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1simchaboston
Even though I don't post much on LT, I'm very thankful for these yearly challenges. If I'm going to have an addiction, I'd rather be addicted to books than Angry Birds or even the Discworld MUD. :) Here's to more reading in 2015!
3simchaboston
Thanks! Glad to be back!
4simchaboston
January - 10 books (10 books for 2015)
Rabbi Rocketpower and the Mystery of the Missing Menorahs by Rabbi Susan Abramson and Aaron Dworkin: Both didactic and juvenile, not the best combination ... (review)
Rabbi Rocketpower in Who Hogged the Hallah? A Shabbat Shabang! by Rabbi Susan Abramson and Aaron Dworkin: Even worse than the Hanukkah one, too painfully bad for me to even do a proper review. Both of these RR titles (and now the unread ones too) went straight into recycling this morning.
Keeping Faith in Rabbis: A Community Conversation on Rabbinical Education, edited by Rabbi Hayim Herring and Ellie Roscher: As with many anthologies, the pieces in "Keeping Faith in Rabbis" aren't all equally appealing ... (review)
A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn: If "A Path Appears" doesn't make you want to repair the world, nothing will ... (review)
The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore: Truly the origin story to end all origin stories ... (review)
Reel Jewish by Joel Samberg: Generally engaging if superficial survey of Jewish movies ... (review)
The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Wisdom And Wit in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin: Talmudic wisdom has never been so charming ... (review)
Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof by Alisa Solomon: Engaging and intelligent look at the Jewish musical to end all Jewish musicals ... (review)
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf: I'm utterly gobsmacked by the passion and eloquence of Woolf's prose ... (review)
Magicien d'Oz by Lisbeth Zwerger & Frank Baum: It was fun to read this in French, though I found the illustrations somewhat off-putting ... (review)
Rabbi Rocketpower and the Mystery of the Missing Menorahs by Rabbi Susan Abramson and Aaron Dworkin: Both didactic and juvenile, not the best combination ... (review)
Rabbi Rocketpower in Who Hogged the Hallah? A Shabbat Shabang! by Rabbi Susan Abramson and Aaron Dworkin: Even worse than the Hanukkah one, too painfully bad for me to even do a proper review. Both of these RR titles (and now the unread ones too) went straight into recycling this morning.
Keeping Faith in Rabbis: A Community Conversation on Rabbinical Education, edited by Rabbi Hayim Herring and Ellie Roscher: As with many anthologies, the pieces in "Keeping Faith in Rabbis" aren't all equally appealing ... (review)
A Path Appears: Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunity by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn: If "A Path Appears" doesn't make you want to repair the world, nothing will ... (review)
The Secret History of Wonder Woman by Jill Lepore: Truly the origin story to end all origin stories ... (review)
Reel Jewish by Joel Samberg: Generally engaging if superficial survey of Jewish movies ... (review)
The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey: A Graphic Novel of Jewish Wisdom And Wit in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin: Talmudic wisdom has never been so charming ... (review)
Wonder of Wonders: A Cultural History of Fiddler on the Roof by Alisa Solomon: Engaging and intelligent look at the Jewish musical to end all Jewish musicals ... (review)
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf: I'm utterly gobsmacked by the passion and eloquence of Woolf's prose ... (review)
Magicien d'Oz by Lisbeth Zwerger & Frank Baum: It was fun to read this in French, though I found the illustrations somewhat off-putting ... (review)
5simchaboston
February - 8 books (18 books for 2015)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain: This is an ambitious work, and a mostly successful one ... (review)
Balancing on the Mechitza: Transgender in Jewish Community, edited by Noach Dzmura: Thought-provoking and generally thoughtful collection of essays regarding the transgender Jewish experience ... (review)
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes and Joe Layden: Read it out loud to my wife after reading it first myself ... was a nice light read before bedtime. (original review)
The Folklore of Discworld: Legends, Myths, and Customs from the Discworld with Helpful Hints from Planet Earth by Terry Pratchett and Jacqueline Simpson: I found this fun and light ... (review)
