The Art of American Whiskey, by Noah Rothbaum

This isn't so much a book about drinking whiskey as it is a history lesson - and I loved it! It's literally a book on the ART - the brands, the labels, the names - used on American whiskey bottles throughout the decades.

I picked this book up purely out of curiosity. I'm not a whiskey drinker myself, but I figured it might make a nice gift for one of my many whiskey-loving friends. I AM a designer though, and that's why this book fascinated me so. The deconstruction of the names, labels and artwork was stunning. There are so many interesting little bits of history wrapped up in modern labels, and I don't think I'll ever dismiss a label so casually again.

Suffice it to say, I'm not giving this book away any time soon. It's sitting proudly in my living room, and it's always a great conversation starter.

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

Five Years in Heaven, by John Schlimm

I had a hard time with this book. The premise is wonderful, and the author does capture some sound, valuable wisdom. Unfortunately, it's couched in so much purple prose that it's a little hard to stomach. I don't really need to know that the snow crunched underfoot "like toasted bread crumbs". I also didn't need numerous pages dedicated to cat descriptions.

I truly wanted to love this book. I was hoping for something along the lines of "Tuesdays with Morrie" (though, of course, that book too has its detractors). I just found a lot more fluff than substance here, and that's unfortunate.

I think perhaps the author (as a food writer) is prone to focusing a lot on descriptions. While that might be ideal for a cookbook, it doesn't really suit a book like this.

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

Between the Dark and the Daylight by Joan Chittister

Quite beautiful, and a very thoughtful look at several poignant matters. Joan Chittister's approach is interesting, yet I found it a bit vague and distant - almost a clinical look at the issues.

This perhaps is a book that is worth reading during the good times and then reflecting upon in dark times. There is a lot of truth offered, yet the book is just a little too heady to offer any real comfort to a sufferer. I suppose that these are concepts to learn in the light so that we have something to hold on to when the darkness comes.

Chittiser does write beautifully, and she expresses concepts in a very poetic, profound way that will stick with you. You may find yourself mulling over phrases or ideas days later.

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

Find out more about the book and author here:

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The Barefoot Queen, by Ildelfonso Falcones

This book really runs the gamut. Some parts were absolutely engrossing, but other parts were an absolute drudgery. Be warned reader: this book is LONG. If you’re one who just can’t get enough of historical fiction, then this book is for you. You’ll find over 600 pages of a beautifully described, well-researched story line. It’s a rambling, detailed read that will keep you enthralled for pages. Unfortunately, there are also pages upon pages that are just dull.

Many reviewers have commented on the violence toward women. Readers should be aware that this is a very prevalent theme throughout The Barefoot Queen. If this is something that you are sensitive to, then this is a book to skip. However, Falcones is merely staying true to the period and the setting. Life was tough for women – particularly for Gypsies and (former) slaves. To ignore this aspect would, perhaps, be worse than giving it the attention it warrants.

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

Summer House with Swimming Pool

This isn’t an easy book to review. On the one hand, Herman Koch is a brilliant writer. He creates characters bursting with grit and life. He writes vivid, masterful dialogue and gorgeous prose…

But at the end of this book, you might feel like you need a good mind scrubbing. His characters – at least the adults – range from sleazy to morally reprehensible. Yet, each character is so human, and the questions posed are the kind that might bring out the very worst in any of us.

The first question: How far would you go to protect those you love? If your child is hurt or taken advantage of, how far would you go to exact revenge?  Marc Schlosser, obviously, takes things to the limit.

The second question: How far would you go to protect yourself? For all of Schlosser’s indignation and disgust toward those around him, his own behavior is questionable at best. He gives in to petty jealousies over attention (unsolicited and unwanted) paid to his wife; yet when the opportunity presents itself, he throws himself head over heels into an affair of his own. When his own actions risk exposure, he is willing to compromise those he loves in order to protect himself.

I have a feeling that I’m starting a love-hate relationship with Herman Koch. Koch offers up brilliant, gritty writing, but characters so unpalatable that you’ll hardly be able to keep reading. I was torn in my rating of this book – and I don’t think that’ll change.

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

Things Grak Hates

I don't often have the opportunity to review independent authors, so I jumped at the chance to read and review the debut novel of Peter J Story. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I found myself pleasantly surprised at every twist and turn of this clever story.

If you're going to read a book this year, make it Things Grak Hates. Mr. Story has crafted a tale that delves into the human condition and examines the course man takes when left to his own devices. In his uniquely wry, witty style, the author tackles the concepts of power and politics, religion and redemption, and the most unfortunate aspects of human nature.

This is a thoughtful book - a refreshing change from much that I've seen and read lately. It's the kind of book that you'll read two or three times because you'll discover something fresh and thought-provoking at each go-round. It's cynical, yet hopeful. Simple, yet incredibly nuanced. If you're up for a thoroughly enjoyable challenge, put this book on your to-read list today.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reading copy from Mr. Story in exchange for this review. I wasn't expected or required to post a positive review. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages

I've read many marriage books, some better than others. I'd say that this one falls right in the middle. It does offer up some very helpful advice - much of it pretty generic. I suppose though, that a happy, successful marriage is all about the small "generic" things that we do from day to day. Perhaps it can be easy to forget all of those little, practical things as we strive for bigger, showier displays of love and affection.

What I enjoyed: The author cites some very interesting statistics that paint a much more hopeful picture of marriage. We've all been told that over 50% of marriages end in divorce. At those dismal rates, marriage can seem like a game of Russian Roulette. Interestingly enough, the true divorce rate is actually closer to 30% - and nearly 80% of couples are actually happily married.

What you should know: This book is written from a Christian perspective. Thus, the author uses scripture and numerous references to God and the Bible. If you're not looking for a religious perspective on marriage, this book probably isn't for you.

Overall, I did enjoy the book. I gleaned some helpful tidbits, and that's about all one can hope for.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Waterbrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books - their book review program. I wasn't required to post a positive review. These are my own opinions on this book.