Two books and a giveaway!
Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Tags: World War II, Guernsey Island, London, historical fiction, letters
This book follows Juliet Ashton, a writer in London in 1946. Life on the island of Guernsey was not good under Nazi occupation during WWII and Juliet becomes enthralled with their history after becoming acquainted with some of the islanders. The letters written to, from and about her from various individuals in her life comprise the text of this novel. Tales of good and bad under the German occupation and what the war did to common people comprise the bulk of the story here. It is a nice little book that reads fast but it is rather predictable. (3 stars)
Title: Those Who Save Us
Author: Jenna Blum
Tags: World War II, historical fiction, Jews, German Resistance, Weimar Germany, Nazis, families, mothers and daughters, Minnesota, Buchenwald, Holocaust
This story follows a mother and daughter through World War II and beyond, from Germany to Minnesota 50 years later. It is a tale of sadness, terror, survival, heroism and understanding. Anna, a young German woman, falls in love and hides an older Jewish doctor who works for the German Resistance trying to get information out about Buchenwald concentration camp. They fall in love, he is arrested and she is pregnant.
The story follows Anna's tale of love, hardship and survival trying to keep daughter and herself alive when her employer and friend is murdered. Anna's daughter Trudy does not understand her mother and does not know her story. It is best left dead and in the past according to Anna. Trudy has never known who her father is and struggles to understand how people could let the Holocaust occur. It is that mission that leads Trudy to discover the truth of her existence and the horrors of what happened in Germany 50 years before.
This book is honest and horrifying. It is well written and progresses in ways that keep you guessing and turning pages. Overall, the key to this book is to subtly ask the question, "What would I have done in that time and place?" It is a soul-searching question. (4 stars)
Are you interested in reading either book? If so, leave a comment by April 7 and they might be yours.
- Ju
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Music to my ears
I think it's safe to say that I enjoy a good hardrock-headbanging tune now and then. So I was excited when the original members of Creed reunited and released a new album last October.
"Full Circle" is the 4th album by Creed and it does not disappoint. If you like Creed, you will like this new set of songs. As in the past, Scott Stapp (lead vocals) and Mark Tremonti (guitars, back up vocals) are the two main components of this group. Overcome, Rain, and A Thousand Faces are their best, and released in that order. I also like the song Full Circle, which is definitely written about Scott and his reunion with the other band members. Away in Silence and Suddenly are also very good.
With any album there's always a song or two that just don't belong. Bread of Shame is that song. I don't know if I have even made it through the whole song yet...it just goes on and on and on. I also noticed that some songs definitely emphasize the guitar more than the vocals - almost overpowering the words at times. I'm sure this is done purposely - maybe a agreement between band members so that everyone has their turn in the spotlight...it's not all about Scott anymore.
If I had to rate this album, I would give it a 7 out of 10. As much as I love Creed's sound, their religious undertones, deep vocals, and gifted guitar, I think they can do better. Here's hoping their tour lands them in a venue near me, and I am already looking forward to their next album.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Ultimate Sin Cookies
I read a bunch of different cooking blogs. I have grand delusions of cooking greatness. I admit it; I fantasy cook. However I found a recipe that sounded like it needed to be tried. So I did. Today. You'll understand if you read the blog entry. They do indeed sound sinful.
This recipe came from the blog Country Living, City Style.
It's pretty easy and you can add anything you want. They are sorta kitchen sink cookies but she only added chocolate and coconut but I left out the coconut because...well, I hate coconut. It's nasty, but that's a whole other blog post that we won't get into now. Like I was saying, easy recipe. I halved it today because I didn't want a truckload of cookies. The half recipe made two dozen cookies. Just right.
I added milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate and butterscotch chips. I'm a rebel. I used old fashioned oats instead of quick oats. That's all I had. I didn't check the pantry first. Oops.
These cookies do not spread out when baking. I wonder if it is because they only have brown sugar. They mostly hold the shape they were when you slapped them on the cookie sheet. I use a small cookie scoop to keep the sizes uniform; sometimes I'm not a rebel. I want my cookies to cook at the same rate. If you use a scoop, these cookies will be very round. See the last picture. Little domes. I flattened the first two batches so they are mostly flat cookies.
They are tasty. They go well with a big glass of milk especially if you have taken the recommended path and added as much chocolate as you want. You could probably add nuts or fruit to these and be happy as well. I might make these again but my favorite cookies are still the Nestle Tollhouse recipe -- I like my cookies flat with chewy middles and crispy edges. They deliver every time.
Ultimate Sin Cookies
1 cup of margarine
1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups of flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups of quick oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp vanilla
Cream together the butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add in the flour. Then add in the oats. Add in all the chocolate. If you want, feel free to add in more dark or milk chocolate. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and if wanted, flatten slightly. Cook at 350 degrees for 10-14 minutes.
This recipe came from the blog Country Living, City Style.
