I just finished Ex Libris by Anne Fadiman. It is her "confessions of a common reader" meaning that each chapter is her thoughts about reading books. It is an easy read but very engaging. She writes about her feelings towards reading a book while actually being there in the location that it took place, or how she arranges her books on the bookshelf, or her reactions to editing errors, or the words written on the flyleaf, etc. I really enjoyed it as I related to her thoughts as well as didn't relate to them. I recommend it because it stretched my mind with difficult vocabulary and stirred deep emotions of my fondness for reading that mirrored hers.
I also read Mao's Last Dancer which is a true story of a young man growing up in China in the 1970's. I loved learning more about the communist rule in China at the time and how it affected him and his family and the customs and cultures of the country. It is a story of personal triumph over the odds of living in squalor and obscurity and through determination and hard work he is able to become a success as a dancer. It is a fascinating memoir that took place about the same time I was growing up here in America so I enjoyed making comparisons to my life here.
January 25, 2011
January 24, 2011
Traitor (my review as promised)
With war raging in Europe, the only way Marie can be with Felix is to join the Allied forces. However, as Marie parachutes Into France to join the Resistance, she not only lands into the arms of her fiancé, but also drops into the hands of the enemy.
Major rolf Schulmann has been struggling between personal convictions and his duty to the German Fatherland. Now he must decide what to do with the captured fincee of the man who gave him a new chance at life—a man he once loved as a brother. The Gestapo will do whatever it takes to dispose of Marie. If Rolf helps her escape he will have enemies on all sides—is it a sacrifice he is willing to make? Can Marie possibly trust her life to a man torn between two masters?
Join acclaimed suspense writer Sandra Grey on a journey of unexpected twists and turns through the trenches of love, suspicion, and faith.
--Back cover—
Those who know me know that: I don’t read a book twice, watch a movie more than twice (the second time is to break it apart—sometimes rather cruelly to see what I can learn for my craft), or read a book series. This is my exception to that rule.
I strongly recommend Traitor to readers from teens to the elderly. This spell-binding journey took me on a wonderful roller coaster for the second time. Like a roller coaster it had unexpected ups and downs, twists and turns, with the expected build to the first drop. Tears warmed my eyes although I knew what to expect (I’d been here before.)
This historical novel warmed my heart, gladdened my soul and restored my faith not only in God, but His gift of talented writing to Sandra Grey. I’m not a student of history, as a matter-of-fact, I dreaded the required history classes, and yet, Sandra has brought me a history lesson I’ll not soon forget.
Five enthusiastic STARS for Traitor. I’ve already begun her second in the series, Tribunal, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on Trespass.
Major rolf Schulmann has been struggling between personal convictions and his duty to the German Fatherland. Now he must decide what to do with the captured fincee of the man who gave him a new chance at life—a man he once loved as a brother. The Gestapo will do whatever it takes to dispose of Marie. If Rolf helps her escape he will have enemies on all sides—is it a sacrifice he is willing to make? Can Marie possibly trust her life to a man torn between two masters?
Join acclaimed suspense writer Sandra Grey on a journey of unexpected twists and turns through the trenches of love, suspicion, and faith.
--Back cover—
Those who know me know that: I don’t read a book twice, watch a movie more than twice (the second time is to break it apart—sometimes rather cruelly to see what I can learn for my craft), or read a book series. This is my exception to that rule.
I strongly recommend Traitor to readers from teens to the elderly. This spell-binding journey took me on a wonderful roller coaster for the second time. Like a roller coaster it had unexpected ups and downs, twists and turns, with the expected build to the first drop. Tears warmed my eyes although I knew what to expect (I’d been here before.)
This historical novel warmed my heart, gladdened my soul and restored my faith not only in God, but His gift of talented writing to Sandra Grey. I’m not a student of history, as a matter-of-fact, I dreaded the required history classes, and yet, Sandra has brought me a history lesson I’ll not soon forget.
Five enthusiastic STARS for Traitor. I’ve already begun her second in the series, Tribunal, and I can hardly wait to get my hands on Trespass.
TAMALE CASSEROLE
1 can Hormel Tamales (I like this brand for the sauce.)
1 can chili
1 can corn
1 can black olives
2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
tortilla chips
Cut tamales into bite size rounds, drain corn, drain and cut olives into quarters. Mix with chili in mixing bowl and add 2/3 of the grated cheese. Spoon into casserole dish. Top with crushed chips and the rest of the cheese. For a party presentation, line casserole with chips before the toppings go on. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. If made and frozen before baking, add 20 minutes to baking time.
This is a favorite at our house. This isn't enough for our family and one guest, therefore we double the recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.
1 can chili
1 can corn
1 can black olives
2 cups mild cheddar cheese (grated)
tortilla chips
Cut tamales into bite size rounds, drain corn, drain and cut olives into quarters. Mix with chili in mixing bowl and add 2/3 of the grated cheese. Spoon into casserole dish. Top with crushed chips and the rest of the cheese. For a party presentation, line casserole with chips before the toppings go on. Bake in 350 oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is lightly browned. If made and frozen before baking, add 20 minutes to baking time.
This is a favorite at our house. This isn't enough for our family and one guest, therefore we double the recipe and bake in a 9 x 13 pan.
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