Let's eat, Grandpa! Let's eat Grandpa!

#67 - What Difference do it Make by Ron Hall and Denver Moore

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:52:01 -0800

What Difference Do It Make?: Stories of Hope and Healing

Ron Hall

Read because: Thomas Nelson (the publisher) sent it to me to review.

Received from: Thomas Nelson.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (might have been higher had I read the first book -- this is the second)

Synopsis: The more than four hundred thousand readers stirred by the story of Ron Hall and Denver Moore will resonate with the all new, stand-alone true stories of hope and healing offered in this intimate, authentic follow-up to the New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me. With new "Denverisms" and reflections from Denver on his personal dealings with homelessness and disrespect from others, additional insights from Ron on what we can learn from people not like us and from those dealing with a terminal illness, and the stories of readers who have been impacted by the book's central themes, this inspirational reader will generate a host of new fans.

My review: I really wish that I'd read the first book, Same Kind of Different as Me, before I read this one. I have it coming to me from the library, so I'll review it soon. This book says it's standalone, but I really think I would have benefited from reading Same Kind first, just so I could have known the background of the three people What Difference focuses on -- Ron, Denver, and Deborah. Half of the chapters of the book are written by Ron, and half by Denver. Both had a lot of interesting things to say on the subject of homelessness and Christians. There are also stories of people around the country who were inspired by the first book. There was even a woman from West Sacramento mentioned -- her story hit very close to home. Needless to say, I really got a lot out of this book. It shifted my views of homeless people quite a bit, and it challenged me to think differently about the people I pass every day on the street. I don't have enough space to quote all of the different passages that affected me, but this one that really stood out (it was written by Denver, in his own voice):

"Since I been visitin a lotta churches, I hear people talkin 'bout how, after readin our story, they felt "led" to help the homeless, to come alongside the down-and-out. But when it comes to helpin people that ain't got much, God didn't leave no room for feelin led. Jesus said God gon' separate us based on what we did for folks that is hungry and thirsty, fells that is prisoners in jail and folks that ain't got no clothes and no place to live. What you gon' do when you get to heaven and you ain't done none a' that? Stand in front a' God and tell Him, "I didn't feel led"? You know what He gon' say? He gon' say, "You didn't need to feel led 'cause I had done wrote it down in the Instruction Book."

Hello conviction, I'm Cori.

(Finished 10/30/09)

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#66 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:21:08 -0800

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)

J. K. Rowling

Read because: I liked it the first time.

Borrowed from: the Sacramento library

Rating: 8 out of 10

Synopsis: This sequel brings back the young wizard-in-training to face suspicious adults, hostile classmates, fretful ghosts, rambunctious spells, giant spiders, and even an avatar of Lord Voldemort, the evil sorcerer who killed his parents, while saving the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from a deadly, mysterious menace. Ignoring a most peculiar warning, Harry kicks off his second year at Hogwarts after a dreadful summer with his hateful guardians, the Dursleys, and is instantly cast into a whirlwind of magical pranks and misadventures, culminating in a visit to the hidden cavern where his friend Ron's little sister Ginny lies, barely alive, in a trap set by his worst enemy. Surrounded by a grand mix of wise and inept faculty, sneering or loyal peersplus an array of supernatural creatures including Nearly Headless Nick and a huge, serpentine basiliskHarry steadily rises to every challenge, and though he plays but one match of the gloriously chaotic field game Quidditch, he does get in plenty of magic and a bit of swordplay on his way to becoming a hero again.

