I love Louise Hay. I think she has written some of the best books and that her teachings truly help people. This book can help people. I also think very highly of Cheryl Richardson; she is an excellent writer who cares about people and helping others. They have both written some highly engaging and important books.
They can't all be winners.
While I did get some helpful information out of this book, I didn't care for the format. Basically, Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson decided to write a book together. This book is basically about that collaboration. To be clear, this book is NOT the collaborative effort; it is simply a series of 7 conversations that Hay and Richardson had about writing a book together.
It is literally just 7 chapters, which are 7 conversations between the two authors. I was expecting a book which was a collaboration between the two authors. The first chapter is entirely a transcribed skype conversation. It is written by Richardson, in her voice.
I'm not sure why they thought this was a good idea. Honestly, I have never heard of a book of this type before.
That being said, I do feel that I got some value out of the book, but I'm very glad that I didn't pay the $17.95 list price. If you can get this from the library, it's worth reading. It's a very quick read. The last chapter, about approaching death, is very unique and interesting. And as always, there are many useful affirmations from Hay.
Rating: 5 out of 10
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
26 January 2017
24 January 2017
Hit By A Farm by Catherine Friend (2006)
Hit By A Farm is an autobiographical story about a writer and bibliophile from the city whose partner talks her into buying and running a sheep farm!
This book is a series of stories that carry you throughout the time before the author begins farming, to a point a couple of years after they start their farm. The style and set up of the stories reminds me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, although it is certainly much more geared towards adults! It is similar in that there are many short stories that establish what it is like to live on the farm, and what the Catherine and Melissa were like before, during, and after that establishment.
Friend has a very amiable writing style that draws you in and really lets you feel what it was like inside of her during this time. It is not a bunch of "cute" stories that will make farm life sound easy or simple in any way! These stories are very honest and truthful, and in fact, include relationship and medical troubles that they both have along the way.
This book is fun and uplifting to read, especially if you have ever considered going from city slicker to farmer! I am excited to read the second installment she has written entitled Sheepish. It's next on my list.
Rating: 10 out of 10
This book is a series of stories that carry you throughout the time before the author begins farming, to a point a couple of years after they start their farm. The style and set up of the stories reminds me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, although it is certainly much more geared towards adults! It is similar in that there are many short stories that establish what it is like to live on the farm, and what the Catherine and Melissa were like before, during, and after that establishment.
Friend has a very amiable writing style that draws you in and really lets you feel what it was like inside of her during this time. It is not a bunch of "cute" stories that will make farm life sound easy or simple in any way! These stories are very honest and truthful, and in fact, include relationship and medical troubles that they both have along the way.
This book is fun and uplifting to read, especially if you have ever considered going from city slicker to farmer! I am excited to read the second installment she has written entitled Sheepish. It's next on my list.
Rating: 10 out of 10
01 January 2017
How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It: Finding Love Beyond Words by Patricia Love and Steven Stosny
Rating: 1 out of 10
Another book that plays off of stereotypes of men and women.
When I saw this book on the library website, I didn't think it would be that way. So I was really disappointed when I got the requested book, and read the cover.
I'm sure some of their advice is useful, but honestly, if they need to envelope good advice in a pillow of gender-based insults, then I don't need to read it, or try any of their advice. Based on their assumptions, all relationships with two men are absolutely perfect, because what ruins a relationship is a woman who wants to talk about their feelings all the time! (sarcasm ahead...) Well, since a relationship between two men never has problems, their premise is obviously true.
The problem with the stereotypes of men and women that are perpetuated in relationship books is that not all people fit into these descriptions. Some people do, and that's why the stereotypes persist. I would love to see a book about relationships that follows the following principles:
1. No gender-based assumptions
2. No assumptions on what the genders are in a relationship
I can't imagine it would be that difficult! Someone write this book, please! :)
Another book that plays off of stereotypes of men and women.
When I saw this book on the library website, I didn't think it would be that way. So I was really disappointed when I got the requested book, and read the cover.
I'm sure some of their advice is useful, but honestly, if they need to envelope good advice in a pillow of gender-based insults, then I don't need to read it, or try any of their advice. Based on their assumptions, all relationships with two men are absolutely perfect, because what ruins a relationship is a woman who wants to talk about their feelings all the time! (sarcasm ahead...) Well, since a relationship between two men never has problems, their premise is obviously true.
The problem with the stereotypes of men and women that are perpetuated in relationship books is that not all people fit into these descriptions. Some people do, and that's why the stereotypes persist. I would love to see a book about relationships that follows the following principles:
1. No gender-based assumptions
2. No assumptions on what the genders are in a relationship
I can't imagine it would be that difficult! Someone write this book, please! :)
18 October 2016
Mexican Vegan Diet for Beginners by Sam Kuma
Rating: 9 out of 10
Affiliate Link: Vegan: Mexican Vegan Diet for Beginners: Delicious, Soul-Satisfying Vegan Recipes (from Tamales to Tostadas) that supplements a Raw Vegan Lifestyle ... Vegan and Vegetarian Beginners) (Volume 1)
Another excellent cookbook by Sam Kuma! Since giving up dairy, I have had a lot of difficulty with transforming my Mexican recipes. Also, I used to eat out at Mexican restaurants quite often and haven't been able to do that, either! Vegetarian Mexican recipes tend to use cheese, and usually quite a bit of it!
The recipes in this cookbook are quite simple and easy to follow. There is even a recipe for vegan elote! I have always loved elote and look forward to trying that one.
For my first recipe, I made Black Bean Guacamole. It is a very simple recipe, with avocado, black beans, a tomato, scallions, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. (It also calls for a jalapeno, which I didn't use.) The avocado and black beans are smashed with a fork, which was a bit of an ordeal (there has to be an easier way!) but other than that, it was quite easy. Just mix everything together.
It was delicious, although I did feel that the recipe called for too much lime juice and that will need to be adjusted. It doesn't look very appetizing, but definitely tastes better than it looks!
I received this product for free in return for my honest and unbiased review.
Affiliate Link: Vegan: Mexican Vegan Diet for Beginners: Delicious, Soul-Satisfying Vegan Recipes (from Tamales to Tostadas) that supplements a Raw Vegan Lifestyle ... Vegan and Vegetarian Beginners) (Volume 1)
Another excellent cookbook by Sam Kuma! Since giving up dairy, I have had a lot of difficulty with transforming my Mexican recipes. Also, I used to eat out at Mexican restaurants quite often and haven't been able to do that, either! Vegetarian Mexican recipes tend to use cheese, and usually quite a bit of it!
The recipes in this cookbook are quite simple and easy to follow. There is even a recipe for vegan elote! I have always loved elote and look forward to trying that one.
 |
| Black Bean Guacamole |
For my first recipe, I made Black Bean Guacamole. It is a very simple recipe, with avocado, black beans, a tomato, scallions, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. (It also calls for a jalapeno, which I didn't use.) The avocado and black beans are smashed with a fork, which was a bit of an ordeal (there has to be an easier way!) but other than that, it was quite easy. Just mix everything together.
 | |
| Super close up! |
I received this product for free in return for my honest and unbiased review.
26 September 2016
Mediterranean Diet for Vegans by Sam Kuma
Rating: 8 out of 10
Mediterranean Diet for Vegans is a really great, basic cookbook. This cookbook is great for anyone starting out with vegan cooking, who is interested in adding healthy mediterranean recipes to their diet, or who would just like some simple delicious recipes.
There is a good variety of recipes in this book. Some are made from prepared ingredients and some are from scratch. (I prefer scratch but often need the quickness of using some prepared food!) For example, the basic hummus recipe just calls for 2 cups of cooked garbanzo beans, so you could cook your own or use canned. (and I believe a can has about 2 cups in it!) I like that versatility.
Also, there is a good variety of simple recipes and recipes that are a little more different. For example, there is a basic hummus recipe which is very good. There is also a recipe for Cilantro Garlic Hummus, which sounds amazing (unfortunately I haven't been able to try it yet!).
I really am looking forward to making more recipes from this collection. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Mediterranean Diet for Vegans is a really great, basic cookbook. This cookbook is great for anyone starting out with vegan cooking, who is interested in adding healthy mediterranean recipes to their diet, or who would just like some simple delicious recipes.
There is a good variety of recipes in this book. Some are made from prepared ingredients and some are from scratch. (I prefer scratch but often need the quickness of using some prepared food!) For example, the basic hummus recipe just calls for 2 cups of cooked garbanzo beans, so you could cook your own or use canned. (and I believe a can has about 2 cups in it!) I like that versatility.
Also, there is a good variety of simple recipes and recipes that are a little more different. For example, there is a basic hummus recipe which is very good. There is also a recipe for Cilantro Garlic Hummus, which sounds amazing (unfortunately I haven't been able to try it yet!).
I really am looking forward to making more recipes from this collection. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
23 September 2016
Five Seasons in the Kitchen by Avital Sebbag
Rating: 3 out of 10
I love cookbooks. I have shelves and shelves of them -- in fact, I have an entire bookcase that I use just for cookbooks. It used to be in my kitchen, but now it is in our guest room, because our kitchen is too small to put an entire bookcase in there. I have a computer program to track recipes. Nearly all of my cookbooks are vegan, and they are all vegetarian. None of this is even counting ebooks, because why would I? They take up no space. (Or maybe they take up imaginary space?) I love to get new ecookbooks, because I don't have to worry about where to keep them!
I am just trying to impress upon you how much I love vegan cookbooks, and how often I read them. Because neither of those things are the issue with this book.
There are several problems with this book. The first is that it uses ingredients that I have never heard of, and have no idea where to find! When I read a cookbook, the first thing I look for is a simple recipe that I can make to get an idea of the author's taste. That was very difficult to find in this book. I don't have any idea what "hijiki" is or where to find it. In fact, the "simple" recipe I ended up making took 2 days to make! I had to sprout the lentils in advance. It was a very good recipe, though. It was delicious but plain, and tasted much better left over, which is good because it took 2 hours to cook, so it was ready well after dinner time (and in fact closer to bed time!).
And that leads me to another problem. Reading through this book could make you think that vegan recipes require lots of advance preparation, exotic ingredients that are difficult to find, and lots of cooking time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Measurements were only in grams, which is a problem because I have no way of measuring that. I don't have a kitchen scale handy because I use volume measurements and not by weight. I have seen quite a few cookbooks where the author used grams, but put in volume equivalents, such as cups. It is also a problem with tofu. The amounts they called for seem to be about a third of a package here. I don't think we have that size and I have no idea how to get the equivalent amount of tofu, so I just skipped the tofu recipes. (I was able to just google "how many lentils in 500 grams" and then measure it in cups.)
In an ebook, you want to link to other recipes that you call for. For example, in the Three Way Toastini recipe, it calls for 3 separate spreads found elsewhere in the book, but there is no link to them. How am I supposed to find the recipe "on page 98?" I'm not sure if this is a problem from taking this cookbook from print to ebook, but it is a significant problem for me.
I will probably explore this cookbook further, especially if I find some hijiki, but it is just unlikely to become one of my favorites. I have a distinct preference for simple recipes with easy preparation, and this book is much too complicated for me. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I love cookbooks. I have shelves and shelves of them -- in fact, I have an entire bookcase that I use just for cookbooks. It used to be in my kitchen, but now it is in our guest room, because our kitchen is too small to put an entire bookcase in there. I have a computer program to track recipes. Nearly all of my cookbooks are vegan, and they are all vegetarian. None of this is even counting ebooks, because why would I? They take up no space. (Or maybe they take up imaginary space?) I love to get new ecookbooks, because I don't have to worry about where to keep them!
I am just trying to impress upon you how much I love vegan cookbooks, and how often I read them. Because neither of those things are the issue with this book.
There are several problems with this book. The first is that it uses ingredients that I have never heard of, and have no idea where to find! When I read a cookbook, the first thing I look for is a simple recipe that I can make to get an idea of the author's taste. That was very difficult to find in this book. I don't have any idea what "hijiki" is or where to find it. In fact, the "simple" recipe I ended up making took 2 days to make! I had to sprout the lentils in advance. It was a very good recipe, though. It was delicious but plain, and tasted much better left over, which is good because it took 2 hours to cook, so it was ready well after dinner time (and in fact closer to bed time!).
