I Shall Be Near To You by Erin Lindsay McCabe

I added I Shall Be Near To You after seeing it on a must read list of books released in 2014. I was on a Civil War kick a few years ago and was especially interested in women in war. I Shall Be Near To You featured a young woman who chooses to follow her young husband to war rather than to stay at home. I Shall Be Near To You was a fantastic read.

Rosetta doesn't spend her time learning to knit or cook like her sister. Rosetta prefers to be on the farm, tending to the animals, or fishing. It's her can do attitude that catches Jeremiah's eye. Jeremiah would like his own farm someday and Rosetta would be able to help work it with him. Their common goals bring them together and they fall in love. The American Civil War starts and Jeremiah decides to join up. The Army is paying good money and that will enable them to buy their farm faster. Rosetta stays at his family's farm but doesn't feel good about being separated from her husband. A few days after Jeremiah leaves, Rosetta sets off after him and joins the army as Ross Stone.

It's unclear how many women fought the American Civil War as men. But there is anecdotal evidence of many women fighting in war. Every a few women who were pregnant fought and died at many battles. I loved the spunk that Rosetta displayed. She can't sit idle while Jeremiah puts himself in danger. She attempts to help her family but is turned away as she has a new family. I loved all the detail McCabe put into the story. I really felt like I was there with Rosetta. Between the battles and life in the army, I really felt the difficulty that Rosetta and the other soldiers faced.

I Shall Be Near To You is a must read. The story and the characters will stay with me for a long time. Others who shared their thoughts on I Shall Be Near You: Girl Lost In  A Book, Historical Fiction Book Reviews, Ciska's Book Reviews, and Literary Lindsay.
This is my third book for the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.

What To Eat This Week

Another week, another meal plan.

Earlier this week, Erica posted about her Eat From The Larder Challenge. For the month of April, she'll be eating from her pantry, freezer, fridge, and garden. She'll be buying no additional groceries during April. I was intrigued. I do have a stockpile of food and it would be nice to eat it all and start fresh. So Tai and I went through our freezer and pantry made a list of the proteins we had available. We have enough for 14-16 meals. Unlike Erica, I will be supplementing those items with the fresh veggies we get from Full Circle and dairy. I am going to be more conscious of what we already have and make meals with what we have rather than buying additional food.

So Tai and I sat down to create this week's meal plan.

Breakfasts: Tai's taking cereal and I'm taking baked apple oatmeal and yogurt.

Lunches: Tuna salad with crackers and ham and cheese sandwiches.

Dinners:

Monday: Ham with sautéed zucchini and mashed cauliflower.

Tuesday: Hamburgers with turkey bacon and sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and salad.

Thursday: Japanese Chicken Curry with sautéed veggies.

Friday: I'm out with some friends. Tai and Dad will have leftovers.

Saturday: I'm out again. I'll be making World Market's Eleven Bean Soup with turkey sausage for Tai and Dad to eat.

Sunday: Split pea soup with ham

What's on your menu this week?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

I'd heard so many good things about The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian. I'd meant to read it a dozen times but never did. So I got from the library and refused to return it unread. Wow. I'm sorry I waited so long. Alexie is the real deal and I adored The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian.

Junior lives on the rez with his folks. He's poor, his parents are poor. In fact everything Junior knows is poor. Junior also knows a lot of people who are alcoholics and a lot of people who get beat up including himself. Unlike his friend, Rowdy, Junior gets beat up by other kids at school. Junior dreams of a different and better life. One day, a teacher tells Junior that he should leave the rez if he wants his life to change. Junior asks his parents if he can go to a school in a town 22 miles away, a school full of white people.

Alexie pulls no punches. He tells you exactly how Junior lives with all the cracks and faults. Junior dreams of more than life on the rez will give him. Junior doesn't want to be poor, an alcoholic, or beat other people up. Junior wants to write comic books. What I loved about Junior is that he was like all of us. Looking for acceptance, looking for hope. He wasn't finding it where he was so he was brave enough to leave and look for it elsewhere. Junior's life is tough but he never gave up and he didn't let anyone tell him he couldn't find somewhere he belonged.

I also loved the art through the book. Forney does a great job of drawing Junior's cartoons. I felt like that art enhanced the book. I can't wait to read more of Alexie's books. Others who shared their thoughts on The Absolutely True Diaries of a Part Time Indian: Read. Breathe. Relax, James Reads Books, Finding My Forever, and The Book Smugglers.

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me 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.


After weeks of huge stacks of books, I just have one this week! Whew!

The Eight

I'm reading this one as part of the Tues Book Talk read a long. I hope I can start it close to April 1. 

What did you get this week?

What To Eat This Week

Another week, another meal plan!