My review: Ah, the adventures of the young Harry Potter continue. Again, I listened on audio book and fell in love all over again with Jim Dale's reading. He just brings everything to life. Also, he sounds exactly like Maggie Smith. Which is weird and awesome. This book is a little more intense than the first, especially toward the end. The characters are expanded more in this book, as are the growing mysteries surrounding Voldemort and Hogwarts. It's was also really well-paced -- unlike some of the others in the series, this one doesn't really get bogged down in the middle (I'm talking to you, Deathly Hallows). Plus, we get to see more of Ginny. And I just adore her. (Finished 10/13/09)

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Whatever-day-it-is Hodgepodge

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:02:36 -0800

I was opening a can of cream of celery soup on Sunday and sliced the absolute hell out of my pinkie. Went-to-the-hospital sort of slice. Almost fainted sort of slice. Bloooood sort of slice.
Barf.
Would have thought it would have been a knife that would have done me in. But no, apparently I cannot work a can.
I knew I couldn't be trusted in the kitchen.
No stitches for the cut. Mostly because I didn't want to wait around in an emergency room full of the swine flu for three hours.
The cut is healing better than I would have guessed, though. It's only moderately gross now.
Because I cut my hand, I had to get a tetanus shot.
The shot didn't hurt. But GOODNESS GRACIOUS, my whole arm is killing me now! It feels like someone is trying to yank my arm from my body. Pain pain pain!
I am SUCH a wimp. And a complainer.
I'm stopping now.
I have been writing about my New Zealand trip, so I'll hopefully get that posted soon. Needless to say, I had an incredible time! Amazing! Phenomenal! If you'd like to see one of the many, many, many photos, visit my flickr.
I want to go back! There was so much that I didn't get to see!
I'm reading this really great book right now called Angry Conversations with God. It's so good!
I miss Amy (my coworker) -- she's in Denmark. Work is just not the same without her happy face around.
We are apparently world travelers around my office.
Remember back when we complained because Thanksgiving was barely over and Christmas decorations started going up? Yeah, there's already trees and santas and candy canes EVERYWHERE.
I had other things to hodgepodge, but the Motrin has made me all la-di-da.
La-di-da.

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#65 - Daughters of Hope by Kay Marshall Strom and Michele Rickett

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:07:28 -0700

Daughters of Hope

Recommended by: my friend Hannah

Borrowed from: that same Hannah

Rating: 9 out of 10

Synopsis: Throughout the world today Christians continue to face intense persecution, and Christian women are often the most vulnerable. In Pakistan, Christian girls are systematically kidnapped, tortured and raped. In China, underground church leaders are sent to labor camps for hosting illegal home meetings. In Sudan, Christian women are captured and sold into slavery or mutilated and left to die. And in many Muslim countries, a woman can be killed by her husband or father for converting to Christianity.In this deeply moving book, Kay Strom and Michele Rickett tell the stories of persecuted Christian women from around the globe. From Africa to the Middle East to Asia, they give voice to our sisters persevering under the yoke of oppression and injustice. Each section provides specific prayer points and practical action steps to equip us to respond.

Despite the challenges, God is active and present with his suffering people. Do not be discouraged. Take heart from these daughters of hope.

My review: I had a hard time starting this one because I knew it would be a difficult read. It's never easy to read true stories persecution, and these were no different. The stories of the women in this book were incredible, though. Reading about what they endure every day was inspiring. We live in such an isolated wonderland here in the US. Freedom of (or from) religion is something we shouldn't take for granted, no matter what we believe. The "persecution" we receive about our faith is nothing compared to what people go through in other countries. I have never been beaten, imprisoned, tortured, or raped because of my beliefs. My family have never disowned me. I have never had to hide my Bible, whisper at church, or sing silently. It made me extremely thankful to live here. It made me pray that if I am ever in a situation like the women in this book that my faith will stand strong. I liked this book, too, because it gave a lot of helpful suggestions for getting involved and helping the women in the book and around the world. Highly recommended! (Finished 9/25/09)

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Grumble-freaking-cakes.

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:48:04 -0700

I was all excited to be packing for my trip to New Zealand when I heard a noise outside. I looked out the sliding glass doors and saw two *insert bad name here* guys stealing plants and flowers from the planter that is outside my condo. So I yelled "HEY!" and they said *insert bad words here* and threw the plants they dug up in the back of their truck. I then called them *insert bad name here* and they took off, tires screeching.

Who steals plants? Bah.

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#64 - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:37:13 -0700

Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)

Suzanne Collins

Read because: It's the second in the Hunger Games series. My review of Hunger Games.

Purchased from: Costco, along with Hunger Games. I couldn't help it. The covers are hot.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Synopsis: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

My review: I'd heard mixed reviews about the second book in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy. After utterly devouring the first in the series a few months ago, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into Catching Fire. Luckily, I wasn't disappointed. A few reviewers thought it had a bit of a sophomore slump feel to it, but I thought it was still fresh and intriguing and followed up Hunger Games very solidly. I think most readers would agree with me. The dynamics between the characters (including a few new characters that were woven in without seeming forced—see the TV show Lost for poor examples of this) were just as good as in the first book, and the relative ethics were still pervasive, which I loved. I didn't think the love triangle was as in-your-face as some might have—I think the triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale was realistic and a good part of the plot. I thought it did drag just a little around the 2/3 mark (it got a little deja vu-ish), but picked right back up and ended with a bang. A big fat grumblecakes for having to wait another year until book three is released. (Finished 9/25/90)

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A Tuesday Hodgepodge

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:33:56 -0700

I really do miss blogging. I consistently write posts in my head that are not book reviews but I never seem to find the time to write them down.
I have been ridiculously busy lately.
I go to New Zealand in ten days.
My roommate got married this last weekend. Even though our two bedrooms are separated by an entire floor, I can totally tell that the house is empty.
Her wedding was so her. It was lovely and I'm very happy for her and wish her and her husband all the blessings in the world as they start their new life together!
Praise Jesus, wedding season is over for me.
I'm taking this financial class and it's kind of scary to realize where my money is going. Life is expensive. Well, car insurance is expensive, at least. And wedding gifts.
I go to New Zealand in ten days.
Tomorrow I go to the Giant Corn Maze.
It's finally starting to feel like fall around here. For the first time in what feels like months, it's hovering just below 80.
Yes, just below 80 is fall here.
I'm back into running. Up to a little over two miles right now and it feels really good. A friend seems to think I could do a half-marathon in January.
*bursts out laughing*
Oooh! It's Franka Potente on House!
I go to New Zealand in ten days.

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#63 - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:55:32 -0700

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life (P.S.)

Barbara Kingsolver

Recommended by: a colleague sometime last year

Borrowed from: the Sacramento Library

Rating: 8 out of 10

Synopsis (from Publishers Weekly): Novelist Kingsolver recounts a year spent eating home-grown food and, if not that, local. Accomplished gardeners, the Kingsolver clan grow a large garden in southern Appalachia and spend summers "putting food by," as the classic kitchen title goes. They make pickles, chutney and mozzarella; they jar tomatoes, braid garlic and stuff turkey sausage. Nine-year-old Lily runs a heritage poultry business, selling eggs and meat. What they don't raise (lamb, beef, apples) comes from local farms. Come winter, they feast on root crops and canned goods, menus slouching toward asparagus. Along the way, the Kingsolver family, having given up industrial meat years before, abandons its vegetarian ways and discovers the pleasures of conscientious carnivory.This field—local food and sustainable agriculture—is crowded with books in increasingly predictable flavors: the earnest manual, diary of an epicure, the environmental battle cry, the accidental gardener. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is all of these, and much smarter.

My review: I am definitely becoming a food hippie. The following thoughts went through my head while reading this book: "Ooh, I could definitely make my own cheese." "I wish I had a yard so I could get some chickens." "I think I'll do some canning next year." This from the girl who can barely fry an egg. Who eats toast for dinner. Who has an unnatural love for Sour Patch Kids. All that aside, I thought this was a really informative book. I'm fascinated by eating locally to support local growers and to cut down on the ridiculous cost (to growers, economies, the environment, etc.) of getting so much food from so far away. I've been shopping for my veggies and eggs almost exclusively at the farmer's market now, and I can tell you -- soooo much better than a lot of stuff at the grocery store (although I've noticed that Safeway has quite a bit of food labled "local" lately). I'm lucky to live in California for this reason -- we have a much longer growing season here than my poor friends in Maine. I also like the idea of getting food while it's in season and finding a way to preserve it for the winter (canning, freezing, etc.). I loved hearing from not only Kingsolver but her husband and oldest daughter. They were informative and often very funny, especially when talking about turkey mating. The book made me think a lot about why we eat what we eat and how we are so far removed from the farms that grow our food. Highly recommended if you're interested in the stuff on your plate. (Finished 9/17/09)

