Review: PUNCH BOWLS by Kelley and Tenaglia

Review by Shellie of PUNCH BOWLS & PITCHER DRINKS by Jeanne Kelley and Sarah Tenaglia.

A sweet and tasty little book that has loads of punches with relatively easy recipes and great pictures.

A thing about trying and tasting punch recipes is that you either have to have a party, drink a whole punch bowl yourself, or break down the ingredients into smaller portions. To save my sanity and liver I resorted to the later - and regardless of the lack of a party I had fun doing so. How could you not, especially if the recipes are tasty?

I tried the authors’ versions of some classic drinks - Pimm’s Punch (a low-alcohol version of the Pimm’s Cup which I love and gives the drinker a taste of an English summer); the Old Fashioned Manhattan Punch (a delicious cross between the two classic cocktails which also uses orange juice as an ingredient); a Skinny Moscow Mule (a low-cal version of the Moscow Mule with diet ginger ale and vodka); and Jungle Juice (a variation on the potent College Punch that is a combo of six juices and four different kinds of booze). The last one really packed a punch (pun intended), but all of them were refreshing and delicious.

As for the book’s appearance and usability, it’s a hardcover and a small book so it’s easy to handle. It only has 112 pages. But it packs a wallop with 50 different punches. Almost every recipe has an additional corresponding page with a pretty idea-laden photograph of the punch. With each recipe there’s a short description, the ingredients listed logically, then simple yet specialized directions.The authors have also included tips for ice molds (which are suggestively and gorgeously pictured throughout the book) and directions on how to make the specialized simple syrups (a homemade water and sugar blend) needed for the punches. There is also a page that lists punches by types of alcohol and lastly an index that includes names of each punch as well as the individual ingredients so that you can find each punch by its name or content.

The recipes are broken down into Classic Cocktail-Inspired Punches (which includes the above punches that I tried), a section on wine called Sangrias and Champagne-Based Punches, Tropical and Exotic Drinks, Lazy Sundays (including a boozy iced tea called Palm Springs), Height of Summer (that has an interesting-sounding Spiked Spa Water), Fireside Cocktails (including Aztec Chocolate Punch which is a spicy hot chocolate drink with tequila), and Nonalcoholic Punches (which includes an orange juice and ice cream combo called Fifty-Fifty Punch) which are perfect for a children’s get-together.

As you can see that this is a fun book that I had a blast researching it. It’s a perfect gift for a host or hostess which can come in handy during the upcoming holidays or for any party or season. I give PUNCH BOWLS a 4-star rating.

Mar 03, 2015 | 112 Pages | Hardbound | Crown Books

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

Review: SHAKE by Eric Prum and Josh Williams

Review by Shellie for Shake: A New Perspective on Cocktails by Eric Prum and Josh Williams.

Perfect for the recent cocktail renaissance, within this book you will find a fun and easy way of making 32 different seasonal cocktails. And best yet it has lots of pictures!

Eric Prum and Josh Williams are best friends and have a design company called W & P Design in Brooklyn NY. And since they love cocktails and have created a cocktail shaker called the Mason Shaker (pictured on the book’s cover), it stands to reason that they would write a book on how to make cocktails too. But don’t worry, you don’t need to purchase one of their nice $30 shakers to make yourself cocktails - you can use a clean mayonnaise jar instead!

The duo has a premise on which they base their cocktail making - it should be “fun, simple, and social”. And the book is social since all the recipes are based on making a two-drink batch so that you can share. There are 8 cocktails for each of the four seasons, many using fresh local ingredients, so there are a lot of tasty ways that you can have fun. The book is also simple, broken down into the basics of cocktail crafting with fundamentals such as stocking your bar (where they suggest 12 different types of moderately priced booze); what types of glassware to choose; what types of ice and sugar to use; how to muddle; and, of course, techniques on how to “shake”. And since the book is mostly pictures it adds even more to the simple and fun feel.

Another thing I liked about the book is that it is a paperback with those nice cover flaps which makes it easy to save your place when browsing or making several cocktails at once. The index is also accessible and broken down by cocktail name, spirits, and key ingredient. Out of the thirty-two cocktails (several non-alcoholic) some examples are the Rosemary Bourbon Sour, Spiced Rum Old Fashioned, Pickleback Me (two shots – one pickle juice and one tequila), and the Flat Ditch. The Flat Ditch is my favorite so far out of the 10 or so that we have tried – it combines dark rum, lemon juice, fresh ginger, and strong ginger beer. Another plus is that most of the ingredients (or reasonable substitutions) can be found in your local grocery store and won’t tax your wallet too much.

It’s a book that I would consider for the newbie-cocktail-drinker, or for those looking to expand their drinking repertoire from the standard wine, beer, and basic store bought cocktail mixers. It’s an entertaining guide that I’d rate 4 out of 5 stars. I am looking forward to trying more of its cocktails and recreating favorites once again.

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July 08, 2014 | Pages: 168 | Trade Paperback | Random House

A complimentary book was received in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books. If you are a blogger you can get copies of books in exchange for reviews too. Just visit bloggingforbooks.org.

Review: Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry

Review by Shellie for Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean and Southern Flavors Remixed by Bryant Terry.

Shellie’s quick take:   A fun, delicious, entertaining, and good-for-you cookbook that features plant-based foods that don’t contain meat or dairy products.

Description:   Bryant Terry “remixes the favorite staples, ingredients, and classic dishes of the African Diaspora to present wholly new, creative culinary combinations that will amaze vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.” He is a “food justice activist” with food justice defined as “the basic human right to fresh, safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate food in all communities.”

