quite the journey.

An ordinary,  not super scholarly college drop out was attacked by a mugger resulting in a severe head injury which turned him into a mathematical genius is the basic premise of Jason Padgett's true narrative of his experience cleverly titled Struck by Genius. Violent blows to the head outside of a karaoke bar that should have resulted in his death, completely altered Padgett's brain function, giving him unique gifts and an interest and understanding of geometry he never had before. It's really a fascinating story, and Padgett tells it well, as well as any math genius can anyway. He touches on his past, his personal experience recovering from his head injury, going from an extrovert to an introvert. He also touches on the science behind his injury and the amazing results of his recovery. Of course, not all good things come from such a traumatic experience. Padgett now suffers from OCD, depression, and PTSD. Which is stressful, but better than the alternative. Struck by Genius is a memoir like no other because miracles like this one don't happen at every karaoke bar.

a sad tale of fortune.

Bill Dedman and Paul Clarck Newell, Jr.'s Empty Mansions, the story of Huguette Clark, heir to an enormous fortune and mistress of several empty mansions, who after her mother's death, withdrew from the world and descended into an unhealthy existence, locked away in her darkened apartment is honestly kind of invasive. OR well-researched, whatever side you'd like to choose. With over 400 pages, these authors crossed all of their t's and dotted every i regarding Huguette Clark's life, and somehow made it interesting which was pretty difficult considering this is a woman who spent years only communicating through letters or the telephone, shunned the limelight and preferred to be alone. I did particularly enjoy the section dedicated to Huguette Clark's father, W.A. Clark, a self-made billionaire-equivalent of the 1800's who's first investment was eggs for eggnog, eventually making his real fortune in copper. There could be a book written on him alone. But since Huguette is more relevant in our world today, seeing as she only died several years ago, the authors did a great job making this book about her.

what a treat.

I've had some of the best food of my life during my many travels. In-N-Out Burger for one was a like euphoria in my mouth. But really though, the best pasta I've ever eaten was in Rome. The best fish and chips I've ever tasted was at a pub in London. The BEST gyro's and taziki in Santorini, so fricken good. I do have a point. My next review is on food expert Kim Sunee's A Mouthful of Stars: A Constellation of Favorite Recipes from My World Travels which carries recipes of her favorite eats from all around the globe. Each recipe has a story or a memory shared of the place where it originated. Some countries included are North Africa, India, Mexico, Italy. There's a chapter dedicated to Paris. And finally a list of recipes so that you can try to recreate traditional meals from these faraway places. I love the narrations of cities toured, food eaten, champagne tasted, this is absolutely the book for me and any travel enthusiast and foodie rolled into one.

for indy fans old and new.

Well, well, well. Look what we have here. A book on racing that WON'T bore you to tears courtesy of Jade Gurss titled Beast: The Top Secret Illmor-Penske Engine that Shocked the Racing World at the Indy 500.

Most books on racing, I've noticed, are heavy on the facts and light on the narrative aspect. Gurss has done Beast a bit differently mixing important facts into a narrative about one of the greatest achievements in Indianapolis 500 history. And he draws readers in deeper with each page. I don't know how this guy does it, but Gurss has managed to create a read about an ENGINE that is both gripping and engaging, says everyone who's read it.

for those of you who are a little lost.

I wish I was one of those eat to live people, but I'm more along the lines of the person who is thinking about lunch while eating breakfast. I love food. Which is why Eat What You Love Everyday by Marlene Koch is right up my alley. This is the third cookbook in Koch's collection with 200 NEW tasty recipes that just so happen to be low in sugar, fat and calories (because you know you're limiting at least one of those things in your diet).

Let's be honest, we hate counting anything, especially calories. I know I do. But counting calories is the only way I lose that excess weight that creeps up after too many late night quesadillas. Having a book filled with super easy recipes using food I enjoy eating normally is pretty much the best thing ever. Koch includes dishes like soups, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and desserts. And who wouldn't want some extra crispy oven baked fries added to their meal? She also gives tips on meal planning, prep, what to freeze, and what to staples to keep on hand so that you can easily fix these yummy meals. She does not include anything crazy fancy, this cookbook is more designed to aide those of you who are trying to cut back on certain things, like sugar for example, and need some ideas to get started, or you'd starve.

Win a FREE copy!

 

Contest Rules:

1. Follow this blog :)

2. E-mail your name and this book title to: jenileerose@yahoo.com to enter!

3. Contest ends 6/28



kick ass giveaway.

Win a FREE copy of Quiet New York!

 

 

Contest Rules:

1. Follow this blog :)

2. E-mail your name and this book title to: jenileerose@yahoo.com to enter!

3. Contest ends 6/26

ciao bella!

I adore Italy. It was by far my favorite country to visit during my European excursions. I was able to see Venice in the winter, and Rome and Florence in the summer. I loved the culture, the food, the sights, and being able to bring a bottle of Chianti with me everywhere I went. I would love to travel back to revisit Rome and see to Naples, Tuscany, and spend some time on the coast with Manfriend, so Rick Steves’ Italy 2014 was exactly the book I wanted to be dropped on my doorstep. And so the planning begins…after the wedding.

Italy’s best travel months are May, June, September and October. I traveled to the country in January and August because I am nothing if not a bargain shopper. Of course, Venice in January was cold and Italy in August was super-hot, but I wasn’t bothered. It was much less busy than going in those peak months. Steves’ guide is filled with the information you’d expect, he breaks up all different aspects of the country into different sections, giving travel tips along the way. What I like is that he is super specific, especially when it comes to the best way to travel to each hot spot and what to expect when you get there, also where to sleep and where to eat. ALWAYS go where the locals go. He includes what to see and how to plan your time, for example how long should you stay in Venice? I only fit in one full day, but Steves’ says give it two, and I agree. I was smart and did my first time out of country traveling with a college tour group. Honestly though, if you organize yourself before you go, Rick Steves’ is just as helpful, and he can fit in your purse.