lorialdenholuta's reviews
563 reviews

Noodles, Rice, and Everything Spice: A Thai Comic Book Cookbook by Christina de Witte, Mallika Kauppinen

funny informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

 I enjoy learning about cultures beyond my own, and cooking food from other countries to enjoy and share. I've just finished savoring my very first comic cookbook, and what a delight it is! The cookbook is just about as friendly and helpful as it could be, and packs a lot of history, culture, and personal memories into each warm and fuzzy page. I would love to see this cookbook start a trend. 

 

A local farmer's market carries whole coconuts, but I've always felt intimidated by using them in cooking. I appreciated learning more about coconut milk and meat, and how it's collected. And how charming is it that the first, richest 'squeeze' is called the "Head" of coconut milk and the last watery gleanings are called the "Tail"? 

 

Many of the ingredients used in the 50 recipes contained in this comic cookbook aren't easily found around my neighborhood, but I was cheered to see that the authors not only mention, but encourage the use of canned and bottled sauces, marinades, soup bases and the like. This should guarantee that more people will actually try cooking the dishes. 

 

The section titled "A quick note about..." is misnamed, as it's really several pages long and gives us a solid overview of commonly used spicing, flavor balances, ingredients, and even serving utensils. 

 

About 40ish pages in, having been well-grounded in Thai food culture, we finally come upon the recipes, beginning with "Snacks and Starters". All the recipes are accompanied by step-by-step illustrated instructions, even more information about Thai culture, childhood memories, and little tips and tricks from the authors cooking experiences. 

 

The recipes are varied, and there's going to be something in the collection to appeal to every palate. There's extensive coverage of the different types of curries that are so popular in Thai cuisine. I could tell that the goal of that section was to demystify cooking with curry. If curries are intimidating to you, this will arm you with enough information and assurance to prod you towards cooking curry dishes yourself. 

 

'Desserts and Drinks' is a sweet treat in itself, filled with more history lessons and personal memories from the authors. There's a good handful of complex, average, and simple recipes. I am going to try making Khai Waan (Sweet Egg) this afternoon, since I have all the ingredients (there's only four, and one is water!) and the instructions are very simple. 

 

'Staples and Accompaniments' is very helpful for cooks wanting to stock their kitchens with ingredients for Thai food. You'll also learn about good side dishes to support the main dish you've chosen to cook. 

 

If a cookbook could become a gesture, "Noodles, Rice, and Everything Nice" would be a warm hug. Pick up a copy and gather your family to create your own new taste treats and lasting memories. 

 

My thanks to authors Christina de Witte and Mallika Kauppinen, Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion. 

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

challenging dark emotional funny mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I'm a sucker for a good book blurb. I know how hard it can be to write one that's short while also compelling. "Do you take this man?  No? What about this one?" did it for me. I even managed to ignore "A Novel" on the cover - I usually shy away from novels who proclaim themselves to be such, as that means I'm likely to be entering the realm of Literary Fiction, which can be tedious stuff.

But the blurb hooked me, and in no time I'd settled into my favorite reading spot, cracked into the book, and was willing to give it my afternoon.  It's a longish book, so it took three of my afternoons to reach a conclusion I'd grown to greedily anticipate as I had absolutely no clue how this situation could be resolved.

While the premise may sound cute and fairy tale-ish, it's anything but. Our protagonist and perpetual new bride in old marriages is Lauren. How her attic turned into a reality-changing space that switches out not only husbands but entire realities isn't known, and not important. What IS important are the people it affects. That's Lauren, her endless parade of husbands, and also Lauren's family, friends, workplaces, and neighbors.

As the novelty of being able to change husbands as soon as one becomes annoying wears off, Lauren's rationalization and actions become darker, more cynical. When she thinks she may have found 'the one' to stick with... well I won't go into details because following the escalation of events is most of the fun.

Most of the people in this story, and there are many, are a mess. Author Holly Gramazio doesn't flinch away from showing people at their absolute worst, when the situations call for it. And you'll recognize people you know, and even yourself among them. In a nutshell, The Husbands is a scathing commentary on modern-day relationships. It shines a scolding light on how we treat hook-ups, dating, and marriage.

My thanks to author Holly Gramazio, Doubleday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Stalking, Gaslighting, and Alcohol

Moderate: Vomit

Starter Villain by John Scalzi

dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 I dove straight into Starter Villain just after closing the third book in John Scalzi's "The Dispatcher" series. It wasn't too much of a jolt, as the author's voice is so strong in his books that it carried me from one premise to the other.

But while the Dispatcher was set in an altered reality, Starter Villain is well-grounded in our world... oh, wait, except for the fact that it isn't. I don't want to explain why I said that, because every turn of the page reveals another layer of weird intrigue. Our protagonist, Charlie, is a fairly decent guy caught in a messed-up situation. But slowly, reluctantly, and in a perpetual state of confusion, we cheer him on towards a highly satisfying conclusion.

However. Right about the halfway mark, Scalzi's signature style of Explaining Everything bogs down. There's just SO MUCH EXPLAINING. It's good stuff he's telling us, though, and eventually the pace picks up again. I persevered and was ultimately glad I did.

By the time you finish the book, you're going to know enough to become a Starter Villain yourself! But... I really don't recommend it. 

Travel by Bullet by John Scalzi

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Like many other readers, I zipped through all three books in this series, and consider them equal to one novel. If you want the full story, that’s what you’re going to do, too.

Now that I’ve reached the end, I’m feeling a bit retrospective about the experience. While Scalzi always does a great job of coming up with something really unusual for his characters to grapple with, he really outdid himself this time. A death-cheat is the core premise for the Dispatcher series, but the real focus isn’t completely on the phenomenon itself, there’s a lot of attention given to how people perceive it – and manipulate it. Gaming your own death is an everyday occurrence in this version of reality.

Naturally, you will have questions about this. No worries. The author is an Explainer. In less capable hands, this might be a problem. Most writers have been beaten over the head with the advice to ‘show, don’t tell’. Scalzi manages to do both at the same time and equally well, and I don’t mind because his explanations are solid. He’s not floundering about trying to justify his creation, he understands it and knows precisely why and how it works. Plus, his sharp-edged naturally smartassy tone is always fun – at least for me. Hopefully the writer’s inclinations and personality will work for you, too.

Now I’m off to read Starter Villain. I want to see how he explains that cover!

Murder by Other Means by John Scalzi

challenging dark funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 Having really enjoyed book one, I immediately cracked into book two of this trilogy. While it works as a standalone story, it's also a continuation of book one. I suspect book three (which I'll read this afternoon) will complete the story. I do wonder why the author chose to publish three novellas rather than put all three together into one novel, but that's not a complaint, just me being curious.

I love how Scalzi created a concept and then explores all its possibilities. I was darkly amused by the entertainment possibilities of experiencing death just for the thrill of it. I'm one of those people who loves lots of details, so I appreciate how Scalzi tells us every little thing that goes into a successful event.

I'm dying to finish the series, so if you don't mind, could you give me a little shove? Thanks. 

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 When more than one friend recommended Legends and Lattes because ‘it’s just so you, Lori’, I gave in. I trust my friends, and really—a cozy, coffee-laced fantasy? It’s… well it’s just so me. My friends know me well.

Our protagonist, Viv, is an orc who’s grown weary of the fighting life, so she retires to the city of Thune to build a coffee shop. Amusingly, no one in Thune even knows what coffee is. Slowly and methodically, she turns her shop into a delightfully cozy retreat.

Viv realizes early on that she can’t run her shop alone. Her help-wanted ad brings Tandri into her life. A succubus with artistic tendencies and the aptitude to become a barista, Tandri helps really bring the shop out of the shadows. In her spare time, she tries to fix Viv’s life… and possibly even become a more intimate part of it.

Other creatures can’t resist the call of the bean, and soon enough she’s got a ratkin, a hob, and a were-cat on the team. Most readers will recognize the various species, but don’t expect them to be stereotypical feral, brutal beasts. Each new addition to Viv’s found-family brings yet another skill set to her blossoming cafe.

It’s not all foam and games, though. Viv faces some challenges, opposition, and even sabotage. But the hardships are no match for the power of coziness. We always return to the core of the story; the bonding of disparate creatures together to form a nurturing found family. Yes, even the were-cat. What could be cozier than a coffee shop cat, after all?

One of my favorite characters is a bard named Pendry. His journey towards musical renown starts out painfully awkward. But the rest of the gang gives him room to find himself amongst non-judgmental company. He’s one of the few characters that experiences personal growth and change over time.

There’s a hint of romance for Viv, but it’s not overdone. In fact, it’s barely there. The relationships are more focused on loyalty and genuine caring for each other.

The story’s simple, step-by-step plot progression harmonizes with the deliberate cozy factor. Could the coffee shop have been written as being more magical, more complex? Could the characters have grown more over time? Could it all have been more?

Maybe. There’s a lot of ‘more’ books out there to choose from, if that’s what you love to read. But sometimes, less is more. We live in a world that’s decidedly ragged around the edges. Many of us are easily overwhelmed and exhausted by the times we live in. Nothing is simple and it all gets more complicated every day.

