Limoncello reminds me of sunshine. Of being on the beach in Italy or wandering the port of Marseilles. I love citrus, and in the dark cold January of this year, I wanted to mimic some summer sun. Plus, I heard Meyer Lemons were on sale at Costco, so it seemed like a good time. Even … Continue reading Limoncello Recipe
Author: The Chemistress
Best Book Ever: Midnight’s Children vs. Faust
The story of Indian independence told through the eyes of a sniveling superhero against the story of an esteemed German philosopher wandering down the wrong path -what a tizzy. While at first glance these novels may not have much in common, the discussion on freedom can provide a common thread. With one modern marvel against … Continue reading Best Book Ever: Midnight’s Children vs. Faust
Best Book Ever: East of Eden vs. Catch-22
You knew there were going to be a few heartbreaks with a random draw. Both of these are solid contenders to win it all, but unfortunately we'll have to say goodbye to one now. East of Eden by John Steinbeck For years, all I knew of Steinbeck was that The Grapes of Wrath seemed like … Continue reading Best Book Ever: East of Eden vs. Catch-22
Best Book Ever: Purity vs. The Fountainhead
How fun that a book all about ascetics like The Fountainhead is paired against a book called Purity. While both authors portray characters desperately seeking ideals, one does it just a little better than the other. Purity by Jonathan Franzen Purity is Franzen's 5th novel. With 4 of the 5 down, Purity seemed like the … Continue reading Best Book Ever: Purity vs. The Fountainhead
Best Book Ever: The Memory Artist and A Short History Of Nearly Everything
A quirky contender from Canada and a powerhouse of hilarity form the US (by way of UK). An odd match up of the persistence of memory against the history of the world. Heaven help me to find a winner here. The Memory Artists by Jeffrey Moore In college, I had a friend who worked at … Continue reading Best Book Ever: The Memory Artist and A Short History Of Nearly Everything
Best Book Ever: Cat’s Cradle vs. American Gods
Tales of Americana from two very different fronts. In the first corner, Vonnegut muses over our country’s obsession of war and looks at the ones that bring it. In the other, Gaiman explores the gods of the New World and their place alongside the Old Gods we brought here. While they’re at it, what does … Continue reading Best Book Ever: Cat’s Cradle vs. American Gods
Best Book Ever: Blink vs. Brave New World
What is "real" and how do you know it when you see it? Whether you're a savage just entering the modern world or a highly quizzical writer with a need to understand human nature, the search to understand reality can be daunting. Along the way, you'll learn how people cope to your fascination, amusement, and … Continue reading Best Book Ever: Blink vs. Brave New World
Pamplona -Home of La Fiesta
A detour from my "Best Book Ever" series I've got Fiesta on the brain from recently featuring Ernest Hemingway. What comes to mind when I think of Spain? Arid terrain? Majestic forts? The running of the bulls? Pamplona is home to it all. Though visited long ago in 2012, the city has a special magic. … Continue reading Pamplona -Home of La Fiesta
Best Book Ever: The Sun Also Rises vs. Diary
The theme of this match? Disillusionment. Whether from surviving a world war or losing your lover -or maybe both, the characters in these novels persist against the malaise of existence with some memorable moments along the way. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway Set in the 1920s and following the Great War, the protagonists … Continue reading Best Book Ever: The Sun Also Rises vs. Diary
Best Book Ever: Sally Lockhart Vs. Cormoran Strike
Wow, after the powerhouse of last week's match-up, this one feels lackluster, but make no mistake, I love both of these books. Will the modern day Londoner win out against the 19th century version? Let's find out. The Sally Lockhart Chronicles by Phillip Pullman A few contenders on the list feel too childish to be … Continue reading Best Book Ever: Sally Lockhart Vs. Cormoran Strike