French Country Cooking

I generally read books and use cookbooks. This one combines my love of reading with my love of cooking in the most glorious way. I've never read a cookbook cover to cover... until now that is.

This book isn't a simple how-to-cook book. If you're looking for a simple guide to basic recipes, you might be a tad disappointed. However, if you've got a little cooking savvy under your belt, I'd say you'll enjoy the challenges this book offers.

If you're looking for a lovely, whimsical, delicious read, pick this book up today. It's also the ideal gift for any of your foodie friends.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Chase the Lion

I loved In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, so I was really excited about this follow-up book...

And then I was really disappointed. This was basically a rehash of the first book - same concept, same message, same stories. Don't get me wrong: it's all great. The concept, the message, and the stories are all fantastic. I just didn't need them reorganized and repeated.

Mark Batterson has had some really great books in the past few years, all of which were fresh, interesting concepts. I don't know why he had to dig up an old one and rehash it.

Maybe I missed something, because this book is getting very good reviews. And it does deserve good reviews. But I still feel a bit cheated because I didn't find much that was new or fresh - just a repeat of the first book.

Of course, I look forward eagerly to further books (and podcasts) by the author.

Some info about the book/author:

• Mark Batterson on Facebook
• Mark Batterson on Twitter
• Mark Batterson on Instagram
• More Info
• Author Bio

Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

The Sunlight Pilgrims

by Jenni Fagan

This was a fascinating concept from the start, though I'm a little torn on my final opinion. All-in-all, I think I liked it. I'm a bit of a sucker for dystopia though, so take my review with several grains of salt.

What I enjoyed: The author didn't rely on a fast pace (a la Hunger Games) to bolster the plot. This is a slow, carefully timed story that seems to slow as the world gets colder and begins to fade. I like the new (for me) setting based on a gradually freezing earth. It's a concept I hadn't considered, and it made for an interesting setting. The prose is quite beautiful in spots.

What I didn't enjoy: I found it oddly difficult to really connect with any of the characters. I'm also not a fan of messing with writing conventions just for the heck of it. I know that authors get away with it (including my well-loved Cormac McCarthy) but it's a rather risky move that adds little to the quality of the story. It's okay to be "mainstream" when you're dealing with stuff like quotation marks.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Game Review: Punderdome

I diverge from book reviews for today to offer my thoughts on the card game Punderdome. First off, it's a good idea. It's well planned, nicely designed, and the instructions are straight-forward and easy to follow. If you're a "punny" sort of person, this might seem right up your alley.

The fact is though, it's just not a very easy game to play. I've seen it compared to Cards Against Humanity, but it's not a great comparison. CAH is irreverent, quick, and easy to play - it doesn't take a whole lot of thought power.

This game, on the other hand, isn't a quick and easy party game - and coming up with something actually funny can be surprisingly challenging. While I'd like to think I'm somewhat quick witted, I found myself drawing a blank on most card combinations... and so did most others who played.

Punderdome is staying on the game shelf, as it's a fun idea and I think with a bit of effort we'll make it work. It's just not up everyone's alley, so make sure you've got the right (read: patient) crowd before you play.

Disclaimer: I received this game for free in exchange for an honest review.

Flame of Resistance

This was quite an interesting concept. I'm always a bit wary of "modern retellings", but certain authors have the knack to make it work. Tracy Groot is certainly one of those, and I very much enjoyed this book.

The research poured into this book as outstanding, and the storytelling was beautiful. Ms. Groot does some wonderful things with words, and she really knows how to make an impact.

This isn't a long book, but it won't be quick reading. I do recommend this book highly though.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review.

Find Your Brave

This is a raw, honest, and emotional book. It's easy to talk about "being brave" in abstract, philosophical terms. It's a lot tougher when you're actually facing real disappointment, loss, and struggle. Holly obviously falls into the latter category, and that's what makes this book worth reading.

If you're just keeping your head above water, if you're struggling to keep going, this book is worth a read. It's not just a bunch of self-help platitudes. Instead, the author steps up alongside you in your struggle and offers real, honest advice from someone who has "been there".

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Around the Fire

This book is a food lover's dream. Grilling season is in full swing, and after this book, I kinda want to cook everything outdoors now. Granted, some of these recipes call for ingredients that are hard to source at your standard grocery - i.e. foie gras or lamb heart - however, most are easily achievable for the home cook.

The book itself is beautifully designed. I've actually got it sitting out on my coffee table because it's just so lovely. All of the photos are beautiful as well, and both the text and the recipes are really well written.

If you're looking to go beyond burgers and brats this summer, this might be the best book to add to your arsenal.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Raising the Perfectly Imperfect Child

I really didn't know what to expect with this book; however, I figured Boris Vujicic must have some worthwhile stuff to say on the topic. After all, he raised a child with extreme disability - and that child not only became a positive, productive adult, but one who has positively impacted thousands.

I'm actually amazed at how much is packed into this slim volume. The author touches on every aspect - from the physical to the practical to the emotional and spiritual. He discusses some tough subjects (for example, how to grieve without guilt), and he does so from a place of true, unique understanding.

This isn't just a book for parents of disabled children. I would recommend this to any parent, because so many of the topics can be applied to any child.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Shylock is my Name - by Howard Jacobson

They say you can't judge a book by it's cover... but I generally do. This one is really quite beautifully done, and it cleverly captures the tone of the book.

The story itself was surprisingly clever. It's a bit dry, true, and perhaps a bit predictable; but the author did quite a good job nonetheless. The prose is awfully good, many lines are snappy and funny, and if you're looking for some smart laughs, you'll certainly find them.

I'm often wary of these modern adaptations of classical works, but this one was a pleasant surprise. Of course, others in the series are written by other authors, so who knows how well I'll like them. My interest is piqued though, and I'll probably pick up another book or two in the Hogarth series.

I received this book from Blogging for Books as a review copy.

Eleanor - by Jason Gurley

I picked this book up because of the cover. It's beautifully designed.

Fortunately, the story is equally beautiful. Jason Gurley's writing is certainly genre-defying, which makes reviewing his books rather challenging.

It's a slow read - heavy on the gloom. It'll make you feel like you're sitting in a grey, rainy, sleepy seaside town the whole time. If you're looking for a quick, easy, light read, look elsewhere. I do recommend this one though. It's wrenching, emotional, moving, and powerful.

I think this one will stick with me for quite some time.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.