Last week was one of those weeks were I felt behind. First my car was in the shop, then Tai's car was in the shop. Then I had a terrible day at work. All the meal planning went out the window. And then next two weeks are busy. Filled with fun stuff but a lot of stuff that's going to keep us from being home and eating dinner. But that's life.

Breakfasts: Maple Sweet potato bread.

Lunches: Chicken burrito bowls and Spicy Ground Beef and Bean soup with cabbage.

Dinners:

Monday: It's Tai's birthday so it's his choice.

Tuesday: I have a hair cut appointment so I'll be home late. Will pickup takeout on the way home.

Wednesday: Chicken with Rosemary and Mushroom glaze with kale salad and maybe quinoa.

Thursday: Dinner out with friends.

Friday: Hamburgers with protein topper and sweet potato fries.

Saturday: Ham with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans.

Sunday: Chicken A La Gloria with mashed cauliflower.

What do you have planned this week?

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me 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.

Again another huge pile of holds came in. I'm super excited about these and hope to read them all before their due dates.

Boy, Snow, Bird

I read about Boy, Snow, Bird towards the beginning of the year on a list of upcoming releases. It sounded interesting so I put it on hold and now I have it. 

The Divorce Papers

The Divorce Papers was on the same list as Boy, Snow, Bird. 

Infinite

Somehow I missed that Infinite, the last in the Incarnate series, was released in January. I've enjoyed the series so far and am interested in the conclusion.

Searching For Someday

Staci read this one recently and her gushing about it made me want to check it out. 

The Winter Rose

I was telling a coworker about The Tea Rose when I realized I needed to get The Winter Rose. 

What did you get this week? Add you link below!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Absolutely True Diary of A Part Time Indian

"But I can't blame my parents for our poverty because my mother and father are the twin suns around which I orbit and my world would EXPLODE without them."
pg 11 

A Mad, Wicked Folly by Sharon Biggs Waller

When I saw the cover of A Mad, Wicked Folly, I immediately added it to my library queue. But when I heard the summary, I knew I was going to like it. Early 1900's London, art, romance, and a girl trying to be on her own. I really enjoyed A Mad, Wicked Folly even though it made me angry at times.

Vicky wants to be an artist. But for a woman of her class (high), Vicky is expected to draw kittens and flowers. In order to be a real artist, she would have to defy her parents. But Vicky is used to the high life-fancy dresses, servants. Could she give all that up to become the artist she dreams of being?

I'm aware of American suffragette history. But I didn't realize that English woman fought for the same right to vote as well. What made me angry was that these women were trying to make clear arguments and men were laughing and jeering at them. Even some of the men in Vicky's life were assholes. Her fiancee told her he'd protect her with one breath and took away things that mattered to her in another. I realize that happened frequently and still happens today but it made me really angry. It made me appreciate the freedoms I have thanks to the women who have fought for those freedoms.

A Mad, Wicked Folly was entertaining and educational. Waller did a lot of research into the time and had a helpful guide in the back of the book to talk more about the history. I enjoyed A Mad, Wicked Folly and look forward to more of Waller's books. Others who shared their thoughts on A Mad, Wicked Folly: Good Books, Good Wine, The Crazy Bookworm, Beauty and The Bookshelf, and The Library Canary.
This was my second read for the 2014 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.

What To Eat This Week

What To Eat This Week is my weekly meal planning post. Please feel free to share what you are eating this week.

Last week's winner was Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp. Always a hit. No losers this week either. Everyone seemed to enjoy all the meals.

Breakfasts: I really enjoyed the sweet potato muffins I made last week. I'm going to make them again but add walnuts and raisins this time. Tai is still eating his muffins.

Lunches: Chicken Parm, Minestrone Soup, and Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Dinners:

Monday: Corned Beef and Cabbage

Tuesday: Quick Sriracha Beef Lettuce Wraps

Wednesday: Crockpot Barley Beef Stroganoff with a salad

Thursday: Chicken With Mushroom and Rosemary Glaze with sautéed green beans and quinoa.

Friday: Dad's on his own as Tai and I are having dinner with friends.

Saturday: Take out. It's going to be a busy day.

Sunday: Green Chile and Chicken Mock Enchilada Casserole  with guacamole and Beanitos/corn chips.

What's on your menu this week?

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me 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.

Bayou vol 2

I read Bayou vol 1 a few years ago. I meant to pick up the second volume but never did. Finally remembered to request it. 

Tsarina

After reading Catie's review about Tsarina, I put it on my tbr list. 

What did you get this week? Claire's got the linky this week.

The Dinner by Herman Koch

I picked up The Dinner after hearing some positive reviews. At first I kept using the word awkward to describe The Dinner. So awkward. Then around halfway through it got a lot more interesting. By the end, I would describe The Dinner as awkward, frustrating, intense, and fascinating.

Paul narrates The Dinner. He's one half of a couple on their way to dinner. Paul and his wife, Claire, are meeting Serge and Babette for dinner. They are going to a trendy restaurant that Paul isn't interested in. In addition to being close with Serge and Babette, each couple has a son. These sons are close as well and have gotten themselves into some trouble. Part of the reason to meet for dinner is discuss their sons.

At the beginning, I felt there was a huge elephant in the room. Obviously something has happened but the couples discuss the latest movies and travel plans. And Paul has a tendency to talk about the past. Later it becomes clear as to why he does that but sometimes I felt it was disjointed. That also was on purpose. Paul is a very unreliable narrator. I would how different this book would have been if it had been told from another perspective.

Koch skewers everything from family life to organic food. In some cases I felt he was very right and sometimes it was pretty uncomfortable to read. I think this would be a great read for a book group. There is plenty to talk about! Overall I enjoyed The Dinner. I went in knowing very little and I think that enhanced my reading. Therefore, I'm trying not to give a lot away about the book. Others who shared their thoughts on The Dinner: The Well-Read Redhead, Between The Covers, That's What She Read, and You GOTTA Read This!.

What To Eat This Week

It's Sunday and another edition of what we'll be eating this week.

Last week's winner was the Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls. Very easy to make and excellent flavor. They have been added to the make again list.

No loser last week. Everyone seemed to like all the meals.

Breakfasts: I made these Sweet Potato muffins for me. And Tai's still taking his Costco muffins.

Lunches: Italian Sausage with tortellini and ham sandwiches.

Dinners:

Monday: Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp served with sautéed green beans and bread.

Tuesday: Hearty Pasta Fagioli with Italian Sausage. I picked up a couple of these soup mixes from World Market a few weeks ago. I made their eleven bean soup and added some smoked turkey sausage last week. It was a big hit.

Wednesday: Chesapeake Bay Stuffed Rockfish served with a salad.

Thursday: Creamy Beef, Mushroom and Wild Rice soup served with a green salad.

Friday: Hamburgers with protein topping and sweet potato fries.

Saturday: Italian Sausage and Potato Soup served with a green salad.

Sunday: Pan Roasted Chicken with lemon and thyme served with a kale salad. This is something I learned to make at the cooking class I took last week. I'm anxious to give it a try.

What are you making this week?

Currently...

I haven't done one of these in a long time. Currently is about things I'm currently enjoying.

using

I bought a bottle of avocado oil on a whim at Costco. It hasn't replaced coconut oil or ghee for my favorite fat but I'm enjoying it. I think I'll try it this weekend when I cook some steaks.

wanting

I've been on a huge popcorn kick for months. I blame that on Skinny Pop. I was buying huge bags of it at Costco but sometimes they don't have it. I make popcorn in the microwave at work but I would love a popcorn maker at home.

drinking




I mentioned we got a Sodastream last year. Since then we stopped buying soda. I usually only have it when I'm out. We did buy the syrups but now we're trying to stop drinking/eating aspartame and Sucralose. I made this honey herb soda with rosemary. So yummy. I want to try it with lemon verbena too.

eating

I've mentioned that we started using red cabbage in place of lettuce in our lettuce wraps. It holds up so much better than lettuce and we love the crunch. I usually have little bits left which I either add to our salads or I snack on large wedges. So tasty.

What are you currently enjoying?

February Book Tally

Sense and Sensibility by Joanna Trollope

Enchanting The Lady by Katheryne Kennedy

Paris Was The Place by Susan Conley

A Dawn Most Wicked by Susan Dennard

Boy21 by Matthew Quick

Level Up by Gene Luen Yang

Clara and Mr Tiffany by Susan Vreeland

You Have Killed Me by Jamie Rich

Alice in Tumblr-land by Tim Manley

The Cute Girl Network by MK Reed

Brain Camp by Susan Kim

Morning Glory by Sarah Jio

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Thirteen this month. One more than Janurary. Pretty good for such a short month. I did read several graphic novels. I have more on hold at the library so I see more graphic novels in March.

Stats:

Romance Reading Challenge This month: 2 (Enchanting the Lady and Sense and Sensibility) YTD: 3

Historical Reading Challenge  This month: 0 (none this month) YTD: 1

What's In A Name Challenge This month:1 (Clara and Mr Tiffany) YTD: 3

Yearly Total: 25

Library Loot

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and me 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.

Wow. A lot of holds came in this week. These are going to keep me busy!

I Shall Be Near To You

I found I Shall Be Near To You on a list of hot new releases. I am fascinated with women who fought in the Civil War. I look forward to reading this one. 

