
Happens Every Day: an All-Too-True Story by Isabel Gillies: I could have easily hated this book. Oh, your totally perfect life isn't so perfect anymore? Shame, that. But Gillies was so open and honest, I found myself really respecting...and liking...her.
Spiced: A Pastry Chef's True Stories of Trials by Fire, After-Hours Exploits, and What Really Goes on in the Kitchen by Dalia Jurgensen: Just put a quote from Anthony Bourdain on the cover, and I'll read anything. Even as a non-foodie, I really enjoyed this.
The Last Secret by Mary McGarry Morris: I was all excited to see a new book by this author, but it turns out I was confusing MMM with Billie Letts. Don't ask me! I went ahead and read it anyway, and while it wasn't my favorite read, it was okay. It has that thriller vibe, with someone's past coming back to haunt her. Like I said, just okay.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley: A mystery with an extraordinary, chemistry-loving, eleven year old at its center. I had a hard time getting started with the book, but it was worth the trouble. I get the feeling Flavia (the 11 year old) is going to be very popular.
Look Again by Lisa Scottoline: Not my favorite Scottoline book. One of the things I enjoy about her books are the references to the Philadelphia area, and there wasn't enough of that in this book. It was also a little predictable. I figured it all out well before the end which is unheard of for me.
The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil: Of all the knitting group books I've read, this has been my favorite. (Confession: I couldn't even finish The Friday Night Knitting Club and it drives me a little crazy that so many people want to read it.) I think I liked it because it didn't take itself too seriously.
Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas: I loved Tallgrass by the same author and was thrilled when this book popped up on my desk. In the book, Hennie Comfort, a longtime resident of a mining town, tells her stories to Nit, a newcomer. It's just a gentle, steady book that's lovely to read.
Brooklyn by Colm Toibin: An Irish immigrant in Brooklyn in the fifties. Wow, for a man, Colm Toibin really knows how to write about women! Read the New Yorker review for more kudos. I can't do it justice.

Hungry Monkey: a Food-Loving Father's Quest to Raise an Adventurous Eater by Matthew Amster-Burton: Another book with a quote from Anthony Bourdain on the cover! Also another book that could have gone very wrong. Fear not, Amster-Burton is not a sanctimonious parent-nutritionist pushing sprouts and whole wheat. He even admits to making mac and cheese from a box! And Iris, the daughter, is adorable. (Check out the video on his blog.)
4 comments:
I heard this guy on the radio and was taken with his relaxed attitude toward parenting. He was funny too. I'll have to give the book a try, and then maybe give as a gift to certain people :)
He does seem like a great guy. Did you watch the video with Iris? What a cutie pie.
I just checked out "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" from my library. I was having trouble getting in to it, but I'll press on for another chapter or two.
Oh, Stephanie, I hope you don't hate it! It was quirky, but I ended up really liking it.
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