Catfish and Mandala

Hey Guys! I'm reading again because I'm on vacation and can't seem to allot myself any time to read when I have normal life. The book at the moment is "Catfish and Mandala" which I have a hard time putting down, by Andrew X. Pham. I suppose it awakens some of the "Everything is Illuminated" love I have in that it's a traveling journey that jumps around the timeline, retracing history and heritage (though this one is slightly more realistic). Also, it can be very SAD (but happy too)!

Dad recommended it, and it was good... reminded me I love books and can possibly read a chapter before falling asleep at night (how do you people read otherwise? I used to do it on the subway, but now I just walk across the street to school/work)! Not finished, but will be soon.

I have another book called "Maries Reise" (Marie's Trip) which Bene gave me for my birhday, but I've only read a little before starting 'Catfish' and I think the german factor might make it less interesting for this page. Still, it's another travel story by a young author so... yay!

Fyi, Isabelle's favorite readings at the moment are blogs of trendy Mormon mothers. They do seem cool (though I told her to please not have 8 kids).

Where is Everyone?

I'm sorry that this blog seems to have fallen asleep lately!

I'm planning on reading Sizwe's Test by jonny Steinberg this week and will let you know how it goes!

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

Hi Gwen (and everyone else)...no I didn't give up books for lent. I gave up wine instead, which is worse, I think. I actually just finished Animal Dreams last night. It was excellent. I really enjoyed "The Poisonwood Bible" but this book was even better, I think. Easier on my brain is why, I'm sure.

What's up...

Hey! What's everybody reading? Did you all give up books for Lent?

A Homemade Life: Stories From My Kitchen Table

Hello everyone! I'm sorry that I have been M.I.A. lately (no.. not the singer) but I come bearing good news! Molly Wizenberg, who I can proudly claim as my favorite food writer, has just had her book published by non other than Simon & Schuster. (see title of blog) I picked up my copy on Friday and honestly had finished it by the end of the day. I seriously just read a food book similarly to how I read Harry Potter- didn't think that would ever happen. It was amazing! It probably helps that I have been keeping up with her blog (go to it!!! orangette.blogspot.com) and love her style of writing.

Molly also lives in Seattle (cue angels singing) and write for a blog and I believe has an article in Bon Apetit monthly. I have been referring to "Molly" a lot lately, which makes David think that she really is my friend... which would not be a bad thing since she writes beautifully, has a dog, lives in Seattle and makes wonderful food (my dream life). I think I sound very giddy in this post. If I do, it's purely because this book and it's recipes make me hungry and happy. I am going to try to make.. most of them. I'll let you know how that goes.

If you haven't figured it out yet... I HIGHLY (highly highly) recommend this book. If you are feeling hesitant, at least go to your local bookstore and check it out then report back to me. I will send you a copy!

Confessions of a Shopaholic

This might just be for Isabelle following her thoughts/rants on books made into movies...so, I love the Shopaholic Books which I have on my iPod and listen to frequently because they're so funny. The movie's coming out today and I read the review in the paper and I'm appalled. The main character from the books -- Becky from Oxshot, England who later lives in trendy Fulham, is now Becca from Manhattan. What?!?!? and her "Mr. Darcy" is now her boss. Wrong wrong wrong. At least seeing the movie before you read the books won't spoil anything for you. I think the movie should be qualified as "very loosely based on the Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella.

P.S. I will be going to see the movie. Isla Fischer is so cute and despite not having a British accent she'll probably be a great Becky (I mean Becca) Bloomwood. I might have to send an email to Jerry Bruckheimer though to complain. And, the movie reviewer called the shopaholic books Bridget Jones lite! Hmmph...Becky Bloomwood is loads more fun than Bridget (not that I don't like Bridget).

Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell

I've also recently read "Scarpetta". (What can I say, I'm only working part time right now.)
I had grown a little weary of the series b/c I felt like all of the characters had become more than a little unlikeable, but I feel like in this one they redeem themselves somewhat. It was worth the time, but certainly not a thought provoking read. It helped pass the time and I enjoyed it more than the past installments.