Thank you to everyone that stopped by to read my review and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a copy of:
The Frangipani Hotel
Winner: Anita
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The Homing Instinct
Meaning and Mystery in Animal Migration
by Bernd Heinrich
Genre: Science, Nature
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publish Date: April 8, 2014
Format: Hardcover | 368 pages
Rating: 4½ of 5
From the Publisher:
Acclaimed scientist and author Bernd Heinrich has returned every year since boyhood to a beloved patch of western Maine woods. What is the biology in humans of this deep-in-the-bones pull toward a particular place, and how is it related to animal homing?
My Thoughts:
From the title of Bernd Heinrich’s new book, The Homing Instinct, I was expecting a scientific exploration of the migratory behaviors of birds and other creatures that embark on long journeys to and from their breeding grounds, but I found, along with science, an introspective look into the nature and the need to return home. Mixed in with the science, both the author’s own research and that of other scientists, I discovered a beautifully written book consisting of many stories and observations, giving many parts of the book the feel of a memoir. Present throughout is the theme, ‘What is home?’ and ‘Why do all creatures, including humans, feel that pull to return to the place they are from?’.
The Homing Instinct is divided into three sections, the first part delving into homing behavior using the examples of Sandhill Cranes, Monarch butterflies and honey bees to name a few, and their remarkable ability to navigate by the sun and stars, recognize landmarks and arrive at their destination without getting lost. In the second part the author discusses homemaking behavior: types of homes or nests and how to choose the spot, and not only for the animals, this also applies to humans and he uses the example of his own family home and land in the woods of western Maine. In the third part, herding behaving and homing to each other rather than a place is discussed.
There is much to like about Heinrich’s approachable and engaging writing style, and enjoyable stories and anecdotes. In one of my favorite chapters we learn about a web orb spider that made her home inside his home. For two summers he observed and chronicled her behavior, even naming her Charlotte, and in the end discovered that her actions did not follow established spider lore. Another favorite was the story of an old apple tree that he dated to 1790 and his research into the mysterious origin of the tree. Of much interest to me was the sad tale of the now extinct Passenger Pigeon, a victim of man, but also of its own biology and its need to return in enormous size groups to only a few nesting grounds, making it easy prey for hunters.
In both animals and humans, we all yearn to return to that place called home, the place where we feel we belong. Highly recommended, not only for those who enjoy nature, but anyone who wants to better understand our need to return to our roots.
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Source: Review copy from the publisher through AmazonVine.
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March Rapid Reviews
In keeping with 2014 goals I am writing more short, concise, timely reviews with a quick overview and what I enjoyed or didn’t enjoy about the book. Using a Rapid Review format makes it easier for me to stay caught-up.
This wraps up most of my March reading with the exception of a review or two scheduled next week.
Mr. Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt
Publisher: The Dial Press | February 2011
Format: Hardcover | 258 pages | Rating: 2½ stars
July 1964. Chartwell House, Kent: Winston Churchill wakes at dawn. There’s a dark, mute “presence” in the room that focuses on him with rapt concentration. It’s Mr. Chartwell.
Soon after, in London, Esther Hammerhans, a librarian at the House of Commons, goes to answer the door to her new lodger. Through the glass she sees a vast silhouette the size of a mattress. It’s Mr. Chartwell.
Charismatic, dangerously seductive, Mr. Chartwell unites the eminent statesman at the end of his career and the vulnerable young woman.
I thought this book was going to be historical fiction but it’s not. It takes place at a historical moment – Churchill’s retirement – but the story itself is about depression. Depression takes the form of an imaginary creature, a large dog, named Black Pat. Black Pat regularly visits Winston Churchill and now is also dropping in on Esther Hammerhans, a librarian at the House of Commons.
It’s an interesting and clever concept but try as I might, I just could not get into this story. Maybe because there wasn’t much of a story, just a lot of conversation. There were a few humorous moments and it made me think about depression and how it affects people, but mostly it left me unsatisfied and glad that it was a short book. [I received this from LibraryThing so I felt I should finish what would have been a DNF].
Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
Publisher: Penguin Audio | March 2014
Format: Audio Download | 14 hours | Rating: 4½ stars
Audio Listening Level: Intermediate
Return to author Anne Bishop’s world of the Others – where supernatural entities and humans struggle to co-
exist, and one woman has begun to change all the rules…After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.
