Book Report: Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

A friend of mine let me borrow the book, Relic. Again, I discover it's an old title! So what, I'm behind. But, I have to say, it was well worth the wait. An awesome book, with an intriguing storyline, plot, and characters. I was hooked from page 1.

The story was told from the angle of every character. There is a lot of field jargon, but it didn't hamper my interest any at all. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat! I loved the drama between the characters. I loved the book. I can't do nothing but rave!

And I'm thrilled to discover that there is a movie: The Relic. I'm psyched to see it! Although, I am a little skeptical because of my bad rendezvous with the movie for My Sister's Keeper. Which, I will get to that in another post!

Put to the Taste---- verdict: loved it!

Book Report: Reunion at Mossy Creek by several authors

If you like down home type of characters and small town business--mystery in this case---then you'll like Reunion at Mossy Creek. Apparently not the first in the Mountain town series, I enjoyed the read. It did strike me as odd that it had about 8 or so authors for one book. But, I guess this attributed to the multi-character POV way of telling this reunion mystery.

The book is all about the mystery of the high school fire 20 years ago. The gossip columnist decides to send out a survey, asking "nosy questions" in honor of the "Burning Anniversary." It was homey feeling and the characters were down to earth. Each character told you all about themselves with a simple story that gave you a glimpse into the life of Mossy Creek, Georgia and a connection to the mystery. It was also humorous. Especially, the bit about Orville Simple and the Beaver!

The only complaint was the myriad of typos I came across while reading. Other than that, I would suggest it to anyone on a lazy afternoon.

Put it to the taste. Verdict: give it a shot, you may have a few chuckles.

P.S. And since the town actually exists, you can make a vacation of it!

Mossy Creek Festival

Mossy Creek Smokehouse Grill

Book Report: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

I know this isn't a new book, but I did say I was dusting off my bookshelf. I give this book a major thumbs up! I loved it! So, without further adieu...

This book is about a girl named Anna, who was created to be a genetic match for her sister. The sister has a rare form of leukemia. All that was needed is the umbilical cord at birth. Nothing else. But it doesn't stop there. Then, Anna decides she wants it to end. She files for medical emancipation from her parents when they want her to donate a kidney. The only catch is that her sister will die from kidney failure.

I really like the author's style. She writes from the perspective of each character. There is even a side story with the lawyer. It's a very emotional story. I didn't think I would like it. It ended up being that I couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried. It was great. Now, I want to see the movie. I'm glad I read it first. I want to discuss how some things in the book pulled at my heart strings. I hope I don't give too much away.

On Having Children:
From Sara's perspective (the mother)

I realize then that we never have children, we receive them. And sometimes it's not for quite as long as we would have expected or hoped. But it is still far better than never having had those children at all. "Kate," I confess, "I'm so sorry."
She pushes back from me, until she can look me in the eye. "Don't be," she says fiercely. "Because I'm not." She tries so damn hard. "It was a good one, Mom, wasn't it?"
I bite my lip, feel the heaviness of tears. "It was the best," I answer.

This sums up a lot about the way a parent feels. I've always wondered how I ever lived without my children. Oddly enough, before I had them, I lived. I was more free to do things. Came and went as I pleased. Slept in. Went to the bathroom by myself. But I always think, "How did I ever exist without them?" I know I did. I remember life before children, but I don't understand it anymore. I am complete now, whereas before I wasn't. I just didn't realize it. Which is why Sara's realization that we receive children hit home. They are gifts. Gifts to teach us about ourselves, life, our spouse, our parents, and love. I learned to see myself as a child through my parents' eyes--- the love and joy they felt, to feel how they loved their child. I loved my grandfather in a new way when I seen myself in my child. I realized then how much he loved me. That's a wonderful gift: to love a child at the same time as feeling loved as a child. It's like coming back on yourself, a circle, completion. I thank the Lord so much for the gift of knowing my grandfather in that way. Having your child(ren) is the best blessing. I wouldn't change anything about my life, not one heart ache or screw up, because I wouldn't have Gina and Lolly.

The Circle of Life:
From Anna's perspective

Ask any kid who's made it through the fourth grade and they can tell you: water never stops moving. Rain falls, and runs down a mountain into a river. The river finds it's way to the ocean. It evaporates, like a soul, into the clouds. And then, like everything else, it starts all over again.


This is life, some would say. I like circle of life better. It makes it easy to understand our path. Where ever we go in life or whatever we do, brings us back to ourselves. Brings us back with a lesson. Someone named Kelly once told me that the only way she could get over something bad was to figure out the lesson she was meant to learn from it. I have found that is easier said than done.

Me as a waitress:

From Sara's perspective (the mother)

You get to know them (the nurses in the hospital) as they know you, because they take the place of friends you once had in a previous life, the one before diagnosis. Donna's daughter, for example, is studying to be a vet. Ludmilla, on the graveyard shift, wears laminated pictures of Sanibel Island clipped like charms on her stethoscope, because it's where she wants to retire. Willie, the male nurse, has a weakness for chocolate and a wife expecting triplets.

I realized some time ago that we have regulars not just because of our food but because the waitresses comfort the people who come in to eat. I help wake up part of Greensboro. I become part of their routine. If I'm out for a length of time, I get the third degree, so to speak. People come in and ask about me. They ask me about other girls. They know things about us. Like Mrs. Wilhoit, for example, loaned me this book to read because she knows I like books. I'm friends with several diners on Facebook. Mr. Covington brings me newspapers from the cities he delivers to in his truck. Marty brought me a shirt back from Florida and gave me a pin that represents his racing horse. Mr. Soprano tells me about his racing greyhounds. Mr. Leonard gave me his favorite old TV. The list goes on in this manner. I couldn't possibly list them all!

Besides all the extra stuff I added on to this "book report," this was a really good read. I suggest it.

Verdict: Read it!

Veggie Kabobs

I was shopping in Harris Teeter for picnic food when I came across a lovely jewel---veggie kabobs. I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but when I think of kabobs, I usually think of chicken. How awesome! These have squash, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, I can't remember all, but VEGGIES! So, Poison Ivy, here is a great recipe you can do yourself and engage the kiddies. Experts say kids are more likely to "try" their own creations.

Ways to Eat 'Em:
1. Dribble Olive oil over them and sprinkle some salt. After done add a dash of herbs and splash on some red wine vinegar.

2. Brush on some BBQ or Teriyaki sauce for excellent flavor.

3. Raw: just dip in Ranch!

Tips:
1. Soak wooden skewers in water for a bit. I think these directions are on the skewer package.

2. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep from charring. If you do wrap 'em, this is a great opportunity to add lots of flavor. Examples are butter (I know..), Italian Dressing, use your stomach's imagination!

Found Some Recipes:
A Food-Networker: Veggie Kabobs with Herb and Garlic Marinade
not all veggie--fruit too, and some tofu

One from Care2--has a pic that looks like mine!

Simple but Good----plus has the skewer tip on there!

Recipes from Around the World----A Greek One


Hope these are helpful and yummy for ya.

Book Reports!

I got this lovely idea from a fellow blogger I am now following: Dusting Off Your Bookshelf!!!!. Her idea is for her cookbook shelf, but mine is for my general bookshelf. I go to a local bookstore called Edward MacKay's (a.k.a. Ed MacKay's) and find these sweet little freebies in their free book section! I have so many books....its just so sad that I go to the library, buy more books, or get more freebies....because I let them collect dust. So, I'm dusting off my bookshelf, folks. I am going to read and report. And I have to admit I've cheated and planned to report on some books I have already read. ha ha. I'm also using this "cheat" to give you an idea the variety of books I like to read. I do prefer metaphysical, self-help, comedy, and mystery to romance, sci-fi, history, and bibliographies. I do hope you find my book reports entertaining or useful, at the least. I'm going to have fun. And what books I don't like, I'm donating to the library. The ones I love, I will keep. And the ones I find to be a good read, but not re-readable, I will give to friends. Ta ta for now!


Fellow Blogger I got idea from:
http://walkingtheveganline.blogspot.com/2009/01/dust-off-shelf-uncheese-kitch-maximus.html