A Slip of the Keyboard: Collected Nonfiction by Terry Pratchett: Enjoyable assortment of articles from one of my favorite authors ... (review)
Winning Marriage by Marc Solomon: Dear opponents of same-sex marriage: do not read this book ... (review)
L'Ultime Secret by Bernard Werber: Preposterous but still fun and good for my French ... (review)
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson: Absolutely stunning ... (review)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain: This is an ambitious work, and a mostly successful one ... (review)
Balancing on the Mechitza: Transgender in Jewish Community, edited by Noach Dzmura: Thought-provoking and generally thoughtful collection of essays regarding the transgender Jewish experience ... (review)
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes and Joe Layden: Read it out loud to my wife after reading it first myself ... was a nice light read before bedtime. (original review)
The Folklore of Discworld: Legends, Myths, and Customs from the Discworld with Helpful Hints from Planet Earth by Terry Pratchett and Jacqueline Simpson: I found this fun and light ... (review)
A Slip of the Keyboard: Collected Nonfiction by Terry Pratchett: Enjoyable assortment of articles from one of my favorite authors ... (review)
Winning Marriage by Marc Solomon: Dear opponents of same-sex marriage: do not read this book ... (review)
L'Ultime Secret by Bernard Werber: Preposterous but still fun and good for my French ... (review)
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson: Absolutely stunning ... (review)
6simchaboston
March - 10 books (30 books for 2015)
Flour, Too: Indispensable Recipes for the Cafe's Most Loved Sweets & Savories by Joanne Chang: Another wonderful cookbook from one of my favorite chefs ... (review)
Victoria Reve by Timothee de Fombelle: Disappointing ... (review)
The Essence of Chaplin: The Style, the Rhythm and the Grace of a Master by John Fawell: An admirable but not entirely successful attempt to sum up "Chaplinesque" aesthetics ... (review)
The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman: Implausible but fun ... (review)
Mrs. Pollifax Pursued by Dorothy Gilman: Deeply meaningful? No. Preposterous? Yes. Fun anyway? Definitely, at least for me ... (review)
Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris: At first I felt charmed by this memoir ... (review)
Best Food Writing 2013, edited by Holly Hughes: Either this series has gotten better or I just needed a break ... (review)
The Ethiopian Jews of Israel: Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land by Len Lyons: Generally interesting anthology, though lacking a little something ... (review)
God in Your Body: Kabbalah, Mindfulness and Embodied Spiritual Practice by Jay Michaelson: A good book for Jews (and other seekers) needing to get out of their heads and be more present in the world ... (review)
The Magic Thief: Home: Book Four by Sarah Prineas: Fairly satisfying installment in this fantasy series ... (review)
Flour, Too: Indispensable Recipes for the Cafe's Most Loved Sweets & Savories by Joanne Chang: Another wonderful cookbook from one of my favorite chefs ... (review)
Victoria Reve by Timothee de Fombelle: Disappointing ... (review)
The Essence of Chaplin: The Style, the Rhythm and the Grace of a Master by John Fawell: An admirable but not entirely successful attempt to sum up "Chaplinesque" aesthetics ... (review)
The Elusive Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman: Implausible but fun ... (review)
Mrs. Pollifax Pursued by Dorothy Gilman: Deeply meaningful? No. Preposterous? Yes. Fun anyway? Definitely, at least for me ... (review)
Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris: At first I felt charmed by this memoir ... (review)
Best Food Writing 2013, edited by Holly Hughes: Either this series has gotten better or I just needed a break ... (review)
The Ethiopian Jews of Israel: Personal Stories of Life in the Promised Land by Len Lyons: Generally interesting anthology, though lacking a little something ... (review)
God in Your Body: Kabbalah, Mindfulness and Embodied Spiritual Practice by Jay Michaelson: A good book for Jews (and other seekers) needing to get out of their heads and be more present in the world ... (review)
The Magic Thief: Home: Book Four by Sarah Prineas: Fairly satisfying installment in this fantasy series ... (review)
7simchaboston
April - 10 books (40 books for 2015)
Renoir (Rizzoli Art Classics) by Alexander Auf Der Heyde and Margherita D'Ayala Valva (Editor): The art is wonderful; the text, not so much ... (review)