Shellie’s thoughts:   Before I received this book I found Afro-Vegan’s recipe Tofu Curry with Mustard Greens in our local San Francisco Examiner’s Sunday food section. Needless to say it was delicious. And when Afro-Vegan became available for review I jumped at the chance. From there we have tried (I cook and eat, my husband just eats) a handful of recipes – such as Summer Vegetable and Tofu Kebabs with Pomegranate-Peach Barbeque Sauce, Stewed Tomatoes and Black-Eyed Peas with Cornbread Croutons, Glazed Carrot Salad (in its raw alternative form) and most recently watermelon juice and Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rinds and Jalapenos. All have been winners. And the best yet is that I have barely scratched the surface of what’s in this healthy treasure of a book.

I loved Afro-Vegan. It’s thoughtfully and logically organized, divided into sections like – Spices, Sauce and Heat; Soup, Stew and Tagines; Greens, Squashes and Roots; Cold Drinks, Tonics and Cocktails. It also includes gorgeous and colorful pictures throughout. With its small hardbound cover, it’s easy to hold and it stays open easily, so you can refer to it while cooking. Each recipe has a clearly outlined list of items needed for the cooking and easy to figure out instructions. I liked that every recipe has its own separate page, where Terry has added his entertaining thoughts and descriptions about the recipe; and there is even some fun non-foody content - he’s included music for each recipe to listen to while cooking or eating, as well as books for some of them. And, importantly, all the books and music included are created by black artists. The only thing I can say that was difficult about the book is that the recipes may be a little complex and time consuming. But I believe that after a few times cooking one of the recipes an experienced or determined cook will be able to make a few changes to make the dish easier for themselves.

Overall, the thing I liked best about Afro-Vegan is that the author has a wonderful and subtle sense of humor. Bryant Terry has added fun to the book by including recipes for some wonderful sounding cocktails such as the Amy Ashwood, the Black Queen and the Congo Square, all of which he suggests “will promote lively conversation, dancing, and frolicking.” And for more fun he’s included menu suggestions for celebrations and get-togethers for events like a Juneteenth Sweet-and-Savory Brunch and Saint Bob Marley’s Birthday. Best yet is the book is not preachy but is educational around the need for a plant-based diet to optimize health, as well as the inequalities of food access for a significant number of US citizens. A special book with delicious flavors that has health and social activism at its heart. It’s a 4.5 star for me.

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Hardcover | April 08, 2014 | Pages: 224 | Ten Speed Press

This book was received from the website Blogging for Books which is hosted by The Crown Publishing Group. My complimentary copy of Afro-Vegan was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. If you are a blogger you can sign up too!

Review: The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart

Review by Shellie for The Drunken Botanist – The Plants that Create the World’s Drinks by Amy Stewart

Shellie’s quick take:  A tastefully fun book for anyone interested in knowing the background for the ingredients that go into creating your favorite alcoholic drinks, including chemistry, historical drama, archeology, recipes, and a fun layout with illustrations and intriguing snippets. This is an excellent book for the geeky imbiber and/or gardener.

Shellie’s thoughts:  Definitely not dry, this book has been broken down visually and thematically for clarity, so it’s not like reading a text book. With an easy to digest visual style the book’s contents are divided into three major parts. The first is Distillation and Fermentation where the author alphabetically addresses the plants Agave through Wheat (including an end section called Strange Brews). The second part is Suffusions and it tells about the plant flavors which are added to the basic alcohols mentioned. It’s then broken down into Herbs, Flowers, Spices, Trees, Fruits, Nuts, and Seeds. The third part then covers the plants that are added to the drinks after they are mixed in a glass, using the topics Botanical Mixers and Garnishes.

Happily at the end of many of the sections for the book the author includes recipes for cocktail, syrups, infusions, and garnishes. She embeds short informational snippets on various subjects such as “A Field Guide to Tequila and Mezcal”, “Bugs in Booze”, “What’s the Difference between Ale and Lager”, “Know your Gins”, and more. The book also makes recommendation of what brands of liquors to use, which not to bother with, and other suggestions for creating upscale and finely crafted libations. It also has some gardening advice on growing plants for your own personal garden so that you can add them to your drinks.

I listened to the book in audio first then took a look at it in its hardbound format for further in-depth digging - and I loved both. The audio version was well read from a reader with a pleasant voice and featured a little clink of a glasses to designate the reading of each recipe. I did however feel the need to be able to look at the layout of the book’s organization, so the hardbound version may be little more practical.

This is a completely fun book which I would recommend. If you enjoy tasteful and upscale libations, are interested in how and what you are drinking is made, and would like some historical details and drama around the process in their creation then this will be a book for you. It would also make a wonderful gift for gardeners and drinkers alike. 4.5 stars.

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• Hardback | 400 pages | Algonquin Books | March 19, 2013
• Audio CD | HighBridge Company |Unabridged | 10.25 hours edition | March 19, 2013

Both of these wonderful (audio and hardbound) books were loaned from our local library.

Amy Stewart is the award-winning author of six books on the perils and pleasures of the natural world. She is the cofounder of the popular blog Garden Rant and is a contributing editor at Fine Gardening magazine. She and her husband live in Eureka, California, where they own an antiquarian bookstore called Eureka Books.  http://www.amystewart.com/

Here’s the publisher’s blurb:  Sake began with a grain of rice. Scotch emerged from barley, tequila from agave, rum from sugarcane, bourbon from corn. Thirsty yet?  In The Drunken Botanist, Amy Stewart explores the dizzying array of herbs, flowers, trees, fruits, and fungi that humans have, through ingenuity, inspiration, and sheer desperation, contrived to transform into alcohol over the centuries.

Of all the extraordinary and obscure plants that have been fermented and distilled, a few are dangerous, some are downright bizarre, and one is as ancient as dinosaurs—but each represents a unique cultural contribution to our global drinking traditions and our history.

This fascinating concoction of biology, chemistry, history, etymology, and mixology—with more than fifty drink recipes and growing tips for gardeners—will make you the most popular guest at any cocktail party.

