#BookReview - Gardening Like a Ninja

Gardening Like a Ninja: A Guide to Sneaking Delicious Edibles into Your Landscape

By: Angela England
Illustrated by: Wendy Piersall
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Publication Date: February 2016
ISBN: 978-1462118083
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: April 9, 2016

The thought of transforming a dull, drab yard into something beautiful AND edible sounds too good to be true but according to Angela England, it can be done. If the idea intrigues you, check out Gardening Like a Ninja!

As a long-time gardener, I know all about what to grow in my garden. That, however, doesn’t mean the rest of my land is being put to productive uses. The landscaping around my house has been severely neglected. I wasn’t sure what to plant, where to plant, how much sun, type of soil needed, etc. The author tackles all of these issues and more, and makes it fun too.

The book is broken up into three well-delineated chapters – Why Sneak Edibles into Your Landscape; Original Edible Garden Designs; and Plants That Matter. The first chapter gives an overview of just what you can do with an edible landscape, some things to take into consideration such as using color (to attract as well as detract), water and soil as well as zone considerations. Chapter two takes a look at some actual edible garden designs, with before and after photos that really excelled at showing just what you can do with a little space. And speaking of little spaces, that’s one of the neat things the author helps the reader with – for those with small properties and/or Homeowners’ Associations that tightly control what you can do – she shows you how to do a lot with almost no land and little if any notice by your homeowners’ association.

The third chapter is a very long list of the plants, from vines to annuals, perennials to trees and shrubs that you can consider for your edible landscape. For each plant the author has included botanical information, a growing guide, potential pests and diseases, how to use, and her recommendations.

Gardening Like a Ninja was a fun and very informative read and I’d recommend it to anyone who has a love of gardening – even if you’re not interested in adding edibles to your landscape. There’s a lot of helpful hints to keep your plants healthy and happy, regardless of use. I particularly enjoyed the second chapter where there are numerous before and after photos of landscapes, with the author adding her how/why for various plants, styles, etc. It gave me a lot of ideas of what to do with my own yard. In addition to the illustrations, there are a LOT of photographs that really add to the quality of the book and make for a great read. This is one gardening book that you’ll be referring to again and again.

Quill says: A very useful and informational book on transforming your landscape into something beautiful and edible!

#BookReview - The Chocolate Lover's Cookbook

The Chocolate Lover's Cookbook

By: Christina Dymock
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Publication Date: February 2016
ISBN: 978-1462117239
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: April 5, 2016

A cookbook for chocolate lovers? When I heard that a chocolate cookbook had come in for review, I knew I needed to read/review it! After all, how can you not love chocolate? And this book brings that love right into your kitchen in a delightfully yummy way.

The Chocolate Lover's Cookbook begins with a bit of the basics about chocolate - things such as how to properly melt chocolate, using the right knife as well as different types of chocolate. Do you know what 'blooming chocolate' is? Be sure to read about it before beginning your chocolate adventure.

The recipes are broken down into six chapters - brownies and bars; cakes and pies; cookies; desserts; candy; and sauces, fillings and frostings. I loved that the author included so many different brownies, from the ever common fudge brownies to her Grandma Joyce's 24-hour brownies. Brownies are a good, quick option for all sorts of outings, from school events to church potlucks and while everybody seems to favor the boring store-bought box version, next time I'm going to bring some yummy homemade mint brownies. They are gooooooood!

The first think you'll notice when you get your hands on this book is the salivation inducing photos spread throughout. Close-up pictures of all the gastronomical delights make it hard to choose what to prepare first. Normally I test prepare/cook three of the recipes in a cookbook but this time, I went a little overboard. It was just so hard to choose what to make (and eat!) that I decided not to limit myself. I started with a simple recipe, the 'Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cookies.' I've made plenty of peanut butter cookies in the past but haven't combined the two ingredients before. The recipe was easy to follow and while the cookies came out a bit gooey (my fault), they didn't last very long. Next up were a couple of different types of brownies - mint and the author's grandmother's brownies. The mint ones were awesome and again didn't last long. Grandma Joyce's brownies were a bit more involved - they take several hours to 'set' so they're not a good last minute,'gotta make something for Johnny's school event tonight' choice, although the author assures her readers that they can be made 24 hours in advance (thus the name) so as long as you plan accordingly, they're a good choice. They were, like the other things I made, quite tasty.

What I really enjoyed about The Chocolate Lover's Cookbook (besides the chocolate, of course!) was that there were no recipes that required a master's degree in cooking. The recipes are all fairly easy, instructions are clear, and for those of us with little time to spend in the kitchen, there are plenty of tasty things to make that won't keep us chained to the kitchen all day. Overall, this was one of the most enjoyable cookbooks I've reviewed in a very long time. Well done, Ms. Dymock!

Quill says: Love chocolate? You'll love this cookbook!

#BookReview - 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl

13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl

By: Mona Awad
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: February 2016
ISBN: 978-0-14-312848-9
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: April 2016

Mona Awad’s debut novel, 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl, is perplexing at best.

Young Lizzie is coming of age in Mississauga (‘Misery Saga’). She is a fat girl and subjects herself to the constant belief that her cards in life have been stacked against her. She isn’t a prom queen, nor the up and coming valedictorian. Rather, she is a robustly plump young lady and therefore must take her place at the back of the line (in her view). Lizzie is in that place in her life when boys are of interest, but what boy wants to date a fat girl? Thank goodness for the internet and online dating. It is her cocoon of a safety net because they cannot see her live and in the flesh.

Online dating is just one of the many choices Lizzie migrates toward in trying to sort out her miserable life. She is uncomfortable in her own skin and compounds such discomfort by connecting with sordid sorts who have a fair amount of self-loathing going on in their respective lives. There is underage sex, ditching school, drug experimentation and a plethora of other unsavory choices Lizzie seems to think are what her path in life is meant to be. And then the clouds part and Lizzie takes charge of her life—parsing out a handful of almonds to satisfy her robust appetite followed by healthier food choices. Sadly, through the myriad of alternative measures to morph into a different being, what will always lurk beneath her surface is the view and vision of the fat girl that never quite disappears.

I say Ms. Awad’s debut novel is perplexing at best because I do not know where she is going throughout this little more than 200-page work of fiction. One chapter ends and the next begins and the tie between the two is non-existent. In essence, there are a series of stand-alone diatribes of a ‘fat girl’ who is trying to find her way; yet the only theme I am able to pick up throughout this read is a person who is on a course of self-destruction even after she thins down. It is difficult to find Ms. Awad’s voice throughout this read and I’m not sure the beginning ever transitions to the middle or ever carries the reader to the proverbial ‘the end’. I think Ms. Awad has admirable credentials concerning her education. However, in my opinion, there are those who write and they do it well because it is their artistic gift (or calling). On the other hand, there are also those who write because they believe their education says they should given their successful and impressive academic achievements. Perhaps the latter should stick to teaching. For the record, I’m not a ‘fat girl.’

Quill says: 13 Ways of Looking at a Fat Girl is a fragmented delivery of vignettes lacking in cohesive continuity and purpose.

#BookReview - If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse? @TheGina Barreca

If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse?

By: Gina Barreca
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: March 2016
ISBN: 978-1-250-06074-7
Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford
Review Date: April 4, 2016

Gina Barreca’s latest book, If You Lean In, Will Men Just Look Down Your Blouse?, is a collection of tell it like you see it hilarity.

Ms. Barreca wastes no time as she launches into a diatribe of situational comedy that is actually life as we know it. Her perspective is razor sharp and she is all eyes and ears waiting to pounce when it comes to getting her observations down on paper before the thought is lost forever. The book is broken into parts ranging from the difference between ‘need’ and ‘want’ in the opening (Part I: “I’m Not Needy; I’m Wanty”) to closing with saying way you see (Part 7: “Seeing Something, Saying Something”). There is a delicious and extremely humorous tone that resonates immediately in this body of work—this broad has chutzpah!

I found myself laughing out loud when she compares the modern woman of today with the woman of yesterday. She focuses on the mega-successful undergarment ‘Spanks’ and keeps it real: “Could you be talked into purchasing a foundation undergarment so restrictive, so unyielding, and so draconian it makes a wetsuit look like a nightgown?...” She is calling today’s gal out and forcing them to recognize these amazing garments (a/k/a Spanks) for what they really are...a girdle! Remember? Mom wore one! Barreca’s refreshing and quite audible voice rings loud and clear from the rafters across the pages. She has arrived and through the conduit of her pen, is comfortable in her own skin to call it how she sees it.

It did not take long to settle into the hilarity of this book and it took even less time to recognize Ms. Barreca channels an infamously famous person who delivered such bravado back in the day: Erma Bombeck. Conversely, Erma was a woman before her time and (thankfully), Barreca is unafraid to carry the torch and tell it like she sees it. Ms. Barecca has a style and approach of taking no prisoners as she pens her views brashly and unabashedly—topics ranging from sex to relationships to shopping and the uncanny and never-ending differences between man and woman. Yet she ties the premise together beautifully time and again as she points out the stark opposites and the wonder of how such co-habitation continues to work—for the most part. I say thank you for a delight of a read Ms. Barreca!

Quill says: This book is laugh out loud engaging and delivers many ‘aha’ moments throughout.

#BookReview - The Obsession

The Obsession

By: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: April 2016
ISBN: 978-0-399-17516-9
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: April 1, 2016

Ah...here she is again. Whether it is her “In Death” series starring beloved Detective Eve Dallas and her cast of truly amazing characters (written under the alias, J.D. Robb), or it is any of the other engaging and thrilling suspense novels that fill bookshelves at all times, Nora Roberts continues to prove that she is a writer of the highest caliber.

In this new tale, it is seventeen years ago when Naomi Bowes follows her father into the woods only to learn that he has been keeping a young girl locked up in a root cellar out there. Waiting for him to depart, Naomi then goes in and sets the poor girl free. Yet, oddly enough, she doesn’t believe her father has done anything wrong. Instead, she thinks the “bad guy” who has hurt many young women over the years is actually someone else. By finally revealing the horrible crimes that made him infamous in his own head, Naomi’s father is caught by the law and eagerly admits to every atrocity.
Fast forward to the present. As much as she’s tried over the last seventeen years, Naomi cannot bury or forget the sins of her father. She has actually become obsessed with his evil mind and horrific crimes and it has harmed her life. Moving to a different place, trying to find a fresh start, Naomi changes her name and tells no one where she’s going. She is now Naomi Carson, a successful photographer living in a lovely place called Sunrise Cove.

Purchasing a house that’s a real eyesore, Naomi truly loves the place. It calls to that creative photographer within her. Making friends with her contractor, his wife and her mechanic-sometimes-musician, Xander, Naomi tries to start a normal life. She even buys a dog. But just as tranquility begins to descend, things start going wrong; young women are turning up dead and reminding Naomi of her own nightmare.

While planning for the future, her past catches up. Seems that someone in Sunrise Cove does know her real identity and is not about to let Naomi forget dear old dad. As bodies pile up, Naomi’s new life falls apart and her defenses go back in place. The obsession she has is always at her very core, and no amount of kindness or normalcy will ever stop the sins of her father from haunting her every step. Or, perhaps, Naomi can rise above this new monster and expose the truth before she’s destroyed for good.

Quill says: Norah Roberts’ is all about creating suspense “perfection,” and she continues to nail it every single time!

#BookReview - A New Leash on Life

A New Leash on Life

By: Kara Hamilton
Illustrated by: Alexandria Gold
Publisher: Nothing But The Truth, LLC
Publication Date: April 2016
ISBN: 978-0-9968999-1-8
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: April 1, 2016

Every once in a while a children’s book comes along that is not only cute, kind, and lovable enough to put on a book shelf for generations to enjoy, but also one that is an absolute necessity. This is one of those books.

Here we have a tale of jealousy. No, not the jealousy of siblings, or kids in a classroom vying for the kindergarten teacher’s attention. This tale is about a lovely little dog named Smokey and his wonderful family. This poodle is spoiled with trolley car rides and ice cream; in fact, he was the King of Chestnut Street! But then...something entered Smokey’s realm, and with the new blessing of a baby in the household Smokey’s “place” in the family changed somewhat. Smokey was still loved, but the baby did receive a great deal of attention.

One day as the toddler raced and played, she stepped on poor Smokey. The poodle decided to take things into his own...paws...and teach his “sister” about dogs and how to treat them. In other words, the pet would train the toddler on how to be gentle with a furry friend. As the lessons commence, the pup finds a best friend in the girl, who even passes him some of those great treats under the dinner table when Mom and Dad aren’t watching too closely.

Guys and gals, this is adorable and certainly a new “take” on how to train humans like us on the best way to handle, raise and love our most loyal companions. As one person who is about to be a grandma with a daughter who has five (yes, count them, FIVE) spoiled pups already in her household, this was a joy to read and lessons well learned. In fact, this will be one tale I read to my grandbaby as he grows into that always-on-the-go toddler.

Including a Q&A with “Moms” of The Humane Society of the United States, the tale as well as the adorable illustrations are a must-read/must-see. Being released on National Kids & Pets Day, it is also important to note that a portion of all profits from the sale of this book will be donated to The Humane Society of the U.S., which just makes Smokey’s story all the more important to own and enjoy.

Quill says: Charming! Even Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame would run out and buy this one.

#BookReview - Stress-Free Vegetable Gardening

Stress-Free Vegetable Gardening: Thriving Gardens with Minimal Effort

By: Caleb Warnock
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Publication Date: February 2016
ISBN: 978-1462113415
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: April 4, 2016

Spring has finally arrived and with its arrival, many folks start thinking about their gardens. Looking forlornly out the window at an area of neglected soil that has languished since the previous fall, we carry hopes of doing a better job this year. Could it be possible to enjoy a stress-free gardening experience? The author of this new book says “Yes!”

Stress-Free Vegetable Gardening is broken up into several sections. The first five chapters give an overview of the author’s gardening philosophy and the various things he insists you can do with your garden to enjoy it and not stress over it. Warnock’s first chapter, “The Goal: Authentic Health, Flavor & Confidence in Nature & Yourself” is a brief introduction to the success he has had with “…year-round, self-sufficient gardening for all climates,” as well as owning/running an heirloom seed company that works to save some of the rarest of seeds. The author next addresses nine principles of successful stress-free gardening, ‘benign neglect,’ and finally, how to organically deal with garden pests.

Next the book gets into the meat of the book, um, I mean the vegetables! From broccoli to collards, garlic to leeks, there’s a wide selection of vegetables included. The author first gives a brief overview of the vegetable, followed by when to plant; where to plant; how to plant; how to fertilize; how to transplant; when to harvest and how to preserve along with recommended varieties.

Before writing my review, I ‘digested’ this book for several days to think about what I wanted to say. Why? Because there are numerous things that I love about this book, from dealing with garden pests (check out the author’s way of keeping aphids in check) to his natural green leaf fertilizer tea. I learned a fair amount that I hope to put to use this year in my garden. That said, there were a few things that I didn’t enjoy. The chapter on “The Broken Law of Abundance in the Modern Garden” got a bit preachy about food production in today’s society (some valid points but I don’t believe they belong in a book about stress-free vegetable gardening). In addition, the author frequently refers to his website to buy his seeds, as well as his edible weedkiller (which he spent over a page discussing and then says, "...I cannot give this recipe away. The recipe is available for purchase at..." you guessed it - his website). All these suggestions to head over to his website to buy a product made the book, at times, read more like an ad. That said, if you can move beyond those issues, this can be a tremendous reference guide to a successful gardening experience.

Quill says: Skip the ads and the early chapter on "The Broken Law of Abundance" and this a very useful gardening book for those who wish to ‘go organic’ with minimal stress.