Friday, March 23, 2012

The Part-Time Vegan by Cherise Grifoni

I have been really interested in Flexitarian eating lately so I jumped on the chance to review a free e copy of this cookbook from Booksneeze. Cherise Grifoni's the Part-Time Vegan explains fun and simple ways to incorporate more Vegan eating into your life. She explains the benefits and reasons why a flexitarian diet might be right for you and how to go about starting. I didn't feel overwhelmed but encouraged- like I could do this even if it was only a few days a week. The breakfast quinoa sounded incredible and for less familiar options, she offered friendly explanations. This is going to be a good reference for me for years to come.

Design*Sponge at Home

This was the biggest design book of 2011 in my opinion. I can't tell you how many blog posts I saw with this book perched carefully on the coffee table. The book itself is striking in person with the gold picture (subtle but gorgeous). As for the actual book, lots of fun photos, some DIY, lots of flower arranging. The before and afters were fun and if you were a blogger whose project was featured I bet that would feel pretty amazing. A lot of the book felt pretty contrived- the same mid century modern stuff every where. A couple good ideas but nothing life changing. I spent about a hour flipping through this and returned it to the library. I bet it will be pretty funny to see what was hot ten years ago when this book is at the thrift store, akin to the decorating books of the nineties that are pretty laughable now.

Project: Happily Ever After

Project: Happily Ever After- Saving your Marriage when the Fairytale Falters was an accidental read for me. I was looking for a different book someone had recommended but it wasn't available at the library. This one popped up instead so I thought I would see what author Alisa Bowman had to say. No matter how happy your marriage is, you can always stand a little more information and ideas. The book starts off with a rundown of how she ended up marrying her husband (failed relationships, work, etc).

Things start out good but of course they end up 'falling out of love' and over each other. So much of this book was devoted to why her husband wasn't doing enough. Even when they start to fix things, most of the solutions involve her telling her husband what he should be doing and then maybe deciding it's alright that he isn't perfect. Well, I didn't feel much connection with the character. I'm sure her husband made her crazy and that he wasn't a perfect man but I don't know that she was either and didn't see a lot of compromise or connection besides making him align. I feel like I learned more about marriage, love and respect, hard work and determination from the fictitious marriage of Jamie and Claire in Outlander. It's always good to hear that people overcome and that things can get better even when they seem bad. But as for loving my man and being a better spouse and person, this isn't where I would turn (some funny anecdotes, though, to be fair!)

The Hand that First Held Mine

The Hand that First Held Mine is the story of two women, living 50 years apart in London. Elina, in the present, is a new mother, trying to figure out parenthood, her relationship, and herself. Lexie, in the 50's, is trying to stretch her wings and see where she will go and what she will become. I loved reading their two stories and was waiting to see how they would eventually connect but when they finally did, I was pretty sad. I guess I would say I liked this book because I enjoyed reading the whole thing but it was sad how it all worked out. I did leave with a feeling of hope- that things can work out, that we can grow and do better, that there is a plan and it will all be alright, even if the ending is nothing like we imagined.

An Echo in the Bone

The seventh and most current book in the Outlander series, An Echo in the Bone was a fast read at my house. There are several concurrent plots- the British army, Claire and Jamie, Roger and Brianna. Lots of heart break and shock, love, and cliff hangers. When I shut the book I wanted to yell 'but what about Jem? William? Claire and Jamie? Lord John? UGHHH!!" It's SO frustrating waiting for the next part of the series. I really love these characters and admire them. The way that they just keep on going, loving each other despite weakness, hardship, insurmountble odds. I can't believe how many times they have to pick up and start over. It's inspiring and makes my life feel a little vain. The 'hard thing' I deal with aren't that hard when I think about it.

A few things I loved remembering what I read so far (a few books blending together since I read the whole series in about 3 weeks)-

*Claire's approach to the 18th century- medicine, culture, etc. I loved seeing the comparisons and how she adapted.

*Jamie's unwavering loyalty. Wow. He is such a good man to the core- even when no one is looking. It makes me want to develop my character and to be a better spouse.

*The older perspective on new things and vice versa- Brianna explaining toilet paper, reconciling knowledge of the 'future' with the realities they are dealing with, trying to innovate. I love how Roger makes little toy cars for the kids but kind of ache when they can't explain what they are (I think that was the previous book).

*I loved in this book when they 'met' some real characters- Benedict Arnold, Nathan Hale, etc. I know so much of history is speculative and it's hard to say how it really went but I loved learning more about the way people lived and dealt with their challenges. I know so many of them were honestly terrible- lots of hardship. They must have thought the world was ending (just as people do now) but from where we sit, that is just a few chapters in a history book, come and gone. It's refreshing to gain a new perspective and appreciation.

I am kicking myself that when I met Diana Gabaldon, I hadn't read any of these books, didn't know who Claire and Jamie were, and didn't take the chance to pick her brain. I am so sad they are 'over' for now and can't wait for the next one. I'm sure when I meet her again at the next signing there will be hundreds or thousands of fans instead of the intimate setting where she was hosting Sharon Kay Penman. For now I will have to suffice my Outlander kick by starting over, reading Diana's blog and excerpts, and thinking about naming my next son James (would go with the William we have already!)

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Book Six in the Outlander Series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes is fast paced and exciting, lots of development in the characters and stories as war officially comes to the Colonies. With personal hardships, false accusations, kidnappings, and more, this book was one that I absolutely couldn't put down. Thank goodness the sequel was alright out when I read this one. There really was a lot of sad things happening to characters I loved but the lesson that the father teaches his daughter about forgiveness. Even in the face of serious betrayal and hurt, he teaches compassion, forgiveness, and what truly matters in a very poignant way. We would all be so lucky to have learned such a great lesson.

The Fiery Cross

The fifth book in the Outlander series, The Fiery Cross deals with Claire and Jamie, the rest of Fraser's ridge, and their daughter's family. Brianna and Roger have a lot of difficulties and issues to work out as do all of the characters with the coming of the Revolution. This book deals a lot with the community, working together, and seeing how outside events effect characters very dear to us. Loved it (and anxiously moved to the next one!)