Review: The Turning Point ~ by Balasa Prasad, MD and Preetham Grandhi, MD

Review by Shellie for The Turning Point: Conquering Stress with Courage, Clarity, and Confidence ~ by Balasa Prasad, MD and Preetham Grandhi, MD

It’s a “tell-it-like-it-is,” down to earth, concise yet readable book which persuades the reader into accepting the true nature of our world (it’s brutal out there) and then choosing a “turning point” to create a happier life.

About:   Written primarily by Dr. Balasa Prasad, a practicing psychiatrist who has developed his Turning Point Plan over 30 plus years. In the book he highlights the human burdens of stress on our physical bodies and our emotional lives; then examines the origins of stress and the importance for us to accept the unchanging “laws of nature”. He also talks about the link between addictions and stress, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and stress. He then moves onto the importance of realizing one’s place in the world, and the responsibility and courage for making changes in our lives. At the end of the book there is a special and insightful section (by Dr. Preetham Grandhi – a child psychiatrist and Prasad’s son in law) on stress in children.

Also an anesthesiologist, Dr. Prasad has cured many of his patients, including those with phobias and addictions. Interestingly he gets to the root of the problem quickly within a few sessions questioning each individual about their past, even administering a “truth serum” which helps them to reveal hidden experiences, traumas, and beliefs. He then suggests in a clearheaded way - logical solutions which amount to choices by the patient so that he/she can move forward and enjoy a less stressful life.

Thoughts:   This is a terrific book (and I’ve read A LOT of self help books). It’s clear and easy to read, and it’s written by two experts in the field. Even better is that it’s slim and accessible, and jammed packed with thoughtful truths about our natures and our world. Also included are case studies and personal examples. In my opinion Dr. Prasad is very grounded and has a extremely clear view of what life is about.

Granted the book may look like many of those fluffy self-help books on the market (with its typical sounding alliteration in the title), however, this book does exactly what it promises. My only negative thought about The Turning Point is that I’m not sure everyone will be able to recognize their own dilemmas - those that are so easy for Dr. Prasad to observe and which are showcased in his book. But hopefully reading his book will push those in need into finding help? I think that if Dr. Prasad and Dr. Grandhi included several sessions using the Turning Point Method with the purchase of the book (I could use a session or two) the book would be perfect!

If you’re going to read a recent book on bettering your life (or give one to a needy, faltering friend or loved one) I think this may be it. It’s direct and packs a punch that may push lost individuals back on track. Highly recommended for looking toward the new year and making significant and important changes for a happier life. This is a 4.5 stars in my opinion.

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For more on the book and the authors see the book’s website: http://theturningpointprogram.com/

About the authors:

Dr. Balasa Prasad is a British trained psychiatrist and an American trained, Board Certified Anesthesiologist. He founded his Behavior Management clinic in 1980. He was introduced to Truth Serum Treatments while he was a resident in Psychiatry in England. Over the past two decades, he has perfected “Turning Point Treatments” to treat addictions and phobias.

Dr. Preetham Grandhi is an India-born immigrant, born and raised in the city of Bangalore, India. Preetham’s childhood determination for success and change led to a new life in the USA. A practicing psychiatrist, he found himself working with children and their families in the inner-city Bronx, families who had even more complex issues than his own.

Preetham Grandhi is also the author of A Circle of Souls, which I reviewed when I first started blogging. It’s a wonderful book. To take a look at my review for the book and my first review here on Layers of Thought (it will show you how far I’ve come with my blogging skills – it’s quite good for a giggle) link on the book title’s text.

Review: Vegan for the Holidays ~ by Zel Allen

Review by Shellie for: Vegan for the Holidays ~ by Zel Allen

An easy-to-read and follow cook book with recipes specifically created for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza and New Year’s Eve. All for eating without meat and dairy.

Thoughts:  This reasonably sized paperback book contains sections with unusual and delicious sounding concoctions for each of the holidays mentioned above. It has starters, soups, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and drinks. With names like Lemony Carrot Soup, Autumn Vegetable Roast, Mashed Potatoes with Onion-Chardonnay Gravy, Holiday-Ready Apple Crisp, and Pumpkin-Apple Nog; these are a small selection of the recipes for Thanksgiving alone. With a number of beautiful colored photographs of many of the recipes in its 153 pages you can see examples of how to serve some of the dishes in the book. I also like that the index includes each of the recipe names and many of the major ingredients for easy access in creating dishes with specific foods.

We especially enjoyed a delicious recipe that will more than suffice in exchange for the obligatory turkey (a center piece for a lot of holiday meals – in the US at least) called Thanksgiving Philo Pie. The dish is large and dense, using nuts, mushrooms, and traditional poultry spices to give the dish protein, a meat like flavor, and the familiar taste that most of us crave when thinking about the holidays. I will have to say that the pie is gorgeous, and tasty. And it will have those who try it believe that there can be an alternative to eating meat and dairy.

So, what exactly is a Vegan? Often the word vegan is confused with vegetarian. But it’s different. Being a vegan means that you do not eat meat, eggs or any dairy products. Some vegans do not wear or use any animal products (wool and silk included), and may even forsake honey.

Eating a diet that is vegan is lower in fat, better for the environment, and also kinder to our fellow animals. With that being said, it also takes a large commitment including changing your entire way of eating and cooking. This is a process -especially if you have been eating and cooking as an omnivore for years. But one does not necessarily need to go “the whole hog”. You can start by considering recipes that are vegan and bringing them into your diet and your body just may thank you. And with this book especially, it can help find alternatives to traditional recipes for the holiday. It will surely help to convert even staunch meat consumers into thinking and eating differently at your dinner table. Some may not even realize that there is a difference. It’s a 4 star cook book in my opinion.

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160 pages | Book Publishing Company |July 1, 2012

About the author and her husband: Zel and Reuben Allen are “just a couple of adventurous pigeons” who live in Los Angeles. With many fun explorations in their own city and cruising the world on the web, they’ve discovered that paradise is just about anywhere they can touch the fruits of the earth.

