Book Giveaway: A Few Light Reads
Sometimes the weight of the winter can use leavening from a little light reading.
In the past year, I have had the fortune of reviewing a number of books. Most of them are cookbooks but every now and then, I receive books that are food related. For the record, I never agree to post about books if they aren’t my style. If I don’t care for a book or product, I usually choose to keep quiet as I prefer to live by the old adage, “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I prefer keeping my virtual table a positive, respectful place.
The two books I am giving away are not my usual choices. But, each surprised me and because of that, I have brought them into the limelight and will send them off by post to one of you.
As you can likely discern from the title, Â Lobsters Scream When You Boil Them: And 100 Other Myths about Food and Cooking,is a fun book that debunks a bunch of food myths. Each myth or food warning (i.e Eating turkey makes you sleepy.) is stated at the top of a page in bold letters and is then followed by a page or two of history, explanation and sometimes a recipe. I was pleased to find out that chewing gum is NOT residing in my stomach for 7 years. There isn’t anything earth shattering in this paperback and I didn’t read it from cover to cover. But, I did find myself flipping it open repeatedly to a random page to glean a factoid or two in a free moment.
The second book, More than Words Can Say, is one that I can barely believe I finished. I was contacted on Twitter about reviewing the book because though it is a novel, there is a food theme throughout. When I skimmed the back cover, I found that the author, Robert Barlay, sold a successful upstate New York consulting business and moved to South Florida to become a novelist. His bio reports that he enjoys weightlifting, Shotokan karate and going to the beach to do absolutely nothing. I love big-business-to-artist stories so I eagerly dove into the book to see what Mr. Barclay wrote between his workouts and trips to the beach.
Immediately, I was turned off. I realized that I was reading a very light, romance novel with expected hooks to keep the pages turning. Before bed, I interrupted my husband a number of times to read sappy passages aloud. Though my critique was stern, I somehow found myself on page 100 after a few nights.
Just before Christmas, I went downtown on the train to shop for the day. I decided I would tuck the novel in my purse to bide time during the commute. (I can’t believe I am about to admit this.) On the way home, I was so busy reading the romantic tale that I missed my train stop! Because it was a transfer to a new train, I had to get off the train, cross over to the tracks going back the way I had come, ride the train back to the stop I had missed, wait at that transfer station for another train and finally reach home. I was irritated with myself but to be honest, I wasn’t overly disappointed because I spent an extra 40 minutes finishing the book.
Though I will count More Than Words Can Say as one of the most romantic, lightest reads I’ve ever finished, I have to give it some credit for luring me to the end and engrossing me enough to miss a train stop!
If you are interested in these books, just leave a comment on this post. On Thursday, I will randomly choose a winner and mail them both to the next reader. I would love to hear what you are currently reading or a favorite book you would suggest.
Not at all food related, I am currently on “Reading Lolita in Tehran”, a memior by a woman who started a all-female reading group in her home after the Islamic government started banning books and discouraging women from being educated. It makes me want to go back and read the classics that I have not read since college, with a different point of view. Good book, but very heavy, a light romance would be a nice change of pace.
Both sound like “interesting” reads… always nice to have something “light” to choose form in the food genre!
Life on the Line by Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas (chef and his partner)was an amazing recent read ! It’s about both his road to becoming a chef,as well as his battle with cancer- in his tongue.I highly recommend it.
I of course love having something “light to read” We are actually reading Tempest by Wm Shakespeare. I have until Thursday to finish it….Love love your description of missing your stop on the “L”…
I’m in the midst of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s taken a while to read, but I’m known to have 3 or 4 books going at once. I haven’t read a romance in a few years. The Hunger Games is next on my list.
on another note – I made a red velvet cake yesterday and thought of you.
I’m currently reading two fairly heavy reads: Siblings without Rivalry and Building a Social Business by Muhammed Yunus, but could use something lighter by my bedside table!
I love books…love light romances !! Love any food trivia type books. Thanks and Happy New Year!! Loved your story about the train ~ I have done the same thing sort of in the car listening to a book on tape~ so do not feel bad ….driven right by my exit and have to turn around and go back oh well I enjoyed the ride and got there with a smile on my face why I finished the story.
I just finished a Frank E. Peretti book last night. Piercing the Darkness. Very engrossing. Not food related. I spent the WHOLE day reading, something I haven’t done in a LONG time, being the mother of 3 teens, head chef at a cafe and schooling youngest at home.
I am currently reading The Happiness Project. I’m almost finished with it. I have learned a lot from it but a light read sounds nice.
I’m reading A Visit from the Goon Squad but having a hard time getting into it.
These both sound great – I just finished reading A Discovery of Witches.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
Well, if it’s enough to make you miss a train stop, it’s worth picking up!
I have “The Lucky One” sitting on my shelf waiting for me. I’m not going to lie – I read “The Notebook” after I saw the movie, and I wasn’t a fan, so I’m hoping for a backwards situation with this one – I’ll like the book and REALLY like the movie. We’ll see.
Thanks for this giveaway!
These sound like great books!
the lobsters book has a cool title
I just finished Moneyball and I am looking forward to seeing the movie! I hope Brad Pitt will be as thrilling as the character he’s playing. I just started “Thinking Slow and Fast” but I am being slow. Missing a train stop is still one of my worries, but thankfully in the morning I have to change at the end of the red line so even if I am too sleepy, I can’t miss making the connection.
Just re-read The Great Gatsby for the millionth time. It’s still great!
Count me in please! I would recommend the Hunger Games.
fieldofbread(at)aol(dot)com
I love books with a food theme, trashy or not;) I am about to start “Life on the Line” by Grant Achatz! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for the great giveaway. I definitely would lean towards the Barclay book, but it never hurts to add a cookbook to the collection.
“Lobsters Scream…” sounds great! Hope to win.
haha, if you couldn’t put the book down then it must be good! i hope i win! it’s about time i read something other than a textbook
Thank you for the giveaway!
“Don’t be ashamed of loving sappy love stories!” says the Twilight fan.
I am currently reading the german version of “Hunting and Gathering” by Anna Gavalda. I’ve read it in two other languages already (Fr. “Ensemble c’est tout” Fin. “Kimpassa”) and I’ve seen the french movie (lovely Audrey Tautou <3). Yes, I might be a bit hooked, but there are indeed books that you can just read over and over again, maybe also in different languages, and never get bored.
I am currently reading Swamplandia! by Karen Russell. I don’t think it would be my first choice, but it is for a book club I am in. It was suggested because it is being made into an HBO series. I hope I get into it soon because I don’t have much time left before my book club meeting.
Recently, I’ve been reading on and off “Letters to Young Children” by C.S Lewis. Lighthearted and simply lovely. A very light read, but offers a new perspective on child and adult relationships. It’s impossible to wipe the smile off my face!
Currently in-between books and could use something new and fresh.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I know the contest is over..and that’s fine! I just wanted to recommend the book “Fall on Your Knees” to you! It’s not a light read (in terms of content, not writing) but it is my favorite book of all time€“ I couldn’t put it down the first time I read it. It’s definitely a bit depressing (probably more than a bit really) which normally isn’t my cup of tea, but I absolutely loved it. I hope you give it a try!