Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

I picked up Shanghai Girls because I enjoyed Snow Flower and The Secret Fan so much. Sadly I didn't enjoy Shanghai Girls as much.
The story is about two sisters, Pearl and May. At the beginning of the book they are beautiful girls in Shanghai. In their late teens, the two girls go out and pose for artists who make calendars and advertisements. Pearl and May are happy. They go out, drink with their friends, and wear pretty clothes. Their parents are middle class and provide the girls with good food and a nice home to live in. One day all the changes, their father loses all his money and business and sells the girls to another family for them to become the wives of two Chinese men who live in Los Angeles.
I just didn't connect with Pearl and May. I spent most of the time shocked that I know so little about China's history. I didn't know anything about the events that May and Pearl were living through. I guess I was so horrified by my ignorance and the events that were happening that I couldn't connect with May and Pearl. I certainly did learn a lot and found myself looking up these events.
Overall I would recommend Snow Flower and The Secret fan since I found it to be a stronger book but Shanghai Girls was good. Especially if you already know a lot about China's history in the late 1930's and 1940's and won't get caught up in the history. I will eventually read Dreams of Joy, the continuation of May and Pearl's story because I was unsatisfied with the ending of Shanghai Girls. Others who shared their thoughts on Shanghai Girls: Broke And The Bookish, Confessions of A Book Addict, Book Journey, Devourer of Books, Impressions In Ink, and She Is Too Fond Of Books.

Weekend Cooking: Beef Massaman Curry

I pinned this beef Massaman curry because we like Massaman curry and anytime I can use my crockpot  is a good day. I screwed up the recipe a little but it still came it out delicious.
Here's the original pin:

Source: 365daysofcrockpot.com via Linda on Pinterest

Here's mine:

I didn't have any tapioca when I started making it. I bought some tapioca and added it at the end so the tapioca didn't blend in well. But it didn't affect the taste at all. I would make this again.


Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page. For more information, see the welcome post.

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin

As you know I don't usually accept many books for review. Usually cause it takes me so long to read them or I don't have interest in the books pitched. But when I got Paulette's request to read The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, I immediately said yes. I'm always looking to read more books with LGBT characters.

Mildred lives in a small Nevada town on the farm her parents left her. Mildred lives with her cousin, Edra. Mildred and Edra are a couple, something they have taken great pains to hide from the rest of the town. Mildred is already scorned by the town since she's not beautiful and she's got money. Mildred does her best to help others and try to avoid the wrath of Josie Purdue, Mildred's biggest enemy. When the story beings, the town has just heard that Oscar Wilde has been imprisoned after being caught having relations with another man. The town is full people condemning Wilde and gay people. Most of Mildred's neighbors find the idea of two men together disgusting and no qualms about sharing their opinion with everyone. Mildred starts to fear for Edra and herself. Mildred hatches a plan to "woo" a recent widower with the hopes that he'll reject her. 

Mahurin does a great job of fleshing out the characters from Mildred and Edra to Charley, the widower, and Gus, the general store owner. Mahurin patiently gives the right amount of backstory at the right time. I really enjoyed the pacing of the story. I wanted to run Josie over with my car but I had to remember that there are many people out there who believe that some are less than others. I didn't agree but it served as a good reminder that not everyone is tolerant and accepting.

Overall I enjoyed The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap. It reminded me that many are persecuted and there are plenty of people willing to persecute. Others who shared their thoughts on The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap: Literary Inklings, Sally's Book Reviews and More, Diary of An Eccentric, and The Book Town.

Pin It And Do It: Baked Eggs with Broccoli, Mushrooms and Cheese

I pinned this baked eggs recipe in my ongoing quest for yummy breakfast ideas. I had some left over broccoli and mushroom from my Full Circle box. Plus I had some ramekins that I got from Marta as wedding gifts. I can't believe it took me this long to use them.
Here's the original pin:

Source: poorgirleatswell.com via Linda on Pinterest

And here's mine:

It was a delicious breakfast. You could change up the veggies. Spinach, onions, and peppers would also be good in this too. Also could change up the cheeses. I will be making this one again.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Scarlet

I love the Robin Hood legend so I'm looking forward to this one.

Sacre Blue

Tai and I had been talking about Christopher Moore. And I found his newest on the shelf so I took it as a sign.

Thorn In My Heart

I saw this mentioned on someone's blog (I can't remember who now). It sounded interesting. The story of Leah and Rachel set in 1800's Scotland.

The American Heiress

I've been wanting to read this one. When I found it on the library shelf, I decided to grab it.

What did you get this week?