Connect with them at their many sites which have loads of recipes, color pictures, and links for more information on eating without meat or dairy:

• http://www.vegparadise.com/
• http://nutgourmet.wordpress.com/
• http://pinterest.com/vegparadise/
• https://twitter.com/Vegparadise
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vegetarians-in-Paradise/192473518315

Happy Thanksgiving!

Reviews: Two Cookbooks ~ Vegan Family Meals and Eat Vegan on $4 a Day

Now for something a bit on the wild side ~ vegan food!   

So what the heck is a vegan anyway?   Vegans do not eat any animal products – no meat, fish, or dairy.  Some do not use or wear any kind of animal based products either. It is a committed live style and takes a lot of discipline.

How is a vegan different from a vegetarian?   Vegetarians have varying levels of commitment and may eat dairy or fish in different combinations depending on the person’s affiliations and choices. Vegans eat no animal products.

How can someone not eat any meat, let alone live without cheese, milk, butter, and eggs?   It’s not easy, as our western diet is based upon these items. But these two cookbooks will show you where to start. Both use no animal products and explain what to use as substitute. It is a shift in thinking, but it is easier on your pocket book, your body, and believe it or not - it can be just plain delicious. One thing is for sure, you do not have to go completely vegan or change right away even if it is proven to be better for our health. Here is a quote from Ann Gentry’s Vegan Family Meals book blurb supporting some health benefits:

Large-scale studies have shown that mortality from ischemic heart disease was 30% lower among vegetarian and vegan men and 20% lower among vegetarian and vegan women. Additionally, those following a meatless diet tend to have lower body mass index, lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer incidences of heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, renal disease, osteoporosis, and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease and other disorders.

Are John and I vegan?   No, but we like eating less meat and dairy and are transitioning into eating them even less. Just a small change in diet can reap a ton of benefits – health wise, planet wise, and pocketbook-wise.

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Two reviews by Shellie for:

1. Eat Vegan on $4 a Day ~ by Ellen Jaffe Jones
2. Vegan Family Meals ~ by Ann Gentry

Two cookbooks for different levels of cooking experience. Both are good places to start when looking to begin a plant-based eating program, depending on the amount of time you would like to commit.

As a new way of thinking about food (which this is for most people) and for those who cook (such as myself) it is difficult to get one’s head around. It has taken me some time to know what vegan food actually is let alone how to cook it. But it can be so delicious. Some sample recipes from Ann Gentry’s book are:

Tofu Benedict with Roasted Corn Hollandaise, Herb Zucchini Soup for lunch, Lasagna Rolls for dinner, and decadent Chocolate Silk Pie with Cashew Crust.

If that doesn’t stimulate your appetite, or you want additional more, I encourage you to try a meal or two at a local vegan restaurant. One of our very favorite local restaurants is Vegan.

Thoughts about each:

Eat Vegan on $4.00 a Day ~ This is a thin paper bound book with black and white illustrations and down to earth, concise advice on how to eat a plant-based diet – cheaply! It has menu planning and budgeting information, as well as some very nice recipes and detailed instructions on how to cook them. All this information definitely helps, as eating in this manner is a new way of thinking for omnivores. At 3.5 stars, it is an excellent place to start when cooking and eating without meat or dairy.

Ellen Jaffe Jones’ bio:  At 58 she is a certified personal trainer, running coach, author, and is a cooking instructor with The Cancer Project, a program of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. She spent eighteen years in TV news as an investigative reporter, morning anchor, and producer for network affiliates around the country, winning two Emmys among other awards. Find out more from her blog – The VegCoach; and Website.

Vegan Family Meals ~ This is a gorgeous cookbook that is well designed, organized and concise. It is a gourmet cookbook and is recommended for those who have experience cooking or who want to spend time preparing plant-based meals. The colorful pictures and descriptions in this book makes it a real treasure; the author has years of experience cooking and eating within the vegan lifestyle. 4 stars.  For more information on Vegan Family Meals check out the book’s website.

Ann Gentry’s bio: Creator, founder, and operating owner of - Real Food Daily, the only restaurant in the Los Angeles area that serves a 100% vegan menu using zero animal by-products and foods grown exclusively with organic farming methods. She is the author of The Real Food Daily Cookbook. She lives in Los Angeles with her family. For more information link to her restaurant's website - Real Food Daily.

In summary: As mentioned these two cookbooks are for two different levels of cooks. Eat Vegan on $4 a Day is for those who want an easy and cheap introduction to this method of eating and cooking. Ellen Jaffe Brown has simpler recipes that look delicious. However if you don’t mind spending hours cooking, want gorgeous color pictures, and in-depth yet accessible explanations you may want to chose Vegan Family Meals.

So which would I purchase?   Both. If I wanted full color picture and gourmet instructions it would be Vegan Family Meals. If I were just starting out and wanted to save money Eat Vegan on $4 a Day would be my choice.

Which book would you choose?

top photo credit:  By joe grimaldi

Review: Fabulous Faces ~ by Peter A. Adamson, M.D.

Review by Shellie for Fabulous Faces: From Motivation to Transformation through Facial Plastic Surgery ~ by Peter A. Adamson M. D.

A concise, easy to read guide for any one who is considering facial plastic surgery and procedures that go beyond a monthly facial. If you are considering it, this is a helpful place to start.

Definitely not a normal read for me in recent years – I have been mired in fiction (mostly speculative). I decided to take a look at Fabulous Faces because I am an Aesthetician (a professional skin care practitioner – facials, waxing, makeup artistry) which makes me naturally interested in medical procedures and other efforts to look one’s best.

In years past, and within my skin care practices, I would come into contact with many people who would ask me questions about advanced skin resurfacing procedures and fillers and plastic surgery. I have also had the experiences of seeing many clients through their process– getting the real life before and after both visually and verbally. Most have been extremely happy with the results of their decisions. It is an exciting and scary choice, one which most people do not take lightly, so they are often looking for further information from a trusted source. This book is an example of one such example as it is written by an M.D. who specializes in facial, head, and neck plastic surgery.

The format for this accessible book includes short easy to digest chapters. It is concise, well organized, and informative, with real life questions around the feelings of people considering or wanting facial plastic surgery, as well as personal stories from men and women during their processes. The text moves from wondering, to researching options, the inevitable emotional examination, the procedure itself and, most importantly, the results. Dr. Adamson also includes a section on advance skin procedures - like deeper peels using lasers, CO2, and medical grade acids; as well as fillers and Botox.

I recommend it to anyone who is considering facial plastic surgery as a place to begin. It will help one to feel informed when speaking to a surgeon about the available options that he/she may be discussing with you. Most importantly, you’ll know more about what you can expect throughout the process, and then of course the possible results. 4 stars for this great little book written for the layman wanting to know more about facial plastic surgery and related procedures.

Peter A. Adamson M.D. is a plastic surgeon and Otolaryngologist (face, head, and neck specialist). 254 pages; Oslerwood Enterprises Inc. (November 5, 2010) US|UK|Canada.

I have received this book via the publicist in exchange for my honest opinion, which is offered here. Thank you Rebecca.

Previews ~ (Fiction and a Memoir): Where are the Cocoa Puffs? The Love Goddess’ Cooking School; Daring To Eat A Peach; Mr. Toppit; and Postmortem

 

We have four novels and one memoir added to our “to be reviewed” list; here are some brief previews.

A note on our previews:  They are publisher’s blurb, author info and contacts, as well as purchasing links, all in one place so less work linking for you, just in case you’re interested in one of these books. There are no opinions (except perhaps a small comment). Our complete thoughts will be coming in a personal review.

Books included in this preview for Fiction and Memoir:

• Where are the Cocoa Puffs?  ~ by Karen Winters Schwartz
• The Love Goddess’ Cooking School:  ~ by Melisa Senate
• Daring To Eat A Peach ~ Joseph Zappetello
• Mr. Toppit ~  by Charles Elton
• Postmortem: a memoir  ~ by Laurel Saville

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Where are the Cocoa Puffs: a novel ~ by Karen Winters Schwartz

About:   As eighteen-year-old Amanda spirals into mania, her father, psychiatrist Dr. Jerry Benson, sees the realization of his worst fears: his daughter is not just moody, but truly ill. With his words, his diagnosis -- manic depressive illness -- his world and that of his family is forever altered. Carol, Amanda's mother, struggles with the guilt and shame of having raised a "crazy" daughter. Christy, Amanda's fifteen-year-old sister, denies the illness; after all, my sister's a bitch is so much easier to accept.

Meanwhile, the Bensons' extended family offers up everything from unconditional support to uncomfortable scrutiny as Amanda careens between bouts of frightening violence, cosmic euphoria, and suicidal despair. Then there's Ryan, an architecture student who is initially ensnared by Amanda's manic sexuality, but is ultimately captured and held throughout the chaos by the force of love and strength of family.

Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?: A Family's Journey Through Bipolar Disorder  follows a family through the tragedy of bipolar disorder, but it's not tragic. It's funny, sad, and thought provoking -- and as real and as raw as mental illness itself.

Amazon purchasing links for US|UK|Canada.

• Paperback: 270 pages
• Publisher: Goodman Beck Publishing; First edition (September 21, 2010)

Author Bio:  Karen Winters Schwartz was born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio. She received her undergraduate degree in microbiology, her Master of Science in Immunology, and a Doctorate in Optometry. Winters Schwartz is an active board member of NAMI Syracuse (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and an advocate for mental illness awareness. This is her debut novel. To find out more about or to contact Karen see her website, her blog, and Goodread’s page.

Layers of Thought: I have started the first chapters and know that it’s easy to read with an accessible style, and suspect that it will be darkly funny.

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The Love Goddess’ Cooking School: a novel ~  by Melisa Senate

About:  Holly Maguire’s grandmother Camilla was the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island, Maine—a Milanese fortune-teller who could predict the right man for you, and whose Italian cooking was rumored to save marriages. Holly has been waiting years for her unlikely fortune: her true love will like sa cordula, an unappetizing old-world delicacy. But Holly can’t make a decent marinara sauce, let alone sa cordula. Maybe that’s why the man she hopes to marry breaks her heart. So when Holly inherits Camilla’s Cucinotta, she’s determined to forget about fortunes and love and become an Italian cooking teacher worthy of her grandmother’s legacy.

As the class gathers each week, adding Camilla’s essential ingredients of wishes and memories in every pot and pan, unexpected friendships and romances are formed—and tested. Especially when Holly falls hard for Liam . . . and learns a thing or two about finding her own recipe for happiness.

Amazon purchasing links for US|UK|Canada.

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Gallery; Original edition (October 26, 2010)

Author Bio:  Melissa Senate is the author of eight novels, including the bestselling See Jane Date. A former romance and young adult editor from New York, she now lives on the southern coast of Maine with her son. For more information link to her Goodread’s author page, and her website.

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Daring To Eat A Peach ~ Joseph Zappetello

About:  Denton Pike, a divorced translator, is stuck, stalled in a moment of inertia until the reappearance of Peter, an old friend and roving journalist, sets into motion a series of watershed events. Denton and his handful of thirty-something friends each face a choice: seize the day and change your surroundings or bite your lip and perpetuate the status quo.

Daring to Eat a Peach investigates the multiple and often conflicting forces that shape our lives by exploring the motivations and mettle of a divorced translator and his handful of friends, all of whom stand perched at a crossroads, struggling to break the force of inertia in their lives and search for a better path.

