The Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan (audiobook)

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Listened to this audiobook. It was ok, but probably won't continue with the series. As much as I enjoy young adult fiction, this is a little bit too juvenile for me.



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The Book of a Thousand Days - Shannon Hale

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Such a cute book by the author of The Goose Girl. Princess banished to a tower for 7 years with her maid. The maid narrates the story through her diary entries. If you like Goose Girl, you'll like this one.



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Nemesis - Philip Roth

Nemesis by Philip Roth

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Set during the polio outbreak of 1944 in New Jersey. Great idea. Bad execution. As much as I like Philip Roth, this left me annoyed. Bucky Cantor way to self absorbed. Made me tired.



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Unbroken - Laura Hillenbrand (bookgroup)

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Several great elements in this book...WWII (Pacific), Olympic Athlete, Survival at sea.



Really enjoyed reading and learning more about the Pacific theater during WWII. Sad how many young men were lost during the war,and it's no wonder they came home and suffered from nightmares.



Highly recommend.



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Weekly Recipes #53

Thai Curry Vegetable & Tofu Soup

Delicious but way to spicy. Recommend only using 1 tsp. of red curry paste

Fontal Polenta with Mushroom Saute

Great recipe. Used Shiitake, a little Oyster mushrooms and criminis. Substituted smoked gouda for part of the fontina.

Chicken and Black Bean-Stuffed Burritos

Serve with Citrus and Radish Salad:Combine 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper. Toss with 4 cups prechopped romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes, 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, and 1 sliced peeled avocado. Yield: 4 servings. CALORIES154; FAT 14.3g (sat 2g); SODIUM 13mg

Cheese Meatloaf Minis

Serve with Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette: Combine 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon minced shallots, and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon in a large bowl. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon sugar and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Add 1 (5-ounce) packaged herb salad, 1 cup carrot ribbons, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion; toss. Yield: 6 servings. CALORIES 63; FAT 4.6g (sat 0.6g); SODIUM 94mg

Weekend recipe:

Guinness Lamb Stew

Oh so delicious. Used locally grown beef instead of lamb.

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating - Elisabeth Bailey

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I loved this sweet book. The author suffered a serious illness that left her bedridden. Her caregiver brought a snail into her room and placed it on a potted plant. She followed that snail through her days and nights. Interesting how one's perspective changes with a disability.



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