Year: 2015
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I’ve been on something of a memoir kick lately. There’s something about people looking back on their lives, interesting portions of their lives in particular, that makes me feel inspired and part of something bigger than myself–connected in a way with someone I have very little in common with. This book reminded me, somewhat inexplicably,…
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There were a lot of interesting, traditional British dishes to choose from in this book, but since Sarah, the protagonist, had particularly lurid memories of sponge cakes, I thought I would share a traditional sponge cake with you. The book is filled with food because it primarily takes place in the servants’ domain, and the…
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I haven’t read much in the way of Jane Austen adaptations, but I was really excited to read Jo Baker’s book because it had such an interesting point of view–that of the servants in the Bennet’s household. There was plenty of drama to appreciate, lots of intrigue, some feel-good moments, and plenty of food descriptions (you…
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They call this book a graphic novel, which is somewhat disingenuous as its more of a collection of various comics on various subjects. Some of the comics are absolutely hilarious, and it’s clear that Kate Beaton has quite a gift for them, especially ones involving history and literature. However, I really disliked this book’s lack…
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Just a few minutes outside of Boise, you’ll find the Old State Penitentiary and the Idaho Botanical Garden, behind which you’ll find trails that lead up to Table Rock, which at around 3200 feet offers amazing views of the city and a wonderful hike. Paul and I went up there this weekend with one of…
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This book has been on my to-read list for a very long time. I knew that it would be moving and heart-wrenching and I set it aside for a time when I was ready to face the material. I’ve never read a more intense beginning to a book, and it keeps its momentum throughout. Walker’s…
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Sorry for the radio silence the past couple of weeks; my boyfriend, Paul, and I have just moved to Boise, Idaho from Oregon following his graduation and his first real job (which means I get to keep writing and doing calligraphy). All the moving, and the first week of having no internet meant that posting…
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It’s hard to write about yourself. Examining yourself objectively isn’t easy, and to share your weaknesses as well as strengths with the world is even more difficult. However, this is the essential skill needed to write a good autobiography. Katharine Graham’s autobiography is perhaps the most frank and insightful of any I’ve read. Born into…
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I love when you pick up the first book in a series and it’s simultaneously satisfying yet you still want to read the next books. A Discovery of Witches, the first in All Souls Trilogy, was just like that. If you were a fan of the Twilight books–these will absolutely blow you away with the superb…
Allison Burris 