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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). |
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Drama, Drama, Drama Tracy Chevalier's novel about the 17th century painter, Vermeer, is a pleasure to read. Girl with a Pearl Earring  quickly draws the reader into Vermeer's world with all its conflicts, romance, and creativity. |
Daniel Quinn - Still Going Strong! If They Give You Lined Paper, Write Sideways  explores the process of looking at the world from a different perspective. Quinn helps me learn to think outside the box. |
Interesting Women Song of Solomon portrays the violence associated with the fight for civil rights and is an emotional and intelligent story. I was moved by the powerful female characters. |
Intro to Cajun Culture James Lee Burke is one of my favorite mystery writers. In The Neon Rain he introduces Cajun detective, Dave Robichaux. I prefer the earlier Burke mysteries, by 2000 they were too violent and twisted for me. |
Rostnikov's My Man A one-legged Russian policeman who has problems with authority…my kind of guy! A Fine Red Rain . Any series of Stuart M. Kaminsky is worth reading, but I like Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov the best. |
Philip Roth at His Best Set in Jerusalem during the trial of John Demjanjuk, Operation Shylock: A Confession is complex, convoluted, and brilliant. Roth uses the English language like a paint brush. |
A Book About Books The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon has a complex plot, colorful characters, and a teenage boy with a good sense of humor. Fun to read on the weekend or on vacation. |
A Solid Satire Erica Jong's ground-breaking first novel, Fear of Flying , was written in 1973. It's a classic - just as important today as it was in the 70's. I laughed, I cried, I loved it. |