Author: allison burris
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There’s something magical about a garden tucked away in a city. Gardens are places of contemplation and beauty, places that feel slightly apart from time and yet when you’re there you feel connected. I’ve always loved beautiful gardens, so when I found the Idaho Botanical Garden on my birthday, it became one of my favorite…
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We listened to this book on the way back from Portland going to Boise, and it made our trip way more enjoyable. Written in the twenties, this mystery novel is so much fun. There’s not the same focus, like in an Agatha Christie book, on a huge plot twist and a dramatic reveal. The fun…
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This year I was lucky enough to celebrate my birthday twice, and for both celebrations I was able to visit a beautiful garden. I’ll be doing a post on the other garden, the Idaho Botanical Garden, next week. Located just off Reed college’s campus, the Crystal Rhododendron Garden drives home the fact that the Willamette…
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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…
Allison Burris 