few that have shown up in the many potlucks I've attended over my few years at community clubs, churches, and family occasions.  No, I will never serve salmon pate' or beef and macaroni casserole.  Are you kidding?!  Lord knows, I've had to eat them both as a kid.

As I see it, The Potluck Cookbook is an ideal gift for a new wife or homemaker.  It's a well-organized, approachable, recipe book that will never overwhelm.  It's a fun look into kitchen history and downright entertaining for everyone else.  The retro-inspired illustrations enhance the sometimes cringe-inducing recipes.  Does tuna really need to be in a casserole, I ask you?!  Still, the index in the back will help you find the real gems herein.

22 Jump Street (2014)

Let's be clear.  22 Jump Street is a sequel.  With that in mind, the second pairing of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill will entertain.  Returning as cops Jenko (Tatum) and Schmidt (Hill), the duo join the 22 Jump Street squad and head undercover, this time, as college students.  Add the returning foul-mouthed Ice Cube as Captain Dickson and a cameo by every one's favorite man's man, Nick Offerman and you have a comedy this is too smart for it's own good.

The movie runs a little long milking the audience for laughs, but it's funny enough that you won't mind a bit.  Peter Stormaire is under-utilized; but with the proven duo of Tatum-Hill, it's just fun to watch them play off of each other.  As expected, the two have grown up and go their separate ways as married couples do.  When the movie separates them, the viewer is sad and their world darkens much like Jenko and Schmidt's.  The movie is at it's finest when they are onscreen.

As I see it, you won't find anything remotely Oscar worthy here.  Who cares?!  Directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller don't take their movie too seriously and neither should you.  Grab a beer and enjoy!  Then stick around to see Seth Rogan.

Five Quarts: A Personal and Natural History of Blood

Five quarts is the amount of blood found in the human body shares author Bill Hayes.  And with that we begin tracing the history of blood.  From the gladiators of ancient Rome who would drink the blood of vanquishes foes to the introduction of hemophilia to European royalty, Hayes writes a fascinating look into blood.

Early advances like Antoni van Leeuwehoek's microscopes and Paul Ehrlich's Nobel prizing winning discoveries in immunology are included.  The author does wonderfully in explaining erythrocytes and lymphocytes to the layperson.  Hemoglobin will make sense after this.

Amid the mythology and musings, is the author's very personal story of his committed relationship with an HIV-positive partner.  He traces the discovery of the virus that causes AIDS and the early years of the AIDS scare.  The love for his partner and the frustration behind the lack of a cure for this disease is very clear.

As I see it, Five Quarts is an interesting read. I wish it were more history and less memoir; however, it is a lovely work and a beautiful homage to his partner.

Task 5: A book by or about someone that identifies as LGBTQ

Read Harder in 2015

What started as a resolution to track all of the books I read for one year became a reading challenge where I digested 52 books in 52 weeks.  I was pleased with the results even though at times it felt like more of a chore.  Still, I was committed and failure was not an option.  Thus success was mine in 2014.

While wondering what to do next in 2015, I stumbled upon this challenge.  Game on.

I will chart my progress through the challenge here as well as Good Reads.  My interest in bookriot's challenge is simple.  I admire the thought process behind bookriot's id of pressing your boundaries and pushing past your personal norm--reading harder.  I dread the audio book task and probably the sci-fi task the most.  What the hell is a microhistory, anyway?!

24 tasks equates to two a month. Deceptively easy, I think.  Along with this challenge, I aim to read a childhood favorite series through to completion.  I will be with you soon, Anne of Green Gables.

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.