Legends and Lattes is a literary bubble bath. It’s a temple massage for an aching head needing a break from complex plotlines. Those weary of epic romance may find that a few long glances and the occasional smile suffices. If you need a break, a cup of creamy, soothing latte just might do the trick. And do try the Thimblets.

Bookshops and Bonedust, a prequel story was published a few months ago. And since the only thing cozier than a coffee shop is a book shop, I’ll be re-visiting this fantasy world again very soon.

One last thought… I think an opportunity was missed by not including a bonus section with recipes for all the delectable food and drinks served in Viv’s cafe. 

This review was first published at SciFi.Radio
https://scifi.radio/2024/02/13/book-review-travis-baldrees-legends-and-lattes/

The Dispatcher by John Scalzi

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 A big concept in a small story. That ratio is perfect, since we the readers are expected to not only accept an absurd phenomenon, but embrace it. We’re not alone though, as the story characters are being asked to do the same thing. No one knows WHY people can be murdered and a few seconds later show up alive and naked in their beds.

Through the method of hit or miss (see what I did there,) over the past dozen-ish years, people have figured out the rules, and how to play around with this violent new lease on life. Like anything else having to do with society, of course we decided to regulate it. And that’s where the dispatchers come in.

I get the feeling that author John Scalzi might have been just going about his day, maybe washing his car, when he had a brainstorm, dropped his soapy sponge, and ran into the house to write it down. This shortish story feels like a well-written infodump. I can forgive that. There’s a lot we need to know, and he dumps it in an entertaining manner.

In fact, I found it interesting enough that without pausing, I cruised right into book two of this three book series. I’ll be finishing that today, and I have a feeling that I’ll be doing the same with book three.

One last thing: I woke up in the wee hours this morning with a horrifying scenario in my head about how this concept might play out in a certain type of wartime situation. I’m not going to go into details but will just say it felt real enough that I had to keep playing the scenario around in my head to discover all the possible outcomes. Wow. Thanks a lot John, I’d like that chunk of sleep time back, please! 

The Lavender Companion: Enjoy the Aroma, Flavor, and Health Benefits of This Classic Herb by Terry Vesci, Jessica Dunham

informative inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

5.0

 Often a book that tries to be a cookbook and also incorporate advice and information beyond recipes only succeeds in padding out the page count, but not really delivering solid, usable information. That’s NOT the case with The Lavender Companion, which succeeds beautifully on all levels, thanks to the experience and knowledge of author Terry Barlin Vesci. She and her husband run Pine Creek Lavender Farm in Arizona, as well as a farm store that sells their own homemade lavender goods, and a cooking school that teaches how to cook with lavender. Their website (pinelavenderfarm.com) is lovely and informative, and I do hope you go browse it soon.

For decades I’ve grown a lavender or two, just as landscaping highlights, but I never really took the time to understand it and get the most out of my plants. But I’m also an amateur herbologist, I love foraging, and cooking everything possible from scratch. I think you can see why I fell in love with The Lavender Companion just a few pages in. The book is broken into four parts: Learn About Lavender, Layering Lavender into Your Life, In the Kitchen and On the Table, and Planting, Harvesting, and Drying Lavender.

I recommend reading Learn About Lavender before jumping into any of the recipes. I had no idea there were so many types, each with their own special qualities. This section will help you choose what lavender you want to cook with.

Layering Lavender into Your Life looks like so much fun! I want to start making some of the featured products for my own use. I get such satisfaction out of making usable goods with my own hands.

And of course, there’s the recipes. And they aren’t just for fussy little desserts or teas. There’s a Tuscan Stew full of short ribs and all sorts of delightful ingredients. With winter just around the corner, I’ll enjoy making that. Sticky Lavender Honey Chicken sounds intriguing, too.

By the time you get to Planting, Harvesting, and Drying Lavender, you should have a good idea of what sort of lavender you’d like to grow. I know I’ll be changing things up in my own flower gardens come spring.

Terry Barlin Vesci gives credit to her co-author Jessica Dunham, as being the true wordsmith throughout this book. While we may be tempted to give Terry full credit due to her lavender business being featured throughout, we should never forget the quiet heroes that are often the reason a book tips the balance from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’.

I’m tempted to buy myself two copies: one for the cookbook shelf, and one for the gardening shelf. Wait… I may need a third copy for my art shelf. The photography alone is worth the price of admission. It’s beautifully composed and soothing to look at.

My thanks to authors Terry Barlin Vesci and Jessica Dunham, Storey Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion. 

