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 ix mix drix. That's what my grandmother from Russia called her "throw it together without a recipe" casseroles. "Hix mix drix" was her way of taking the secrets of her amazing cooking with her to the grave. "How much flour did you put in the bowl, Grandma Hannah?" I'd ask. "Shit'n gees, Shit'n gees, shitteryne," she'd say. (From the Yiddish Dictionary: "Shitteryne - To cook without a recipe. Add a little of this, a little of that, a little of something else, without measuring.") So, it appears I got my taste in reading from my grandmother. |
I like a little of this, a little of that, but usually not non-humans. Animals are okay - monsters, no. I only remember reading a few science fiction books, Forward the Foundation, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and Perelandra - all incredible, but not my thing. I like mysteries - especially, female detectives and stories set in exotic locales. And, in recent years, I've gotten into "chick lit", but still like to balance the energy with "guy writing" like Kinky Friedman, Tony Hillerman, and Stuart Kaminsky. Mostly, I love to escape into the pages (or the screen). |
My Absolute Favorite Chitra Divakaruni's The Mistress of Spices  is written so beautifully. I love her female characters and the mystical magic of their lives. I reel for days after reading one of her books. |
Read, Enjoy, Learn I just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia . Elizabeth Gilbert "spoke her mind" - I could relate! Excellent. |
Charles Frazier's Best I liked Thirteen Moons even better than Cold Mountain. This one's about a strong, quirky man in New England in the 1800's. I couldn't put it down. |
Not Another Decker/Lazarus Story Moon Music was a departure for Faye Kellerman. Introducing a new set of characters, this dark and spiritual thriller is set in Nevada. Her best work, I think. |
An Oldie, but Goodie The description of the Pueblo Indians' "Winter slow time" in Frank Waters' 1942 novel, Man Who Killed The Deer , was amazing. An excellent book to read at on a quiet weekend. |
I'm an Anita Diamant Fan Strong, quirky, female characters - just love 'um. The Last Days of Dogtown is set in early 1800's in Massachusetts. This one's as good as The Red Tent. |
LOL, LOL, Laughing out Loud Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal is one of the funniest, most creative books I've ever read...and re-read several times. An instant cure for a funky mood. |
My Friend, the Romance Writer Yup, the author is my dear friend. If you like romance novels Also, try The Mighty Quinns
- all eight of them. |
Kinky Tickles Me Any Kinky Friedman mystery will do for a great laugh, but I suggest starting at the beginning of the series to fully "experience" Kinky's development. Roadkill is his tenth book. |