Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Stout

I'm not usually a fan on short stories. So when friends raved about this book, I put it off. Finally, a trusted friend told me it was her favorite book from the last few years. And she said it had won a Pulitzer. That did it. I had to read it. I must say it is one of the best I've read in a long time. I didn't want it to end. I wanted more stories about the people in this little Maine town, and I wanted to hear more about Olive. - June

Brandan Wolf by Brian Malloy

Why is it so many authors create a book you adore and then when they write the next novel, it just doesn't measure up? I absolutely loved "The Year of Ice" and I kept waiting for another book from Brian Malloy. When Brandan Wolf came out, it received decent reviews but not great ones, so I decided to pass on buying it. But when I saw the book at a local second-hand book sale for $1, I grabbed it. I guess you get what you pay for. There were parts I liked, and I really think the author writes well, but the story was strange and the ending disappointing. I'll wait to see what he comes up with next. -June

The Story of Forgetting by Stefan Merrill Block

This novel was devoted to the subject of Alzheimer's and how it has had an impact on two individuals. One of them is a young teenage boy whose mother is suffering from this horrible disease. The other is an older man who we learn is actually his grandfather. The book moves toward the end when the two eventually meet. The book is very well written, and for me, it's hard to believe it was written by a man only his 20's. Really liked it. - June

So Brave Young and Handsome by Leif Enger

I thought Sister BK had already reviewed this book, but I don't see it in the list. So let me be the one to say it's a beautifully written book. I always thought that Peace Like a River was an all-time hit, and I couldn't figure out why this author hadn't written anything else. Well, after about a 10-year break, he did. So Brave Young and Handsome is the story of the adventures of an author who has writer's block, so maybe that was the problem. Anyway, the characters are wonderful, and it's a book I recommend you read. - June

Home by Marilynne Robinson

If you think about a book even when you've put it down and walked away, does that mean you like it? If so, I really liked this book. It doesn't have much of a plot and very little action, but this quiet book did haunt me. I didn't read Gilead which is about the same town and even some of the same characters. But both books have received good reviews, and I'd recommend this one. There really are just 3 characters: an elderly man and two of his grown children who have returned to live with him. And it takes place in a small town in Iowa and there's mention of the big city of Des Moines. - June

The Probable Future by Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman always has a magic element in her books, and while I don't normally like fantasy types of books, she always seems to make it work. There are lots of characters who's lives weave together in this book, but it is very well written and keeps your interest throughout. It chronicles the lives of primarily 3 generations of Sparrow women who each have a gift. And you learn about the Sparrow women who came before them and the lives they lead with their magical gifts too. Recommend this one too. It's on it's way to Turd. - June

That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo

I confess. Richard Russo is my favorite author. OK, maybe it's a tie between him and Anne Tyler. But I love the guy. This may not be his best book, but it's still wonderful. He creates characters I love who are so real. And funny. Highly recommend this one. - June

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

I'm always reluctant to start a book that everyone raves about. My expectations were very high. But this one was worth the great reviews. It takes place in the 60's in Mississippi, and the characters are so real you feel you know them all. The racial issues of this time and place are handled so well by the author. I really loved this book. - June

The Likeness by Tana French

It's all about the characters. The plot is a bit bizarre, but if you overlook some of the coincidences and focus in on the interaction between the characters, this is a great book. It takes place in Ireland, and the central character is a female cop who goes undercover to solve a murder. She has to take on the life of the murder victim to do this, and it's fascinating to hear how she manages to do this. Recommend this one! - June

Away by Amy Bloom

Characters. For me, interesting characters can make a book, and in this one, they do. Lillian travels from Russia to New York City, to Seattle, to Alaska. And along the way, she encounters intriguing people. I loved how the narrator would tell the reader what happened to each character after Lillian moved on. Often in a book, we meet characters but don't know what happened to them. Here, the author gives us the rest of the story. The book is sometimes difficult to read - maybe it's the wording - but overall, I really enjoyed it. - June

Tillie's Winter Books

Resurrection by Tucker Malarcky. I listened to this on tape, and I thought it was terrific. I assume it would be a good read too. BT also listened to it on tape and it saved her life on her travels with her mother.

Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry. June didn't care for this, but I liked it. Pretty fluff reading.

Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber. Implausible ending but a great story. Highly recoommend.

Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell. Jumps around but I still really liked it. This was also a book I listened to on tape.

Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen. Takes place in two different centuries. Very good.

The Mephisto Club by Tess Gerritsen. Just OK. Kind of weird.

Downtown Owl by Chuck Klosterman. A character study of people in a small North Dakota town. Easy read. Enjoyable.