Twice Blessed: On Being Lesbian, Gay, and Jewish, edited by Christie Balka and Andy Rose: Eclectic and informative, if somewhat dated ... (review)
Cooking From the Hip: Fast, Easy, Phenomenal Meals by Cat Cora: Solid cookbook with good recipes and practical tips ... (review)
Singin' in the Rain: The Making of an American Masterpiece by Earl J. Hess and Pratibha A. Dabholkar: Well-researched and enjoyable look at my all-time favorite movie ... (review)
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin: Enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy tale ... (review)
The Mansion of Happiness: A History of Life and Death by Jill Lepore: Intelligent if somewhat disconnected collection of historical/philosophical essays ... (review)
When Books Went to War: The Stories that Helped Us Win World War II by Molly Manning: Engaging history of the programs that furnished millions of books for the U.S. military during World War II ... (review)
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe: Ask a silly question -- especially a silly, hypothetical, science-based question -- and if you're lucky, the answer will be as informative and funny as the ones in this book ... (review)
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: Solid beginning to this fantasy series ... (review)
Stuart Little by E.B. White: Not the same caliber as "Charlotte's Web", but cute ... (review)
Renoir (Rizzoli Art Classics) by Alexander Auf Der Heyde and Margherita D'Ayala Valva (Editor): The art is wonderful; the text, not so much ... (review)
Twice Blessed: On Being Lesbian, Gay, and Jewish, edited by Christie Balka and Andy Rose: Eclectic and informative, if somewhat dated ... (review)
Cooking From the Hip: Fast, Easy, Phenomenal Meals by Cat Cora: Solid cookbook with good recipes and practical tips ... (review)
Singin' in the Rain: The Making of an American Masterpiece by Earl J. Hess and Pratibha A. Dabholkar: Well-researched and enjoyable look at my all-time favorite movie ... (review)
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin: Enjoyable coming-of-age fantasy tale ... (review)
The Mansion of Happiness: A History of Life and Death by Jill Lepore: Intelligent if somewhat disconnected collection of historical/philosophical essays ... (review)
When Books Went to War: The Stories that Helped Us Win World War II by Molly Manning: Engaging history of the programs that furnished millions of books for the U.S. military during World War II ... (review)
What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe: Ask a silly question -- especially a silly, hypothetical, science-based question -- and if you're lucky, the answer will be as informative and funny as the ones in this book ... (review)
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: Solid beginning to this fantasy series ... (review)
Stuart Little by E.B. White: Not the same caliber as "Charlotte's Web", but cute ... (review)
8simchaboston
May - 9 books (49 books for 2015)
Order of the Stick, Vol. 1: Dungeon Crawlin Fools and The Order of the Stick, Vol. 2: No Cure for the Paladin Blues by Rick Burlew: Enjoyable role-playing spoofs in stick-figure comic strip form. They're definitely more fun if you've played a lot of Dungeons & Dragons (or at least read the rulebooks).
The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity by Jill Lepore: Another fascinating historical study from Jill Lepore ... (review)
Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies by Ben Macintyre: Entertaining though digressive follow-up to Macintyre's "Operation Mincemeat" ... (review)
That's Not English: Britishisms, Americanisms, and What Our English Says About Us by Erin Moore: A bit scattershot and prone to overgeneralizing, but good if you just want a fun light read ... (review)
The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer by Sydney Padua: Whimsical, educational, and yes, even thrilling ... (review)
Food Heroes: Sixteen Culinary Artisans Preserving Tradition by Georgia Pellegrini: An easy read, though it certainly doesn't stand out from most food writing I've come across ... (review)
Dragons at Crumbling Castle: And Other Tales by Terry Pratchett: Even early Terry Pratchett is better than the usual run-of-the-mill fantasy ... (review)
Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini: Silly, but entertaining as long as you have the right expectations ... (review)
Order of the Stick, Vol. 1: Dungeon Crawlin Fools and The Order of the Stick, Vol. 2: No Cure for the Paladin Blues by Rick Burlew: Enjoyable role-playing spoofs in stick-figure comic strip form. They're definitely more fun if you've played a lot of Dungeons & Dragons (or at least read the rulebooks).
