Bread & Wine Book Review

Book Review of Bread & Wine

  by Shauna Niequist
"a love letter to life around the table, with recipes"

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     Here's the third offering from acclaimed author, Shauna Niequist.   Her entire premise for writing this book was to inspire and encourage the reader to "gather the people you love around your table to eat and drink, to tell stories, to be heard and fed and nourished on every level." Niequist's trademark is her smart and witty writing about family, friendship and life around the table.
     I love every single word in this book, and am finding joy in making each recipe.  Niequist is extremely candid and real.  She talks about things that make you feel like you have been best friends for years and years - the constant worry about weight, noteworthy friendships and an exceptional love of eating and all things foodie.  All women will love this book and treasure it's wonderful words.  You will be motivated to travel, taste new things, cook new things, invite guests for dinner and just love people and be with them.
     The book totally broke my hermit-like shell.  I rarely cook for people outside of my family.  Not that I don't love to cook or know how to cook - I'm married to a chef for Pete's sake!  I just have this underlying insecurity about not being able to please "other" people with my food.  I try new recipes all the time, cook from scratch every day and try hard things.  But, the constant need to be right and perfect has gotten in the way of opening my home and arms to other people through food.  This book changed all of that.  Halfway through, I learned a dear friend was sick.  I ventured out of my comfort zone - way out!  I whipped up a batch of homemade tortilla soup (with flair) and a dish of Shauna Niequist's Blueberry Crisp.  I delivered it with shaking hands and trepidation.  Much to my amazement and enjoyment, it was a hit.  I was thanked profusely and it warmed by heart that I warmed someone's belly.  It's addictive and a must!  Try this book.  There is even a cooking club syllabus in the back.  Be blessed!

   

(I received this book free from Handlebar Publishing as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Summer....

Captive In Iran by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh

Stress Test by Richard Mabry

North of Hope Book Review

Book Review of North of Hope

  by Shannon Huffman Polson

REVIEW BY: L. Bankhead

     This is something new on the shelves April 9 from Shannon Polson.  She's a writer that loves high adventure sports and is an ex-Army attack helicopter pilot.  She also touts multiple degrees and expertise in many fields, as well as singing with the critically acclaimed Seattle Pro Musica.  This book is a memoir that covers Huffman's healing journey through the Acrtic in Alaska.  She is the daughter of parents who were killed by a grizzly in Alaska's remote Arctic.  She retraces the fateful journey her parents died on to find the cure for her hopelessness and grieving spirit.  The book largely covers the human search for meaning with the face of calamity. 
    I will tell  you up front that I did not enjoy this book.  Although Polson is a vivid and creative writer, this was the most self-loathing, depressing, egomaniacal book I have ever read.  I understand that loosing your parents is very difficult, and can be sudden and blind-siding.  But, sixteen chapters of listening to someone whine and despair is more than I can tolerate.  You can tell that the author, at the time of the tragedy, was single with no children.  No wife and mother that I know would have the time or selfishness to stop their lives and fall into a downward spiral of depressive and mercenary living.  If you want to read a book about depression and sadness, then grab this one quick.  I just wanted to shake the author and say, "It's been years, move on!"  If she was this over-the-top disconsolate about her parents death, what would happen to this poor woman in the death of her now spouse and children.  I don't recommend this book to anyone for any reason.  Although, if you'd like to find out about the Arctic in Alaska, there is history, geology and anthropology here, but it's not comprehensive.  I suggest visiting a library for that. 

   

(I received this book free from Handlebar Publishing as part of their blogging program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") 

NEXT UP!  Reviews coming your way this Spring....

Captive In Iran by Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh

Stress Test by Richard Mabry

Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist