Irene99
Fraser Valley Regional Library
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Irene99's rating:
Added May 08, 2018
Irene99's rating:
Added Sep 04, 2017
Comment:
Another well-written, very engaging and entertaining read from Terry Fallis. The idea of a new tech organization to manage public engagement was really interesting - an online method rather than "always seeing the same fifteen well-known stakeholders attending the town hall meeting and providing utterly predictable feedback" (p. 103). I would love to see that here! The story about a family divided and the search to reconnect missing dots (that were not even known to exist) was very touching. A traumatic incident that underlies social anxiety is hinted at and finally achieves healing, also well handled.Another well-written, very engaging and entertaining read from Terry Fallis. The idea of a new tech organization to manage public engagement was really interesting - an online method rather than "always seeing the same fifteen well-known…
Quotations
- "Can you do some more accents? That's the most impressive part of your performance." (Matt to Alex after Alex's perfect impersonation of his twin brother.) / "Can I do more accents? Does Donald Trump use hair product?" (p. 186)
- "Simone just sat at her desk. She understood that one very simple demonstration of power was the control over our time. At 9:15, she checked her watch, rose from her desk, and walked, empty-handed, out of her office and into the boardroom. Tension followed her in and draped itself over the assembly. She slid into the very chair you would expect her to assume. It was at the head of the table. It was plusher, bigger, and higher than every other chair in the room. And it swivelled. The rest of us sat in plastic stacking chairs. She looked down on us like the captain of a slave ship about to demand we row faster so she could water-ski." (p. 10)"Simone just sat at her desk. She understood that one very simple demonstration of power was the control over our time. At 9:15, she checked her watch, rose from her desk, and walked, empty-handed, out of her office and into the boardroom. Tension…
Irene99's rating:
Added Jun 07, 2017
Comment:
I enjoyed the Scottish way of speaking, like using "aye" or "then" at the end of a sentence. I loved the dedication, which states: "A special thanks to the Laird of Attadale, who is not a strong, muscular man with dark eyes, wearing a kilt, but the lovely Joanna Macpherson. She and her husband could not have been more welcoming or their gardens more beautiful." But the novel was a bit slow going for me. The first meeting of the couple involves gratuitous violence that isn't attractive or believable in its resolution. The best part was the hero's handling of the then sickly son of the heroine. Their connection was lovely.I enjoyed the Scottish way of speaking, like using "aye" or "then" at the end of a sentence. I loved the dedication, which states: "A special thanks to the Laird of Attadale, who is not a strong, muscular man with dark eyes, wearing a kilt, but the…
Quotations
- "With the tour completed, they were once again in the great room. Cailean fought a yawn. Thus far, the evening reminded him of many interminable evenings he'd spent at Norwood Park. He might have at least looked out at the stunning view of Lochcarron, but on this dreary, wet evening, he could scarcely make out the loch at all. / He idly surveyed those gathered. Men were pathetically simple creatures--they were all of them slaves to feminine allure, stumbling through life like a herd of cattle while images of naked ladies and the burning hope of actually seeing one danced about their heads.""With the tour completed, they were once again in the great room. Cailean fought a yawn. Thus far, the evening reminded him of many interminable evenings he'd spent at Norwood Park. He might have at least looked out at the stunning view of…
Irene99's rating:
Added May 31, 2017
Comment:
Entertaining story that moves along, very engaging. Interesting new character who actually reminds me a lot of the shopaholic series! Good insight about the culture of social media and the tendency that anyone may have to make their life seem better than it really is, and how that masks problems that anyone has. A touch of romance thrown in for good measure.Entertaining story that moves along, very engaging. Interesting new character who actually reminds me a lot of the shopaholic series! Good insight about the culture of social media and the tendency that anyone may have to make their life seem better…
Quotations
- "I'd forgotten the smell of London, the busyness, the crowds. I'd forgotten about coming up out of the tube steps into the hot, concentrated city sunshine, surrounded by people of all descriptions, and thinking, I could do anything, go anywhere, be anyone. / Ansters Farm is like a circle. It is what it is. And you basically go round and round in a peaceful way, never digressing. But London's like a spiderweb. There's a million possibilities, a million directions, a million endgames. I'd forgotten that feeling of ... of what? Being on the brink of something." (p. 377)"I'd forgotten the smell of London, the busyness, the crowds. I'd forgotten about coming up out of the tube steps into the hot, concentrated city sunshine, surrounded by people of all descriptions, and thinking, I could do anything, go anywhere, be…
- "I've called it @mynotsoperfectlife and I've already got 267 followers! I post utterly unvarnished, unposed, un-Instagrammy photos with captions, and it's turned into one of the most fun hobbies I've ever had. / A photo of bad-tempered crowds on a tube platform: My not-so-perfect commute. A picture of the revolting blister on my heel: My not-so-perfect new shoes. A photo of my hair, drenched: The not-so-perfect London weather. / The amazing thing is how many other people have joined in. Mark from work posted a picture of himself eating a doughnut, captioned My not-so-perfect eat-clean regime. Biddy posted a picture of some ripped trousers, which she'd obviously caught on some barbed wire, entitled My not-so-perfect rural existence, which made me laugh.""I've called it @mynotsoperfectlife and I've already got 267 followers! I post utterly unvarnished, unposed, un-Instagrammy photos with captions, and it's turned into one of the most fun hobbies I've ever had. / A photo of bad-tempered crowds on a…
Irene99's rating:
Added May 22, 2017
Comment:
It took me a while to get into, but once I was there, it was another lovely story in the Survivors Club series, of romance and healing from trauma.
Quotations
- "...Flavian discovered that Penderris was not the lunatic asylum he was expecting but a hospital with other patients -- other veterans of the war -- as badly messed up as he. / And he had loved George with a passionate attachment ever since. A funny thing, love. It was not always, or even mostly, a sexual thing." (p. 97)"...Flavian discovered that Penderris was not the lunatic asylum he was expecting but a hospital with other patients -- other veterans of the war -- as badly messed up as he. / And he had loved George with a passionate attachment ever since. A funny…
- "He hated them more than the headaches -- that feeling of dragging self-pity and the fear that nothing was worth anything. It was the one shared mood the Survivors' Club had all fought against most fiercely during those years they had spent together at Penderris. Bodies could be mended and made to work again, at least well enough to enable the person inside them to live on. Minds could be mended to the degree that they worked efficiently again for the one who inhabited them. And souls could be soothed and fed from an inner well of inspiration and from an outer sharing of experience and friendship and love. / But one never quite reached the point at which one could relax and know that one had made it through to the other side of suffering and could now be simply content, even happy, inside a balanced mix of body, mind, and spirit. / Well, of course one did not." (p. 66)"He hated them more than the headaches -- that feeling of dragging self-pity and the fear that nothing was worth anything. It was the one shared mood the Survivors' Club had all fought against most fiercely during those years they had spent together…
TroublemakerTroublemaker, BookSurviving Hollywood and Scientology
by Remini, LeahBook - 2015?Book, 2015?
