my first one star review
But don’t worry, I balance it with two many starred reviews! I’m putting the many star reviews up top because well, they deserve it!
A Beautiful Bowl of Soup: The Best Vegetarian Recipes
by Paulette Mitchell
I learned of this book through Slashfood and it looked intriguing so I placed a hold for it at the library and was prepared to be underwhelmed.
Wow. I’ve now made several soups within (chestnut soup, black bean soup, wild rice-cranberry soup, with several others planned for the coming week) and each came out quite good and was very easy to prepare. What I like most about the book is it is quite easy to turn most of not all into vegan recipes so these soups should be able to be served at most any table– vegetarian or not. Also most are quite easy to convert to being gluten-free if they aren’t already.
The photos are beautiful and I enjoyed the the various cooking tips and quotes. I love the range of soups which give you something for most any day or night of the year. I really liked the layout — it’s easy to see the necessary ingredients at a glace and each step along the way. If things can be prepared ahead that is clearly marked out as well.
I think the highest thing I can say about it is it’s migrated from just a library book to an item on my wishlist. I’m really enjoying cooking my way through it and do not look forward to the day I need to return it to the library. Hopefully soon a copy will land on my permanent cookbook shelf (note, that is not a hint to friends or family).
In the Night Garden
by Catherynne M. Valente
This book surprised me. I don’t remember why I placed a hold for it but I took it out from the library and let it sit on the shelf for quite some time. The stories are layered in an intriguing manner and their interconnectedness drew me in and kept me turning pages. I’m not sure how to describe what’s found within the covers but think you’ll just need to read it, if you like a good storytelling with a mix of magic. The second half did feel a little less polished– or at least it lacked a certain sparkle that drew me in initially but overall i really enjoyed reading this first volume and I look forward to reading more of Valente’s work.
[after thought it’s better to remain silent on this one star reviewed title.]