An Omelette and A Glass of Wine
by Elizabeth David
[Book]
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This collection of essays originally published in British newspapers and magazines allows easy entry into the writing of one of the greatest food writers of all time. Her books are glorious but dense; but here she touches deftly and lightly on all manner of culinary topics, from what makes a true sardine to the pleasures of cooking French food in your own little holiday kitchen in France. There are recipes throughout, but read this book for its witty, evocative, clear-eyed prose.
Reviewed by Matt
Tagged: Food, Non-fiction
Hungry planet : what the world eats
by Peter Menzel and written by Faith D’Aluisio
[Book]
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A photo-chronicle that visits families in twenty-four countries in every inhabited continent, each photographed amidst their weekly food purchases. The accompanying text details food-intake lists with costs noted; provides typical family recipes; and draws on this data to produce such illuminating essays as “Diabesity,” about the worldwide epidemic of obesity and diabetes.
Reviewed by Matt
Tagged: Food, Non-fiction
American Food Writing : An Anthology with Classic Recipes
by Molly O’Neill
[Book]
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This wide-ranging collection of essays, journal entries, excerpts from novels, and selected recipes spans three centuries of American eating, in prose that is often as appetizing as its subjects. Even dedicated readers of food writing will find much here that is completely unfamiliar, and those new to the genre will put the book down with a fresh respect for and delight in our astonishing culinary largess.
Reviewed by Matt
Tagged: Food, Non-fiction
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
by Aimee Bender
[Book]
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Rose has a magical gift; she is able to taste people’s emotions in the food that they prepare. Rose views this gift as a curse. She is able to feel the emotions of her family and friends and learn their deepest secrets. With solid writing and an original storyline, this new novel is quickly working its way up the bestseller lists.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Fiction
Stay
by Allie Larkin
[Book]
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A heartbroken woman, Van, tries to get on with her life after the man she is in love with marries her best friend. During a late night Rin Tin Tin marathon, she accidentally buys a Slovakian German Shepard while under the influence of vodka. With the dog’s help, Van works to rebuild her life and meets a handsome veterinarian.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Dogs, Fiction, Romance
The Art of Racing in the Rain : A Novel
by Garth Stein
[Book]
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The art of racing in the rain is one of my favorite books this year. The novel is narrated by a dog, Enzo, who observes and supports his family going through a crisis. His insights are spot on. This book made me rather emotional: I laughed out loud when Enzo attacked the “dancing zebra;” I cried when a loved one died; I got mad, really mad at the “evil twins.” This novel is touching and meaningful in so many ways.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Dogs, Fiction
Cod: A Biography of the fish that Changed the World
by Mark Kurlansky
[Book]
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This book will, of course, teach you a fair amount about codfish, but it will also teach you a great deal about history. As it turns out, the history of cod fisheries and the the trade in salted cod have had an enormous impact on world events, playing a crucial role in the slave trade, the exploration of the New World, and the American Revolutionary War. Mr. Kurlansky’s writing is engaging; he will make you excited about cod.
Reviewed by Ben
Tagged: Food, History, Non-fiction
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Are you the sort of person who’s interested in Gilberto Gil, Stax Records, Roger Troutman, John Coltrane, J Dilla or the history of the Wah-Wah pedal? If you’ve answered in the affirmative, you ought to be investigating Waxpoetics. Luckily for you, Forbes has a subscription! This magazine is packed with soul, jazz, funk, Tropicalia and hip-hop music stories. Furthermore, recent issues are accompanied by a 7″ vinyl record.
Reviewed by Jason
Tagged: Hip-Hop, Music, Soul music
Stuff : Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things
by Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee
[Book]
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This is a fascinating account of how people get to the point that their living space is unlivable because of the sheer volume of possessions they can’t manage to get rid of. The authors explore case histories and the psychological and neurological reasons behind hoarding behavior. There’s a little bit of someone you know in here.
Reviewed by Faith
Tagged: Non-fiction, Psychology
The Girl Who Chased the Moon : A Novel
by Sarah Addison Allen
[Book]
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Seventeen-year-old, Emily Benedict, comes to live with her grandfather following the death of her mother. Hoping to solve the mysteries of her mother’s childhood, Emily soon meets the many colorful characters of Mullaby, North Carolina. There are many supernatural happenings including: mood changing wallpaper, dancing lights in the backyards, and the smell of pastries that can bring people home from afar. A satisfying and magical read.
Reviewed by Jude
Tagged: Fantasy, Fiction
Noah’s Compass
by Anne Tyler
[Book]
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In this humorous tale, Liam Pennywell finds himself in a hospital, not knowing how he got there and grappling for memories. In a wonderful tale of a life contracted and then expanded, we have an unlikely hero – the schmucky father and ex-husband who finally becomes beloved.
Reviewed by Sara
Tagged: Fiction, Humor, Psychological fiction
The Pillars of the Earth
by Ken Follett
[Book]
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Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through four decades during which social and political upheaval and the internal politics of the church affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists.
Reviewed by Forbes Library Staff
Tagged: Fiction, Historical fiction