Irene99's rating:
Added May 08, 2017
Comment:
Fascinating, insightful, well-written. A work that will have a huge impact on anyone who may be involved with overbearing organizations that strip away one's time, money, education opportunities, and support network, leaving the exhausted victim vulnerable to the lies.Fascinating, insightful, well-written. A work that will have a huge impact on anyone who may be involved with overbearing organizations that strip away one's time, money, education opportunities, and support network, leaving the exhausted victim…
Quotations
- "The (auditing) process could produce a great sense of cathartic relief. Here was a problem I wasn't been aware of, that I may have created for myself, and after much back-and-forth, I was able to overcome that problem. / So while in session, I would feel the euphoria of self-discovery and growth, back in the real world I was still angry, depressed, and judgmental.... What I didn't realize at the time was that all the understanding I gained through auditing only related back to my life in the church and helped me to be a Scientologist. My 'gains' in Scientology were not relating to the real world. I was so entrenched in the church that it had become my everything. I couldn't question that." (p. 75)"The (auditing) process could produce a great sense of cathartic relief. Here was a problem I wasn't been aware of, that I may have created for myself, and after much back-and-forth, I was able to overcome that problem. / So while in session, I…
- "When it came to talking about my role and required activities in the church, I would often lie to people. When a non-Scientologist girlfriend asked me how things were going with Angelo, I never admitted to the usual marital problems that couples have, because that would have been revealing something less than the perfect image demanded of Scientologists. The list of workarounds to keep up appearances goes on and on. / Being a Scientologist was like having a double life." (p. 155)"When it came to talking about my role and required activities in the church, I would often lie to people. When a non-Scientologist girlfriend asked me how things were going with Angelo, I never admitted to the usual marital problems that couples…
- "Scientologists are often prepared to respond with what's called dead agenting -- a method of shutting down any criticism of the church by disproving the veracity of the source of information. A common dead agenting strategy is to sidestep any questions from outsiders that could hurt the church, and focus instead on exposing supposed lies the source told or attempt to undermine his or her credibility with ad hominem attacks. / We learned to first ask questions like "Do you still beat your wife?" Then offer only partial truths in response to their questions, and finally, try and deflect by referring to positive things the church has done." (p. 157-158)"Scientologists are often prepared to respond with what's called dead agenting -- a method of shutting down any criticism of the church by disproving the veracity of the source of information. A common dead agenting strategy is to sidestep any…
- "What I have slowly come to realize, and often still have to remind myself of, is this: There is no 'right' way to be. I am flawed and imperfect, but am uniquely me. I don't fit in and probably never will. And I don't have to try to anymore. That other person was a lie. And let's face it, normal is boring. We all have something to offer the world in some way, but by not being our authentic selves, we are robbing the world of something different, something special." (p. 170)"What I have slowly come to realize, and often still have to remind myself of, is this: There is no 'right' way to be. I am flawed and imperfect, but am uniquely me. I don't fit in and probably never will. And I don't have to try to anymore. That…
- "In Scientology you are told to stay away from the Internet or other forms of media or intelligence that might be against Scientology. I broke away from this long-held rule and looked at hundreds of stories about my church and just sat there and cried. Not just for me, but for the many who believed in something that they thought was bigger than themselves and dedicated their whole lives to sustaining it. How could I have been blind to the stories that the rest of the world knew? Scientologists are hardworking, dedicated, and caring people albeit misinformed people, and I was no exception. The reason for their blind faith lies in their core belief that they alone have the answers to eradicate the ills of humanity. You run back to the safety of the group that shares your mentality, and in this way your world becomes very insular." (p. 182)"In Scientology you are told to stay away from the Internet or other forms of media or intelligence that might be against Scientology. I broke away from this long-held rule and looked at hundreds of stories about my church and just sat there and…
Irene99's rating:
Added May 03, 2017
Comment:
I found this book beautifully written from the beginning. However, it seemed to divide into two novels. The second was after the couple married, when the plot became more of a crime thriller, and the steamy scenes felt for me too much like voyeurism. I enjoyed the imaginative voice of the heroine when she made up stories to entertain the children.I found this book beautifully written from the beginning. However, it seemed to divide into two novels. The second was after the couple married, when the plot became more of a crime thriller, and the steamy scenes felt for me too much like…
Quotations
- "Pandora launched into a detailed account of her conversation with the hermit crab, reporting that his name was Shelley, after the poet, whose works he admired. He was a well-traveled crustacean, having flown to distant lands while clinging to the pink leg of a herring gull who had no taste for shellfish, preferring hazelnuts and bread crumbs. One day, the herring gull, who possessed the transmigrated soul of an Elizabethan stage actor, had taken Shelley to see Hamlet at the Drury Lane theater. During the performance, they had alighted on the scenery and played the part of a castle gargoyle for the entire second act. Shelley had enjoyed the experience but had no wish to pursue a theatrical career, as the hot stage lights had nearly fricasseed him." (p. 94)"Pandora launched into a detailed account of her conversation with the hermit crab, reporting that his name was Shelley, after the poet, whose works he admired. He was a well-traveled crustacean, having flown to distant lands while clinging to the…
- "'Your kiss thrilled me beyond imagining,' he whispered. 'Every night for the rest of my life, I'll dream of the afternoon in the holloway when I was waylaid by a dark-haired beauty who devastated me with the heat of a thousand troubled stars, and left my soul in cinders. Even when I'm an old man, and my brain has fallen to wrack and ruin, I'll remember the sweet fire of your lips under mine, and I'll say to myself, "Now, that was a kiss."'" (p. 106)"'Your kiss thrilled me beyond imagining,' he whispered. 'Every night for the rest of my life, I'll dream of the afternoon in the holloway when I was waylaid by a dark-haired beauty who devastated me with the heat of a thousand troubled stars, and…
- "There was something I once read .... It was an astronomy book that said in most of the constellations, the stars don't actually belong together. They only appear to. They look to us as if they're close to each other, but some of them exist in another part of the galaxy altogether. That's how my family was. We seemed to belong to the same group, but we were all very far apart." (p. 116)"There was something I once read .... It was an astronomy book that said in most of the constellations, the stars don't actually belong together. They only appear to. They look to us as if they're close to each other, but some of them exist in…
Irene99's rating:
Added Apr 24, 2017
Comment:
Fun, steamy read. I liked how the heroine was a misfit and brilliant mathematician, inspired by Ada, Countess of Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer. Our heroine's intelligence and her rogue's apparent lack thereof, while they both learn they have underestimated each other, bring interesting contrasts; and where does that surprising chemistry between them fit in?Fun, steamy read. I liked how the heroine was a misfit and brilliant mathematician, inspired by Ada, Countess of Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer. Our heroine's intelligence and her rogue's apparent lack thereof, while they both learn…
Quotations
- "As far as Claire was concerned, Lord Fox was not an equation worth solving." - p. 29, upon their meeting
- "Her brain rarely took a little holiday, but when Fox kissed her, Claire's brain packed its bags, closed the house, and left town. Her feelings took over: he was handsome and hard and hot and she was drawn to him like a magnet; that is to say, as if it were an inviolable natural law and who was she to break such rules? He may not know the things she prided herself on, but he damn well knew how to kiss a woman." - p. 140"Her brain rarely took a little holiday, but when Fox kissed her, Claire's brain packed its bags, closed the house, and left town. Her feelings took over: he was handsome and hard and hot and she was drawn to him like a magnet; that is to say, as if…
Irene99's rating:
Added Apr 12, 2017
Comment:
Beautifully written biography of a Canadian icon. I learned so much about Red's role in "Vancouver's ascension to the number-one music city in Canada" (p. 57, per Bruce Allen), supporting and showcasing up-and-coming performers, including black performers who weren't receiving fair airplay in early days. Famous people are encountered in their humanness, with stories that really had to be put to paper. I enjoyed hearing about Vancouver in the 1950s and 1960s, and that after a stint down south, Red learned that "everything anyone could possibly want was in Vancouver, including opportunity and celebrity" (p. 121). We also learn how Red found phenomenal success doing what he loved, peppered with crazy publicity stunts like an April fools day announcement about a beached whale. Unforgettable.Beautifully written biography of a Canadian icon. I learned so much about Red's role in "Vancouver's ascension to the number-one music city in Canada" (p. 57, per Bruce Allen), supporting and showcasing up-and-coming performers, including black…