Set To Sea

More graphic novels. I was intrigued by Set To Sea. I don't think I've read a graphic novel set on a ship before.

The Sky Over The Louvre

I found the Sky Over The Louvre because I was looking for graphic novels about the French Revolution. This series is about the Louvre and this graphic novel is set during the French Revolution.

Towering

Since I'm waiting for Cress from the library, I decided to read a few other Rapunzel retellings. I usually like Flinn's books so I hope this is another good one.

The Fairest of Them All

Another Rapunzel retelling.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

I have heard nothing but rave reviews about Sherman Alexie. I decided it was high time I started reading his books.

Yes, Chef

I've recently become a fan of Chopped and last month I caught a Chopped: All Stars were Marcus Samuelsson was cooking. I was impressed with his skills and his attitude. I look forward to his memoir.

What did you get this week? Add your post below.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"I looked at him; I looked into the clear eyes beneath the black cap, the honest eyes, I'd always told myself, formed a not-insignificant part of our happiness."
pg 16 The Dinner by Herman Koch

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

I picked up Something Strange and Deadly because of it's beautiful cover. I was able to read A Dawn Most Wicked before reading Something Strange and Deadly which only intrigued me more. A Dawn Most Wicked follows Daniel before the events of Something Strange and Deadly. I wanted more about Daniel and the Spirit Hunters. Something Strange and Deadly was a wonderful steampunky zombie filled adventure.

It's the late1800's in Philadelphia. Eleanor Fitt of the Philadelphia Fitts is waiting for her brother to home from an academic tour of Europe and Egypt. Things have started to go sideways for Eleanor and she's sure if her brother came home he could right her life. Even since the death of their father, Eleanor's family has been sliding into poverty. First her mother pins her hopes on her son to come back and help rebuild their wealth but later looks to Eleanor to marry a rich man to help pay off the debts. But Eleanor has other ideas. The Dead have arrived in Philadelphia. The Dead terrify Philadelphia's residents and some of the Dead are Hungry and have been known to eat humans.  Eleanor seeks out the Spirit Hunters who are trying to get rid of the Dead and Hungry. Daniel is part of the Spirit Hunters. At first, Daniel and Eleanor don't like each other. But that changes slowly.

I loved Eleanor. She's spunky and stubborn. She knows there is more than balls and pretty dresses. Unfortunately her life has been small and others around her are trying to keep in that small life. Eleanor meets Jie, one of the Spirit Hunters. Jie is Chinese and she has freedom. Freedom not to wear a corset. Freedom to run and jump. Freedom to choose her own life. Eleanor envies Jie's freedom and uses that to find a larger life. Not only was this book about a zombie invasion but also about choosing your own life regardless of what other's say.

Oh, Daniel. At first I was upset that he wasn't in the book right away. A Dawn Most Wicked was entirely about him. Something Strange and Deadly was more about Eleanor but once Daniel shows up I was pretty happy. I like his gruff attitude because I know he's a softie. I wish there was more about his inventions. Maybe the next book?

Overall, I'm pretty excited about the Something Strange and Deadly series. I can't wait to read A Darkness Strange and Lovely. Others who shared their thoughts on Something Strange and Deadly: The Perpetual Page-Turner, Midnight Coffee Monster, Good Books Good Wine, and Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

What To Eat This Week

This is my new weekly post about what meals we'll be eating for the next week.

Last week's winner was the Stuffed Italian Turkey Meatballs. Because I made so many of them, Tai took some to lunch with rolls and had meatball sandwiches. Yum.

Last week's loser was the Chicken Thigh Osso Buco. Tai wasn't terribly impressed with it and asked for it be removed from the rotation.

Breakfasts: I loved the baked oatmeal I had last week so I'll be repeating it. I think I might use apples this time. Tai's still on a muffin kick so he'll be taking those.

Lunches: Since Tai took the meatballs, I didn't make the Teriyaki Steak with Lemon and Wasabi. So that's back on the menu. Also I'll make some chicken and dumplings as well.

Dinners:

Monday: Baked Mozzarella Chicken Rolls served with pasta/spaghetti squash and a salad.

Tuesday: Steak and Vegetable Skewers with Soy-Ginger Marinade served with lemon quinoa. This was on last week's menu but got bumped.

Wednesday: Stuffed Fajitas with Cheddar Grits.

Thursday: Leftovers. Tai and Dad are on their own. I'm headed to a cooking class at the Pantry.

Friday: Chicken Cordon Bacon with a salad.

Saturday: Braised Short Ribs with butternut squash risotto.

Sunday: Ground Beef Stroganoff with sautéed green beans.

What's on your menu this week?