And that leads me to another problem. Reading through this book could make you think that vegan recipes require lots of advance preparation, exotic ingredients that are difficult to find, and lots of cooking time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Measurements were only in grams, which is a problem because I have no way of measuring that. I don't have a kitchen scale handy because I use volume measurements and not by weight. I have seen quite a few cookbooks where the author used grams, but put in volume equivalents, such as cups. It is also a problem with tofu. The amounts they called for seem to be about a third of a package here. I don't think we have that size and I have no idea how to get the equivalent amount of tofu, so I just skipped the tofu recipes. (I was able to just google "how many lentils in 500 grams" and then measure it in cups.)
In an ebook, you want to link to other recipes that you call for. For example, in the Three Way Toastini recipe, it calls for 3 separate spreads found elsewhere in the book, but there is no link to them. How am I supposed to find the recipe "on page 98?" I'm not sure if this is a problem from taking this cookbook from print to ebook, but it is a significant problem for me.
I will probably explore this cookbook further, especially if I find some hijiki, but it is just unlikely to become one of my favorites. I have a distinct preference for simple recipes with easy preparation, and this book is much too complicated for me. I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
21 June 2016
101 Chocolate Vegan Recipes by Sam Kuma
Rating: 8 out of 10
When I saw the title of this cookbook, I was excited. Although I don't personally identify as vegan, I do avoid dairy because it doesn't sit well with me (to put it nicely). And nearly every chocolate recipe has milk in it, or some form of dairy. I've even seen sour cream! Well, of course I can go buy vegan sour cream or milk and try to substitute, but it doesn't always work out. Sometimes, soy milk is NOT the same as milk! They just don't always behave the same, and it really depends on the recipe.
When I find vegan dessert recipes, they are often not chocolate. I do love chocolate, and I don't see anything wrong with eating it now and again. But I prefer to have less sugar, and of course, no dairy. It doesn't seem like that much to ask, but it can be very difficult to find.
The first recipe I chose to review was the first recipe in the book: Chocolate Chia Smoothie Pudding. I have never heard of anything referred to as a smoothie pudding, and I was intrigued. The recipe described it as being similar to an ice-cream shake, and I think that's a good description. I should tell you that my husband and I are not fans of chia seeds, even though we know they are healthy for us. I have to say that this is a great way to get them into your diet if you are looking to -- they aren't noticeable at all in the smoothie. I didn't care too much for having this served over ice cubes (made from almond milk) but it just didn't seem to go with the texture. I may make this again, and skip the ice cube scenario. I found this to be very good, but it was so thick. On the plus side, it was very filling!
The second recipe I made from this cookbook was #22: Three Ingredient Brownies. I was extremely skeptical of this recipe. The three ingredients are bananas, almond butter, and cocoa powder. I was pretty sure that there was no possibility of those three ingredients turning into a brownie! Well, I was both right and wrong. I made the puree in the food processor, and then prepared to bake it. The recipe just called for a "baking pan," so I wasn't sure what to do! I used a 9x9 glass baking pan, and it seemed to be the correct size. While I was transferring the mix, I did try a little bit off of the scraper and it was amazing. I thought if nothing else, we could just eat it uncooked! The other part of this recipe that wasn't quite correct was the timing. We had to cook it for at least 5 minutes longer before it set. But it did set! I was quite surprised. I mean, I wouldn't quite call this a "brownie," but it was very delicious. It actually reminded me of a no-bake recipe: very smooth and creamy. I would definitely make these again.
I'm looking forward to trying more recipes from this cookbook, especially Thin Chocolate Crepes, Vegan Chocolate Waffles (it has been VERY difficult for us to find a vegan waffle recipe we like), and Chocolate Covered Popcorns.
I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
When I saw the title of this cookbook, I was excited. Although I don't personally identify as vegan, I do avoid dairy because it doesn't sit well with me (to put it nicely). And nearly every chocolate recipe has milk in it, or some form of dairy. I've even seen sour cream! Well, of course I can go buy vegan sour cream or milk and try to substitute, but it doesn't always work out. Sometimes, soy milk is NOT the same as milk! They just don't always behave the same, and it really depends on the recipe.
When I find vegan dessert recipes, they are often not chocolate. I do love chocolate, and I don't see anything wrong with eating it now and again. But I prefer to have less sugar, and of course, no dairy. It doesn't seem like that much to ask, but it can be very difficult to find.
The first recipe I chose to review was the first recipe in the book: Chocolate Chia Smoothie Pudding. I have never heard of anything referred to as a smoothie pudding, and I was intrigued. The recipe described it as being similar to an ice-cream shake, and I think that's a good description. I should tell you that my husband and I are not fans of chia seeds, even though we know they are healthy for us. I have to say that this is a great way to get them into your diet if you are looking to -- they aren't noticeable at all in the smoothie. I didn't care too much for having this served over ice cubes (made from almond milk) but it just didn't seem to go with the texture. I may make this again, and skip the ice cube scenario. I found this to be very good, but it was so thick. On the plus side, it was very filling!
The second recipe I made from this cookbook was #22: Three Ingredient Brownies. I was extremely skeptical of this recipe. The three ingredients are bananas, almond butter, and cocoa powder. I was pretty sure that there was no possibility of those three ingredients turning into a brownie! Well, I was both right and wrong. I made the puree in the food processor, and then prepared to bake it. The recipe just called for a "baking pan," so I wasn't sure what to do! I used a 9x9 glass baking pan, and it seemed to be the correct size. While I was transferring the mix, I did try a little bit off of the scraper and it was amazing. I thought if nothing else, we could just eat it uncooked! The other part of this recipe that wasn't quite correct was the timing. We had to cook it for at least 5 minutes longer before it set. But it did set! I was quite surprised. I mean, I wouldn't quite call this a "brownie," but it was very delicious. It actually reminded me of a no-bake recipe: very smooth and creamy. I would definitely make these again.
I'm looking forward to trying more recipes from this cookbook, especially Thin Chocolate Crepes, Vegan Chocolate Waffles (it has been VERY difficult for us to find a vegan waffle recipe we like), and Chocolate Covered Popcorns.
I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
01 February 2012
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick (book)
Rating: 8 (out of 10)
From the back of the audiobook: After advertising for a "reliable wife," wealthy businessman Ralph Truitt selects Chicago's Catherine Land as his mail-order bride. And yet when Catherine first stands before him, Ralph realizes this statuesque beauty is anything but a "plain and simple missionary's daughter." But he couldn't possibly know of her devious plan to leave Wisconsin as a rich widow.
This book was very interesting. It had a rich plot and definitely kept you guessing. I found myself wanting to come back to it, thinking about it when I was doing other things. If I had been reading the book, I wouldn't have been able to put it down! Listening to the audio book paced me.
Knowing that this is about a woman who decides to marry a man living in rural Wisconsin in 1907, I didn't expect that there would be very many twists to the story. Goolrick's writing style is very interesting, and he manages to make a turn of events shocking, while still maintaining a slow, deliberate pace throughout the book.
This book is definitely worth the time to read!
From the back of the audiobook: After advertising for a "reliable wife," wealthy businessman Ralph Truitt selects Chicago's Catherine Land as his mail-order bride. And yet when Catherine first stands before him, Ralph realizes this statuesque beauty is anything but a "plain and simple missionary's daughter." But he couldn't possibly know of her devious plan to leave Wisconsin as a rich widow.
This book was very interesting. It had a rich plot and definitely kept you guessing. I found myself wanting to come back to it, thinking about it when I was doing other things. If I had been reading the book, I wouldn't have been able to put it down! Listening to the audio book paced me.
Knowing that this is about a woman who decides to marry a man living in rural Wisconsin in 1907, I didn't expect that there would be very many twists to the story. Goolrick's writing style is very interesting, and he manages to make a turn of events shocking, while still maintaining a slow, deliberate pace throughout the book.
This book is definitely worth the time to read!
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