Irene99's rating:
Added Apr 12, 2017
Comment:
A luscious read. I enjoyed it from the first moment I set eyes on the typeset, and the old-fashioned style where each new chapter begins with slightly wider page margins. I enjoyed the use of ancient spelling of words like "teaze" and "shewed." The Jane Austen style was beautifully conveyed, in a very engaging story. The creativity of the idea of "glamour" and its uses was genius.A luscious read. I enjoyed it from the first moment I set eyes on the typeset, and the old-fashioned style where each new chapter begins with slightly wider page margins. I enjoyed the use of ancient spelling of words like "teaze" and "shewed." The…
Quotations
- The ball crept until the wee hours of the morning, when all the girls spilled out of Banbree Manor and into their waiting carriages, like flowers spilled from a bridal bouquet. Jane followed them, her dress gray as ashes, the roses on her habit a failed camouflage. (p. 50)The ball crept until the wee hours of the morning, when all the girls spilled out of Banbree Manor and into their waiting carriages, like flowers spilled from a bridal bouquet. Jane followed them, her dress gray as ashes, the roses on her habit a…
- The room had vanished, its walls replaced entirely by arching trees; the ceiling, a sky overhead which shimmered with the light of stars and the moon. The trees rustled in response to a conjured breeze, which carried with it hints of jasmine and the pleasant, spicy scent of loam. The brook, which had so entranced her at the ball, continued its babbling, but now it was accompanied by birdsong from a nightingale that sat on one of the tree branches, singing its melody at exactly the right volume to be unobtrusive in a gathering. (p. 143)The room had vanished, its walls replaced entirely by arching trees; the ceiling, a sky overhead which shimmered with the light of stars and the moon. The trees rustled in response to a conjured breeze, which carried with it hints of jasmine and the…
- I dream of a day when it is possible to move images from one location to the next without the human effort of clasping tight to keep the folds from unraveling. Were that possible, then a gallery could be created so that arts such as these were not only the provenance of the wealthy, but that all men might be lifted up by exposure to this, the most ephemeral of arts.... I imagine a day when it will be possible to create an image in one place and have it be seen instantly in another." (p. 164)I dream of a day when it is possible to move images from one location to the next without the human effort of clasping tight to keep the folds from unraveling. Were that possible, then a gallery could be created so that arts such as these were not…
Irene99's rating:
Added Apr 03, 2017
Comment:
An absolute pleasure to read. Steamy. And some clever plot lines, involving two couples of two generations, two rogues with good hearts underneath it all, and a couple of very clever women. Can a rogue be redeemed? Cheryl Holt gives a resounding yes, but not without its challenges along the way.An absolute pleasure to read. Steamy. And some clever plot lines, involving two couples of two generations, two rogues with good hearts underneath it all, and a couple of very clever women. Can a rogue be redeemed? Cheryl Holt gives a resounding…
Quotations
- He couldn't budge beyond the societal restrictions that had formed the bedrock of his beliefs, that had shaped his vision of the world. A man in his position never wed a woman in hers.... "When will I see you again?" he already felt her loss and was astonished by how arduous it seemed. (p. 159)He couldn't budge beyond the societal restrictions that had formed the bedrock of his beliefs, that had shaped his vision of the world. A man in his position never wed a woman in hers.... "When will I see you again?" he already felt her loss and…
Irene99's rating:
Added Mar 30, 2017
Comment:
I'm a fan of this author so had to read this novel. The setting is beautifully depicted in both Grand Cayman and Scotland. You find yourself travelling there, meeting people, experiencing everyday life. The intertwining love stories are well-written, it really moves along. However, I found the ending completely implausible. It could have been developed further, explained further, perhaps had the characters making sense of their previous misunderstandings. To me it felt like a false ending.I'm a fan of this author so had to read this novel. The setting is beautifully depicted in both Grand Cayman and Scotland. You find yourself travelling there, meeting people, experiencing everyday life. The intertwining love stories are…
Quotations
- That was the most painful thing about separation, she felt: the ending of the very small things, the ordinary sharing, the unspoken reliance; removing one's toothbrush from the bathroom was as big a step, in a way, as making an appointment with the divorce lawyer. (p. 140)That was the most painful thing about separation, she felt: the ending of the very small things, the ordinary sharing, the unspoken reliance; removing one's toothbrush from the bathroom was as big a step, in a way, as making an appointment with the…