Amazon purchasing links for US|UK|Canada.

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Atticus Books (November 28, 2010)

For more information about the author check out the publisher’s page.

Layers of Thought:  After skimming the first several chapters this promises to be a hilarious and satirical literary read.

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Mr. Toppit ~  by Charles Elton

About:  When Arthur Hayman, an unsuccessful screenwriter turned children’s book author, is accidentally hit by a cement truck in London, his dying moments are spent with a passing American tourist, Laurie Clow, who is fated to bring posthumous fame to his obscure series,  The Hayseed Chronicles, and the enigmatic and sinister Mr. Toppit who is at the center of the books. While Arthur doesn’t live to reap the benefits of his books’ success, his legacy falls to his widow, Martha, and their children—the fragile Rachel, and Luke, reluctantly immortalized as the fictional Luke Hayseed, hero of his father’s books. But others want their share of the Hayseed phenomenon, particularly Laurie, who has a mysterious agenda of her own that changes all of their lives as Martha, Rachel, and Luke begin to crumble under the heavy burden of their inheritance.

Amazon purchasing links for US|UK|Canada.

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Other Press; Reprint edition (November 9, 2010)

Author Bio:  Charles Elton worked as a designer and editor in publishing before becoming a literary agent.  Since 1991 he has worked in television and for the past ten years has been an executive producer in drama.

Layers of Thought: First printed by Viking in the UK (2009), this is the first US publication, by Other Press specifically edited with US readers in mind.

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Postmortem ~ by Laurel Saville

About:  Sadly, some lives cannot be understood until after death. So it was with Anne Ford. A charming beauty queen, model, and fashion designer during the 1950s, this glamour girl was poisoned by internal demons and the permissive Southern California culture of the 1960s and 70s. She ended her life as an alcoholic street person, stabbed and strangled in a burned-out building in West Hollywood. Years later, her daughter, the writer Laurel Saville, began the long process of unraveling the twin trajectories of this unusual life.

Postmortem takes the reader on an emotionally charged journey that ranges from her eccentric West Hollywood childhood to a top-secret, Depression-era airplane design. Whether describing the artists of the seminal Sunset Strip gallery where Andy Warhol got his start or the hippie parties at Barney's Beanery, Saville's distinctive prose lends insight into events and emotions. This candid exploration of one woman's life and death ends up exposing unexpected and highly-charged truths about both mother and daughter.

Amazon purchasing links for US|UK [Kindle] ~ Canada.

• Hardcover: 196 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse.com (September 25, 2009)

Author Bio:  Laurel Saville is the author of numerous books, articles, essays, and short fiction. She is also a well-known design writer, corporate communications consultant, and an adjunct professor at the College of St. Rose. For more information and writing samples, including essays, short stories, and chapters from Postmortem, go to to her website, or Goodread’s author page.

Layers of Thought: One of the publicist’s favorite reads this year, it is purportedly heart wrenching and literary in style, akin to The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

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That's all for general fiction for this year, have a great Tuesday!

Avoid Holiday Stress with ~ Super Foods!

 

Is the Holiday Stress Getting to You Yet? ~  Perhaps take a look at this helpful advice.

Last year I had the good fortune to review an arc copy of The SuperStress Solution by Dr. Roberta Lee. It was an informative book, with many practical ways to manage stress naturally, all written by a MD who has been trained by the AZ Center for Integrative Medicine, headed by Dr. Andrew Weil (natural health MD/guru).

With that in mind we have an article from Dr. Lee to share, on stress around the holidays and what one can do about it through natural diet and supplements. So take a look, since by implementing these suggestions (I especially like the chocolate bit) your holidays may feel a bit less crazy. Even the calmest of souls could use a bit of help during this very busy month.

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Reduce SuperStress with Super Foods ~ By Roberta Lee M.D.,
Author of The SuperStress Solution

The holidays are fast approaching, and with them the promise of festivities, feasts, and fat!  But our ballooning girth will do more than stress our belt buckles. Most of us will feel the literal stress of over-eating and also suffer more from the guilt of gluttony than we would care to admit. It doesn't have to be this way. In addition to trying to keep up with your exercise routine, getting enough sleep, and having a snack before you head to a party (you won't overeat if you're already a little full!), try to avoid junk food/fast food, sugar-laden foods, too much caffeine and alcohol, and excessive amounts of high fat red meat. These foods and beverages tax your system and will actually make you feel more stressed, more lethargic, and less able to cope with the stresses of daily life causing SuperStress.

But holidays and parties shouldn't be about deprivation! Consider this: there are actually a handful of foods that can help reduce stress (and help you stay trim, too). Aim to keep these five easy to find and delicious foods in your diet through the holiday season, and beyond:

Dark chocolate. Chocolate has a lot going for it in addition to its divine taste. It is plump full of flavanoids -- a powerful class of antioxidants -- which have been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. Other compounds found in chocolate seem to lower the "bad" component of cholesterol (LDL) while leaving the "good" (HDL) component unchanged. Dark chocolate also contains several psychoactive chemicals that promote alertness and even euphoria. The latest scientific literature even shows it has some blood pressure lowering properties.

To me, though, that's not what's so beautiful about chocolate. What I think is beautiful about chocolate is its ability to enhance sensory recruitment in every way. It's so inexpensive to have a piece of chocolate and it's so pleasurable, that if that's something you like and that's part of what living well is about, I say: go for it. Once a day, treat yourself to a guilt-free⅓ of a typical dark chocolate bar or 1 ounce of chocolate roughly the size of the palm of a woman's hand. Doctor's orders!

Tea. Although caffeine has been shown to lead to a more positive mood and improved performance, there's a fine line between just enough and too much. Too much caffeine can make you dependent and make you nervous, irritable, and hypersensitive or bring on headaches. Because brewed tea is lower in caffeine per cup than coffee, you can drink more tea than coffee before experiencing these effects. Tea also provides a little L-theanine, a calming amino acid.