Happy Holidays

Hoping you and yours have a beautiful holiday season.

I'm spending today with Tai and our friends. Hope you are surrounded by love, joy and food :)

Joy For Beginners by Erica Bauermeister

Bauermeister is another other I always see good reviews for. So when I saw Joy for Beginners on the library shelf, I knew I just had to pick it up. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed Joy for Beginners and am anxious to pick up Bauermeister's other books.
The story beings with Kate. Kate's recently had breast cancer and now her cancer has gone into remission. To celebrate, Kate has a party with her friends, six women who have been her friends through this trial and others. At the party, Kate reveals that her daughter, Robin, has planned a trip in the summer for Kate and Robin to raft the Grand Canyon. The trip terrifies Kate and she longs to back out. Her friends insist she goes. Kate decides to give each woman a task, something that scares them, since they decided that she go on the rafting trip. Each chapter talks about each woman and what her challenge was. I liked the unique challenges Kate made up for each woman. Some seemed simple like learn to make bread or toss her ex's books. And some were difficult like walk the Breast Cancer 3 day walk. I enjoyed hearing about each woman's journey to complete her challenge.
Overall I enjoyed Joy For Beginners. I'm definitely going to look for more Bauermeister's books. Others who shared their thoughts on Joy for Beginners: Bibliophile by The Sea, You've GOTTA Read This, She's Too Fond of Books, MostlyFiction Book Reviews, Diary of An Eccentric, and Rhapsody in Books.

Weekend Cooking: Pumpkin-Nutella Loaf

I pinned this pumpkin-Nutella loaf a while ago. I bought a box of canned pumpkin in October thinking I would make all sorts of pumpkin dishes. This is the first thing I've made using that canned pumpkin. Only 23 more cans to go!

I made this loaf to take to a party last night. It was a huge hit. Not only did it get gobbled up, but plenty of people asked me for the recipe.
Here's the original pin:

Source: yasalamcooking.com via Linda on Pinterest

Here's mine:

I followed her recipe exactly except I added 1/2 tsp of ginger and 1/2 tsp of cardamon. I thought the additional spice would enhance the flavor. I was right, it did. Tai's asked me to make this again so it might be my go to dessert for the holidays.

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page. For more information, see the welcome post.

2012 War Through The Generations Challenge Wrap Up

I met my goal for the War Through The Generations Challenge. I said I would read between 1-3 books and I read 2 books this year. I just couldn't find a lot of books about World War I that I wanted to read.
So here's what I read:
A Very Long Engagement by Sebastien Japrisot
To End All Wars by Adam Hochschild

I meant to read Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemmingway but I never got around to it.

Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio

I grabbed Blackberry Winter off the library shelf because I'm always hearing rave reviews about Jio's books. I was not disappointed. Jio sucked me in and I read Blackberry Winter in one day!
Blackberry Winter weaves the stories of Vera, a mother in 1930's Seattle and Claire, a wife and journalist living in modern Seattle. I loved how it was set in Seattle. But the stories were interesting and deep. Vera loses her 3 year old son in a rare late spring snow storm.  Years later, Claire is reeling from the loss of her unborn child. Claire's editor gives her the assignment of writing about about the 1933 snow storm and the current snow storm. At first Claire isn't interested in the snow storm but after some research she stumbles onto Vera's story. Claire identifies with the loss Vera feels and decides to find out what happened to Vera's son.
Jio's writing is amazing. I was transfixed immediately. Jio is a fantastic storyteller. I enjoyed knowing about Claire and Vera. And I loved how their stories intertwined. Nothing seemed forced or revealed too quickly. I really felt for Claire and Vera and their struggles.
I really enjoyed Blackberry Winter. I can't wait to recommend Others who shared their thoughts on Blackberry Winter: The Perpetual Page-Turner, Devourer of Books, Beth Fish Reads, and Life In The Thumb.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

The Inexplicables

Yay! I'm excited about the next in The Clockwise Century. 

Tell The Wolves I'm Home

Vivienne from the now defunct Thrifted Shift mentioned this as a book she enjoyed. I've heard good things about it so I'm looking forward to it. 

What did you get this week?

Pin It and Do It Challenge: Balsamic Roast Beef

I pulled out my crockpot for this one. In this busy holiday season, it's great to come home and have a meal waiting rather than having to worry about dinner for half the day.
Here's the original pin:

Source: addapinch.com via Linda on Pinterest

And here's mine:

I served it over mashed potatoes and made a gravy out of the sauce. I highly recommend doing that. The flavor of the meat was good but the gravy made it extra special. I would make this again. It was the perfect comfort food meal.

Son by Lois Lowry

I've finished The Giver trilogy! I'm glad I waited til this year to read The Giver since Son came out this year allowing me to read all four books in one year. Son certainly did tie up a lot of the stories in The Giver trilogy and gave a good ending to the series.
Son starts back in the community that Jonas lived in during The Giver but this time we see the events through Claire's eyes. Claire is a birthmother and she gives birth to Thirty-six or as you might remember him from The Giver, Gabe. Like Jonas, Claire starts to have feelings and has trouble living in the community.
Claire's story is told in three parts. Part one is in the community. Part two is in another community. And part three is in the community where Kira and Jonas now live. I enjoyed hearing more about Jonas and Kira. Lowry tried to wrap up all the stories (Jonas, Kira, Claire, and Gabe). I felt that was difficult but I was satisfied with the ending.
Overall I enjoyed Son. It was a good ending to the The Giver series. Others who shared their thoughts on Son: Becky's Book Reviews, Overflowing Heart Reviews, Escape Through The Pages, and Jonathan Likes Books.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

Saga vol 1
I'm a huge fan of Brian K Vaughn so I wanted to read his new series.

Stumptown vol 1
After hearing about Stumptown on Whimpulsive, I put it on my library queue. I'm looking forward to it.

What did you get this week?

Pin It And Do It Challenge: Chicken, Mushrooms, and Artichokes in Roasted Lemon Sauce

I wanted to make a chicken dish with mushrooms and artichokes so I found this recipe. And it was exactly what I wanted.
Here's the original pin:

Source: fortheloveofcooking.net via Linda on Pinterest

Here's mine:

It was very lemony. I would add the artichokes towards the end of the cooking. They soaked up the lemon juice a lot. Also I never got the sauce to really thicken, reduce yes, thicken no. But it still tasted yummy.

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

I picked up Her Fearful Symmetry because after reading The Time Traveler's Wife, I wanted to read more of Niffenegger's work. While it wasn't The Time Traveler's Wife, I still enjoyed Her Fearful Symmetry.
Valentina and Julia are twin sisters. Their mom's twin sister, Elspeth, died and left the twins her estate in London. Their mom (Edie) and Elspeth have been estranged for the twins entire life. The twins move to London and into their aunt's flat.
Unlike The Time Traveler's Wife, it took me just about half the book to get into Her Fearful Symmetry. My complaint was that there was too many characters. First there was Valentina and Julia (the twins). Then their parents, Edie and Jack. Edie's twin, Elspeth and her boyfriend, Robert. Martin and Marijke, Elspeth's upstairs neighbor. Plus the folks at the cemetery where Robert works. And each character had their own dramas. Sometimes I was more interested in Martin and Marijke than I was in the twins. It felt like too much especially towards the end when everything needed to be wrapped up. Other than the twins, the other characters' dramas were neatly and quickly finished. Martin's wasn't done to justice and I was miffed how his story turned out.
Now there are some neat twists and the story gets interesting towards the middle of the book. There's a secret between Edie and Elspeth which got a little confusing.  And the book overall has a creepy feeling which I liked. Others who shared their thoughts on Her Fearful Symmetry: Lakeside Musing, Cavier Dreams, Reading In Winter, and For The Someday Book.

November Book Tally

Let The Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd
The Other Normals by Ned Vizzini
97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman
Cleaving by Julie Powell
Hearts of Darkness by Kira Brady
Every Day by David Levithan
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
Sizzling Skillets and Other One Pot Wonders by Emeril Lagasse
Skinny by Donna Cooner
Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Another good month filled with great books. I can't believe another year is almost over. I haven't read Pride and Prejudice yet. I need to make time to read that before 2012 is over. I might be reading it on New Year's Eve!

Stats:

Fill In The Gaps YTD: 0 (None this month)

War Through The Generations YTD: 2 (None this month)

The Western Genre Challenge YTD: 2 (None this month)

Foodies Read 2 Challenge YTD: 18 (97 Orchard, Cleaving, and Sizzling Skillets and Other One Pot Wonders)
Total to date: 113

Pin It and Do It Challenge: Spinach Artichoke Mini Quiches

I pinned these Spinach Artichoke Mini Quiches because they are diary and gluten free. I figured they would be a great breakfast/brunch option and they were.
The original pin:

Source: carascravings.com via Linda on Pinterest

Here's mine:

I had fresh spinach so I used that instead of frozen spinach. I loved artichokes. I would definitely make this again. I did miss the cheese so I might add it next time. But loved the mini quiche idea.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries.

