Goodness, you guys, I’ve been on SUCH a reading kick lately! In 2014 my goal was to read a book a month (which I exceeded). I’m at about half a dozen books so far this year! Here is what is on my bedside table now:
13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do
(book courtesy of Harper Collins)
by Amy Morin
4 1/2 stars
Goodness gracious. This book is another game-changer, if you have the tough skin to take it. It’s truly therapy-in-a-book. Morin doesn’t pull any punches, and her writing is to-the-point and practical without being off-putting. Not a whole lot of warm-fuzzy, but not overly clinical either. Morin earned my trust right away from her Introduction. After losing her husband and several others in her family in short order, she realized she had to dig deep and put into practice the things she told her pyscotherapy clients. This book is all about avoiding negative traps that we can all so easily fall into. Exercising our mental strength, particularly in times of duress, can really strengthen our entire selves. I highly recommend this one. It only loses half a star for me because the writing may be too tough for some who are struggling.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
(from local libary!)
by Maria Semple
4 1/2 stars
This one has been on my library list for awhile, and I finally nabbed it. That cover, though, right?! Adorbs. Once you get used to the unique format of this book (it’s a collection of communication from different parties to tell the story), it is engaging and a very quick read. This one kept me up until 2am to finish it and find out WHERE Bernadette went! But I won’t tell you 🙂 It’s a romp, a funny look at life and cliches. I think you’ll enjoy this one. Perfect for a beach read, too, if you’re taking a vacation any time soon to some place sunny and warm.
Supermarket Healthy
(courtesy of bloggingforbooks)
by Melissa D’Arabian
4 stars
I was really excited to get this new cookbook at the start of the New Year. I’m looking for some quick, easy, healthy recipes to add to my repertoire and get out of a food rut. This book doesn’t disappoint, with upscale twists on healthy dishes, such as grilled portobellos, acorn squash with a “fondue” baked in it and, my favorite:
The Fried Green Tomato, Bacon and Spinach Sandwich.
I mean…Wow.
D’Arabian is a Food Network personality, with her “Ten Dollar Dinners” series. Another recipe that stood out to me is the Carmelized Brussel Sprouts, Pine Nuts and Penne for a nice meatless dinner. My only qualm with this book is that she says in the subtitle, “Recipes & Know-How for Eating Well Without Spending a Lot.” I didn’t see any prices or references to spending less at the grocery store throughout the recipes, which was disappointing. Not every recipe has a photo, another negative point for me. I need photos in a cookbook! However, there are definitely a few in each category here that I think will become regular rotations. So, mission accomplished!
Happy reading (and cooking!)