-Tillie

My Latest Grievance by Elinor Lipman

Maybe I liked this book because I met the author a few weeks ago at a book reading and I liked the author so much. She was funny and warm, and I wanted to like anything she would have written. So I did enjoy this book about a young girl growing up on a college campus where both her parents work. I loved the relationship between Fredricka and her parents (very liberal, open-minded parents trying to raise a socially aware young woman). So here's another one I recommend. Read it after you've just finished something intense and need something light and fun. -June

Restless by William Boyd

When I was in Chicago with Carla on her big old birthday, her friend Judy recommended this book to us. She said she's been unable to put it down. And I agree with her. This is an interesting read, and one I'd recommend. It's about a British woman who discovers that her mother was a spy in WWII. The book alternates chapters so every other one details the mother's adventures. I loved hearing how she was trained and what spy techniques she used. Thanks for the rec, Judy!! - June

Pleasant dreams

Okay now, here's a little hint to make those "waking up/getting up all night" events more enjoyable. Go get these new sheets I found! At least you go back to bed (or hopefully to sleep) smiling. They feel so good, and they don't wrinkle! I got mine at Kohls, but I'm sure you can find them lots of places.

Sonoma Life & Style 

Wrinkle-Resistant (and they really are)

500 thread count

Now isn't that special?

Carla

Chunky Taco Soup

1.5 pounds boneless beef sirloin or round steak cut into 3/4 inch cubes
1 medium onion chopped
1 TB olive oil
2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans rinsed and drained)
2 cans (14.5 ounces each diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained)
2 cups water
1 can 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14.75 ounces corn)
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 envelope taco seasoning
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
Brown beef and onion in large kettle or Dutch oven. Simmer until meat is tender. Add everything else (except the cilantro and all the water--I waited until I saw how juicy the mixture was without it then added water accordingly) bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for another 20 minutes or so. Good with sour cream and corn chips.
-BT

Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

A fascinating book. The author moves between Paris in the present time and Paris 1942 when the French police assisted the Germans in rounding up Jewish families. Although it's fiction, the story is based on a true event which makes it all the more devastating. I was especially touched by Sarah's story and how her life changed in a single day. There are a few parts of the book that are predictable, but for the most part, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. - June

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan

Great book! When I tell you it's about a young mother who discovers she has breast cancer, you'll think I'm crazy to tell you that it's a fun book to read. And when I tell you that at the same time she battles her disease, her father is diagnosed with bladder cancer, you'll really doubt my judgment. But she writes with such honesty and wit that you feel like you're talking with a friend. And speaking of friends, I will send this book to the first friend who leaves a comment for this posting and asks me to send it their way. I guess I'll find out if anyone is out there. :) - June

Loving Frank by Nancy Horan

When a friend gave me this book, I told her I was not a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and his architecture. But I knew nothing about his personal life. Although this is a fictional account of his long-term affair with Mamah Cheney, you can't help but wonder how much was true and what wasn't. Of course, at that time an affair like this was quite scandelous, so it's interesting to hear how the relationship is treated in the press and by the community. The book also connects Mamah to the woman's movement from that period, and I thought that part was interesting too. And the ending for me was a complete shock, so if you decide to read it, don't peak. It's definitely worth reading. - June

A Story for THE SAD BOOK

Carit won an all expense paid cruise to the Galapagos Islands!
And her vertigo came back.
And motion is NOT a friend of vertigo.
Sad but true.

Well, i guess it could be sadder. I could have won an all expense paid trip to Colchester.

RUN

Anyone read RUN by Ann Patchett (author of Bel Canto)? I really recommend it. I didn't know how this author could do better than Bel Canto, but this may be. She has an intriguing way of making a simple encounter into a life altering event. The story is about family...intermingled with love, race, class, religion, politics, and a pile of surprises. One of the most interesting takes on communication after death that I have ever read. Go get this one! Carla

Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates

Fierce invalids Home From Hot Climates, by Tom Robbins, reminded me how much I enjoy his writing--so quirky, so irreverent, so provocative. I now think I've read all of his books, but I am motivated to Google to make sure! I chose this book because Robbins is Katie Jo's boyfriend's favorite author and I was racing through the library on my way to the airport! I'm glad!

A Paris Christmas - Immoveable Feast by John Baxter

A neighbor who knows I love food and traveling decided this book would be perfect for me. And it is a fun book. It's basically the story of the preparations and planning for Christmas dinner by an Australian man who is mararied to a French woman. The best parts were the descriptions of the cheeses, breads, and wines of Paris. Warning... don't read this book if you're trying to diet! I found I couldn't read it without having the urge to nibble on something.

Foggy Goggles

Okay now. I'm in the Blog. Took me awhile to get here, but finally am. Ric and I just saw Slumdog Millionaire and loved it. Dreamt about it last night. We are way behind in movies. Leave for Costa Rica tomorrow, February 1. Will give a review when we get back. Love, Foggy Goggles

Baby Mama

Maybe I was just bored. Or maybe I was just in the mood for a good laugh. But I decided to rent Baby Mama last night. And while it certainly was not one of the recently announced Oscar nominations, it made me laugh out loud. Tina Fey (aka Sarah Palin) is funny and really creative and plays the same basic character she plays on 30 Rock. But Amy Poehler is hysterical. Steve Martin also has a small role and is, as always, quirky and fun. So will this movie make you think and change your life? No way. But it might make you giggle and we all need that. - June

The Year of Fog

If we really want to document all the books we read, I guess that means we also write an entry on those books that just aren't that great. I recently read The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond. If only I could eliminate 200 of the 400 pages, I think it would be a great story. Within the first 10 pages of the book, Abby looks away for a moment and her fiance's 6-year-old daughter disappears on the beach. The rest of the story covers the search for the little girl and the effect all of this has on Abby and her fiance. This was the good part. But the author also brought in all the dysfunction in Abby's family when she was a child. And spent chapters discussing the concept of memory as Abby struggled to remember the details of the day Emma disappeared. OK. So I skipped all of this stuff and just wanted to find out what happened to the kid. If you can edit while you read, it's not a bad book. On the cover, it says the Washington Post gave it an A. I'd have to go with a C. -June

Damages

Is anyone watching DAMAGES? It is truly the best televison series I have ever seen. Stars Glen Close as a shrewd lawyer and fascinating character. She is awesome.
It is on Wednesday at 9 pm Central time on FX. The second season just started last week. GO for it, girlfriends! Carla

Favorite quotes

We may be lost, but we're making good time.

I have two words for you..... Be Have!

favorite Christmas gift

This year, one of my colleagues learned that Oprah Winfrey had purchased the rights for anyone to download 8 superb musical selections without charge. My friend purchased inexpensive CD's at the Dollar Store, dubbed the tapes and wrapped in re-cycled paper. She estimated the total cost to be 23 cents per gift. She presented them three weeks before the holiday for us to enjoy. The gift was thoughtful and appreciated by those who knew of the need to watch expenses. Yeah Oprah, yeah friend. Dr.J

Honey-Fried Chicken

Not long after Greg retired, I came home one night to find that he'd seen a recipe he wanted to make, gone to the store and bought the ingredients, and had it waiting for me when I arrived. Now he found this recipe in the Wall Street Journal. Who knew they even had recipes in that paper? Imagine all the Wall Street types sitting around reading recipes. Maybe that's the whole problem with the economy! Anyway, we'd never made Fried Chicken before then. We'd spent our lives baking, broiling, and grilling chicken in the never-ending attempt to be healthy. So imagine my surprise with Fried Chicken! But there it was, waiting for me, and it was wonderful! We've had it several times since then, so tonight when we made it, I decided to share it with you.

Honey-Fried Chicken

1 chicken (we use just bonless, skinless breasts and thighs)
1/2 C honey
2 T raspberry or red wine vinegar
1/2 C flour
2 T whole wheat flour
2 t cayenne powder
2 eggs
1/4 C buttermilk
oil
salt & pepper

Place chicken in a large plastic bag. Stir the honey and vinegar together and pour into the bag and toss to coat chicken. Seal bag and let chicken marinate at least 2 hours and no more than 12 hours in the fridge.

Combine flours and cayenne in a wide shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs and buttermilk in another bowl. Drain the chicken. Dip it in the egg mixture, season with salt and pepper, and dredge in the flour-cayenne mixture.

Pour oil to a depth of 1 inch in a large heavy skillet and heat over med-high heat until temp is 300 degrees (we use a candy thermometer because the honey can burn if it gets too hot). Drop chicken in oil for 5-6 minutes on each side.

So what did you have for dinner tonight?

-June

june is teaching me

at this very moment june is getting me up to speed. ain't we great! tillie

Sara's Key by Tatiana DeRosnay

Mother's friend loaned us the book saying she couldn't put it down and had read it in 2 days. Not to be outdone, Mother also read it in 2 days but didn't comment (a rarity since she just read aloud the product descriptions and prices of the mattresses, box springs and frames she bought 14 years ago--she was cleaning out files). Well, I may have been showing off (I don't trust my motives these days) but I read the book in 5 hours--start to finish without stopping. This is the author's first novel and another novelist wrote, "This is a remarkable historical novel a book that brings to light a disturbing and deliberately hidden aspect of French behavior toward Jews during World War II. Like Sophie's Choice, it's a book that impresses itself upon one's heart and soul forever." I don't know about forever, but it is haunting and I think you'll be glad you read it!

AND please treat yourselves to "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society!" I think both June and Deb recommended it, too.

The Women

I hadn't read or heard anything about this movie so feared that, despite a cast of women whose performances I generally like, it might be disappointing at best. However, I really enjoyed it and think you will, too! Meg Ryan is still too cute (she can't help it), but how can you go wrong with a cameo by Bette Midler? And Cloris Leachman is her usual fine self, as is Annette Benning (who actually looks her age). I have trouble with Grace being anyone besides Grace, but Jada Smith was pretty funny--especially in the final scene. It's definitely a "chick flick." In fact, I don't recall even one man in the film unless you count extras on the sidewalks of New York!