This is the second book in the paranormal fantasy series about an earth inhabited by preternatural beings – shape-shifters, vampires, and other predators – known as The Others who rule over humans and mostly consider them prey. In the first book, Written in Red, much of the focus was on world-building and character development. In book two, many of the familiar names are back and several of the story lines begin to develop along with a few new twists.
Fantasy is often hit or miss for me but I won’t hesitate to say I enjoyed this immensely. The world-building, writing and character interaction are fantastic, not to mention an entertaining story. There is good vs. evil, a few mysterious characters and a budding romance simmering in the background. There is still much story to be told and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series.
Audio production: As in book one, the audio was narrated by Alexandra Harris. There were many characters in this story and she did a nice job changing tone and inflection for each of them. While it is not essential to read book one before attempting this audio, I would recommend doing so. There are a lot of characters and being already familiar with them makes the story flow; unlike a print book, it’s difficult to flip back and forth in audio. Getting lost or confused would be frustrating and I would hate to see someone give up on the book. I recommend listening to Written in Red first before enjoying this one.
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Source: Review copies provided by the publishers.
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Bold: A Cookbook of Big Flavors
by Susanna Hoffman, Victoria Wise
Genre: Food / Cooking
Publisher: Workman Publishing
Publish Date: December 31, 2013
Format: Paperback | 416 pages
Rating: 4½ of 5
From the Publisher
From the culinary team of Susanna Hoffman and Victoria Wise, who between them have authored or co-authored more than fifteen cookbooks, Bold brings together the beloved American tradition of delicious, plate-filling meals with the lively global flavors that infuse our culture and cuisine. This is comfort food that’s been given an exuberant 21st-century makeover.
My Thoughts
The authors of Bold want us to know that there is such a thing as American Cuisine – and they don’t mean hotdogs, burgers and fries. Foods from many other countries have influenced American dishes and we have incorporated many of their ingredients and flavors into our food to create something uniquely our own. When I look at my favorite recipes I can see the Italian, Mexican and Chinese influence; three of my favorites ethnic foods but mostly adapted to my American palate.
The title of the book was a little misleading in that I was expecting bold flavors to be spicy dishes, but instead I found recipes that used flavors in a bold, imaginative way, well beyond the conventional manner of preparing traditional American dishes. The authors added a freshness to familiar recipes, and there are over 250 of them to choose from in this book. Everything from snack, starters, soups, meats, vegetables and desserts.
Along with the recipes is a wealth of information in the form of introductions to the dishes, some background and history, and the country that influenced the recipe. There are also sidebars, sometimes more than one, accompanying each recipe. The sidebars are diverse and informative and cover a range of topics: The history of the hamburger; why we call a dutch oven a ‘dutch oven’; features on different nuts, herbs, and spices – there is much to learn about each of them; how curly parsley ended up as a garnish and Italian flat parsley gets all the glory; a brief history of Coke and Pepsi and the use of cola as a marinade; plus many, many more facts and tidbits of interesting information.
This is a cookbook that is meant to be read. If you are looking for photos and choose your recipes visually, then you will be disappointed in the presentation of the book. Illustrations are two-color, hand drawn and whimsical, but there are no photos of ingredients or finished dishes.
While I am tempted to say this is a book best suited for experienced cooks that do not need a lot of photos and guidance, that’s not really true. Many of the recipes are not difficult, the instructions are detailed, and most of the ingredients are easy to find, especially if you are near a larger city. If you’re not sure this is the right book for you, try Amazon’s Look Inside feature, download a Kindle sample or flip through a copy at a library. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Crispy Oven Chicken
Chicken is always a big hit in my house so the first recipe I tried was Crispy Oven Chicken. It was quick and easy, and tasted delicious. Next up will be Parmesan and Cracker-Crusted Chicken, then a few veggie recipes and definitely this summer I will make Zucchini Fritters.
And now, Crispy Oven Chicken:
Ingredients:
• 4 pounds of chicken (about 8 pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika
Preparation:
Place chicken pieces in a dish in one layer. Pour buttermilk over them, cover, and set aside in refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.
When ready to cook let chicken come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with butter.
Place four, salt and paprika on a large plate and mix with a fork. Remove chicken pieces from buttermilk shaking off the excess. Coat each piece with the mixture. Place skin side down without touching each other on the baking sheet.
Place chicken in the oven and cook until lightly golden on bottom, 20 minutes. Turn and continue baking until golden on the bottom, 15 minutes. Turn once more and cook until crisp and sizzling, 5 minutes.
Transfer to a platter and serve.
Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads.
Participation is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs.
Source: Review copy provided by Workman Publishing
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Almost wordless: A couple of weeks ago I toured the greenhouse at Cantigny Gardens. It was getting a little crowded in there with rows and rows of spring plants waiting for better weather before being moved outside.
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More Wordless Wednesday. © 2014 Under My Apple Tree. All rights reserved.
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North of Boston
by Elisabeth Elo
Narrated by Marguerite Gavin
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Publish Date: January 23, 2014
Format: Audio CD, 12 hours | 5 minutes
Audio Listening Level: Intermediate
Rating: 4 of 5
Publisher’s Synopsis:
When the fishing boat Pirio is on is rammed by a freighter, she finds herself abandoned in the North Atlantic. Somehow she survives nearly four hours in the water before being rescued by the Coast Guard. But her fisherman friend Ned, the boat’s owner, is not so lucky. Compelled to look after Noah, the son of the late Ned and her alcoholic prep school friend, Thomasina, Pirio can’t shake the lurking suspicion that the boat’s sinking and Ned’s death was no accident.
My Thoughts:
Pirio Kasparov has miraculously survived a boating accident and was rescued by the Coast Guard after four hours in freezing cold water. The owner of the boat and Pirio’s friend, Ned, did not survive. She clearly saw the boat that struck them and does not believe it was an accident.
Pirio is not the type to take no for an answer and wants to find out who is responsible for Ned’s death. She begins asking questions and conducting research on her own, eventually uncovering a complex and devious plot. In the last third of the book the story begins to come together and the action accelerates. Like most strong heroines, Pirio engages in risky behavior and even while she admits that what she is doing is dangerous and she shouldn’t do it, she does it anyway.
I liked Pirio. She’s a strong female protagonist who is smart, tough and persistent while retaining compassion and kindness which can be seen in her concern for Noah, Ned’s son, who is being raised by an often negligent alcoholic mother. Not that Pirio doesn’t have her own problems from the past, a mother who spent her time on her perfume business and a father who considered her a problem child, which continue to haunt her.
This fast-paced thriller is also a compelling mystery with an interesting cast of well-developed characters and a story-line that held my attention even though it often moved in several different directions. Family dynamics, whaling, the environment, and the perfume business are just a few of the topics. I would like to read more about Pirio, and in the end there were enough unanswered questions about her past and her family to continue the story with another adventure.
Audio Production:
Marguerite Gavin was a new narrator for me and an enjoyable experience. There are many characters in this book and she did a wonderful job altering tone, accent and inflection for the different speakers. The alcoholic Thomasina immediately comes to mind! The complex plot and large number of characters makes this an audio that requires staying attuned, but the compelling plot should keep most minds from wandering. Overall, a well-paced and excellent production.
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Source: Review copy provided through Audiobook Jukebox.
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Welcome to Mailbox Monday, created by Marcia of To Be Continued, a place where readers share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week.
After several years of being on tour with different blogs as the monthly host, the Mailbox Monday Blog is now the permanent home for the meme.
Here’s what showed up in my mailbox last week:
New Arivals
Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants by Jane Goodall from Grand Central Publishing through Goodreads.
In her wise and elegant new book, Jane Goodall blends her experience in nature with her enthusiasm for botany to give readers a deeper understanding of the world around us.
Enduring Courage: Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed by John F. Ross from St. Martin’s Press.
The electrifying story of the beginning of America’s love affair with speed—and how one man above all the rest showed a nation the way forward. No simple daredevil, he was an innovator on the racetrack, a skilled aerial dualist and squadron commander, and founder of Eastern Air Lines.
In Velvet by Burt Weissbourd from JKSCommunications for a virtual tour.
A non-stop thriller set in some of North America’s wildest country, In Velvet takes you deep into the hearts of a hard case local detective and a Chicago cop as they take on a corrupt sheriff, a pathalogical poacher, and a lethal black ops manager to solve this ghastly mystery and restore the natural order in Yellowstone National Park.
Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore from Crown Books.
Suspenseful and cinematic, Bittersweet exposes the gothic underbelly of an American dynasty, and an outsider’s hunger to belong.
Still time to enter the giveaway
Win a copy of The Frangipani Hotel by Violet Kupersmith:
Based on traditional Vietnamese folk tales told to Kupersmith by her grandmother, these fantastical, chilling, and thoroughly contemporary stories are a boldly original exploration of Vietnamese culture, addressing both the immigrant experience and the lives of those who remained behind.
Fill out the form on my review post. US addresses only by midnight 3/29.
What are you reading?
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