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#62 - The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:26:31 -0700

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Trenton Lee Stewart

Recommended by: some blog that Brittney reads

Borrowed from: the Sacramento library

Rating: 6 out of 10

Synopsis (from School Library Journal): After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and he, Kate, Constance, and Sticky become the Mysterious Benedict Society. After being trained by Mr. Benedict and his assistants, the four travel to an isolated school where children are being trained by a criminal mastermind to participate in his schemes to take over the world. Readers will challenge their own abilities as they work with the Society members to solve clues and put together the pieces of Mr. Curtain's plan. In spite of a variety of coincidences, Stewart's unusual characters, threatening villains, and dramatic plot twists will grab and hold readers' attention.

My review: Ah, a lesson on Being Yourself and not falling for What the Media Tells You. TV is bad! Sarcasm aside, it was a cute book and I did like it quite a bit. I'm guessing that the moral of the story isn't quite so obvious for the intended audience (grades 5 to 9). I liked solving the little puzzles along with the kids and I kept thinking, "Well, isn't that clever!" The kids were nicely drawn (although the twist with Constance made me go, yeeahhh...not so much.) and they really, really acted according to their own character. I listened to the audio book, but I wasn't really impressed with Del Roy's reading. He didn't really read with voices -- it was more like your friendly grandpa reading it to you. Which was a little weird because I'm 28 and I haven't had a grandpa for a while. (Finished 9/15/09)

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#61 - The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

nobody@vox.com(Cori) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:47:37 -0700

The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

Michael Pollan

Read because: I read In Defense of Food and liked a lot of the principles. Plus, I'm on a slow descent into Hippie-land. Oh, and I saw Michael Pollan speak a few months back -- interesting guy.

Borrowed from: my friend Carolyn

Rating: 7 out of 10

Synopsis: Humans were clearly designed to eat all manner of meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains. But, as Pollan points out, America's farmers have succeeded so wildly that today's fundamental agricultural issue has become how to deal sensibly with overproduction. The result of this surfeit of grain is behemoth corn processors, who have commoditized the Aztecs' sacred grain and developed ways to separate corn into products wholly removed from its original kernels. This excess food and Americans' wealth and rapid-paced lifestyles now yield supersized portions of less-than-nutritious eatables. Pollan contrasts the technologically driven life on an Iowa corn farm's feedlots with the thriving organic farm movement supplying retailers such as Whole Foods. Pollan also addresses issues of vegetarianism and flesh eating, hunting for game, and foraging for mushrooms. Throughout, he takes care to consider all sides of issues, and he avoids jingoistic answers. Although much of this subject has been treated elsewhere, Pollan's easy writing style and unique approach freshen this contemporary debate.

My review: It took me FOREVER to read this book. I think I borrowed it in February and have slowly been working my way through it on and off for months. I don't know why that was -- it's not like it was difficult reading or anything. Anyway, I learned a lot. I can't believe the amount of corn we consume. It's absolutely nuts. Because of this book (and several other reasons) I've been making many different decisions about the things I'm eating -- more fruit and veggies from the farmer's market and much less meat that has been industrially raised. I haven't purchased regular eggs since I hit the chapter on hens (shudder). I also gained a new respect for hunting -- we're so removed from our food sources these days. After reading about the industrial food chain, hunting seemed one of the best ways to go about getting meat. I think you can be more thankful for it if you've killed it yourself (not that I'm going to put that particular principle into practice -- but I get it!). I also learned about mushrooms -- I had NO idea what they were. I still don't really have any idea what they are. But the chapter was interesting. (Finished 9/14/09)

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