Carloine Adderson: Sitting Practice

One Word Summary: the second noble truth/thinking
More Words: The blurbs on the back were so enticing that I had to try this book. And I wasn't disappointed. It is very well written. I especially liked how two people, so in love, can completely not get what the other is thinking or feeling.

The Globe and Mail review: Adderson achieves a remarkable
effect with her prose. Its clarity is so overwhelming that it becomes
intoxicating.
The Vancouver Sun wrote: Adderson's prose is characterized
by fierce intelligence, razor-sharp wit, and wry omniscience. She writes with a
tone of subdued mirth or bemused wisdom that lends the book both immediacy and
intimacy. In her hands sex, religion, parenting, even something as simple as
making bread come from a completely unexpected vantage that makes them suddenly
new and strange.

Synopsis: Iliana and Ross are in love. Six weeks after their wedding a car accident leaves Iliana paralyzed. She and Ross struggle to cope with their personal and mutual tragedies. Plus a whole family of idiosyncratic people join them for the ride.

Things Some People Might Not Like (TPMNL): The F-Word, Adultery, Atheism, Gluttony
Rate: 3 tennis balls

Trumpeter 2008

Joanne Harris: Chocolat

One Word Summary: Transcendental-Buddha is a Woman
More Words: When I finally closed this book I felt unsettled and confused. On reflection, that's probably just as I ought to feel. If you've seen the movie the book is not exactly the same. Although, I can't really remember the film except that to say I thought it was beautiful. I think Hollywood wrapped it up nicely too. The novel has a less tidy and not-so-happily-ever-after finale. It ended on a plea. Harris left it up to the humble reader to choose which way the wind was blowing. For me- I can't decide.
Recommendations: This story isn't for the dogmatic (-izer or -ees). It's not for people who can't tolerate a little or a lot of negative christian stereotyping. It's also not for people against euthanasia or for people who have a problem with alternative lifestyles. This book is not relaxing. Don't pick it up after a long day at work, don't pick it up if your feet hurt. It's a good book to think about-it grows on you after you've put it down. Read it on a rainy day with a blanket a fire and a pizza (or maybe a box chocolates would be more appropriate).

Questions:

• What do magic, fairy tales, imaginary friends, Christ and chocolate have in common?
• Why does Vianne have sex with Roux?
• How is Vianne both domesticated and untethered?
• What would you give up for lent? Would the sacrifice make you a better person?
• Can a mother be everything for her daughter? How about a daughter to her mother?
• Write a 80 000 word essay on the meaning of life.
• Where did Vianne find time to do everything she did, including the everyday stuff that doesn't get written about? & decorate it all pretty?
• Is it good to be attached to things and people?
• Does life imitate art? (ha-mine doesn't!)

Other Books:

Middlemarch by George Elliot

Nancy Bagget: The All American Cookie Book

Fantastic. I borrowed this book from the library. Renewed it a whole bunch, and then I bought it for myself at christmas, two years ago. I will never make brownies from a box again, or feel daunted by the time commitment involved with cookies. Truly the only reason I can claim competence at cookies baking is because of the detailed yet easy to follow instruction found with each recipe. I love this book. Along with the directions each cookie has a little anecdotal write up. The introduction gives some details of early cookie baking in America, including a little bit about chocolate. There is helpful information about measuring and substituting ingredients in the "How to Use this Book Chapter". And peppered throughout are little tips and historical interest blurbs. It's a fun book to peruse, and the pictures are gorgeous. I only wish there were pictures of each cookie. Did I forget to mention the cookies- you'll have to see for yourself.

Now if I could only find good recipe books for Muffins, Pastries, and Vegetarian food. Any recommendations?