New Camp Cookbook Fireside Warmers: Drinks, Sweets, and Shareables to Enjoy around the Fire by Emily Vikre, Emily Vikre

adventurous informative lighthearted medium-paced

5.0

 A cookbook for people who enjoy the outdoors and love life! There’s plenty of camping cookbooks out there, but this one should quickly rise to the top of the heap. It’s clear that author Emily Vikre gets out of the house as often as possible. Her personality and enthusiasm is woven through her recipes and advice. I even caught a few side-references to ‘you had to be there’ crazy memories from her past.

But it’s not a rambling memoir, she’s got her priorities in order, too. The books starts off early with all sorts of playful variations on the classic camp treat, s’mores. I think my favorite recipe is for Norwegian stick bread. I’m a bread maker and always looking for new twists (see what I did there) on a favorite comfort food. What a clever way to bond and tell stories around a fire, brandishing sticks full of food.

All these tasty temptations are going to need to be washed down, of course, and there’s plenty of drink options for that. Lots of them are boozy and creative, like the chamomile tea toddy. Emily makes no apologies for enjoying an adult beverage, and I like that. I’ve seen too much apologetic, toe-scuffing the ground timidness when it comes to presenting a delicious spiked drink, but you’ll find none of that attitude here.

Oh! I must mention the food photography. It’s amazing. The photos are beautiful AND match the recipes closely. For the first time in a long time, I feel like a cookbooks photos were either taken by the author, or she had a close involvement with the process.

If you don’t get far from home often, all these recipes would jazz up an evening on the patio near a fire pit, too. Invite over a few neighbors and make some memories. My thanks to author Emily Vikre, Quarto Publishing Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a digital advance review copy of this book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion. 

The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill by Rowenna Miller

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The ability to make bargains with the supernatural is a compelling notion. Whether the bargain is made with a jar of graveyard dirt, cat bones, a photograph, and yarrow buried at a crossroads, or the rubbing of a lamp to ask three wishes of a genie, or trading scraps of everyday objects lying around the house with fairies… they seem to ask so little of us in exchange for changing our lives. What could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a lot, actually. Just ask the miller’s daughter about her bargain with Rumpelstiltskin.

“I asked for something I didn’t really understand, and I got something I didn’t really want.” -- A character’s lament in The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill

Author Rowenna Miller takes us back to the 1900s to meet a family of fruit farmers in a little niche of America called Prospect Hill. The farm has been in the family for generations. Near the apple and cherry orchards grows an ancient linden tree, which blooms with beautiful white flowers all year long, even in the winter. Around the tree a lush, green ring of grass never goes dormant. Sisters Alaine and Delphine have been told since they were old enough to understand that they should never go near the old linden tree.

But the sisters have also been taught that fairies keep a watch over the farm, and the family, and they can be bargained with. All the fae ask in return is a token to be left for them and just like magic (because it is) the deal is done. They’re usually just small bargains; little conveniences, really. A bargain to help the hens lay, or the fruit to flourish. A bargain to make a ladies’ certain time of the month easier (and unproductive). A bit of ribbon, a silver pin, a button, or a scrap of cloth are all acceptable currency to the fae. It’s been this way on Prospect Hill for generations. The arrangement has always run smoothly, with very few problems. But now, Delphine’s gotten herself into a horrible marriage, and Alaine is determined to help get her out of it. Considering the size of the problem, she’s going to have to be very careful with the bargains she makes.

The first half of the book is an eye-opening study of women’s place in society in the 1900s. The suffragette movement was picking up speed, the middle and upper classes starting buying automobiles, and the differences between city and country life was becoming more pronounced. While Delphine quietly suffers the obligations of her new life in the city, Alaine tends to the needs of the family farm. I’ve seen other readers mention that the book starts off slowly. I felt the book started off cozily, allowing me time to explore Prospect Hill, become familiar with the family, and learn all about fairy bargains. By the time the second half of the book kicked into gear, I knew enough about what was at stake to know that this was going to be one rollercoaster of a ride.

Did the author manage to put everything on the line and still come up with a satisfactory outcome? absolutely. I’m not giving away anything by telling you that. Clear your schedule, grab a cuppa and settle back with the book. Brace yourself for plenty of surprising twists and clever schemes before you reach the last page.

Want to know more about bargaining with the Fae? The Home Witchcraft website (nicknamed “The Cosmopolitan of the witching world”) has a good article titled  “A Guide To Negotiating And Bargaining With The Fae” - https://www.homewitchcraft.com/a-guide-to-negotiating-and-bargaining-with-the-fae/

This review was originally published at SciFi.Radio -  https://scifi.radio/2023/12/16/book-review-the-fairy-bargains-of-prospect-hill-by-rowenna-miller/