Crying in H Mart had me crying in my car… every… damn… day. I listened to Michelle Zauner’s memoir via audiobook over the course of a week while driviCrying in H Mart had me crying in my car… every… damn… day. I listened to Michelle Zauner’s memoir via audiobook over the course of a week while driving for work. I was very familiar with the title of this book but I never read the synopsis so I went blindly into the experience. I had no tissues handy, just my shirt collar and sunglasses to hide my swollen eyes.
This is a story about grieving the loss of a parent and the cultural bridge they provided. For Zauner, she was born of a Korean mother and American father. When her mother passed, she not only had to deal with the grief attached to their very complicated mother/daughter relationship, but she also had to deal with feeling culturally lost.
The emotions here are palpable. Zauner’s words ensure that some element of her journey will resonate with every reader. Crying in H Mart is a touching memoir that I would recommend.
Here's a cookbook to help with everyone's new year's resolutions to be better about portion size and self-control! [...and when I say "everyone" I'm aHere's a cookbook to help with everyone's new year's resolutions to be better about portion size and self-control! [...and when I say "everyone" I'm actually talking about me lol]
The Ultimate Baking for One Cookbook has all sorts of familiar baked goods but scaled down to yield a smaller quantity. The number of ingredients and cooking times have not changed, just the measurements, and tons of useful advice is included to help with baking in smaller doses. In the uncorrected proof I reviewed, there are photos of prepared dishes but not for every recipe, but this may be different in the final published edition. And also, an FYI: some of the recipes call for mini sized bakeware, although about half use standard muffin tins and cookie sheets which most kitchens already have.
For this cookbook review, I tested the zucchini muffin recipe which yields 4 muffins. [image] Zucchini muffins are my fav so it was a win-win to add fresh baked scents to my home while having a smaller quantity in my line of sight. Because the batter is so small, it’s easy to overmix so be careful! I would make some flavor changes to this particular recipe if I made it again (I'm very particular because it's my fav remember?), but it’s an excellent base to tweak as needed.
Thank you to Adams Media and Netgalley for access to an advance reading copy of The Ultimate Baking for One Cookbook. On sale date: 11/30/2021.
Red Boat Fish Sauce has been a long-time staple in my home. We prepare a lot of Asian dishes and when I first started stocking my pantry with internatRed Boat Fish Sauce has been a long-time staple in my home. We prepare a lot of Asian dishes and when I first started stocking my pantry with international ingredients, there was A LOT of trial and error with fish sauce brands in particular. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon Red Boat, but I stopped looking. In my opinion, it is perfect in every way. The Red Boat Fish Sauce Cookbook provides the history of the brand and introduces the family and region it stems from. The cookbook offers both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese recipes. Red Boat now also sells palm sugar and peppercorns, so there are recipes that cater to these ingredients as well. My only complaint about this cookbook is wishing there were more photos of the prepared dishes. When experimenting with a new recipe, it’s always reassuring to know what the outcome should kinda sorta look like. (Note: I am reviewing an advance reading copy so the final, published edition may or may not have more photos.)
While exploring this cookbook, I tested the recipe for Pasta Marinara with Herbed Bread Crumbs which was phenomenal. The extra dose of umami really makes a difference! Another day, I tested the recipe for Broccolini with Very Delicious Garlic Sauce. I needed a “very delicious” vegetable to go with our Asian-inspired dinner so this was perfect. I didn’t have broccolini so I paired it with fresh blanched green beans and OH MY LORD were they good. The green beans were the first to go so I could only photograph my small portion. I plan to test many, many more of these recipes.
Thank you to Mariner Books and Netgalley for access to an advance reading copy of The Red Boat Fish Sauce Cookbook. On sale date: 12/28/2021....more
This wonderful self-help book is targeted to mothers who are plagued by self-doubt. After all, there is no instruction manual for parenting, or life fThis wonderful self-help book is targeted to mothers who are plagued by self-doubt. After all, there is no instruction manual for parenting, or life for that matter. Katherine Wintsch teaches about how self-doubt can fuel even more crippling mindsets such as overthinking, unrealistic expectations, shame, and the chronic need for external approval. One of my favorite parts of this book are the written exercises that help readers process the education and suggestions. Readers start putting Wintsch’s words into action immediately! And the perspective she imparts is priceless. My own personal self-talk commonly revolves around the statement “worrying about the future takes the joy from today” and Wintsch addresses this as well which I think any human on earth can benefit from. I wish I had this resource years ago in my son’s earlier years! Lots of healthy food for thought. Check it out.
My favorite quote: “Sometimes the universe will push you forward, and sometimes it will knock you down to see if you will get back up. The good news is that just like your intuition knows her shit, so does the universe, because the energy behind them is one and the same. Trust yourself, look for signs that you’re on the right path, and watch the ripple effect of self-love change everything.”
*A copy of this book was generously provided in exchange for review. Slay Like a Mother is available in paperback and on Audible. Give @slaylikeamother a follow on IG for a dose of encouragement. Women supporting women is 100%!...more
Love Lockdown: Dating, Sex, and Marriage in America's Prisons is an interesting and well-written piece of nonfiction that explores exactly what the tiLove Lockdown: Dating, Sex, and Marriage in America's Prisons is an interesting and well-written piece of nonfiction that explores exactly what the title promises. The author, Elizabeth Greenwood follows several couples over the course of years as they live and love apart. She theorizes why people might seek out inmates for relationships, explores what intimacy looks like when your separated by prison walls, and she details the emotional/financial hardships for the romantic partners who bear the world's judgement for who they love.
Greenwood's rapport with her subjects adds an amazing element of humanity to this book and she offers a front row seat to how America's prison system works (or doesn't work). It's not all fairytales and romance though. There are words of caution, and examples of how inmates may not only be the perpetrators of manipulation during the courtship process, but how they are also vulnerable to victimization by those on the outside. However, hope and connection win out in the end with the gentle reminder to never take for granted the physical presence of the people in our lives and to never ever dismiss our great freedom of choice.
My favorite quote: "I realize at times the men are incidental. Some part of this is about women’s lives and choosing what they want, becoming strong enough to go against the grain. What they want is these men, yes, but they are learning much about themselves and the vast wells of strength they possess. In rejecting society’s and their family’s expectations to go for what they want, they have fostered self-belief that has translated to going back to school, starting businesses and in Jo’s case, taking on a leadership role in this community of women. This gives their lives purpose. And in some cases, a political awakening. All the women have become more progressive and some have become involved in prison reform. They have found a voice that was always there. Somehow, prison provided a grammar in which to speak it." ...more
This is an excellent resource full of encouragement and valuable perspective to help with self-talk and reframing emotions and situations. The author This is an excellent resource full of encouragement and valuable perspective to help with self-talk and reframing emotions and situations. The author calls the contents his liferafts that have helped him in his journey through anxiety and depression. They will certainly help others as well. Highly recommend....more
The entries in Home Body feel more autobiographical than Rupi Kaur’s past collections. It’s like she is personally speaking to the reader about her exThe entries in Home Body feel more autobiographical than Rupi Kaur’s past collections. It’s like she is personally speaking to the reader about her experiences and thought processes. I could identify with some entries which made them powerful but others were obviously owned by her alone which kept me at arms length. In my opinion, nothing compares to her debut Milk and Honey. I will still read everything she publishes....more
Break Your Glass Slippers is a collection of poetry themed with female empowerment. It's a love letter to the girl who is tasked with breaking toxic cBreak Your Glass Slippers is a collection of poetry themed with female empowerment. It's a love letter to the girl who is tasked with breaking toxic cycles and it's a siren call to females everywhere that we are worthy of more. I loved that Amanda Lovelace counteracts every negative message with an example of positive, healthy self-talk. This is therapy right here. Check it out.
Note: Significant trigger warnings are listed before the poetry begins. Please seek these out if needed.
[image] Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Break Your Glass Slippers. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing. Source: NetGalley Author: Amanda Lovelace Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing Genres: Poetry Pub Date: March 17, 2020...more
[image]The Art of Escapism Cooking: A Survival Story, with Intensely Good Flavors is what resulted when blogger Mandy Lee had to find a way to cope wi[image]The Art of Escapism Cooking: A Survival Story, with Intensely Good Flavors is what resulted when blogger Mandy Lee had to find a way to cope with her miserable relocation to Beijing. The recipes are primarily Asian, and all fused with various other international cuisines. The dishes are highly original, and my favorites are the homemade condiments and sauces, such as "My Ultimate Chile Oil" ... which I made and OMG. Ingredients within this book may require online shopping for most readers, but Mandy does a good job of educating about potentially hard-to-find items. The photos are beautiful, and the dark and violent introduction was quite a treat. Here's a link for Mandy Lee's blog to give you an idea of her style: ladyandpups. Enjoy!...more
This was an excellent work of journalism. A front row seat to three women's lives and where their journey through sexuality leads them. If you think bThis was an excellent work of journalism. A front row seat to three women's lives and where their journey through sexuality leads them. If you think because the subject of sex is involved that this would be a simple and predictable book then you are sorely mistaken. It is complex in every sense of the word. Multifaceted, validating, uncomfortable, and loud enough to leave a lasting impression. I loved it.
My favorite quote: “Women shouldn't judge each others lives, if we haven't been through one another's fires.”
So this happened in 2019 and is the reason why I wasn't seen around goodreads for a big chunk of the year. I didn't read much and certainly didn't posSo this happened in 2019 and is the reason why I wasn't seen around goodreads for a big chunk of the year. I didn't read much and certainly didn't possess the mental energy to write reviews. Chemo brain is real, folks! It's December now and I can finally say I am on the other side of this crisis. Whew!
This book, Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor's Guide to Staying Fearless and Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer, was a stellar resource. When I received my formal diagnosis in April, my anxiety was through the roof. I avoided the internet like the plague, certain that I would stumble upon a scary message board or blog and reach a level of fear I couldn't climb out of. I was gifted this book by someone I trust, so between the doctors, wonderful nurses, and this one book, I felt as prepared as anyone could be. It addresses absolutely everything related to breast cancer and is designed in a way that allows the reader to easily access the topics that are applicable to them and the stage they are in. The only topic I needed help with that I didn't find in this book was stretches/exercises to do after the mastectomies. I assume this was left out for liability reasons as the upper body is so fragile post-surgery and everyone's muscular needs may be different.
I highly recommend this book if you or someone you know is facing this journey. Education, helpful information, real-life tips, and beautiful, uplifting hope. You are not alone.
[image] I am a die-hard Park and Recs fan and never lost hope that Retta would be given a bigger part. Then when I discovered Good Girls, I was all abo[image] I am a die-hard Park and Recs fan and never lost hope that Retta would be given a bigger part. Then when I discovered Good Girls, I was all about that happy dance and I watch it (and rewatch it) religiously.
Yes, I'm a Retta fan.
In So Close to Being the Sh*t, Y’all Don’t Even Know, Retta talks about humor, auditions, life experiences, coffee, body image, twitter, and HAMILTON! I so enjoyed learning more about this woman, and gained appreciation for the comedy she is capable of. The audiobook is self-narrated by Retta herself in her one-of-a-kind sexy ass voice. Check it out.
My favorite quote: “Bitch, stop wasting time fearing the worst! Living through the worst is never as hard as fearing it. Fight the fear and go do what you gotta do.”
#imomsohard is a popular web series started on YouTube by Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley. They're women, wives, and moms that talk about mostly hilar#imomsohard is a popular web series started on YouTube by Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley. They're women, wives, and moms that talk about mostly hilarious women's and motherhood issues in pure, unfiltered honesty. They show the good, the bad, and the ugly, and make themselves look ridiculous on purpose so their viewers can know they're not alone on those hard days. A friend of mine introduced me to their style of entertainment when the swimsuit segment went live and I was immediately intrigued.
The book #IMomSoHard is a mixture of memoir, behind-the-scenes information, and more laughs coauthored by both Kristin and Jen. It discusses the isolation of motherhood, the importance of having mom friends, the benefits of laughing, struggling with body image, practicing self-care, and remembering how every stage of motherhood felt so that we can lend a hand as needed (with and without being asked). I hope more empowering women follow in Kristin and Jen's footsteps to bring encouragement, perspective, and laughs to the world. Check it out.
My favorite quote: “Self-care is really hard as a mother. Somewhere along the way, there was some shitty Hallmark card that told us that if we give all of our time to our kids and husbands, they will be better people. It's so untrue. Mothers who sacrifice everything gain nothing. Before we were mothers, we were women, and we still are. We gain nothing by missing a gyno appointment to make it to our kid's volleyball game. We gain nothing by skipping our one night with the girls to organize the garage. And we gain nothing by struggling in darkness without a few rays of light. We work this hard out of love but we've got to shine that lovelight on ourselves once in a while. It makes us better people. It makes us happier moms. It makes us healthier women.”
Audiobook self-narrated by Kristin and Jen. [image]...more
Public opinion about Oprah Winfrey seems to be all over the place these days, but if you have ever enjoyed her once popular talk show, this book will Public opinion about Oprah Winfrey seems to be all over the place these days, but if you have ever enjoyed her once popular talk show, this book will be a pretty safe read. Full of inspiration and nostalgia, Winfrey showcases multiple stories and pieces of advice from a variety of popular figures that all explore the topic of “discovering your life's direction and purpose.” There's no politics or personal opinions/judgments. No controversy. There's just life lessons and insights. She dedicates her book to teachers, and in doing so she reminds us all that we teach one another just by living with honesty. So share your truth and allow yourself to listen and learn in return. Check it out.
My favorite quote: “Your life is not static. Every decision, setback, or triumph is an opportunity to identify the seeds of truth that make you the wondrous human being that you are.”...more
If you took a poll in the USA, I would guess Paris would likely make the top 10 list for dream vacation destinations. Paris resident John Von Sothen rIf you took a poll in the USA, I would guess Paris would likely make the top 10 list for dream vacation destinations. Paris resident John Von Sothen remembers what it was like to wonder about, experience for the first time, and now be completely immersed in what was once literally foreign to him. He somewhat humorously gathers stereotypes and assumptions which he both breaks and confirms by sharing his personal observations/experiences. It does feel at times quite opinionated, borderline judgmental, if I'm being honest but if I came across a similar book floating around about Florida's heavy populated tourist destinations, I'd probably laugh my @ss off. It's all about what you know. I'm glad he found a place to call home.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon is a horror film that was released in 1954. It features a scaled and gilled monster which was created based on the design sketches of Milicent Patrick, an artist with Universal Studios. To date, the “gill-man” is considered one of the most iconic monsters of 1950's cinema and it continues to influence costume and design in and out of the horror genre. But Milicent Patrick's name was quickly disconnected from her contribution after she started to receive public credit. Afterall, she was a woman. Heaven forbid.
Screenwriter, podcast host, film producer and author Mallory O'Meara pays well-deserved tribute to her hero while spotlighting the persistent misogynistic culture that caused Milicent Patrick's contributions to be dismissed in the first place. From past to present, O'Meara explores the Hollywood film industry, the horror genre, and what it feels like to be “the only female in a male-dominated space.” She discusses women's anger, the sexualization of female characters in horror (monsters included), and why it's important for women to also have creative control in this field. Women recognizing women. I'm all about that. Check it out.
My favorite quote: “Monster stories are powerful. They explore prejudice, rejection, anger and every imaginable negative aspect of living in society. However, only half of society is reflected in the ranks of the people who create these monsters. Almost every single iconic monster in film is male and was designed by a man: the Wolfman, Frankenstein, Dracula, King Kong. The emotions and problems that all of them represent are also experienced by women, but women are more likely to see themselves as merely the victims of these monsters. Women rarely get to explore on-screen what it's like to be a giant pissed-off creature. ... Women don't get to stomp around like Godzilla. Someone will just ask if you're on your period.”
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