Magnesium rich foods. Magnesium is an essential mineral for human nutrition. Magnesium in the body serves several important metabolic functions. It plays a role in the production and transport of energy. It is also important for the contraction and relaxation of muscles and has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Green vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium, as are black beans, peas, nuts (peanuts), seeds (pumpkin and squash), tofu, broccoli and whole, unrefined grains.

Berries. Under stress we naturally crave sweet things but the problem is that nine out of ten times, the sweets we're craving are calorie laden. Berries are naturally sweet and they have vitamin C which tends to be helpful in combating stress. Furthermore, berries have some fiber -- which will decrease cravings by building up bulk in your GI track.

Avocados. When you're under stress, your body tends to use B vitamins at a faster than normal rate. In order to replenish that supply, eat ¼ of an avocado when you're stressed -- on a sandwich, in a salad, or all by itself -- to boost B vitamin levels. In addition to B, avocados are also rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium and a fatty acid known as oleic acid -- this fat has been shown to have a mild influence in lowering cholesterol.

To reduce stress, and avoid SuperStress, try this today:

Simple as it sounds; focused breathing -- during which you think about your breath as you inhale and exhale -- is a very effective stress-management technique. A slow, full breath triggers physical and cognitive changes that promote relaxation. Deep breathing helps release tension and anxiety and is a great energizer because the deeper the breath, the more your body is flooded with life-fueling oxygen. A full breath begins with the diaphragm pushing downward so that the stomach extends out. As your lungs fill with air, your chest expands. When you exhale, the reverse occurs -- your chest settles first and then your stomach.

• When anxiety strikes or you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts, immediately exhale through your mouth.
• Now, open your lungs, and breathe in through your nose, drawing in a fresh, cleansing air to the count of four.
• Exhale again slowly to the count of five.
• Repeat four times.

Copyright © 2009 Roberta Lee M.D., author of The SuperStress Solution

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Author Bio: Roberta Lee, M.D., author of The SuperStress Solution, is vice chair of the Department of Integrative Medicine, director of Continuing Medical Education, and co-director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at Beth Israel's Continuum Center for Health and Healing at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Lee attended George Washington University Medical School and is one of the four graduates in the first class from the Program of Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona conducted by Andrew Weil, M.D. For more information please visit www.superstresssolution.com.

For more information on Dr. Lee’s book please see Layers of Thought’s preview.

Amazon purchasing options US/UK/Canada.

This could also be a wonderful holiday gift for the right person - those who really enjoy a very holistic and natural approach to health and stress management.

A big thanks to FSB Media for providing this article to share with our readers here on Layers of Thought.

Have a great less stress day, and have fun shopping!

Review by Shellie: The Recipe Club – a tale of food and friendship by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel

 

A tasty tale about two friends and their lives in letters to each other, where they share some delicious sounding recipes.

Synopsis:  This is an epistolary novel told via letters between the two main characters. Lily is a free spirited beauty and Val a smart and educated doctor. Through the letters, started as little girls, they share recipes and their lives. At first told by emails, the story moves back into time and the use of postal mail when the two women are younger. As they tell their tale of friendship, family dysfunctions, and the drama which has separated them in their early twenties you get to read their recipes as well.

My Thoughts:  This is a “sweet” tale, of two friends and their platonic love for each other. (I do want to mention that one small ingredient of the book is LGBT giving it some interest, complications, and intrigue). As the letters catalog their lives, conflicts, emotional drama, and life experiences during the 1960’s and 70’s, there is invariably some historical content too.

The hard bound edition that I read is printed on lovely thick pages. The recipes have artsy doodles and interesting set ups appropriate for each event and the ages of the girls/women. All this makes it a beautiful and physically heavy book. What is the best part about this book is that the recipes are amazing. They are full fat, comfort food and drinks, all of which are associated with the life events happening for each of the characters.  Definitely fun!

I enjoyed this book but in the end I would say my quibble with the book is that the ending was a bit “cheesy” (pun intended) and slightly unbelievable, but others may enjoy its twist. In balance I would say that I liked this book and would give it 3 stars. I would also give the recipes a 4.5 stars but they are not for anyone considering any sort of weight loss.

For more information on the book, the authors, as well as purchasing links please see Layers of Thought's preview for The Recipe Club.

Once again thanks for reading Layers of Thought. Have a great Tuesday!

Review by Shellie: The SuperStress Solution by Roberta Lee, M.D.

Review and Synopsis:

I have read a number of books on health and diet over the years. I am no expert but one gets a feel for which are good and those containing junk or just fluff. The SuperStress Solution is of the good sort. It is both logical and comprehensive.

The SuperStress Solution is broad in scope, and almost exhausts the options for remedies to consider when you are  under, as Dr. Lee  terms it - SuperStress. It is intelligent, well written and its advice is from a medical doctor. She is also trained at  Dr. Andrew Weil’s Program in Integrative Medicine in AZ. Both of these facts are very comforting in a world where medical advice and prescriptions are dispensed randomly and often casually.

The Superstress Solution has natural suggestions to support and change stressful behaviors. As well as a plan to move away from uber-busy lives into a healthier state. Dr. Lee includes subject matter such as pathways to peace, healing foods, mindfulness, and connecting with others. She also has programs specific for each individual stress profile, which is determined by a diagnostic questionnaire. This assesses an individual’s level and type of stress. By asking questions it determines what your SuperStress type is, where in your body does the stress manifest itself,  and an individual’s resilience to SuperStress. It also includes a list to determine your personal level of stress in relation to current life events. All elements combine to create a personal profile so that focus can be on the areas where it is needed the most.

To get a flavor of the test, an example of a section is available online at The Superstress Solution.

My only thought is that because the scope of the book is so broad there is very little room to go into depth for each recommendation. Therefore I would say that The SuperStress Solution can be seen as a beginning place for exploring personal stress levels, and for considering the options available for caring for oneself in a reasonable and holistic way.

4 Stars – A very good health related book.

Here is a recent article by Dr. Lee which everyone should love!

Remedy SuperStress with Chocolate
By Roberta Lee M.D.,
Author of The SuperStress Solution

If you love chocolate, you're not alone. It turns out that the average person in the United States consumes approximately 12 pounds of chocolate a year. That might sound like a lot of chocolate, but I actually recommend that my patients -- especially those who are chronically stressed or what I would describe as SuperStressed -- indulge in 1 ounce of high quality and high cocoa mass chocolate a day, and that actually adds up to well more than 12 pounds over the course of the year. Sure, chocolate is a calorie laden food (with most of the calories coming from the cocoa butter), but in my opinion, the benefits of this treat outweigh the caloric load as long as you keep the portions small. Here are the benefits:

• On a gram for gram basis, chocolate has a terrifically high concentration of antioxidants known as flavonoids. More than berries and spinach, even. Flavonoids have been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes.

• Chocolate is rich in magnesium and potassium, two minerals that help promote the "relaxation response," as well as iron and zinc, which are minerals that many people don't often get enough of during the course of the day. Chocolate also contains a good amount of selenium, which enhances immune health.

• Chocolate contains several psychoactive compounds being studied and debated as responsible for the mood lift many of us experience when eating it. First, there's phenylethylamine (PEA), a natural trace amine that is a stimulant that is elevated in the brain when we are in love and is low when we are depressed. Secondly, there's theobromine, a compound that imparts energy and a sense of alertness. Finally, chocolate contains a small amount of a chemical known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine, a substance that keeps our endogenous happiness molecules -- or endorphins -- from breaking down. In other words, if we are happy, we just might stay happier longer with a little chocolate.

Of course, there's also ample consumer-proven evidence that chocolate tastes good, and that eating it can provide a little respite -- an oasis of pleasure and calm -- from our otherwise hectic days! And to me, that's what's so special about this sweet treat. I find chocolate has the ability to enhance sensory recruitment in every way. It's so inexpensive to have a piece of chocolate and it's so pleasurable, that if that's something you like and that's part of what living well is about, I say: go for it. The ideal cocoa mass is 75% or more -- this will be clear on the label and is most often found in dark chocolate -- and the ideal portion is 1 ounce (about 1/3 of an average bar or roughly the size of the palm of a woman's hand). Doctor's orders!

To reduce stress, and avoid SuperStress, try this today:
Simple as it sounds; focused breathing -- during which you think about your breath as you inhale and exhale -- is a very effective stress-management technique. A slow, full breath triggers physical and cognitive changes that promote relaxation. Deep breathing helps release tension and anxiety and is a great energizer because the deeper the breath, the more your body is flooded with life-fueling oxygen. A full breath begins with the diaphragm pushing downward so that the stomach extends out. As your lungs fill with air, your chest expands. When you exhale, the reverse occurs -- your chest settles first and then your stomach.

• When anxiety strikes or you find yourself focusing on negative thoughts, immediately exhale through your mouth.
• Now, open your lungs, and breathe in through your nose, drawing in a fresh, cleansing air to the count of four.
• Exhale again slowly to the count of five.
• Repeat four times.

Copyright © 2009 Roberta Lee M.D., author of The SuperStress Solution

For more information on, Dr. Lee, book stats, publisher’s book info, as well as links for pre-published purchasing see Layers of Thought’s Preview for The Superstress Solution.

Preview: The Recipe Club by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel

• The Recipe Club - A Tale of Food and Friendship
  By Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel
  Published by Polhemus Press
  October 2009; 978-09823492-0-5

Book Info:

Lilly and Val are lifelong friends, united as much by their differences as by their similarities. Lilly, dramatic and confident, lives in the shadow of her beautiful, wayward mother and craves the attention of her distant, disapproving father. Val, shy and idealistic -- and surprisingly ambitious -- struggles with her desire to break free from her demanding housebound mother and a father whose dreams never seem to come true.

In childhood, "LillyPad" and "Valpal" vow to form an exclusive two-person club. Throughout the decades they write intimate letters in which they share hopes, fears, deepest secrets -- and recipes, from Lilly's "Lovelorn Lasagna" to Valerie's "Forgiveness Tapenade." Readers can cook along as the girls travel through time, facing the challenges of independence; the joys and heartbreaks of first love; and the emotional complexities of family relationships, identity, mortality, and goals deferred.

But no matter what different paths they take or what misunderstandings threaten to break them apart, Lilly and Val always find their way back together through their Recipe Club . . . until the fateful day when an act of kindness becomes an unforgivable betrayal.

Now, decades later, while trying to recapture the trust they've lost, Lilly and Val reunite once more -- only to uncover a shocking secret. Will it destroy their friendship, or bring them ever closer?

Author Bios:

 

Andrea Israel is a producer/writer for ABC's Focus Earth. She was a producer/writer on Anderson Cooper 360, Dateline, and Good Morning America (which garnered her an Emmy Award). Her story In Donald's Eyes was recently optioned for a film. Ms. Israel is the author of Taking Tea. Her writing has appeared in many publications.

Nancy Garfinkel is co-author of The Wine Lover's Guide to the Wine Country: The Best of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino (Chronicle Books, 2005). A creative strategist, design consultant, writer, and editor for magazine, corporate, and non-profit clients, she has won a host of graphic arts and editorial merit awards. She has written extensively about food and graphic arts.

To access the authors’ website please click here.

For Amazon purchasing information links are listed as follows US/UK/Canada:

The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship/ The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship /The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship

Thank you to Caitlin from FSB Associates for sending Layers of Thought this book for review!

Review coming soon!