It's pretty easy and you can add anything you want. They are sorta kitchen sink cookies but she only added chocolate and coconut but I left out the coconut because...well, I hate coconut. It's nasty, but that's a whole other blog post that we won't get into now. Like I was saying, easy recipe. I halved it today because I didn't want a truckload of cookies. The half recipe made two dozen cookies. Just right.
I added milk chocolate, semi sweet chocolate and butterscotch chips. I'm a rebel. I used old fashioned oats instead of quick oats. That's all I had. I didn't check the pantry first. Oops.
These cookies do not spread out when baking. I wonder if it is because they only have brown sugar. They mostly hold the shape they were when you slapped them on the cookie sheet. I use a small cookie scoop to keep the sizes uniform; sometimes I'm not a rebel. I want my cookies to cook at the same rate. If you use a scoop, these cookies will be very round. See the last picture. Little domes. I flattened the first two batches so they are mostly flat cookies.
They are tasty. They go well with a big glass of milk especially if you have taken the recommended path and added as much chocolate as you want. You could probably add nuts or fruit to these and be happy as well. I might make these again but my favorite cookies are still the Nestle Tollhouse recipe -- I like my cookies flat with chewy middles and crispy edges. They deliver every time.
Ultimate Sin Cookies
1 cup of margarine
1 1/2 cups of brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups of flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups of quick oats
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tsp vanilla
Cream together the butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add in the flour. Then add in the oats. Add in all the chocolate. If you want, feel free to add in more dark or milk chocolate. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, and if wanted, flatten slightly. Cook at 350 degrees for 10-14 minutes.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
The Hurt Locker
Have you seen this movie?I had not heard much about this film before the Oscars. I knew that Kathryn Bigelow was the director and that it involved disarming bombs in Iraq. Enter Netflix. And wow -- what a film. Sometimes it takes me a few weeks to decide on a movie; my initial reaction, I couldn't believe a woman made the film. It's an action packed war movie. It's not about the Iraq war per se, but about how men are affected by the things they see and do.
The main characters are a three man team lead by US Army Sergeant First Class Will James (Jeremy Renner). Sergeant JT Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Specialist Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) complete his team to dispose of bombs left throughout Baghdad. When the movie opens, their company has 39 days left in their deployment. This movie follws those days with an intensity that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I had one very large problem with it though. The character played by Jeremy Renner is a dangerous risk-taker -- he seems to revel in the thrill of getting the job done regardless of what is safe or prudent. I cannot believe the Army would enable a soldier to put others in that kind of jeopardy during combat.
That said, it was quite good. It's high-pressure, non-stop action from the beginning. I'm a war flick girl. Love war movies. Ever seen Patton? If you haven't, you should and in Blu-ray. It's worth the time.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Look into my crystal ball...
Event: Inner Power Awareness Psychic Festival
Location: Liverpool, NY
Date: February 21, 2010
Last month my mom and I went to the local Psychic Fair. We go to this event every year, and we always have a good time. The fair doesn't change much from year to year. The center of the room is filled with rocks, stones, and jewelry for sale; circling the room are many tables of psychics, intuitives and palm readers, etc.
I'm not sure how many years we have gone to this thing and I have never had a 'reading'. My mom always does and we usually get a big kick out of what they predict for her. So this year I finally got up the nerve to have a reading done. I'm not sure why I was so nervous - maybe I have watched too many tv shows where the psychic always has such bad news. Anyway, I paid my money and waited patiently for my 15 minutes of fame (no really...you only get 15 minutes).
The woman I chose was an intuitive counselor, that advertised tarot card readings, spirit guide readings, tarot numerology, and spiritual counseling. She seemed like she might just have the info I was looking for...plus I had a coupon! :-) She started off by constructing a Tarot Numerology Report. Using your birthdate she figures out your personality type, soul, and, of course, your lucky numbers! Then she asked if I had any specific questions. Thinking nothing of it, I said "Well, I would like to know about my career". Little did I know, that question would be the ONLY topic she would discuss. I had to go as far as to give her the actual career I was envisioning for myself, and then she would consult her tarot cards for the answer. Although the info she gave me was interesting, it was nothing new. Yes, I would need a degree...duh...and it would take me at least 2 years to get it...double duh. Moving along, next I asked about 'spirit guides' and she then tapped into their world to discuss my career as well - not exactly what I was looking for from my spirit guide. How would my spirit guide know if I would be good at accounting or not...shouldn't they be concentrating on how I am feeling spiritually?
Needless to say, my first reading was a bit disappointing, but that certainly won't be the last one I ever get. I am well prepared for next time, and I am definitely not interested in asking any questions.
My mom and I wandered around the fair for over an hour or so. Among many other items, my mom bought a really nice salt lamp - that my kids insisted on tasting. I told them it was a salt lamp not a salt lick - but they're a whole different topic. I took home a very beautiful polished rock that was labeled snakeskin cracked agate. Agate is said to attract strength, and protect from stress, bad dreams and energy drains...and I can surely use all the help I can get.
Location: Liverpool, NY
Date: February 21, 2010
Last month my mom and I went to the local Psychic Fair. We go to this event every year, and we always have a good time. The fair doesn't change much from year to year. The center of the room is filled with rocks, stones, and jewelry for sale; circling the room are many tables of psychics, intuitives and palm readers, etc.
I'm not sure how many years we have gone to this thing and I have never had a 'reading'. My mom always does and we usually get a big kick out of what they predict for her. So this year I finally got up the nerve to have a reading done. I'm not sure why I was so nervous - maybe I have watched too many tv shows where the psychic always has such bad news. Anyway, I paid my money and waited patiently for my 15 minutes of fame (no really...you only get 15 minutes).
The woman I chose was an intuitive counselor, that advertised tarot card readings, spirit guide readings, tarot numerology, and spiritual counseling. She seemed like she might just have the info I was looking for...plus I had a coupon! :-) She started off by constructing a Tarot Numerology Report. Using your birthdate she figures out your personality type, soul, and, of course, your lucky numbers! Then she asked if I had any specific questions. Thinking nothing of it, I said "Well, I would like to know about my career". Little did I know, that question would be the ONLY topic she would discuss. I had to go as far as to give her the actual career I was envisioning for myself, and then she would consult her tarot cards for the answer. Although the info she gave me was interesting, it was nothing new. Yes, I would need a degree...duh...and it would take me at least 2 years to get it...double duh. Moving along, next I asked about 'spirit guides' and she then tapped into their world to discuss my career as well - not exactly what I was looking for from my spirit guide. How would my spirit guide know if I would be good at accounting or not...shouldn't they be concentrating on how I am feeling spiritually?
Needless to say, my first reading was a bit disappointing, but that certainly won't be the last one I ever get. I am well prepared for next time, and I am definitely not interested in asking any questions.
My mom and I wandered around the fair for over an hour or so. Among many other items, my mom bought a really nice salt lamp - that my kids insisted on tasting. I told them it was a salt lamp not a salt lick - but they're a whole different topic. I took home a very beautiful polished rock that was labeled snakeskin cracked agate. Agate is said to attract strength, and protect from stress, bad dreams and energy drains...and I can surely use all the help I can get.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Disappointing
Title: Echo in the Bone
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Tags: American Revolution, historical fiction, 18th Century, Scotland, Outlander series
I had great expectations for this book. I re-read the entire series (all six previous books!) so I could pick up where we left off with A Breath of Smoke and Ashes. I was very excited to start this book. What a waste of time and effort. Echo in the Bone is a meandering, disjointed, badly edited book. Jumping from story to story is bad enough but all the side stories that contribute nothing to the plot are a waste of time.
Brianna's character is horrid. She's a snide, nasty, self-righteous person; much more so than Claire, which is saying a lot. Can't take it. I wish Roger would toss her over and find someone pleasant. The William/Lord John chapters do not fit in this book. I thought that is why Ms. Gabaldon wrote all those Lord John books. That is where all these stories belong, not here. What was the editor thinking? Since she can sell books, let her write exactly what she wants?
I don't know why this book has gone so far off-track. I refuse to finish reading this book. I'm one-third of the way through and have been sadly disappointed by almost each chapter. I don't care what happens now. I'm very confounded by this book -- 800 pages of wandering stories. For instance, when Ian takes the two "boys" to brothel. Why include that story? It means nothing to the plot line other than to include Arch Bug. These characters will never be seen again unless she sticks them in later in some other book. And will they be remembered? Doubtful.
To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. Read at your own risk. Can I give the book one star?
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Tags: American Revolution, historical fiction, 18th Century, Scotland, Outlander series
I had great expectations for this book. I re-read the entire series (all six previous books!) so I could pick up where we left off with A Breath of Smoke and Ashes. I was very excited to start this book. What a waste of time and effort. Echo in the Bone is a meandering, disjointed, badly edited book. Jumping from story to story is bad enough but all the side stories that contribute nothing to the plot are a waste of time.
Brianna's character is horrid. She's a snide, nasty, self-righteous person; much more so than Claire, which is saying a lot. Can't take it. I wish Roger would toss her over and find someone pleasant. The William/Lord John chapters do not fit in this book. I thought that is why Ms. Gabaldon wrote all those Lord John books. That is where all these stories belong, not here. What was the editor thinking? Since she can sell books, let her write exactly what she wants?
I don't know why this book has gone so far off-track. I refuse to finish reading this book. I'm one-third of the way through and have been sadly disappointed by almost each chapter. I don't care what happens now. I'm very confounded by this book -- 800 pages of wandering stories. For instance, when Ian takes the two "boys" to brothel. Why include that story? It means nothing to the plot line other than to include Arch Bug. These characters will never be seen again unless she sticks them in later in some other book. And will they be remembered? Doubtful.
To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. Read at your own risk. Can I give the book one star?
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