I had a few holds come in this week.

Blankets

A coworker recommended this one to me. She said it was really good.

The Gourmet Slow Cooker

 The Gourmet Slow Cooker Vol 2

Still on the hunt for more good slow cooker recipes.

What did you get this week?

Pin It and Do It Challenge: Brussel Sprouts Hash

As part of my ongoing quest to find new and interesting breakfast ideas, I pinned this brussel sprouts hash. We love brussel sprouts so I thought this would be a great recipe to try. I was right. We loved it.
Here's the original pin:

Source: kitchengirljo.blogspot.com via Linda on Pinterest

And here's mine:

I found a couple more similar recipes so you might see some more variations on this in the coming weeks. 

Skinny by Donna Cooner

I first heard about Skinny from Staci on Twitter. After she mentioned it, I immediately put it on my library queue. I loved Skinny. I immediately feel in love with Ever and her story.
Ever Davies is sixteen years old and weighs 302. Other than her friend, Rat, Ever feels like she's alone expect Ever's ever present companion, Skinny. Skinny tells Ever that she's fat, worthless, and unloveable. Ever believes Skinny and her hateful words. Desperate to stifle Skinny, Ever decides to have gastric bypass. Ever's journey was beautiful and tearjerking.
I can relate to Ever's struggles. I've been struggling with my weight since I was 10. And I struggle with my own version of Skinny. I've gotten her to shut up about my weight but she still taunts me about my other imperfections. Both Ever and I realized that everyone has their own Skinny, a voice that puts them down in their heads. Many people are able to silence that voice or ignore it but plenty of people live everyday (skinny, overweight, pretty, average looking, tall, short, rich, poor) with a voice, berating them. I saw this book as a way to help people rid themselves of that voice. Ever's weight didn't create Skinny, Ever did. And when you realize other people struggle with their own version of Skinny, then you realize you are not alone in your struggle.
I liked that Ever's journey didn't end at the gastric bypass. Skinny stuck around after that. While I felt the book pushed gastric bypass a little hard (the author had gastric bypass herself), I was glad it wasn't shown as a magic solution to Ever's problems.
I highly recommend Skinny to anyone. If you've heard a voice in your head telling you that you are worthless, unloveable, ugly, fat, nobody, this is the book for you. At times it was difficult to read. My own nagging voice piped up about my weight more than once while I read this, but Ever's triumphs made it all worth it. They felt like they were mine. Others who shared their thoughts on Skinny: The Perpetual Page Turner, Midnight Book Girl, I'd So Rather Be Reading, Love & Life & Learning, and Sophistikatied Reviews.

Weekend Cooking: Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders by Emeril Lagasse

I picked up Emeril Lagasse's Sizzling Skillets and Other One Pot Wonders because I was looking for more meal ideas. I choose to make the Ancho-Rubbed Flap Steak with Warm Corn and Black Bean Relish. I made some changes of course.

Ancho-Rubbed Flank Steak with Warm Corn and Pinto Bean Relish

1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1⁄2 teaspoon dried Mexican or regular oregano, crumbled between your fingers
1⁄4 teaspoon ground coriander
3⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄4 cup olive oil

1 1⁄2 pounds flank steak
2 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
1/2 red onion, diced
One 14.5 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh corn kernels, cut from the cob, or frozen corn (I used TJ's roasted corn kernels)
1/2 cup roasted Hatch chiles (I had some frozen), diced
1 can drained canned petite diced tomatoes (I used roasted petite diced tomatoes)
1⁄4 cup sliced green onion, both green and white parts
1⁄4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic

For garnish:
Sour cream
Avocado slices
Chopped fresh cilantro

Warmed corn tortillas, for serving

The day before, combine the first seven ingredients and rub it on the flank steak. Let it rest in the fridge overnight or at least 8 hours.
Heat oil in a large pan. When the oil is hot, add the meat to the pan. Sear both sides of the meat. Once meat is seared, set meat aside on a platter. 
Add a little more oil. Add red onion and saute until it's soften. Then add beans, garlic, corn, tomatoes, chiles, green onion, lime juice, and salt. Cook til combined or corn is unfrozen. Then add the meat back to pan. Cover and cook til meat is cooked. Depending on the thickness of the meat, it could be 5-25 minutes. 
Serve with sour cream, avocado, cilantro and warm tortillas.

Tai declared this a party in his mouth. Every bite was amazing. I would make this again. It's pretty easy and kind of spectacular. 

This was my seventeenth read for the Foodies Read 2 Challenge.

Weekend Cooking is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page. For more information, see the welcome post.