Irene99's rating:
Added Mar 22, 2017
Comment:
I enjoyed this book. It is filled with redemption and people finding kindness and love despite what they endured in the past. The main characters were likeable and kind. I found credibility stretched near the end, won't go into detail or will reveal too much plot. But a pleasant read overall.I enjoyed this book. It is filled with redemption and people finding kindness and love despite what they endured in the past. The main characters were likeable and kind. I found credibility stretched near the end, won't go into detail or will reveal…
Irene99's rating:
Added Mar 08, 2017
Comment:
Magnificent book. Beautifully written story of a gifted woman whose unusual talents aren't entirely well-accepted. I enjoyed the descriptions of what it might be like to be in a reality talent show, and the process of creating indie documentaries. There is even romance. One line I liked: "Talking to Bo is like talking to a non-absorbent sponge." (p. 231) A full package that keeps you turning the page.Magnificent book. Beautifully written story of a gifted woman whose unusual talents aren't entirely well-accepted. I enjoyed the descriptions of what it might be like to be in a reality talent show, and the process of creating indie documentaries.…
Irene99's rating:
Added Feb 22, 2017
Comment:
This historical novel presents a time that we can hardly imagine: when the monarchy was not accepted, the king deposed. Amazing research brings this time to life and a daring escape involving heroine Jane Lane. The romance angle is also lively and well-conceived. A dramatic read and fascinating corner of history.This historical novel presents a time that we can hardly imagine: when the monarchy was not accepted, the king deposed. Amazing research brings this time to life and a daring escape involving heroine Jane Lane. The romance angle is also lively and…
Irene99's rating:
Added Feb 22, 2017
Comment:
I revised my rating of this book to the top possible because it actually helped me in a challenging situation. How often does a novel do that? I found the words about seeking forgiveness resonated, and by applying that practice, a simmering conflict was transformed into a warm connection. One commenter thought the book preachy, but I think that writing a story provides an example rather than telling anyone what to do. I found it tremendously valuable. --- I always enjoy that the mysteries in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series are social and human quandaries, the sorting out of a life. The way the author works out happy endings that always protect the dignity of each person, is quite gifted. However, I found myself weary at times of the many digressions (like much of the first chapter) as he would describe what Mma Ramotswe was thinking. I enjoyed once again the vivid descriptions of Botswana scenery and customs.I revised my rating of this book to the top possible because it actually helped me in a challenging situation. How often does a novel do that? I found the words about seeking forgiveness resonated, and by applying that practice, a simmering conflict…
Quotations
- A speech by the Mayor at the presentation of the Woman of the Year Award: "His speech, which lasted twenty-five minutes, was all about what he had done to further the cause of women. 'That task is never over,' he said. 'There are always more women.'" (p. 222) I also liked: "The past, she thought was being remembered, and forgotten, in just the right measure." (p. 220)A speech by the Mayor at the presentation of the Woman of the Year Award: "His speech, which lasted twenty-five minutes, was all about what he had done to further the cause of women. 'That task is never over,' he said. 'There are always more…
Irene99's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2017
Comment:
Delish! I want more of this author's chocolate books. Who knew there was so much to learn about chocolate? I found the plot a bit weird with the thievery bits, but it does make for a fun romance. Warning: Be prepared never to look at a certain type of candy bar as "chocolate" again.Delish! I want more of this author's chocolate books. Who knew there was so much to learn about chocolate? I found the plot a bit weird with the thievery bits, but it does make for a fun romance. Warning: Be prepared never to look at a certain type…
Added Feb 07, 2017
GutGut, BookThe Inside Story of Our Body's Most Underrated Organ
by Enders, GiuliaBook - 2015Book, 2015
Irene99's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2017
Comment:
Excellent book that explains a great deal of current research so it is isn't hidden away in university libraries. So many things that were new to me as well as practical. Olive oil is supposed to be stored in the fridge to avoid it oxidizing (being damaged by AIR!), but try that and it will congeal; I switched to butter for cooking, as olive oil is also said to be damaged by heat. I enjoyed the whimsical writing style and amusing drawings, personifying body parts, bacteria, etc. (some hard-working, some lazy...) I found the last section on healthy gut bacteria a bit endless, but took away the message that more of them, in more variety, is very good.Excellent book that explains a great deal of current research so it is isn't hidden away in university libraries. So many things that were new to me as well as practical. Olive oil is supposed to be stored in the fridge to avoid it oxidizing (being…
Quotations
- "The mouth is a place of superlatives. The most powerful muscles in our body are the jaw muscles; the body's most flexible striated (not smooth) muscle is the tongue. Working together they are not only incredible crunchers, they are also nimble manipulators. Another candidate for the record books is tooth enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance produced by the human body. And it needs to be, since our jaws can exert a pressure of up to 180 pounds (80 kilos) on each of our molars -- or approximately the weight of a grown man! When we encounter something hard in our food, we pound it with almost the equivalent force of an entire football team jumping up and down on it before we swallow it." (p. 82)"The mouth is a place of superlatives. The most powerful muscles in our body are the jaw muscles; the body's most flexible striated (not smooth) muscle is the tongue. Working together they are not only incredible crunchers, they are also nimble…
- "So, whether it's extra virgin olive oil or cheap fat from french fries, it all goes straight into the heart -- there is no detoxing detour via the liver as there is for everything else we digest.... Just as bad fat can have a negative effect, good fat can work wonders. Those who are prepared to spend that little bit extra on cold-pressed (extra virgin) olive oil will be dunking their baguette in a soothing balm for their heart and blood vessels." (p. 53)"So, whether it's extra virgin olive oil or cheap fat from french fries, it all goes straight into the heart -- there is no detoxing detour via the liver as there is for everything else we digest.... Just as bad fat can have a negative effect, good…
Added Feb 07, 2017
Chance DevelopmentsChance Developments, BookUnexpected Love Stories
by McCall Smith, AlexanderBook - 2016Book, 2016
Irene99's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2017
Comment:
In this book, love is found in unexpected places; sometimes lost and then rediscovered. Sometimes the search is easier than expected. The stories are inspired by ancient forgotten photographs, and what might have been happening in them. Lovely collection of stories.In this book, love is found in unexpected places; sometimes lost and then rediscovered. Sometimes the search is easier than expected. The stories are inspired by ancient forgotten photographs, and what might have been happening in them. Lovely…
Irene99's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2017
Comment:
Delightful read. Amusing and clever. For instance, describing the expected dress of restaurant servers: "clad from head to toe in black, all black, all the time. The Tart wait staff are allowed to wear anything they like, so long as it's a member in good standing of the ebony family." The story gives an insider view of what it might be like running a restaurant, and participating in reality TV cooking competitions, with romance on the side. Brilliant expression "FoodTube" for the associated reality TV organization.Delightful read. Amusing and clever. For instance, describing the expected dress of restaurant servers: "clad from head to toe in black, all black, all the time. The Tart wait staff are allowed to wear anything they like, so long as it's a member in…
Irene99's rating:
Added Dec 24, 2016
Comment:
Beautifully written, very engaging historical fiction, that may help explain why we don't hear much from brilliant women in history.
Chef Del's Better Than VeganChef Del's Better Than Vegan, Book101 Favorite Low-fat, Plant-based Recipes That Helped Me Lose Over 200 Pounds
by Sroufe, DelBook - 2013Book, 2013
Irene99's rating:
Added Dec 24, 2016
Comment:
Amazing recipes. Lots of great health information too, with the author sharing about his personal experience. I don't agree with the need to avoid fat/oil altogether, but that's an easy thing to add to the recipes. The black bean stew was amazing and I make it a lot now. I love the full colour images for everything, it makes it very nice to see what the finished work would look like.Amazing recipes. Lots of great health information too, with the author sharing about his personal experience. I don't agree with the need to avoid fat/oil altogether, but that's an easy thing to add to the recipes. The black bean stew was amazing…
The Hands-on HomeThe Hands-on Home, BookA Seasonal Guide to Cooking, Preserving & Natural Homekeeping
by Strauss, EricaBook - 2015Book, 2015
Irene99's rating:
Added Oct 24, 2016
Comment:
Loving this book! So many helpful and practical tips. I'm going to do more home preserving and it will be easier as a result.
Comment: