The Apache Wars {a review}

The Apache Wars by Paul Andrew Hutton is quite possibly the most meticulously researched book I think I've ever read...and it's not the least bit boring! This historical non-fiction is mostly told in chronological order with only a few exceptions (though dates are always noted).

The author gives us an amazing look at the dangerous life on the frontier, the Apache raids in the US and Mexico, the unfair treatment of the Apaches, and so much more. The Chicago Tribune, in a review, said that this book was "[A] major work of history on a much-neglected subject...". I could not agree more. It motivates me to learn more about other tribes and sub-tribes/clans, especially that of the Cherokee since my great-grandmother was full-blooded Cherokee.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history!

For more info on the book click here

For more info on Paul Andrew Hutton click here

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. All opinions are my own.

tuesdays with Morrie {a review}

Many years ago, I worked in a bookstore and I always had customers ask for Mitch Albom's book tuesdays with Morrie.  I was, at that time, reading mostly things in the military section as I was dating my now-husband who was in the Army. When I saw that tuesdays with Morrie was available through Blogging for Books, I immediately requested a copy to review because I wanted to finally see what the fuss was all about.

The book is celebrating its 20th anniversary so this edition comes with a new afterword by the author. A brief synopsis: The author finds out his favorite old professor, Morrie, is terminally ill and makes trips to the Boston area to visit him. Morrie suggests they write one last thesis paper together- Morrie's lessons on life,death and more. 

After reading it, I completely understand why so many of my customers were eager to get their hands on the book. It is a wonderful reminder to all of us about what is really important. It is so easy to get caught up in our lives, in material things, in drama, etc. Sometimes you just need a little nudge to wake up from all of that and this book definitely does that.

The writing was great. I loved that stories from their college days were mixed in with the time they spent together when Morrie was ill. I also enjoyed the snippets of poetry throughout from some of Morrie's favorite poems. Great book, easy read, highly recommend!

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

America's Best Breakfasts {review}

I really wanted to love this book because I love food and I especially love breakfast foods. There are some recipes that do not require a ton of ingredients but the majority of them do. A lot of the recipes are also very involved. I personally like quick and easy recipes in the morning. While these may be some of the best breakfasts, they're ones I'd rather just go to the restaurant and have there. I'd think it would be much better tasting and cheaper (especially the ones with tons of ingredients...I don't need a $50 grocery trip for a $15 meal).

I did like that there were other restaurants mentioned for those who want to take a culinary road trip like the cookbook authors. It was nice seeing pictures of the restaurants, food and chefs. I also liked learning about the inspiration behind dishes. 

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

 Also, my Charleston peeps, Hominy Grill's Shrimp and Grits recipe is on page 115 :)

I received a copy of this book compliments of Blogging for Books. All opinions are my own.
 

Where's Karl? {Review}

I recently received a copy of Where's Karl?: A Fashion-Forward Parody by Stacey Caldwell and Ajiri A. Aki from Blogging for Books to review. All opinions are my own.

 I grew up with Where's Waldo? books and always loved hunting for Waldo in the dizzying pictures. So when I saw Where's Karl? and that it is centered around Karl Lagerfeld and includes many other famous fashion and pop-culture faces, I knew I had to check it out.

The book's introduction is written by a fictional blogger (how appropriate?!) named Florence de la Sabine (aka Fleur). Fleur is pretty much obsessed with Karl and is going to travel around the world looking for him from Milan to Paris and so on.

Each place Fleur travels to is two pages of illustrations by Michelle Baron. There are so many recognizable faces within each illustration. Toward the back of the book, there is a checklist of people other than Karl to look for too.

I loved seeing the girl with the TCU shirt in this illustration. I lived in the Fort Worth area for years and have several friends who went to school there (the authors both attended as well).

 This book was a big hit with everyone in my family, including my husband and son. We all enjoyed the friendly competition of finding Karl first. My mom picked it up while she was over for Thanksgiving and spent her entire breakfast looking for Karl.

If you're a fan of fashion or celebrities, this is a fun book to have. It would also make a great gift for a fashion loving friend!

Have you see this book before? Do you own it? What do you think about it?

Citrus: Sweet & Savory Sun-kissed Recipes {A Review}

Here is something you may not know about me: I would never consider myself a cook. I am not necessarily a beginner but I'm definitely not anywhere near intermediate.  I can boil eggs, make tacos, pan-fry pork chops and more. Nevermind that I just learned how to dice tomatoes a month ago (thanks, youtube)!

I am a member of Blogging for Books, where you choose a book to review on your blog (no, you don't get paid but for a book lover, like me, it is the coolest program). My first two book reviews have been historical non-fiction- one about the Lusitania and the other about Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs. I decided I would switch it up this time and go for a cookbook.

Citrus by Valerie Aikman-Smith and Victoria Pearson caught my eye immediately with a mouth-watering cover shot of their Orange & Rosemary Polenta Cake. 

When the book arrived, I immediately picked out several of the seventy-five recipes that looked like they were on my cooking level. By my cooking level, I mean I knew what all the ingredients were and the instructions seemed doable.

The book is divided by fruit: lemon, lime, orange, tangerine, grapefruit and the rest (kumquats and yuzu, for example). While most of the recipes do have pictures, there are quite a few that don't have any photo. I am not a confident home chef so I need that picture to I feel like I'm kind of doing something right!

I like that the table of contents also has dishes divided by course. You can choose from breakfast, starters, main courses, salads, soups, sides, desserts, drinks and pantry staples (think citrus salt or oil). There is also a short segment at the beginning for Citrus Basics.  Did you know you should roll citrus fruits before juicing?  I didn't. Each chapter also begins with background on the specific fruit highlighted and talks about different types of that fruit.

I decided to make the Key Lime Pie because you can't review a cookbook without actually cooking one of the recipes.

 First I'd like to note that I cheated and I used a store bought graham cracker pie crust. I also thought I had unsweetened coconut flakes at home but I had sweetened sooo I skipped putting that on top. I also attempted the nice garnish but it was not quite right.

The recipe was really easy to follow. I do regret not having a hand juicer for the key limes when I made the pie, though one has since been purchased for future cooking purposes. My husband and I hand to squeeze each key lime until we got to 1/2 cup (insert laughing/crying emojis here).

My topping wasn't as nice as the picture but I likely didn't beat the heavy cream long enough. It still tasted good though! I was really excited about how well the pie turned out. It tasted like something I'd buy at a restaurant. 

I have several other recipes I am going to be making soon. I am definitely going to try the Lemon Gateau next which has 7 ingredients...all stuff that I already have (eggs, sugar, flour, etc.).

Overall, I really enjoyed this cookbook. Most of the recipes have ingredients that I would have around my house or would be easy to obtain. I loved the pictures though there were some that could have been less messy (visible crumbs off to the side).

Have you seen this cookbook? What did you think? Do you like cooking with citrus fruits? Which are your favorite?

Disclaimer: I did receive Citrus courtesy of Blogging for Books in exchange for a review. All pictures on this post and opinions provided are my own.