Bringing up BeBe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman
I felt that this would be an interesting book about parenting in different cultures, but I found it very flat. Instead of a balanced book about the differences she observed between French parents and American parents, Druckerman straight out assaults all things American. And she's an American!!
The gross generalizations made by the author had me fuming from the beginning. I found the book entirely superficial. I kept thinking surely it would get better, but no, it never did. At most, she offers a tiny bit of common sense parenting advice.
If you are a parent, with precious time to read, don't choose this one! In my opinion, completely useless.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Cutie Pies
Cutie Pies by Dani Cone
I have this detailed fantasy about living on a farm, being an artist and cooking/baking. In this fantasy life I make jam, bake bread and make a lot of yummy desserts.
This fantasy life is not remotely close to my current life, and truthfully, not compatible with my particular talents!
My alter ego immensely enjoys cookbooks. Most aren't really notable, but this one is adorable! While I didn't actually MAKE anything from the book, I loved it.
A must see for the baker (or the wish-I-could actually bake) crowd.
I have this detailed fantasy about living on a farm, being an artist and cooking/baking. In this fantasy life I make jam, bake bread and make a lot of yummy desserts.
This fantasy life is not remotely close to my current life, and truthfully, not compatible with my particular talents!
My alter ego immensely enjoys cookbooks. Most aren't really notable, but this one is adorable! While I didn't actually MAKE anything from the book, I loved it.
A must see for the baker (or the wish-I-could actually bake) crowd.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Life As I Blow It
Life As I Blow It by Sarah Colonna
If you are a fan of Chelsea Handler, try this book. Colonna shares her comedic relationship woes in this memoir.
A light, funny read.
If you are a fan of Chelsea Handler, try this book. Colonna shares her comedic relationship woes in this memoir.
A light, funny read.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Prompt and Utter Destruction
Prompt and Utter Destruction: Truman and the Use of Atomic Bombs Against Japan by J. Samuel Walker
The decision to use atomic bombs against Japan in WWII is a divisive subject amongst historians. Usually you find this as a small segment in recounts of the entire war. I appreciated that Walker wrote only about this decision and nothing else. This book is short enough not to be boring. Walker examines the reasoning behind the decision to use the bombs in a concise, straight forward manner.
A recommend for the history reader.
The decision to use atomic bombs against Japan in WWII is a divisive subject amongst historians. Usually you find this as a small segment in recounts of the entire war. I appreciated that Walker wrote only about this decision and nothing else. This book is short enough not to be boring. Walker examines the reasoning behind the decision to use the bombs in a concise, straight forward manner.
A recommend for the history reader.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Ketchup is a Vegetable
Ketchup is a Vegetable by Robin O’Bryant
I don’t often laugh uncontrollably while reading, but there were parts of this book that had me giggling to the point of tears. I brought this as a light read for my lunch break at work. I was laughing so hard that I started snorting and crying. Hot mess!
Mommy blogger, Robin O’Bryant speaks directly to frazzled Moms everywhere. I could completely relate to her kids antics. Makes me want to write a book to share my kid crazies!
Light and fun pick for my Mommy friends.
I don’t often laugh uncontrollably while reading, but there were parts of this book that had me giggling to the point of tears. I brought this as a light read for my lunch break at work. I was laughing so hard that I started snorting and crying. Hot mess!
Mommy blogger, Robin O’Bryant speaks directly to frazzled Moms everywhere. I could completely relate to her kids antics. Makes me want to write a book to share my kid crazies!
Light and fun pick for my Mommy friends.
Friday, February 15, 2013
The Presidents Club
The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy
This book had me from the introduction. I read this during the 2012 election season and the intro quoted Theodore Roosevelt: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is not effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory or defeat." I was nodding my head and saying "Exactly!" as I read this quote. I have the utmost respect for the office of President and the history and the men who have filled the role fascinate me.
This book was just amazing. It follows the relationships built amongst former Presidents; beginning with Truman and Hoover on the day of Eisenhower's inauguration. Told in intimate fashion, the book humanizes these great men. I learned something about each President featured in the book that I didn't already know. I saw sides of them I hadn't considered.
I don't remember the earlier Presidents in this book. But in my lifetime, I have had the most admiration for past presidents George Bush (the first one) and Bill Clinton. Reading about the relationship they have built was really refreshing to me. It gives me a sliver of hope for the future of our country that is so torn right now.
This book was not political, at all. The authors were straight-forward and unbiased. If you enjoy presidential or American history I definitely recommend this one. I loved it!
This book had me from the introduction. I read this during the 2012 election season and the intro quoted Theodore Roosevelt: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is not effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory or defeat." I was nodding my head and saying "Exactly!" as I read this quote. I have the utmost respect for the office of President and the history and the men who have filled the role fascinate me.
This book was just amazing. It follows the relationships built amongst former Presidents; beginning with Truman and Hoover on the day of Eisenhower's inauguration. Told in intimate fashion, the book humanizes these great men. I learned something about each President featured in the book that I didn't already know. I saw sides of them I hadn't considered.
I don't remember the earlier Presidents in this book. But in my lifetime, I have had the most admiration for past presidents George Bush (the first one) and Bill Clinton. Reading about the relationship they have built was really refreshing to me. It gives me a sliver of hope for the future of our country that is so torn right now.
This book was not political, at all. The authors were straight-forward and unbiased. If you enjoy presidential or American history I definitely recommend this one. I loved it!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Year of Wonders
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
For the historical fiction lovers Geraldine Brooks brings to life a village suffering through the plague.
Historical fiction isn't usually a favorite genre of mine. But I found this book interesting. Now I want to read more about the plague (non-fiction, instead).
The characters are intriguing and the plot horrific. Makes you wonder what you would do in that situation.
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