The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity by Jill Lepore: Another fascinating historical study from Jill Lepore ... (review)
Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies by Ben Macintyre: Entertaining though digressive follow-up to Macintyre's "Operation Mincemeat" ... (review)
That's Not English: Britishisms, Americanisms, and What Our English Says About Us by Erin Moore: A bit scattershot and prone to overgeneralizing, but good if you just want a fun light read ... (review)
The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer by Sydney Padua: Whimsical, educational, and yes, even thrilling ... (review)
Food Heroes: Sixteen Culinary Artisans Preserving Tradition by Georgia Pellegrini: An easy read, though it certainly doesn't stand out from most food writing I've come across ... (review)
Dragons at Crumbling Castle: And Other Tales by Terry Pratchett: Even early Terry Pratchett is better than the usual run-of-the-mill fantasy ... (review)
Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini: Silly, but entertaining as long as you have the right expectations ... (review)
9simchaboston
June - 10 books (59 books for 2015)
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown: Engaging if somewhat simplistic ... (review)
Baking with Less Sugar: Recipes for Desserts Using Natural Sweeteners and Little-to-No White Sugar by Joanne Chang: Another excellent cookbook from Joanne Chang ... (review)
From Hardtack to Home Fries: An Uncommon History of American Cooks and Meals by Barbara Haber: Engaging collection of food history essays ... (review)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: Gripping and fascinating ... (review)
In a French Kitchen: Tales and Traditions of Everyday Home Cooking in France by Susan Loomis: More of a foodie travelogue than a cookbook ... (review)
Year of the Dunk: A Modest Defiance of Gravity by Asher Price: Enjoyable narrative about one man's investigation into the limits of potential ... (review)
Yiddish with Dick and Jane by Ellis Weiner and Barbara Davilman: Very, very silly parody that's funny mostly if you already know some Yiddish, but not bad as a library e-book for nighttime reading.
The Tiger in the Well: A Sally Lockhart Mystery by Philip Pullman: Slowgoing at first, a bit darker than my usual tastes and somewhat preachy at times ... (review)
Facebook and Philosophy: What's on Your Mind? (Popular Culture and Philosophy), edited by D.E. Wittkower: I've decided I'm just not the right audience for this pop culture and philosophy series ... (review)
Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial by Kenji Yoshino: Passionate and eloquent analysis of the marriage equality case that overturned Proposition 8 in California ... (review)
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown: Engaging if somewhat simplistic ... (review)
Baking with Less Sugar: Recipes for Desserts Using Natural Sweeteners and Little-to-No White Sugar by Joanne Chang: Another excellent cookbook from Joanne Chang ... (review)
From Hardtack to Home Fries: An Uncommon History of American Cooks and Meals by Barbara Haber: Engaging collection of food history essays ... (review)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: Gripping and fascinating ... (review)
In a French Kitchen: Tales and Traditions of Everyday Home Cooking in France by Susan Loomis: More of a foodie travelogue than a cookbook ... (review)
Year of the Dunk: A Modest Defiance of Gravity by Asher Price: Enjoyable narrative about one man's investigation into the limits of potential ... (review)
Yiddish with Dick and Jane by Ellis Weiner and Barbara Davilman: Very, very silly parody that's funny mostly if you already know some Yiddish, but not bad as a library e-book for nighttime reading.
The Tiger in the Well: A Sally Lockhart Mystery by Philip Pullman: Slowgoing at first, a bit darker than my usual tastes and somewhat preachy at times ... (review)
Facebook and Philosophy: What's on Your Mind? (Popular Culture and Philosophy), edited by D.E. Wittkower: I've decided I'm just not the right audience for this pop culture and philosophy series ... (review)
Speak Now: Marriage Equality on Trial by Kenji Yoshino: Passionate and eloquent analysis of the marriage equality case that overturned Proposition 8 in California ... (review)
10simchaboston
July - 6 books (65 books for 2015)
Hold Fast by Blue Balliett: A little melodramatic and implausible for my tastes, unfortunately ... (review)
The Eye of Zoltar (The Chronicles of Kazam) by Jasper Fforde: Enjoyable, but not as fun as the previous books in this series ... (review)
Babel in Zion: Jews, Nationalism, and Language Diversity in Palestine, 1920-1948 by Liora Halperin: Fascinating study of the political, cultural and social issues surrounding language policies in the Yishuv ... (review)
Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith: Adorable and very funny ... (review)
Trip of the Tongue: Cross-Country Travels in Search of America's Languages by Elizabeth Little: A sort of travelogue mixed with amateur linguistic investigations ... (review)
The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus, Book 2) by Rick Riordan: Solid and enjoyable entry in the second of this Greek/Roman mythology series ... (review)
Hold Fast by Blue Balliett: A little melodramatic and implausible for my tastes, unfortunately ... (review)
The Eye of Zoltar (The Chronicles of Kazam) by Jasper Fforde: Enjoyable, but not as fun as the previous books in this series ... (review)
Babel in Zion: Jews, Nationalism, and Language Diversity in Palestine, 1920-1948 by Liora Halperin: Fascinating study of the political, cultural and social issues surrounding language policies in the Yishuv ... (review)
Babe: The Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith: Adorable and very funny ... (review)
Trip of the Tongue: Cross-Country Travels in Search of America's Languages by Elizabeth Little: A sort of travelogue mixed with amateur linguistic investigations ... (review)
The Son of Neptune (Heroes of Olympus, Book 2) by Rick Riordan: Solid and enjoyable entry in the second of this Greek/Roman mythology series ... (review)
11simchaboston
August - 15 books (80 books for 2015)
Bottom of the 33rd: Hope, Redemption, and Baseball's Longest Game by Dan Barry: I have decidedly mixed feelings about this book ... (review)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: This installment is a middle one and it shows ... (review)
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins: More satisfactory when I was in the midst of reading it than afterwards ... (review)
Russ & Daughters: Reflections and Recipes from the House That Herring Built by Mark Russ Federman: Fun read, if a bit repetitive ... (review)
Une Journee Avec Papa by Bertrand Fichou: Easy and silly (in a good way), with very simple French.
Paris Sweets: Great Desserts From the City's Best Pastry Shops by Dorie Greenspan: Paris Sweets: Great Desserts From the City's Best Pastry Shops (review)
One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium: LGBT Educators Speak Out About What's Gotten Better . . . and What Hasn't, edited by Kevin Jennings: Overall, a compelling collection about the experiences of LGBT educators ... (review)
Nobody's Perfect: Writings from The New Yorker by Anthony Lane: Excellent and witty anthology by the longtime New Yorker critic ... (review)
A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor: Fantastic resource for anyone who loves history, culture and/or museums ... (review)
The Riddle-Master of Hed by Patricia McKilip: Vibrant language and strong characterizations ... (review)
Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome by Brad Montague and Robby Novak: Very entertaining collection of suggestions for changing the world ... (review)
A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett: Good collection for Pratchett completists ... (review)
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss: Much lovely writing and a fascinating central character ... (review)
Mediterranean Summer: A Season on France's Cote d'Azur and Italy's Costa Bella by David Shalleck: Good summer read for those into travel and/or food ... (review)
Le secret du papyrus by Odile Weulersse: It took a couple of tries for me to finish this book ... (review)
Bottom of the 33rd: Hope, Redemption, and Baseball's Longest Game by Dan Barry: I have decidedly mixed feelings about this book ... (review)
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: This installment is a middle one and it shows ... (review)
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins: More satisfactory when I was in the midst of reading it than afterwards ... (review)
Russ & Daughters: Reflections and Recipes from the House That Herring Built by Mark Russ Federman: Fun read, if a bit repetitive ... (review)
Une Journee Avec Papa by Bertrand Fichou: Easy and silly (in a good way), with very simple French.
Paris Sweets: Great Desserts From the City's Best Pastry Shops by Dorie Greenspan: Paris Sweets: Great Desserts From the City's Best Pastry Shops (review)
One Teacher in Ten in the New Millennium: LGBT Educators Speak Out About What's Gotten Better . . . and What Hasn't, edited by Kevin Jennings: Overall, a compelling collection about the experiences of LGBT educators ... (review)
Nobody's Perfect: Writings from The New Yorker by Anthony Lane: Excellent and witty anthology by the longtime New Yorker critic ... (review)
A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor: Fantastic resource for anyone who loves history, culture and/or museums ... (review)
The Riddle-Master of Hed by Patricia McKilip: Vibrant language and strong characterizations ... (review)
Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome by Brad Montague and Robby Novak: Very entertaining collection of suggestions for changing the world ... (review)
A Blink of the Screen: Collected Shorter Fiction by Terry Pratchett: Good collection for Pratchett completists ... (review)
The Slow Regard of Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss: Much lovely writing and a fascinating central character ... (review)
Mediterranean Summer: A Season on France's Cote d'Azur and Italy's Costa Bella by David Shalleck: Good summer read for those into travel and/or food ... (review)
Le secret du papyrus by Odile Weulersse: It took a couple of tries for me to finish this book ... (review)
12simchaboston
September - 9 books (89 books for 2015)
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck: A interesting premise weakened by a poor argument ... (review)
Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip by Peter Hessler: Must-read for anyone even remotely interested in China ... (review)
River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze by Peter Hessler: After this book, I am very, very jealous of Peter Hessler ... (review)
Leaping Beauty: And Other Animal Fairy Tales by Gregory Maguire: Fun twists on familiar fairy tales ... (review)
The Girl with the Brown Crayon by Vivian Gussin Paley: Short but lovely book of insights from a teacher's last year in the classroom ... (review)
Eating Delancey: A Celebration of Jewish Food, edited by Aaron Rezny and Jordan Schaps: Handsomely designed with a number of good stories ... (review)
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan: Entertaining, but not quite as enjoyable as I'd hoped ... (review)
Telling and Remembering: A Century of American Jewish Poetry, edited by Steven Rubin: Moving anthology focusing on Jewish themes ... (review)
Les caves du Majestic by Georges Simenon: Light and fun ... (review)
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck: A interesting premise weakened by a poor argument ... (review)
Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip by Peter Hessler: Must-read for anyone even remotely interested in China ... (review)
River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze by Peter Hessler: After this book, I am very, very jealous of Peter Hessler ... (review)
Leaping Beauty: And Other Animal Fairy Tales by Gregory Maguire: Fun twists on familiar fairy tales ... (review)
The Girl with the Brown Crayon by Vivian Gussin Paley: Short but lovely book of insights from a teacher's last year in the classroom ... (review)
Eating Delancey: A Celebration of Jewish Food, edited by Aaron Rezny and Jordan Schaps: Handsomely designed with a number of good stories ... (review)
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan: Entertaining, but not quite as enjoyable as I'd hoped ... (review)
Telling and Remembering: A Century of American Jewish Poetry, edited by Steven Rubin: Moving anthology focusing on Jewish themes ... (review)
Les caves du Majestic by Georges Simenon: Light and fun ... (review)
13simchaboston
October - 8 books (97 books for 2015)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury: Still a classic even after all these years ... (review)
America Observed by Alistar Cooke: Sharply written, if somewhat dated ... (review)
A Grave Talent by Laurie King: Engaging, though King's Holmes/Russell series is still more my style ... (review)
The Wind's Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. Le Guin: Just stunning ... (review)
Combat-Ready Kitchen: How the U.S. Military Shapes the Way You Eat by Anastacia Marx De Salcedo: A provocative thesis, but not completely convincing ... (review)
Thirsty Dragon: China's Lust for Bordeaux and the Threat to the World's Best Wines by Suzanne Mustacich: A ton of information doesn't always add up to a convincing argument ... (review)
Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina: Short, but informative and engaging ... (review)
The Demigod Diaries (The Heroes of Olympus) by Rick Riordan: Not a must-buy or must-read ... (review)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury: Still a classic even after all these years ... (review)
America Observed by Alistar Cooke: Sharply written, if somewhat dated ... (review)
A Grave Talent by Laurie King: Engaging, though King's Holmes/Russell series is still more my style ... (review)
The Wind's Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. Le Guin: Just stunning ... (review)
Combat-Ready Kitchen: How the U.S. Military Shapes the Way You Eat by Anastacia Marx De Salcedo: A provocative thesis, but not completely convincing ... (review)
Thirsty Dragon: China's Lust for Bordeaux and the Threat to the World's Best Wines by Suzanne Mustacich: A ton of information doesn't always add up to a convincing argument ... (review)
Brain Rules (Updated and Expanded): 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School by John Medina: Short, but informative and engaging ... (review)
The Demigod Diaries (The Heroes of Olympus) by Rick Riordan: Not a must-buy or must-read ... (review)
14simchaboston
November - 9 books (106 books for 2015)
The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food by Dan Barber: I'm wicked jealous of Dan Barber ... (review)
CHOCOLATE: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton: An absolute hoot! ... (review)
Dreaming Spies: A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes by Laurie King: As a fan of the Russell/Holmes series, my reaction to this book was "This is more like it!" (review)
The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects by Richard Kurin: Unfortunately not as compelling as the book that inspired it ... (review)
A Is for American: Letters and Other Characters in the Newly United States by Jill Lepore: Thought-provoking and intelligent, as usual ... (review)
Mendoza the Jew: Boxing, Manliness, and Nationalism, A Graphic History by Ronald Schechter: Interesting, though it works better as biography than as history ... (review)
The Secret Lives of Sports Fans: The Science of Sports Obsession by Eric Simons: Oh, boy, do I recognize myself in these pages ... (review)
Atalanta and the Arcadian Beast (Young Heroes) by Jane Yolen and Robert Harris: The Young Heroes series is an interesting concept, but this is a little slow to get going ... (review)
B.U.G. (Big Ugly Guy) by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple: Fun take on a Jewish legend ... (review)
The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food by Dan Barber: I'm wicked jealous of Dan Barber ... (review)
CHOCOLATE: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton: An absolute hoot! ... (review)
Dreaming Spies: A novel of suspense featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes by Laurie King: As a fan of the Russell/Holmes series, my reaction to this book was "This is more like it!" (review)
The Smithsonian's History of America in 101 Objects by Richard Kurin: Unfortunately not as compelling as the book that inspired it ... (review)
A Is for American: Letters and Other Characters in the Newly United States by Jill Lepore: Thought-provoking and intelligent, as usual ... (review)
Mendoza the Jew: Boxing, Manliness, and Nationalism, A Graphic History by Ronald Schechter: Interesting, though it works better as biography than as history ... (review)
The Secret Lives of Sports Fans: The Science of Sports Obsession by Eric Simons: Oh, boy, do I recognize myself in these pages ... (review)
Atalanta and the Arcadian Beast (Young Heroes) by Jane Yolen and Robert Harris: The Young Heroes series is an interesting concept, but this is a little slow to get going ... (review)
B.U.G. (Big Ugly Guy) by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple: Fun take on a Jewish legend ... (review)
15simchaboston
December - 7 books (113 books for 2015)
Republic of Barbecue: Stories Beyond the Brisket, edited by Elizabeth Engelhardt: A thought-provoking anthology ... (review)
Sous Chef: 24 Hours on the Line by Michael Gibney: The reviews here have this one pegged pretty well ... (review)
Plum Pudding for Christmas by Virginia Kahl - Great Xmas read as always!
Through the Door of Life by Joy Ladin: Just exquisite ... (review)
The Shepherd's Crown by Terry Pratchett: A fitting farewell to one of my all-time faves ... (review)
La Premiere Enquete de Maigret (Ldp Simenon) (French Edition) by Georges Simenon: As a lover of the French language, I found this enjoyable ... (review)
Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen: Interesting premise, but not as satisfying as most of Yolen's other works (review)
Republic of Barbecue: Stories Beyond the Brisket, edited by Elizabeth Engelhardt: A thought-provoking anthology ... (review)
Sous Chef: 24 Hours on the Line by Michael Gibney: The reviews here have this one pegged pretty well ... (review)
Plum Pudding for Christmas by Virginia Kahl - Great Xmas read as always!
Through the Door of Life by Joy Ladin: Just exquisite ... (review)
The Shepherd's Crown by Terry Pratchett: A fitting farewell to one of my all-time faves ... (review)
La Premiere Enquete de Maigret (Ldp Simenon) (French Edition) by Georges Simenon: As a lover of the French language, I found this enjoyable ... (review)
Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen: Interesting premise, but not as satisfying as most of Yolen's other works (review)
