Books to Get You Thinking 2011 Special Holiday Edition II



This month, in pursuit of that perfect book for gift giving, we extend our search from nonfiction to fiction, food and entertaining. From historical fiction, drama and fantasy to healthy cooking, vegan cooking, and entertaining in style, here is a collection of varied titles that may be perfect gifts for just everyone on your list.

Fiction

Caleb’s Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
In this beautifully crafted and superbly researched historical fiction, the Pulitzer Prize winning author explores life in the year 1660 as seen through the eyes of its narrator and central character, Berthia Mayfield. Set against the picturesque landscape of Martha’s Vineyard, the book is about a puritan family and Berthia’s relationship with the nephew of a Wampanoag chief who later becomes the first Native American to graduate from Harvard.

11/22/63 by Stephen King
Stephen king’s newest novel takes readers back to one of the defining moments in America’s history – 22nd November 1963, the day President Kennedy was assassinated. In this riveting book, Jake Epping, a middle school teacher in Maine goes back in time in an attempt to stop the assassination. The past, as he finds out has a way of resisting any change …

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
A poignant story about Hadley Richardson, a quiet twenty eight year old from Chicago, who met and married Ernest Hemingway. The couple decides to move to Paris and much of the novel explores their time together. Sadly the two find themselves gradually drifting apart as they struggle to find their place in the very different Parisian cultural milieu of the 1920s.

The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
Following on the heels of her earlier novel, When the Emperor was Divine , this recent addition by Otsuka was a finalist in the National Book Awards. A beautiful, haunting tale of five immigrant women from Japan and their long struggle to build a meaningful life in San Francisco only to have their lives shattered once more after the Pearl Harbor attack and the War.

A Moment in the Sun by John Sayles
Set at the turn of the twentieth century America, and rich in historical detail, the book
transports readers back to the days of the Gold Rush , the Spanish American War and the War in Philippines through the lives of its different characters that include Joseph Pulitzer and Mark Twain. The author skillfully interweaves the riveting sagas of his characters to produce a work that gives readers a glimpse of America in 1897.

The Time in Between by Maria Duenas
In this well researched and captivating drama set against the backdrop of the turmoil and unrest of Spain in the 1930s, the young Sira Quiroga transforms herself from a modest seamstress, once spurned and betrayed by the man she loved, to an acclaimed couturiere catering to the wives of the Nazi officers and serving as an undercover agent for the Allies.

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
The backdrop of the novel is 1984 Tokyo - the author uses a clever blend of fantasy and realism to craft a suspenseful novel that includes elements of mystery, fantasy and love story. Central to the book are a young woman Aomame who finds herself stepping into a parallel existence, an
aspiring writer Tengo , and the mysterious connections that bind them together.

Food and Entertainment

The authors, both well known food editors have set up a website targeted specifically for home cooks to share their favorite recipes and culinary expertise. For one full year, the authors organized a weekly contest on the food52 website that focused on a specific ingredient or food type. This unique cookbook contains all the prize winning recipes from these food contests ranging from peach cake and espresso cookies to kale and quinoa pilaf, cauliflower soup and French Peasant Beets.

From the pen of an America author best known for her novels that are set against the backdrop of the Holiday Season, comes a cookbook that abounds in her favorite Christmas recipes, as well as delicious treats and crafts that can be used for gift giving. Accompanied by beautiful photos, this volume promises to serve as an indispensable guide to help navigate the Holiday Season.

A perfect book for all vegetarians and vegans looking for exciting and festive recipes to spice up the Holidays. It includes more than 200 innovative recipes along with useful preparation tips and is organized by different Holidays including Easter, the 4th of July , Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Hanukah and more.

A familiar name in the Indian culinary world, the author adds another offering to her long repertoire of cookbooks. Here she offers a number of delectable yet simple recipes ranging from spicy appetizers to decadent deserts. The book itself is arranged under different categories of appetizers, snacks and soups, entrées and desserts. There is a separate chapter on essential spices and oils intrinsic to South Asian cooking .

For imaginative and creative cooks looking for new and exciting ways to spice up their recipes, this book is a veritable treasure house containing different combinations of products, spices, herbs and flavors that are complimentary and enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Rather than providing precise recipes, the authors aim to encourage cooks to experiment with different products and condiments that have been arranged and indexed into distinct groups by several leading chefs.

Lidia's Italy in America by Lidia Bastianich
The author visits Italian American communities across the United States and comes up with a unique collection of recipes that the families originally inherited from their Italian ancestors but have been adapted with quintessential American flavors to acquire a new and distinctive Italian American identity – Chicago’s deep dish pizza, mushrooms stuffed with breadcrumbs and fried mozzarella sticks. Interwoven throughout the book is interesting information about each recipe and fascinating stories about the people Lidia met during her travels.

The author a well known food columnist at the New York Times presents a medley of easy to prepare dishes that are hearty and delicious at the same time. The recipes are arranged by each month using ingredients available during each season. Each recipe is followed by practical tips as well as suggestions for variations in ingredients ensuring perfect results each time. From Perfect Tomato Sandwiches in August to Garlicky Broccoli Rabe in November the author’s creativity is reflected in all the recipes.

From all of us at the Mercer County Library, A Very Happy and Joyous Holiday Season to all our readers !


- Nita Mathur


Photos:
Bottom: gorgeoux

Comments

Post a Comment