Now out: The World Eats Here Amazing Food and the Inspiring People Who Make It at New York’s Queens Night Market by John Wang; Storm Garner

Imagine that you live in one of the world’s most populous cities. Imagine that not only are there lots of people but that there are lots of foods. Imagine that you would like to taste some of them. Well, if you are in New York City’s Borough of Queens, this is something that you can not only imagine but experience. For everyone else, enjoy this virtual trip and its wonderful food culture and recipes.
Just some of the places that are the origins for the food at the market are Puerto Rico, Trinidad, Peru, Argentina, South Africa, India,South Korea, Indonesia, Russia and Ukraine. Enjoy recipes for a pastrami sandwich, Salvadoran chicken tamales, Peruvian Ceviche, Guyanese Beef Patties, Trinidadian Callaloo, Almond Biscotti, Ukrainian Blintzes with Creamy Mushrooms , Pakistani Tandoori Chicken Kati, Beef Momos with Hot Sauce and many more.
Illustrated with many photographs as well as drawings this is a visually appealing cookbook that also includes stories about many of the cooks. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this amazing food journey. All opinions are my own.

#TheWorldEatsHere #NetGalley

Living Zen: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Existence Kindle Edition by Seth Zuihō Segall PhD (Author)

Living Zen: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Existence by [Seth Zuihō Segall PhD]In college level religion classes I learned a bit about Buddhism.  I also live near a museum that values Buddhist culture.  While I cannot visit there now, I have good memories about spending time there.

For these, and other reasons, I very much appreciated receiving a copy of this book from Callisto publishing in exchange for an honest review.  I found this title to be very well, yet simply, written.  The author’s intentions are clearly laid out and he guides his readers most capably.

This title is interesting because, in addition to describing Zen, there are sections on its practical application in daily life.  There are scenarios for work situations, traffic jam frustrations and more in which ways that practicing zen may be of help.

I highly recommend this title.  Especially now, as we all start to feel frayed, the zen philosophy is most needed.

From the publisher:

Find out how to live Zen every day:

Zen, zen buddhism, inspirational books, self care, buddhism

Zen, zen buddhism, inspirational books, self care, buddhism

Zen, zen buddhism, inspirational books, self care, buddhism

Calm yourself through meditation

To do zazen, assume an open, upright sitting posture. Your ears, shoulders, and hips should be aligned, your chin slightly tucked, and your eyes partly closed and looking downward in front of you. Place your left hand atop your right hand, palms up, with your thumbs gently touching. Your abdomen should be able to expand and contract freely with your breath.

Foster a sense of serenity

We become peaceful when we stop stirring ourselves up with thoughts of the past and future and dwell in the present. Peace comes when we remember to breathe mindfully, when our mind is focused on what we’re doing right now, and when we adopt a compassionate stance and orient ourselves to helping others.

Apply it to real challenges

We all want to be seen, heard, and responded to in a caring way, but it doesn’t always happen. Whenever Kate tells Maggie about her day, Maggie looks at her phone and says “uh-huh” without making eye contact. Kate feels ignored, unimportant, and invisible.

Timeless tales: Greek Myth- Meet the heroes, gods, and monsters of ancient Greece by DK

This collection of tales from the Greek myths includes so many well known stories. These retelling will be enjoyed by the intended audience of children and also, I think, by adults. Inside this book are the stories of Zeus, the Titans, Apollo, Athena, Demeter, Persephone, Prometheus, Midas and many more. There is also a final section called “About the Myths” which provides additional information.
The author begins by putting the myths in context. They were used by the ancient Greeks to help in understanding their world and, because of this they were essential. Not only were the stories a part of the oral tradition, they also appeared in art, theaters and more, thus revealing their importance in daily life.

The stories themselves are well told and accompanied by illustrations that enhance the text. The book looks engaging and encourages a reader to see what comes next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I would like to purchase this book when it is published. It is a good and readable reference.

Pub date:  July 14, 2020

#GreekMyths #NetGalley

From the publisher:

Recently published: Of Literature and Lattes by Katherine Reay

In May 2019, Katherine Reay’s novel The Printed Letter Bookshop was published. Her new book, Of Literature and Lattes can be read on its own but will be enjoyed most by those who have read The Printed Letter. The setting in Of Literature and Latte is the same town as in the prior book and readers catch up with the lives of some of the characters from that book as well. However, the novel also has its own plot and some new characters.
In this book Alyssa has left a job with a company that seems to be based on Theranos and that similarly explodes for her. With nowhere to go and under investigation, she returns to the town where her parents (characters in The Printed Letter) live. Alyssa has to figure out what to do with her life and with her unhappiness.
Jeremy has come to Winsome to run the kind of coffee shop that many of us dream of, one that values community and great beans that make great drinks. However, the shop is struggling as is Jeremy. One ray of brightness is his daughter but his daughter’s mother is threatening to leave town.
Janet, from the prior novel. is trying to have a life in which she has stronger relationships with Alyssa and Seth, the man she first married, and is again seeing. It is complicated.
The stories of these characters come to life and I think that readers will care about them. I did not find Of Literature and Latte to be as strong a novel as The Printed Letter but I am pretty confident that this author’s many fans will be eager to engage with this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review. By the way, I love the cover.

I give the three and 1/2 stars.

#OfLiteratureandLattes #NetGalley

Now out: If I Couldn’t Be Anne by Kallie George

Those who already know and love Anne Shirley will recognize her on the cover of this beautifully illustrated story. Clearly the author knows and loves one of the world’s favorite red heads.

In this book, Anne uses her wonderful imagination to think of who she would be if she were not Anne with an E; maybe she would be a tightrope walker or a grand lady drinking tea or…so many choices. Anne then imagines who she would not choose to be as, for example, someone following a recipe. At the end of the story, our narrator concludes that she would like to be Anne of Green Gables.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This book will be enjoyed by Anne lovers and those who value the places imagination can take one.

Time to laugh: A Barrel of Good Clean Jokes for Kids by Bob Phillips

The jokes in this title concern twenty-one different topics  including (among others) A Long Day at School, Colorful Characters and From A to Z.  Learning to “get” jokes is a stage in children’s development.  Those who have reached this milestone will, no doubt, enjoy sharing these jokes with others.  This book includes enough jokes to keep a child going for days.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#ABarrelofGoodCleanJokesforKids #NetGalley

Pub Date: